Effect of methadone on the biophysical profile.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of methadone on the biophysical profile.


METHODS
Sixteen narcotics-dependent gravidas on methadone maintenance were selected for the study. Biophysical profiles and nonstress tests (NSTs) were performed on women between 28 and 40 weeks' estimated gestational age before and two hours after methadone was given. The reactivity of the nonstress tests, biophysical profile scores and time needed to complete the biophysical profiled before and after methadone dosing were compared.


RESULTS
Significantly more NSTs were nonreactive after methadone (P < .001), and it took more time for the NST to become reactive (P < .01). Although it took longer for the modified biophysical profile to be completed after methadone dosing, with the mean time going from 3.8 to 19.8 minutes (P < .01), the scores were the same before and after methadone in 75% of the women, with the mean score not significantly different before or after methadone.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that the modified biophysical profile is a clinically useful test in the methadone-maintained gravida.
Cejtin
H E
HE
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cook County Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Mills
A
A
Swift
E L
EL
D000328:Adult; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D005260:Female; D005324:Fetal Movement; D006340:Heart Rate, Fetal; D006801:Humans; D008691:Methadone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012119:Respiration
D008691:Methadone