Brain ultrasonography findings in neonates with exposure to cocaine during pregnancy.
BACKGROUND
Cocaine exposure during pregnancy has been reported to have detrimental effects on the fetus.


OBJECTIVE
To describe the findings on cranial ultrasonography (CUS) as part of a neonatal screening programme for exposed neonates.


METHODS
The study was a semiprospective analysis of a 12-year cohort of neonates born to mothers who had used cocaine during their pregnancy and who had follow-up according to a strict clinical protocol.


RESULTS
In total, 154 neonates (78 boys, 76 girls) were included, of whom 29 (19%) were born preterm, and 125 (81%) were born full-term. Abnormalities on CUS were seen in 37 neonates (24%; 95% CI 18-31%). The abnormalities were classified as minor in 20 (13%; 95% CI 9-19%) and mildly abnormal in 17 (11%; 95% CI 7-17%). None of the infants showed severe abnormalities. The abnormalities were not associated with the duration or maximum amount of cocaine use during pregnancy.


CONCLUSIONS
None of the infants had severe abnormalities. Detected abnormalities were not correlated with the duration or maximum amount of cocaine use. Given these findings, we feel that routine cranial ultrasonography in this population is not warranted.
van Huis
Marian
M
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Academic Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
van Kempen
Anne A M W
AA
Peelen
Myrthe
M
Timmers
Maaike
M
Boer
Kees
K
Smit
Bert J
BJ
Van Rijn
Rick R
RR
D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography