Women Supervised Under Professional Methadone Programs Show Comparable Pregnancy Outcomes to Non-Methadone Users [14L]. (May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Holloman, Conisha; Oshodi, Temitope; Carlan, Stephen
• Is Part Of: Obstetrics and gynecology. Volume 127(2016)Supplement 1
• Publication Date: 2016-05
• Subjects: Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; 618
• DOI: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000483423.08397.07
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-7844

Abstract

Abstract : INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of women treated under methadone maintenance programs versus those with cocaine or heroin use during pregnancy compared to non-drug users. METHODS: Retrospective review of deliveries at Winnie Palmer Hospital (WPH) between 1/1/2010 to 9/1/2013 (N=34, 483). Data regarding methadone use was obtained from the WPH pharmacy and electronic labor and delivery log. Group 1 included 55 patients enrolled in professionally supervised methadone programs. Group 2 included 19 patients undergoing self treatment or not enrolled in a maintenance program but had positive cocaine on urine drug panel or admitted to heroin use during the pregnancy. Group 3 included 34, 408 patients with no drug or methadone use in pregnancy. The stats included chi square, ANOVA and Mann Whitney U . SPSS analysis with P =<.05 for statistical significance. RESULTS: In group 1, significant differences were noted in BMI (29 vs 27), estimated gestational age at delivery (EGA) (38.4 vs 36.2) and preterm birth (15% vs 53%) when compared to the cocaine/heroine group. Other clinical variables noted to be different included Hepatitis C (16% vs 5%), birth weight (3037 g vs 2747 g) and NICU admissions (16% vs 26%). Similarities in the outcomes for methadone patients compared to group 3 could be seen in BMI, EGA and rate of repeat cesarean sections. CONCLUSION: Women in professionally supervised methadone programs have similar pregnancy outcomes in the tested variables as non-drug users. These favorable outcomes with methadone treatment in a professionally supervised program validate its use in pregnancy.