Case series on methamphetamine exposure in pregnancy : heart rhythm patterns of newborns in the first week of life
Date
2020-12
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Methamphetamine use is a significant problem in the Western Cape province. Antenatal exposure of the foetus to methamphetamine has been reported to have deleterious effects, including effects on the cardiovascular system. In this case series, we report on thirteen infants who had been exposed to methamphetamine in utero, with last documented use ranging from 2 days to a month before delivery. The infants were either born at Tygerberg Hospital (TBH), or had been outborn and referred to TBH within 72 hours of birth. They all had methamphetamine screens in the urine and echocardiographic studies, and 9 neonates had 24-hour Holter electrocardiogram monitoring. Four (30.8%) of the neonates tested positive for methamphetamine. Five (38.5%) infants had acyanotic cardiac lesions diagnosed, and 2 (15.4%) had abnormal heart rhythm patterns. 3/5 (60%) of the cardiac lesions were most likely related to prematurity. Further large prospective studies are needed to clearly delineate the effects of methamphetamine exposure on the cardiovascular system in neonates.
"Geen opsomming biskikbaar"
"Geen opsomming biskikbaar"
Description
Thesis (MMed)--Stellenbosch University, 2022.
Keywords
Methamphetamine, Newborn screening, Antenatal exposure, Effects of drugs, UCTD