Cocaine use during pregnancy assessed by hair analysis in a Canary Islands cohort

Abstract

BackgroundDrug use during pregnancy is difficult to ascertain, and maternal reports are likely to be inaccurate. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of illicit drug use among pregnant women by using maternal hair analysis.MethodsA toxicological analysis of hair was used to detect chronic recreational drug use during pregnancy. In 2007, 347 mother-infant dyads were included from the Hospital La Candelaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands (Spain). Data on socioeconomic characteristics and on substance misuse during pregnancy were collected using a structured questionnaire. Drugs of abuse: opiates, cocaine, cannabinoids and amphetamines were detected in maternal hair by immunoassay followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for confirmation and quantitation.ResultsHair analysis revealed 2.6% positivity for cocaine and its metabolites. Use of cocaine during pregnancy was associated with unusual behaviour with potentially harmful effects on the baby.ConclusionsThe results of the study demonstrate significant cocaine use by pregnant women in Canary Islands. The data should be used for the purpose of preventive health and policy strategies aimed to detect and possibly to avoid in the future prenatal exposure to drugs of abuse.

Maternal and Neonatal Hair and Breast Milk in The Assessment of Perinatal Exposure to Drugs of Abuse

“…However, gestational drug use underreporting showed by maternal interview was lower in the study of Pichini et al on 830 mother-infants dyads (2.5% self reporting vs 10.7% meconium testing) [9]. Another study performed by Joya et al [30] on 347 mother-infant dyads in a Canary Island (Tenerife, Spain) using hair analysis showed positive results only for cocaine with prevalence of cocaine of 2.6%. In addition, the authors reported an association between cocaine use during pregnancy and antidepressant use [30].…”

“…Another study performed by Joya et al [30] on 347 mother-infant dyads in a Canary Island (Tenerife, Spain) using hair analysis showed positive results only for cocaine with prevalence of cocaine of 2.6%. In addition, the authors reported an association between cocaine use during pregnancy and antidepressant use [30]. Similarly, Lendoiro et al compared maternal interview and maternal hair analysis in 209 pregnant women in order to determine drug consumption throughout pregnancy and to study the relationship between maternal interview, hair test results, and neonatal outcome [54].…”

“…Maternal hair has been used in several epidemiological studies for estimating the prevalence of drug use by pregnant women in different populations [30,53]. Fríguls et al [53] found a 1.9% prevalence of drugs of abuse consumption using a structured questionnaire and 15.9% using maternal hair analysis in 107 pregnant women of a Mediterranean island (Ibiza, Spain).…”

“…In a similar way, segmental analysis using maternal hair could provide information about he entire perinatal window, but it must be obtained at the end of the pregnancy [30]. Another nonconventional biological specimen used for clinical evaluation of drug exposure is breast milk which provides information about the exposure during postnatal life [31,32].…”

Prevalência do uso de drogas de abuso por gestantes

“…Erroneous and biased interpretations of the literature can often affect educational programs and even lawsuits. (4) There are deficiencies in the embracement of drug users, because when the social and cultural context in which the individual is inserted is recognized, it becomes possible to identify risk factors that permeate the dysfunctional use of drugs, a fundamental step for the creation of strategies for health teams with families and people in vulnerable situations. (5) Early diagnosis favors intervention and enables access to specialized treatment services and alternatives to deal with drug abuse during pregnancy and/or reducing complications for the mother and the newborn.…”