Wittmann BK, Segal S.

 

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Salvation Army Grace Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

A prospective study was conducted to evaluate the effects of oral methadone on fetal activity (body movements, breathing, longest inactive period) for drug-dependent pregnant women on methadone maintenance. Seven consenting drug-dependent pregnant women between 26 and 37 weeks gestation were enrolled in the study. Pairs of ultrasound observation studies were conducted, before and after single-dose methadone (SDM) treatment and split-dose methadone treatment. There were significant decreases in both body movements (p less than 0.001) and breathing episodes (p less than 0.01), and a significant increase in the longest period of inactivity (p less than 0.001) following SDM. A similar but not significant trend was noted before and after split-dose methadone. The results of the single-dose studies differed significantly from normal controls. However, the results of the split-dose studies were similar to controls. It is recommended that women on methadone maintenance should be offered a split-dose treatment protocol.

 

PMID: 1889920 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
Sharon Dembinski, RNP, CMA
Registered Nurse Practitioner
Discovery House: The Center for Recovery and Hope
Providence, RI http://www.discoveryhouse.com/
Developer-Mothers On Methadone Program, Kent Hospital-Warwick, RI
Certified Methadone Advocate
Advisory Board- Methadone Support Org
508 864-0311

 

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