Racial Differences in Substance Use During Pregnancy and Neonatal Birth Measurements [22C]

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Illicit drug use during pregnancy causes changes in neonatal growth parameters that are associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes and childhood chronic diseases. This study aims to describe racial differences in substance use and birth measurement outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective study of singleton births from August 2013 through December 2014 was conducted using urine drugs screen collected universally at the initiation of prenatal care. Excluded were multiple gestations and preterm deliveries. Reported are substance use patterns and race (Caucasian, African American, and Asian) as well as mean neonatal birth measurements (head circumference, birth length, and birthweight). RESULTS: 2,270 patients met study criteria. There was a significant difference in birthweight between Caucasians, Asians and African Americans at baseline without substance use (3,386 g, 3,338 g and 3,181 g respectively, P<.001). However those with substance use had no significant difference in birth measurements seen between races. Infants of Caucasian mothers with substance use were noted to have significantly smaller birthweights compared with Caucasian nonusers (3,386 g vs 3,191 g, P<.001). Whereas infant birthweights of African American mothers with substance use were not different from African American nonusers (3,181 g vs 3,170 g, P=.738). Of the 117 Asians screened in the study, there were no substance users. CONCLUSION: Our study addresses the racial differences of drug use during pregnancy and its effect on neonatal growth measurements at birth. Substance use impacts overall birthweight in Caucasian substance users but not African Americans. Efforts should be taken to describe substance use patterns by race and its effect on neonatal growth outcomes long term.

Race/Ethnicity as a Risk Factor in the Development of Postpartum Hemorrhage: A Thorough Systematic Review of Disparity in the Relationship Between Pregnancy and the Rate of Postpartum Hemorrhage

“…PPH can also be classified as the third or fourth stage, depending on if it develops before or after the delivery of the placenta [7,8]. Therefore, the most prevalent etiologies are classified as primary or secondary causes in Table There are substantial racial and ethnic disparities in pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality, as per various studies [10,11]. However, there has not been much research into the link between ethnicity and the risk of PPH.…”

“…In the United States and around the world, PPH is a primary cause of pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality [ 1 , 13 ]. While racial/ethnic inequalities in other obstetric outcomes have been thoroughly examined, there has been less detail documented on discrepancies in PPH [ 10 , 11 ]. The focus of this study was on the impact of race and ethnicity on PPH development in pregnant women which would better prepare clinicians for PPH prevention, early detection, and treatment.…”

“…There are substantial racial and ethnic disparities in pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality, as per various studies [ 10 , 11 ]. However, there has not been much research into the link between ethnicity and the risk of PPH.…”