Opiate and cocaine exposed newborns: Growth outcomes

This investigation examined growth parameters at birth in 204 infants born to mothers who used cocaine and/or opiates during pregnancy. Analyses consi dered both type (cocaine, opiate or both) and pattern of in utero drug expo sure. A unique feature of the investigation was the large group of opiate e xposed infants. Singleton newborn infants born to cocaine and/or opiate usi ng mothers, were recruited. Using a structured interview and urine toxicolo gy screens, information was obtained on the type and pattern of in utero dr ug exposure for each infant. Outcome measures included birth weight, length , and head circumference. Birth weight and length were significantly differ ent by type of drug exposure with the opiate only infants the largest (p = .0001) and longest (p = .008). Differences in head circumference size were not statistically significant (p = .58). Mean Z-scores were I S.D. lower fo r birth weight and length and 1.5 S.D. lower for head circumference when co mpared to National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) growth standards. Th is study provides support that in utero cocaine exposure may confer more ri sk for somatic growth retardation at birth than opiate exposure even when c ontrolling for nicotine and alcohol exposure, amount of prenatal care, gend er, maternal age, education and marital status.