Scale Can Predict Problems Associated with Methamphetamine Exposure in Newborns
Researchers have developed a scale that can be used to assess the behavior of newborns exposed to methamphetamine and may be able to predict whether these children will develop problems later in life.
A growing body of evidence shows that prenatal exposure to cocaine can lead to cognitive and behavioral problems in children, so researchers wanted to see if similar problems could arise from methamphetamine exposure. In recent years, methamphetamine has become very popular among pregnant drug users, according to study co-author Barry M. Lester, PhD, professor of psychiatry and pediatrics and director of the Center for the Study of Children at Risk at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Women & Infants Hospital. Despite its widespread use, little is known about the consequences of prenatal exposure to methamphetamine.
Dr. Lester and colleagues used their Infant Development, Environment, and Lifestyle (IDEAL) study to examine the effects of prenatal meth exposure in 185 newborns from four different medical centers. They also looked at 195 newborns that were not exposed to methamphetamine but were exposed to alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana in utero. This allowed the researchers to single out any effects that were due exclusively to methamphetamine exposure and not other substances that are commonly used in conjunction with meth.
Researchers used the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS) to examine the newborns during the first four days after birth and again at 30 days. The scale looks at muscle tone, reflexes, behavioral state, motor development, and stress.
Dr. Lester, who has studied the effects of cocaine on children exposed prenatally to cocaine, said that certain characteristics, such as stress and arousal, can predict whether the baby will be affected by methamphetamine exposure.
The study found that newborns that were exposed to methamphetamine in the womb were hard to arouse, and once they were awakened, they weren’t easily calmed. At one month old, there were improvements in arousal and stress in those that were exposed to meth. Both groups showed higher quality of movement, less lethargy, and fewer asymmetric reflexes.
Dr. Lester said that the scale can easily help clinicians identify the children who are doing well and improving, as well as those who are not doing as well and require treatment. He added that while many babies are considered “high-risk,” there aren’t enough resources to ensure that all of them receive treatment. However, being able to identify high-risk babies right after birth using the NNNS scale can help ensure that more children get the treatment they need.
Source: Science Daily, Newborns Exposed to Methamphetamine Before Birth Are Hard to Arouse, Hard to Calm Down, Study Suggests, May 1, 2011
