Effects of morphine and cocaine on breathing control in neonatal animals: a minireview

From observational studies in humans and experimental studies in animal models, there is a strong indication that prenatal exposure to morphine or cocaine causes at least transient abnormalities of breathing control in the neonate. If these abnormalities persist, sudden death may occur in the infant. Mechanisms responsible for alterations in breathing control by drugs of abuse and the relationship of these alterations to SIDS are not proven at this time. The complex nature of breathing control and neurodevelopment, as well as the confounding variables in human drug abuse, have so far prevented a definitive understanding of the link between drug abuse during pregnancy and SIDS. Further investigations are required to explore the biology of this important public health problem.