Prenatal Opioid Exposure: Developmental Effects and Therapeutic Supports

Prenatal exposure to opioids such as heroin and methadone is consistently linked with cognitive and motor delays throughout childhood.

Prenatal opioid exposure (POE) is increasing in prevalence. To examine the developmental sequelae of POE, researchers conducted a meta-analysis of data from nearly 1500 children with POE and 3000 drug-free controls in 26 studies. They calculated a standardized mean difference in test scores to create a uniform measure across studies. For children with POE versus drug-free controls, the difference in cognitive performance was −0.52 in newborns to 2-year-olds (P<0.001), −0.38 in 3- to 6-year-olds (P<0.02), and −0.44 in 7- to 18-year-olds (P=0.23). These standard mean differences represent about 5 to 8 IQ points. Motor scores were also lower in the POE group (−0.49; P<0.001).

A separate report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services…

Reviewing Author

Jenny Radesky, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMelissa & Doug Toys (Consultant and Board of Directors)

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute for Child Health and Development; National Institutes of Health

Jenny Radesky, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMelissa & Doug Toys (Consultant and Board of Directors)

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute for Child Health and Development; National Institutes of Health

Prenatal Opioid Exposure: Developmental Effects and Therapeutic Supports

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Reviewing Author