Methadone is widely used for the treatment of opioid dependent pregnant women, yet little is known about its effects on the developing fetus. Previous research by this group of investigators found that methadone treatment during pregnancy directly impacts fetal neurophysiology independently of maternal physiology. Maternal methadone administration was associated with significant depression in fetal neurobehaviors. This proposal seeks to: 1) Determine the effect of methadone treatment during pregnancy on maternal and fetal neurobehavioral functioning at trough and peak maternal methadone levels using single dose methadone therapy. This includes controlling for covariates such as individual maternal and fetal factors, which mediate or moderate these effects, and of factors that may potentiate the expression of neonatal abstinence syndrome. 2) Determine whether split dose methadone therapy for pregnant women lessens or ameliorates the previously observed deleterious effects of single dose treatment on maternal physiologic and fetal neurobehavioral functioning. 3) Determine the effects of buprenorphine treatment on maternal physiologic and fetal neurobehavioral functioning and compare them to those found in opioid dependent pregnant women treated with methadone. This aspect of the proposal will be in collaboration with the NIDA funded multi-site, double blind, randomized controlled study evaluating the effect of buprenoprphine versus methadone on neonatal outcome. The project will utilize a state-of-the-art computerized fetal actocardiograph and data analysis program to simultaneously evaluate fetal movement and heart rate, the interaction between the two (coupling) and maternal physiologic parameters; build upon pilot data obtained from a Mentored Clinical Scientist award received by the PI, and bring together the expertise of three established research teams. Information gained from this proposal has the potential to significantly impact the way in which we treat the difficult and high-risk population of opiate dependent pregnant women.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DA019934-04
Application #
7493105
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZDA1-RXL-E (06))
Program Officer
Borek, Nicolette T
Project Start
2005-09-01
Project End
2010-08-31
Budget Start
2008-09-01
Budget End
2009-08-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2008
Total Cost
$384,377
Indirect Cost
Name
Johns Hopkins University
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
001910777
City
Baltimore
State
MD
Country
United States
Zip Code
21218
Jansson, L M; Di Pietro, J A; Elko, A et al. (2012) Pregnancies exposed to methadone, methadone and other illicit substances, and poly-drugs without methadone: a comparison of fetal neurobehaviors and infant outcomes. Drug Alcohol Depend 122:213-9
Jansson, Lauren M; Dipietro, Janet A; Velez, Martha et al. (2011) Fetal neurobehavioral effects of exposure to methadone or buprenorphine. Neurotoxicol Teratol 33:240-3
Jansson, Lauren M; Dipietro, Janet A; Elko, Andrea et al. (2010) Infant autonomic functioning and neonatal abstinence syndrome. Drug Alcohol Depend 109:198-204
Gray, Teresa R; Choo, Robin E; Concheiro, Marta et al. (2010) Prenatal methadone exposure, meconium biomarker concentrations and neonatal abstinence syndrome. Addiction 105:2151-9
Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol Committee; Jansson, Lauren M (2009) ABM clinical protocol #21: Guidelines for breastfeeding and the drug-dependent woman. Breastfeed Med 4:225-8
Agthe, Alexander G; Kim, George R; Mathias, Kay B et al. (2009) Clonidine as an adjunct therapy to opioids for neonatal abstinence syndrome: a randomized, controlled trial. Pediatrics 123:e849-56
Velez, Martha L; Jansson, Lauren M; Schroeder, Jennifer et al. (2009) Prenatal methadone exposure and neonatal neurobehavioral functioning. Pediatr Res 66:704-9
Jansson, Lauren M; Velez, Martha; Harrow, Cheryl (2009) The opioid-exposed newborn: assessment and pharmacologic management. J Opioid Manag 5:47-55
Jansson, Lauren M; Dipietro, Janet A; Velez, Martha et al. (2009) Maternal methadone dosing schedule and fetal neurobehaviour. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 22:29-35
Velez, Martha; Jansson, Lauren M (2008) The Opioid dependent mother and newborn dyad: non-pharmacologic care. J Addict Med 2:113-120

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