A study to determine the use of medicines and drugs of abuse in high-risk early pregnancy

We report a study to determine the use of medicines and drugs of abuse in high-risk early pregnancy. 290 women were approached consecutively when first attending the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) of Guy’s & St. Thomas’ Hospital Trust between October 1998 and January 1999. This is an emergency clinic for women between 6–18 weeks pregnant experiencing abdominal pain and/or vaginal bleeding. 256 (88%) women consented to participate in the study which used a combination of a structured interview by questionnaire (lasting approximately 15 min) and urine analysis. The urine was screened for amphetamines barbiturates cannabinoids benzodiazepines benzoylecgonine (a metabolite of cocaine) and opiates using an enzyme immunoassay (EMIT). Urine cotinine (a metabolite of nicotine) concentration was determined using gas chromatography. Results were analysed on 250 women. Drug use was determined from questionnaire responses and uncorroborated (i.e. detected but not self-reported) urine analysis results and was classified into four categories: prescription-only medicines (POM) over-the-counter (OTC) complementary medicines (CM) and drugs of abuse (DOA). (excerpt)