Maternal, Fetal, and Neonatal Outcomes of Opioid-Dependent Mothers in Iran: A case Study of Iran

The present research aimed to identify the maternal, fetal, and neonatal complications experienced by opioid-dependent mothers (ODMs) within the geographical context of Kerman, Iran.

This study meticulously compared the outcomes of 326 ODMs and an equal number of non-ODMs in Iran, using the data obtained from the Iranian Maternal And Neonatal (IMAN) network, a national health information system in Iran. The selection process involved a census approach, and the participants were carefully matched based on age, gestational age, and nationality. To determine the statistical relationship between opioid dependence during pregnancy and the occurrence of pregnancy and neonatal complications, the chi-square test was employed for analysis.

Women with ODMs exhibited significantly higher rates of placental abruption (P=0.01) and chorioamnionitis (P=0.04) compared to non-ODMs. Neonates born to ODMs had increased risks of adverse outcomes, including neonatal death (P=0.05), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) related mortality (P=0.01), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (P=0.001), neonatal intensive care unit admission (P<0.001), hypoglycemia (P=0.006), neurological complications (P=0.004), low birth weight (LBW) (P<0.001), and meconium-stained amniotic fluid (P=0.001). No significant differences were found in congenital anomalies, Apgar scores, or intrauterine fetal death.

Pregnant women with opioid dependence exhibit a heightened susceptibility to antepartum and postpartum complications compared to their non-opioid-dependent counterparts. The sequelae of these complications may be modulated by the caliber of antenatal care received. This research emphasizes the critical importance of consistent clinical management and robust support systems for this population throughout the gestational period and the puerperium.