The cost of maternal cocaine abuse: I. Perinatal cost

Article Abstract:

Over the last decade, the use of cocaine has increased dramatically, especially with the advent of crack, an inexpensive and very addictive form of the drug. Many studies have documented the hazardous effects of crack on the developing fetus. These studies have shown that infants born to mothers who use crack are at greater risk of having low birth weight, growth retardation and birth defects. The results are reported of a study designed to evaluate the additional hospital costs associated with cocaine abuse in pregnant women. The study included 91 mothers and infants who had positive blood tests for cocaine at the time of delivery, and 91 mothers and infants who did not. Compared with infants born to mothers who did not use cocaine, those born to mothers who did were born earlier (average gestation, 37 versus 40 weeks), weighed less (5.7 pounds versus 7.3 pounds), were more likely to have growth retardation (12 infants versus none), to require intensive care (28 versus three infants), and to spend more days in the hospital (11 versus three). An average of an additional $12,000 in hospital costs was required for treating each infant born to a mother who abused cocaine. It has been estimated that 15 percent of all mothers abuse cocaine during their pregnancy, and that there are roughly 3,400,000 births each year. Based on these figures, the additional cost of providing hospital care for infants born to mothers who abuse cocaine is $6 billion per year. Studies have shown that rehabilitation programs can reduce the impact of drug abuse during pregnancy. Such programs are likely to reduce hospital costs and improve the outcome for the infant. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Finance, Prices and rates, Infants (Newborn), Newborn infants, Hospitals, Cocaine, Hospital rates

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Lower serum osteocalcin levels in pregnant drug users and their newborns at the time of delivery

Article Abstract:

During the last three months of pregnancy, bone formation in the fetus increases. The substance osteocalcin is increased in the blood during periods of high bone formation and bone remodeling; remodeling refers to the continuous process of bone adaptation to forces such as gravity and mechanical pressures. Conversely, a decrease in blood osteocalcin indicates a slowing of bone remodeling. Alterations in bone growth have been seen in fetuses born to mothers who abuse heroin and cocaine during pregnancy. The effect that drug abuse has on osteocalcin levels was studied among eight heroin users and seven cocaine users. Osteocalcin was measured in the blood of the mother and fetus at the time of delivery. The average level of osteocalcin in the mother's blood was lower among drug abusers than normal women (1.3 versus 2.7 nanograms per milliliter). The blood osteocalcin levels in the fetuses of drug abusers were also decreased compared with normal controls (14.1 versus 19.0 ng/mL). The more heroin or cocaine used by the mother, the lower the level of osteocalcin in the fetus. It is thought that heroin and cocaine lower osteocalcin by diminishing the activity of osteoblasts, immature bone cells which play a role in producing osteocalcin. Infants of drug users also had lower birth weights than control infants. It is concluded that heroin or cocaine use by the pregnant woman may have a toxic effect on the osteoblasts, which may in turn contribute to the skeletal abnormalities and low birth weights seen in infants of drug abusers. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Osteoblasts

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Maternal drug abuse and human term placental xenobiotic and steroid metabolizing enzymes in vitro

Article Abstract:

Research indicates that drug abuse during pregnancy may effect normal hormonal homeotasis. Studies were based on human placental cytochrome P450-mediated xenobiotic and steroid-metabolizing activity.

Finland, Switzerland, Statistical Data Included, Research, Steroid hormones, Xenobiotics

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