Phencyclidine: effects on the fetus and neonate.
I J Chasnoff, W J Burns, R P Hatcher, K A Burns
Developmental pharmacology and therapeutics 1983 DOI: 10.1159/000457343 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational cohort Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 34 |
| Population | Pregnant women enrolled in a comprehensive perinatal addiction program: 7 who abused PCP before and during pregnancy and 27 drug-free women, plus their neonates |
| Duration | Assessments at birth and 3 months |
| Measures | Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale, Bayley Scales of Infant Development |
| Key findings | PCP-exposed neonates showed significantly increased lability of states and poor consolability on the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale, along with sudden agitation and rapid consciousness changes resembling adult PCP intoxication. Birth size and 3-month Bayley Scales of Infant Development scores did not differ significantly from drug-free controls. |
Abstract
As phencyclidine hydrochloride (PCP) has become one of the more frequently abused drugs in the United States, there has been increasing interest in its effect on the fetus and neonate of the pregnant abuser. Two groups of women enrolled in a comprehensive perinatal addiction program were studied: 7 women abused PCP prior to and during pregnancy, and these women were compared to a group of 27 drug-free women. No differences between the two groups were seen in maternal age, gravidity, gestational age or Apgar scores. At birth, there was no difference in birth weight, length, or head circumference between the two groups of neonates. The most characteristic features of the PCP-exposed infants were the sudden outbursts of agitation and rapid changes in level of consciousness, similar to responses described in adults intoxicated with PCP. Scores on the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale revealed a significant increase in lability of states and poor consolability in PCP-exposed infants. 3-month scores on the Bayley Scales of Infant Development revealed no significant difference between the two groups of infants.