Abstract
Thirty eight infants born to mothers using crack were studied over a 4 month period. None of the mothers were known to have used IV cocaine or opiates during pregnancy.
Birth weights ranged from 1.30 to 3.98 kg, (median 2.69 kg); g.a. ranged from 31 to 40 weeks, (median 38 weeks). Ten (26%) had a b.w. of less than 2.5 kg. and/or a g.a. of 37 weeks or less.
Eighteen (47%) demonstrated abnormal neuromuscular signs. Sixteen had tremors, with onset on day 1-5 (median day 2) . Duration ranged from 1 to 20 days, (median of 3 days), and were present in only one infant for more than 1 week. Sixteen infants demonstrated irritability with onset on day 1-4 (median day 2). Duration ranged from 1 to 22 days, (median of 3 days), and persisted for more than 1 week in 2 infants (9 and 22 days). Eleven infants showed signs of muscular rigidity, with onset on day 1-5, (median day 2). In 9, rigidity had disappeared by the end of the first week, and in 2 persisted into early infancy. Five infants required phenobarbital therapy.
Our data suggest that while transient neurologic symptoms in these infants are common, persistent overt findings are unusual.
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Leblanc, P., Parekh, A., Naso, B. et al. EFFECTS OF INTRAUTERINE EXPOSURE TO ALKALOIDAL COCAINE (“CRACK”). Pediatr Res 21 (Suppl 4), 237 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00421
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00421