Outcome predictors in pregnant opiate and polydrug users

A retrospective case note study of 93 women was performed in order to asses s the effect of maternal factors on neonatal outcome in a group of women at tending a specialist clinic for pregnant drug users. There were no signific ant differences in outcome for chaotic drug users compared with non-chaotic drug users, or for cocaine users compared with non-cocaine using drug user s. Women who reduced their methadone dose during pregnancy delivered babies of significantly higher birth weight than those whose methadone dose remai ned the same or increased (median 3027 g, range 1780-3629 g vs 2645 g, rang e 580-3720 g). Women who abused benzodiazepines during pregnancy produced b abies of significantly lower birth weight than those women who did not use benzodiazepines (median 2100 g, range 580-3520 g vs 2767 g, range 1530-3720 g). Conclusion The results of this study give healthcare staff evidence to use in encouraging drug-using women to avoid benzodiazepines during pregnancy a nd to reduce their methadone dosage. The treatment received from a speciali st clinic may mitigate against some of the other recognised effects of drug use during pregnancy.