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Developmental Outcomes after Opioid Exposure in the Fetus and Neonate

Jeanette Fong1, Juanita Lewis2, Melanie Lam1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA.

Neoreviews
|May 31, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Opioid exposure in infants, both prenatal and postnatal, can harm brain development. This review examines these effects and suggests strategies to mitigate neurodevelopmental deficits in affected infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Increasing global prevalence of opiate use.
  • Significant number of infants born with prenatal opioid exposure.
  • Detrimental effects of prenatal opioid exposure on brain anatomy and neurodevelopment are documented.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the impact of prenatal and postnatal opioid exposure on infant brain and neurodevelopment.
  • To identify resources and management strategies for mitigating neurodevelopmental deficits.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of animal and human models.
  • Synthesis of current understanding on neurologic sequelae.
  • Identification of management strategies.

Main Results:

  • Prenatal opioid exposure negatively impacts brain anatomy and neurodevelopment.
  • Neurologic sequelae of postnatal opioid exposure in hospitalized infants are less understood.
  • Strategies exist to mitigate neurodevelopmental delays.

Conclusions:

  • Opioid exposure poses risks to infant neurodevelopment.
  • Further research is needed on postnatal exposure effects.
  • Intervention strategies can support affected infants.

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