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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Direct and indirect interactions of cocaine with childbirth outcomes
1Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.
Objective:
To evaluate neonatal sequelae of maternal cocaine use during pregnancy.
Methods:
One hundred women positive for cocaine use during pregnancy were compared with 100 matched controls who did not use cocaine. Maternal characteristics and infant neonatal outcomes were compared. We used t tests, chi 2, and multiple regression analyses to evaluate the contributions of cocaine vs other drugs to outcome.
Results:
Cocaine was the best predictor of increased incidence of abortions, higher maternal gravidity, and poorer prenatal care. Cocaine was also the best predictor of preterm birth and of lower birth weight, after controlling for prematurity. Maternal use of cocaine and alcohol in combination was the best predictor of decreased linear growth, after controlling for prematurity.
Conclusions:
Maternal cocaine use predicts negative birth outcomes directly, as well as through obstetric risk factors of abortion history and less prenatal care. Interactive effects of cocaine and alcohol should be considered in future studies of birth outcomes.
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