title: A comparison of the effects of single- and split-dose methadone administration on the fetus: ultrasound evaluation.
abstract: A prospective study was conducted to evaluate the effects of oral methadone on fetal activity (body movements, breathing, longest inactive period) for drug-dependent pregnant women on methadone maintenance. Seven consenting drug-dependent pregnant women between 26 and 37 weeks gestation were enrolled in the study. Pairs of ultrasound observation studies were conducted, before and after single-dose methadone (SDM) treatment and split-dose methadone treatment. There were significant decreases in both body movements (p less than 0.001) and breathing episodes (p less than 0.01), and a significant increase in the longest period of inactivity (p less than 0.001) following SDM. A similar but not significant trend was noted before and after split-dose methadone. The results of the single-dose studies differed significantly from normal controls. However, the results of the split-dose studies were similar to controls. It is recommended that women on methadone maintenance should be offered a split-dose treatment protocol.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Salvation Army Grace Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
authors.forename: B K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Wittmann
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Segal
mesh_terms: D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005324:Fetal Movement / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008691:Methadone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009357:Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*
chemical_list: D008691:Methadone