Abstract
Background/aims: Substance misuse is on rise in UK, with limited data on outcomes of pregnancy. We planned to study outcomes in substance abusing pregnant mums including the effects of single vs. poly-drug abuse on newborn babies.
Methods: Data of all registered pregnancies in Stockton & Hartlepool area was collected retrospectively for the period 1.1.2008 and 31.12.2009 using antenatal registry, delivery records and case notes. The data was analysed using SPSS 17.0.
Results: During the study period data on 7331 pregnancies was collected. Of these 77 were known ‘substance abuser’ during pregnancy and 7264 were ‘healthy’ pregnancies. Among ‘substance abuser’ complete data was available on 67 pregnancies. In this group, there were significantly higher rates of termination of pregnancy (TOP), miscarriages or still births (SB) as compared to healthy group (10% vs. 0.78%, p< 0.0001). Of these 23(38%) were ‘Poly-drug’ users. Among live born babies, 26(43%) required treatment for withdrawal & 22(37%) were discharged home on treatment. Poly-drug abuse as compared to single drug abuse did not affect the need for treatment (43% vs. 43%; p=0.986), or those discharged home on treatment (38% vs. 35%; p=o.811). Poly-drug use however significantly increased the duration of stay on the neonatal unit (22 days vs. 9 days; p< 0.01).
Conclusions: Poly-drug compared to single drug abuse significantly increases the duration of stay on the neonatal unit, but has no effect on the need for treatment or being discharged home on treatment. Among substance abusing women the rates of TOP, SB or miscarriage is significantly higher.
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Fenny, E., Quinn, K., Young, C. et al. 114 Does Poly-Drug Compared to Single Drug Abuse During Pregnancy Affect Neonatal Management?. Pediatr Res 68 (Suppl 1), 699 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-01414
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-01414