Abstract
Systemic hypertension has been observed in a number of infants born to methadone-addicted mothers. A study was designed to determine the characteristics of this hypertensive state. Fifty newboms of mothers participating in the methadone program were selected. Blood pressures were obtained in both a sleeping and in a quiet, wakeful state. In 24 patients (48%) an abnormal elevation in the systolic blood pressure was documented (range: 90 to 120 mmHg.). The majority were normotensive at birth; hypertension usually developed during the third and fourth days of life. The average duration of hypertension was two weeks (range: 3 to 60 days). The following observations concerning the hypertensive state were noted: (1) hypertension was demonstrated both in the presence and absence of withdrawal symptoms. Normal blood pressures were observed in several patients with obvious withdrawal, (2) elevated blood pressure persisted several weeks after withdrawal symptoms ceased and was unaffected by usual treatment for withdrawal, (3) hypertension was unrelated to serum electrolytes, serum catecholamines, or maternal blood pressure. Electrocardiograms of 18 patients (36%) displayed abnormalities of the ST segments, T waves, and/or QT intervals. Congenital heart disease was documented in three patients (6%). Transient hypertension seems the most common cardiovascular abnormality in infants born to methadone-addicted mothers.
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Dimich, I., Reder, R., Steinfeld, L. et al. CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECTS OF MATERNAL METHADONE ADDICTION IN THE NEWBORN. Pediatr Res 11, 388 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00116
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00116
