AMPHETAMINE ADDICTION DURING PREGNANCY - 10-YEAR FOLLOW-UP

Citation
M. Eriksson et R. Zetterstrom, AMPHETAMINE ADDICTION DURING PREGNANCY - 10-YEAR FOLLOW-UP, Acta paediatrica, 83, 1994, pp. 27-31
Citations number
41
Categorie Soggetti
Pediatrics
Journal title
ISSN journal
08035253
Volume
83
Year of publication
1994
Supplement
404
Pages
27 - 31
Database
ISI
SICI code
0803-5253(1994)83:<27:AADP-1>2.0.ZU;2-Z
Abstract
Sixty-five children born to women who all used amphetamine during preg nancy have been followed prospectively since birth 1976-77. They have been tested and examined at one, 4 and 8 years of age. In addition, in formation about the school situation was collected after 10 years. Twe nty percent of the children were put in foster homes at birth, and aft er 10 years 70% were in foster homes. The children showed a normal int ellectual capacity. However, at 10 years of age 8 children (12%) atten ded one class below what was normal for their biological age (normal i n Sweden < 5%). At 4 years of age 35% had an aggressive behaviour and at 8 years 23%. There was a statistically significant correlation betw een aggressive behaviour and amphetamine exposure during fetal life. A t both 4 and 8 years of age 40% were considered to have a poor adjustm ent, which correlated with socio-environmental factors. Lower values f or weight and length also showed a correlation with socio-environmenta l factors. The study shows that amphetamine abuse during pregnancy wil l influence development of exposed children at least up to the age of 10 years.