Potential neonatal toxicity of new psychoactive substances

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Toxicology
• Neonatal Medicine

Background:

• Psychoactive substance use, including cannabis and cocaine, has risen in the 21st century.
• New psychoactive substances (NPSs) are increasingly prevalent, often misrepresented as safe alternatives.
• NPS misuse is a growing concern, particularly among adolescents and young adults, linked to adverse health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential neonatal toxicity of new psychoactive substances (NPSs).
• To highlight the risks associated with synthetic cannabinoids and their accumulation in breast milk.
• To increase awareness among healthcare professionals regarding NPS-related neonatal risks.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on NPSs and neonatal toxicity.
• Analysis of prediction models to identify synthetic cannabinoids and their metabolites.
• Focus on synthetic cannabinoids due to their prevalence and potential for accumulation in breast milk.

Main Results:

• NPSs can cause severe adverse reactions, including seizures and nephrotoxicity.
• Exposure to certain NPSs during lactation poses toxic risks to neonates, including brain damage.
• Synthetic cannabinoids and their metabolites are identified as potentially accumulating in breast milk.

Conclusions:

• Neonatal toxicity from NPSs is often unrecognized by healthcare professionals.
• Synthetic cannabinoids represent a significant concern for neonatal health via maternal exposure.
• Further research and clinical vigilance are crucial to mitigate NPS-related risks in neonates.