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Cross-sectional growth of children whose mothers abused amphetamines during pregnancy
M Eriksson1, B Jonsson, G Steneroth
1Department of Pediatrics, Karolinska Institute, St Göran's Children's Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Insights
Children born to mothers with amphetamine addiction during pregnancy experienced impaired growth. Social factors like stress and family history significantly correlated with this developmental impact up to age eight.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Maternal amphetamine use during pregnancy is a significant public health concern.
- Neonatal abstinence syndrome and long-term developmental effects are associated with prenatal drug exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate the growth outcomes of children exposed to amphetamines in utero.
- To identify potential correlations between impaired growth and various social factors.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study following 65 children from birth to eight years of age.
- Regular measurements of weight, height, and head circumference.
- Statistical analysis to assess correlations with social and familial factors.
Main Results:
- Children exhibited below-average weight, height, and head circumference at birth, one, and four years.
- Girls showed statistically significant growth impairments compared to Swedish norms.
- Impaired growth correlated significantly with social factors including stress, number of siblings, maternal cohabitation duration, and maternal relative abuse.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal amphetamine exposure is linked to persistent growth deficits in children.
- Social and environmental factors play a crucial role in modulating the growth trajectory of exposed children.
- Early identification and intervention focusing on social support may mitigate long-term developmental consequences.
Abstract:
Growth of 65 children whose mothers were addicted to amphetamines during pregnancy was followed prospectively from birth to eight years of age. At birth, one and four years of age, mean weight, height and head circumference were below the mean for Swedish children and significantly so in girls. A statistically significant correlation was found in both sexes between impaired growth and social factors such as stress index, increasing number of siblings, length of maternal cohabitation and abuse in maternal relatives.