title: Occurrence of craniosynostosis in neonates exposed to cocaine and tobacco in utero.
abstract: The occurrence of craniosynostosis (premature closure of cranial sutures) has been reported to be 3 to 5 per 10,000 live births. The incidence is even lower among African-American infants. The District of Columbia General Hospital serves primarily the African-American population with approximately 2000 deliveries a year. In the last 10 years, three neonates with craniosynostosis have been born at DC General Hospital; all three infants were African Americans. These infants were exposed to cocaine and tobacco in utero, which suggests a possible association between intrauterine cocaine and tobacco exposure and premature closure of cranial sutures. Possible pathogenesis of craniosynostosis in association with cocaine and tobacco use is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, District of Columbia General Hospital, Washington 20003.
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Beeram
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Abedin
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shoroye
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jayam-Trouth
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Young
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Reid
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003042:Cocaine / Q000633:toxicity*; D003398:Craniosynostoses / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder
chemical_list: D003042:Cocaine