INFANTS BORN TO NARCOTIC DEPENDENT MOTHERS - PHYSICAL GROWTH-PATTERNSIN THE FIRST 12 MONTHS OF LIFE

Objectives: To describe the physical growth patterns of infants born t o narcotic dependent mothers (INDM) over a 12 months period and, if po ssible, to relate the growth to drug taking patterns during pregnancy. Methodology: The growth of a cohort of 43 INDM was measured during th e first 12 months of life, Weight and length measurements were compare d with percentile charts and converted to Z scores, Questionnaire data about drug taking practices, demographic variables and the neonatal p eriod (including withdrawal scores) were obtained. Results: Twenty-fou r (55.8%) of INDM had evidence of neonatal drug withdrawal requiring t reatment with phenobarbitone. At birth, Z scores for weight and length indicated relative intrauterine growth retardation. By 12 months, the re had been some catch up growth, but Z scores for weight and length w ere still below zero, Persistent weight retardation at 12 months was c orrelated with methadone dosage during pregnancy, but not the need for phenobarbitone therapy. Conclusions: The growth patterns of INDM in t he first 12 months of life indicated that at birth there was evidence of intrauterine growth retardation, but by 12 months the growth was li ttle different from the rest of the community. There appears to be som e influence of narcotic agents taken while pregnant on subsequent grow th of INDM.