|
The effect of methamphetamine exposure on maternal hypertension during pregnancy and maternal-infant outcomes in young women with substance use disorder
|
Mojgan Javedani Masroor1   , Elahe Ghaderi *2 |
1- Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences & faculty of medicine, Tehran, Iran
2- Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , e_ghaderi@outlook.com |
|
|
Abstract: (76 Views) |
Abstract
Aim. This study evaluated the effects of prenatal substance abuse, predominantly Methamphetamine (MA) , on obstetric complications and neonatal health in an Iranian tertiary referral center.
Background. Methamphetamine abuse during pregnancy is a critical public health concern with significant implications for maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Method. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 2021 at Shahid Akbar Abadi Hospital, Tehran. Three hundred and twenty two pregnant women were divided into a substance-using case group (n=98) and a non-using control group (n=224). Maternal and neonatal data were extracted from medical records and analyzed using statistical methods.
Findings. The case group was significantly older with lower education; MA was the predominant substance (75.5 percent). Major obstetric complications were significantly higher in the case group, including premature rupture of membranes (32.3 percent), gestational hypertension (20.4 percent), and preeclampsia (9.2 percent). Neonates in the case group experienced significantly higher rates of respiratory distress syndrome (49.0 percent), intrauterine growth restriction, and NICU admission (71.4 percent). Notably, head circumference was significantly reduced in the case group (P<0.001) despite comparable birth weights to controls, suggesting selective neurotoxic effects on brain development rather than global growth restriction.
Conclusion. Prenatal MA exposure is a significant predictor of hypertensive disorders and neonatal neurodevelopmental risk characterized by selective brain growth restriction. Given the substantial neonatal morbidity, comprehensive multidisciplinary care and universal screening for substance use are essential for optimizing outcomes in this vulnerable population. |
|
| Keywords: Methamphetamine, Pregnancy, Preeclampsia, Neonatal Outcomes, Neurotoxicity |
|
|
Full-Text [PDF 939 kb]
(81 Downloads)
|
: Research |
Subject:
Family-centered care
Received: 2026/01/20 | Accepted: 2024/03/20 | Published: 2026/02/28 | ePublished: 2026/02/28
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Send email to the article author |
|
|
|
| Add your comments about this article |
|
|
|
