INHALANT ABUSE IN PREGNANCY

Evidence is reviewed of an association between inhalant abuse during p regnancy with adverse health effects on the mother and the newborn. Mo st evidence comes from case reports in solvent abusers as well, as som e studies of occupational exposure to various abused solvents and nitr ous oxide. In these case reports, it is not possible to establish a di rect teratogenic effect for specific abused chemicals independent of t he poor maternal health and prenatal care as well as other risk factor s that may have accompanied inhalant abuse lifestyles. Results of anim al studies provide more direct evidence for adverse effects of in uter o exposure to the widely abused solvents, toluene and trichloroethane (TCE). Proper diagnosis and treatment of inhalant abuse during pregnan cy should help minimize harm to the fetus.