Methamphetamine exposure during pregnancy: A meta-analysis of child developmental outcomes

Prenatal Substance Exposure

“…Finally, there are excellent resources with tables on the effects of prenatal exposure to specific substances from NIDA (2020), the American Academy of Pediatrics (Behnke et al 2013), and Nature Reviews (Thompson et al 2009). There are also several reviews and meta-analyses on the effects of specific substances that are cited in the current review (e.g., for nicotine, see Bublitz & Stroud 2012;Froggatt et al 2020; for opioids, see Boggess & Risher 2022, Conradt et al 2019, Lee et al 2020, Schuetze et al 2021for alcohol, see Hellemans et al 2010, Henderson et al 2007, Mattson et al 2019, Oei 2020; for methamphetamine, see Kunkler et al 2022, Smith et al 2015; for cannabis, see Huizink 2014, Scheyer et al 2019; and for psychoactive drugs, see Salisbury et al 2009). We refer the reader to these sources for in-depth reviews including tables of effects of specific substances.…”

“…A recent meta-analysis of prenatal methamphetamine exposure identified 38 studies, the majority of which were cross-sectional or had weak measurement of exposure, reflecting the state of this literature (Kunkler et al 2022). The review suggested mixed evidence of methamphetamine exposure effects on brain structure and function, with some indication that striatal regions of the brain may be particularly affected.…”

“…The review suggested mixed evidence of methamphetamine exposure effects on brain structure and function, with some indication that striatal regions of the brain may be particularly affected. Meta-analytic results, including findings from one of the few well-designed prospective studies (Infant Development, Environment, and Lifestyle) with multimethod exposure measurement and adequate sample size (Smith et al 2015), indicated lower global cognitive performance and problem solving ability, poorer short-term memory, and lower language scores among exposed children but with significant heterogeneity and age-related differences in outcomes (Kunkler et al 2022). Similar to cocaine, polysubstance exposure is common, with alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use co-occurring with methamphetamine.…”

Identification of PROK2 gene polymorphisms as predictors of methamphetamine use disorder risk and indicators of craving scale in the Chinese Han population

“…These symptoms may persist for several years even after discontinuing METH use ( Jayanthi et al, 2021 ). Studies have also shown that prenatal exposure to METH can lead to alterations in the microstructure of the entire brain and changes in subcortical volumes across multiple brain regions in the fetus ( Kunkler et al, 2022 ). A meta-analysis revealed that children exposed to METH prenatally were more likely to exhibit poorer intellectual functioning, problem-solving skills, short-term memory, and language development ( Kunkler et al, 2022 ).…”

“…Studies have also shown that prenatal exposure to METH can lead to alterations in the microstructure of the entire brain and changes in subcortical volumes across multiple brain regions in the fetus ( Kunkler et al, 2022 ). A meta-analysis revealed that children exposed to METH prenatally were more likely to exhibit poorer intellectual functioning, problem-solving skills, short-term memory, and language development ( Kunkler et al, 2022 ). The mechanism underlying MUD involves synaptic plasticity in key brain circuits ( Kauer and Malenka, 2007 ), with neurotransmitters such as dopamine ( Wise and Robble, 2020 ), glutamate ( Jayanthi et al, 2014 ), and serotonin ( Muller et al, 2007 ) playing crucial roles.…”