Health Care Utilization and Developmental Delay Among Infants Exposed to Cannabis In Utero

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Neonatal Health
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Prenatal substance exposure is a significant concern for child development.
• Cannabis use during pregnancy has become more prevalent, necessitating research into its effects.
• Understanding the impact of in utero cannabis exposure on early childhood outcomes is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between prenatal cannabis exposure and key health and developmental outcomes in infants.
• To compare well-child care (WCC) attendance, emergency department (ED) visits, and developmental delay (DD) diagnoses between cannabis-exposed and unexposed infants.
• To analyze these outcomes during the first two years of life.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cohort study using linked meconium drug screen and NC Medicaid claims data.
• Infants were categorized into cannabis-exposed (meconium positive for cannabis only) or substance-unexposed groups.
• Negative binomial and logistic regression models were employed to assess associations with WCC, ED visits, and DD.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in WCC attendance or ED visits were found between exposed and unexposed infants.
• A notable decrease in the odds of developmental delay diagnosis was observed in cannabis-exposed infants within the first two years.
• No difference in developmental delay was observed at the three-year mark.

Conclusions:

• In utero cannabis exposure was not associated with differences in WCC attendance or ED utilization in the first two years of life.
• Prenatal cannabis exposure may be associated with a reduced likelihood of developmental delay diagnosis in early childhood.
• Further research is warranted to understand the long-term developmental trajectories and potential mechanisms involved.