Relationship of phencyclidine and pregnancy outcome.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the relationship of phencyclidine (PCP) and pregnancy outcome, as judged by low birth weight (< 2,500 g).


METHODS
A retrospective, case-control study of PCP use was conducted among pregnant women who delivered at a large hospital in New Orleans. PCP use was ascertained by urine screening at the time of obstetric admission. Three control patients were selected for each case, matched for age, parity and month of delivery. The study intended to address the prevalence of low birth weight.


RESULTS
Between January 1990 and June 1996, 13,653 patients delivered. Of these, 23 were identified as PCP users. PCP users had smaller infants (2,698 vs. 3,011 g, P < .05); that may have been accounted for by a reduction in gestational age (37.3 vs. 38.3 weeks, P = NS). The users were more likely to give histories of using tobacco, alcohol or marijuana but not cocaine. Syphilis and diabetes mellitus were found more often in the study group. Multisubstance use was also common in the study group. The prevalence of low birth weight was not statistically different for the study and control groups.


CONCLUSIONS
PCP use was not associated with an increase in low birth weight. When identified, patients using PCP require comprehensive evaluation.
Mvula
M M
MM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Louisiana State University Medical Center, New Orleans 70112, USA.
Miller
J M
JM
Ragan
F A
FA
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006213:Hallucinogens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010622:Phencyclidine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000209:etiology; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders; D013587:Syphilis / Q000453:epidemiology
D006213:Hallucinogens; D010622:Phencyclidine