Drug Endangered Children: Developmental Outcomes of Exposure to Methamphetamine

BACKGROUND: Women of child-bearing age represent almost half of the methamphetamine using population. As such, there are significant concerns related to in-utero methamphetamine exposure due to its potential teratogenic effect with long-term neurodevelopmental consequences. This study investigates the physical and neurodevelopmental functioning of children with perinatal exposure to methamphetamine.

METHODS: Caregivers of methamphetamine exposed children were recruited to participate in this IRB approved study during a routine medical visit. All participants underwent a medical and a neurodevelopmental evaluation (Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Second Edition).

RESULTS: Fifteen children (9 males, 6 females) participated in this study. 47% of the children were born premature. No other birth variables were available. 93% of the children had age appropriate growth parameters. One child was SGA, blind in one eye and had hearing loss. Two children had craniofacial concerns. Mean mental and motor scores on the BSID-II were within normal limits. Qualatative analysis of caregivers concerns included- 67% speech delays, 47% emotional dysregulation, 27% feeding problems, 47% attachment difficulties, and 20% sleep disturbances.

CONCLUSION: Physical and developmental data revealed scores within normal limits. However, caregiver/clinician concerns reflect significant neurodevelopmental and psychosocial difficulties. This study reveals the need for research on perinatal methamphetamine exposure to broaden its scope in order to more accurately address the significant impact on child neurodevelopment. Functional impairments were not detected by these most commonly utilized measures, which reflects the need for adovcacy to require multivariate approaches to appropriately address the needs of these children.