Outcomes in Subsequent Pregnancies of Individuals With Opioid Use Disorder Treated in Multidisciplinary Clinic in...

Untreated opioid misuse in pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes. Limited information is available on maternal and perinatal outcomes in subsequent pregnancies for individuals initiated on medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in a prior pregnancy.

Evaluate maternal and neonatal outcomes in subsequent pregnancies for individuals initiated on MOUD in prior pregnancy.

Historical cohort study including individuals with opioid use disorder with ≥2 pregnancies between 2013 and 2020, received care in our colocated multidisciplinary clinic for >1 pregnancy, and delivered at our institution. Primary outcome was rate of preconception MOUD. Secondary outcomes included rate of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome requiring pharmacologic treatment and length of hospital stay.

Forty-two individuals with opioid use disorder in their index pregnancies (n = 42) and 46 subsequent pregnancies were identified. Individuals were more likely to receive long-acting reversible contraception in subsequent pregnancies (35% vs 14%, P = 0.04). No differences in tobacco use, gestational age at initiation of prenatal care or delivery was noted. Individuals in their subsequent pregnancies were 6 times more likely to be on MOUD preconception (78% vs 36%; OR, 6.48; [95% CI, 2.52-16.64]) and 67% less likely to have positive illicit urine drug screen upon initiation of care (36% vs 64%; OR, 0.33; 95% [CI, 0.14-0.78]). Neonates had similar rates of neonatal abstinence withdrawal syndrome requiring pharmacological treatment, positive illicit toxicology results, and neonatal length of stay.

Participation in multidisciplinary obstetric and opioid use disorder program increases rate of MOUD in subsequent pregnancy with decrease in illicit drug use.