Is In-Utero Marijuana Exposure Associated With Childhood Developmental Delay? [20K]

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Women are at the highest risk for developing a substance use disorder during their reproductive years. The prevalence of marijuana use in the US during pregnancy is 7%. Data is unclear regarding long-term effects of in-utero marijuana exposure. Given that the endocannabinoid system is present at around day 16 of gestation, it is plausible that maternal marijuana use could affect fetal brain development. This purpose of this study was to determine correlations between in-utero marijuana exposure and childhood developmental delay. METHODS: After IRB approval, a retrospective chart review of infants with a history of marijuana exposure in utero was conducted. A total of 230 study subjects met inclusion criteria and were analyzed. RESULTS: The majority of subjects, 84 (59.6%) were noted to have feeding problems in infancy. Forty one subjects, 17.8% showed abnormal muscle tone, 39 subjects, 17%, were noted to be small for gestational age (SGA). Speech delay was present with a frequency of 10.0%, 23 subjects. Fine motor delay was seen in 25 subjects, 10.9% and global development delay with noted in 21 subjects, 9.1%. CONCLUSION: Results from this retrospective chart review indicate possible risks of short-term (feeding problems, abnormal muscle tone, SGA) and longer-term developmental delays. Further research is necessary to determine whether these effects are due to marijuana alone, or if confounding factors are involved. In order to educate and advise the public about the effects of marijuana use in pregnancy, this relationship must first be understood.