Abstract

OSORIO, José Henry. Metabolic implications of opiate use during pregnancy: a literature review. Rev Colomb Obstet Ginecol [online]. 2009, vol.60, n.4, pp.339-347. ISSN 0034-7434.

Introduction: pregnant females consuming drugs of abuse is becoming a serious problem for pregnant women and for their babies as this habit increases the risk of complications during pregnancy and may permanently harm the infant (directly or indirectly). The present review was aimed at analysing opiate use during pregnancy, its mechanism of action, the metabolic implications and the possible consequences to this addictive behaviour for the mother and baby. It also analysed the effects of the opiate addiction treatment on pregnant women. Methodology: information from the last 40 years included in the PubMed database as well as historicalarticles, texts and references cited in work published to date were analysed. Results: important information related to the objectives proposed in the present review was found and analysed. It was then divided into four sections as follows: opiate use during pregnancy, mechanisms of action, consequences of using opiates during pregnancy and the effects on the newborn. Conclusions: opiates consumed during pregnancy represent a risk factor for both the mother and baby and are related to possible complications during pregnancy and the presentation of neonatal abstinence syndrome and sudden infant death. Treatment using methadone and/or buprenorphine reduces such risk but rigorous control must be imposed to avoid possible problems related to their use.

Keywords : pregnancy; opiate; drugs of abuse.

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