Opiate and Cocaine Exposed Newborns: Growth Outcomes

ABSTRACT This investigation examined growth parameters at birth in 204 infants born to mothers who used cocaine and/or opiates during pregnancy. Analyses considered both type (cocaine, opiate or both) and pattern of in utero drug exposure. A unique feature of the investigation was the large group of opiate exposed infants. Singleton newborn infants born to cocaine and/or opiate using mothers, were recruited. Using a structured interview and urine toxicology screens, information was obtained on the type and pattern of in utero drug exposure for each infant. Outcome measures included birth weight, length, and head circumference. Birth weight and length were significantly different 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 Zscores were 1 S.D. lower for birth weight and length and 1.5 S.D. lower for head circumference when compared to National Center for Health ...