SPECTRUM OF GESTATIONAL EXPOSURE TO ILLICIT DRUGS AND OTHER XENOBIOTIC AGENTS IN NEWBORN-INFANTS BY MECONIUM ANALYSIS

Objective: To detect the spectrum of gestational exposure to illicit d rugs and other xenobiotic agents in neonates by meconium analysis. Met hod: Meconium was collected from 98 neonates and analyzed for illicit drugs and other xenobiotic agents by high-performance liquid chromatog raphy and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Results: Eighty-one (8 2.7%) infants tested positive for xenobiotic agents, and each infant h ad from 1 to 9 drugs present. These included local anesthetics (30%) s uch as lidocaine and mepivacaine; food additives (25%) such as ionol ( butylated hydroxytoluene); illicit drugs (11%), especially cocaine and morphine; analgesics (10%) such as meperidine; and fewer (<10%) other drugs such as antihistamines, antidepressants, adrenergics, anticonvu lsants, cough medications, analeptics, hypnosedatives, and cardiotonic s. Conclusion: We demonstrated substantial exposure of neonates to xen obiotic agents, ranging from exposure to food additives, prescribed or over-the-counter medications, and drugs of abuse.