Abstract
Aim: To determine infant developmental attainment following prenatal exposure to methamphetamine in a Western Australian setting.
Methods: From July 2015-December 2016 any women referred to the Western Australian Women and Newborn Drug and Alcohol service (WANDAS) were approached to consent for inclusion into the study. Details of pregnancy, birth and the neonatal period was recorded. Ages and Stages questionnaires (ASQ) were performed at 4 and 12 months and infant development was assessed around 12 months of age using the Griffiths Mental Development Scales (GMDS).
Results: Out of the 220 women referred to WANDAS, 115 consented to take part in the study that identified methamphetamine as their primary drug of choice. Of 110 live born infants 89 Ages and Stages Questionnaires were completed by caregivers at 4 months and 78 completed the 12 months questionnaire. 64 of the infants returned for Griffith’s developmental assessment. The infants scored below-expected across all domains of the Griffiths’ assessment, with a mean General Quotient (GQ) of 92. 7. The 4 month ASQ had a very weak correlation with the GMDS (r=0. 08) however at 12 months the ASQ there was moderate correlation with GMDS (r=0. 49).
Interpretation: Infants born to women using methamphetamine are at risk of developmental delay.
Audience Take Away:
- Infants born after antenatal methamphetamine exposure are at risk of developmental delay.
- The ASQ was not shown to be a useful tool for prediction of developmental delay