Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Elizabeth E. Krans
Summary: The opioid crisis in the United States has had significant impacts on pregnant individuals and their children. The rate of opioid-related diagnoses during pregnancy has been consistently rising across all states and demographic groups, and overdose has become a leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths. Treatment with medications like methadone and buprenorphine is recommended to reduce the risks of overdose and preterm birth for pregnant individuals with opioid use disorder.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Marie Camerota, Elisabeth C. McGowan, Judy Aschner, Annemarie Stroustrup, Margaret R. Karagas, Elisabeth Conradt, Sheila E. Crowell, Patricia A. Brennan, Brian S. Carter, Jennifer Check, Lynne M. Dansereau, Sheri A. DellaGrotta, Todd M. Everson, Jennifer B. Helderman, Julie A. Hofheimer, Jordan R. Kuiper, Cynthia M. Loncar, Carmen J. Marsit, Charles R. Neal, Thomas Michael O'Shea, Steven L. Pastyrnak, Stephen J. Sheinkopf, Lynne M. Smith, Xueying Zhang, Barry M. Lester
Summary: A multi-cohort study of preterm and term-born infants revealed two dysregulated neurobehavioral profiles with distinct perinatal antecedents. Factors such as gender, maternal age, and emotional state were predictive of neurobehavioral profiles. Further understanding of these factors could inform interventions for positive developmental outcomes.
PEDIATRIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Vikram Vasan, Yuma Kitase, Jessie C. Newville, Shenandoah Robinson, Gwendolyn Gerner, V. Joanna Burton, Lauren L. Jantzie
Summary: The abuse of opioid drugs among pregnant women poses a significant public health issue, especially in regards to its impact on newborns. Further research is needed to understand the long-term consequences of prenatal opioid exposure on neurodevelopment in order to develop appropriate interventions.
NEURAL REGENERATION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Amanda H. Mahnke, Melissa H. Roberts, Lawrence Leeman, Xingya Ma, Ludmila N. Bakhireva, Rajesh C. Miranda
Summary: This study found that analyzing miRNAs in the umbilical cord plasma of infants can predict the severity of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). This is important for early identification of high-risk infants and making necessary monitoring and intervention decisions.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Ludmila N. Bakhireva, Aydan Sparks, Michael Herman, Lauren Hund, Malia Ashley, Amy Salisbury
Summary: This study suggests that the use of SRIs among pregnant women undergoing treatment for opioid use disorder may lead to more severe neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome.
PEDIATRIC RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Jennifer L. Syvertsen, Hannah Toneff, Heather Howard, Christine Spadola, Danielle Madden, John Clapp
Summary: This study examines the challenges faced by women with histories of opioid misuse affected by drug-related stigma during pregnancy in healthcare. The findings show that stigma pervades healthcare environments, manifesting as structural barriers and enacted mistreatment, while women encounter issues such as internalized stigma and fear of loss of custody due to the unpredictability of infant NAS diagnosis.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE
(2021)
Article
Pediatrics
Alla Kushnir, Ravi Bhavsar, Emad Hanna, Thomas Hegyi
Summary: Prenatal exposure to buprenorphine may decrease the incidence and severity of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). A retrospective analysis of infants exposed to methadone or buprenorphine in utero found that infants born to mothers on methadone had four times higher likelihood of developing NAS. However, once treatment for NAS was required, the type of maternal prenatal exposure did not affect the length of hospital stay or duration of treatment.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Anna E. Austin, Vito Di Bona, Mary E. Cox, Scott K. Proescholdbell, Rebecca B. Naumann
Summary: This study aims to compare the mortality rate and causes of mortality among infants with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, taking into account whether their mothers received medication for opioid use disorder during pregnancy. The results show that infants of mothers who did not receive medication for opioid use disorder had a higher mortality rate, primarily due to sudden unexpected infant death syndrome. This highlights the importance of assessing potential differences in outcomes according to whether infants with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome were exposed to medication for opioid use disorder, and calls for equitable access to medication and support services during pregnancy.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Lexus M. Frazier, Lauren E. Bobby, Kristen M. Gawronski
Summary: Buprenorphine and clonidine as monotherapy for the treatment of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) have shown favorable effects by reducing length of NAS treatment and LOS.
JOURNAL OF MATERNAL-FETAL & NEONATAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Micah Piske, Fahmida Homayra, Jeong E. Min, Haoxuan Zhou, Carolyn Marchand, Annabel Mead, Jennifer Ng, Megan Woolner, Bohdan Nosyk
Summary: The incidence of perinatal OUD tripled in British Columbia over a 20-year period. Sustained opioid agonist treatment during pregnancy reduced the risk of adverse birth outcomes.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Andrew W. Manigault, Stephen J. Sheinkopf, Harvey F. Silverman, Barry M. Lester
Summary: This study evaluated the feasibility of using newborn cry acoustics as an objective marker for opioid withdrawal in neonates. The findings suggest that acoustic cry analysis using machine learning can potentially improve the assessment, diagnosis, and management of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS), as well as facilitate standardized care for these infants.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Rena Eudy-Byrne, Nicole Zane, Susan C. Adeniyi-Jones, Marc R. Gastonguay, Ana Ruiz-Garcia, Gagan Kaushal, Walter K. Kraft
Summary: Sublingual buprenorphine had better treatment outcomes in infants with NOWS compared to oral morphine. Increasing the rate of medication titration can shorten stabilization and weaning times, while the starting dose has minimal impact on stabilization time and weaning and cessation times are dose-dependent.
CTS-CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Matthijs W. van Hoogdalem, Brooks T. McPhail, David Hahn, Scott L. Wexelblatt, Henry T. Akinbi, Alexander A. Vinks, Tomoyuki Mizuno
Summary: Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) often occurs in infants born to mothers who used opioids during pregnancy. The pharmacological treatments for NOWS exhibit substantial variability in pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD), with current treatments largely relying on empirical treatment of patient symptoms. Further research on the PK/PD relationship of medications used in the treatment of NOWS is needed.
EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG METABOLISM & TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Anya J. Cutler, David F. Cox, Sarah M. B. Gabrielson, Alan P. Picarillo, Alexa K. Craig
Summary: This study compared the effects of methadone, buprenorphine, and short-acting opioids on newborn head circumference and birth weight, and evaluated the role of gestational age as a mediator. The results showed that methadone was associated with a decrease in head circumference and birth weight, with approximately 24% and 41% mediated by gestational age, respectively. Buprenorphine and short-acting opioids were not associated with head circumference or birth weight. This suggests a direct effect of methadone on intrauterine growth.
JOURNAL OF PERINATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Substance Abuse
Jean Y. Ko, Jangho Yoon, Van T. Tong, Sarah C. Haight, Roshni Patel, Karilynn M. Rockhill, Jeff Luck, Carrie Shapiro-Mendoza
Summary: This longitudinal cohort study found that infants with maternal opioid exposure and/or NAS had higher healthcare utilization in the first year after birth, including increased rates of hospitalization and emergency department visits compared to infants without opioid exposure or NAS.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE
(2021)
Article
Substance Abuse
Miriam Harris, Kathleen Joseph, Bettina Hoeppner, Elisha M. Wachman, Jessica R. Gray, Kelley Saia, Sarah Wakeman, Megan H. Bair-Merritt, Davida M. Schiff
Summary: The study found that prenatal nonprescribed substance use, particularly at delivery, was significantly associated with postpartum nonprescribed substance use. However, earlier prenatal periods highlighted in current guidelines did not show significant correlations. This suggests that prenatal urine drug testing results alone may not be sufficient to guide breastfeeding decisions for women with opioid use disorder.
JOURNAL OF ADDICTION MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Olga Bougie, Chad McClintock, Jessica Pudwell, Susan B. Brogly, Maria P. Velez
Summary: Approximately one-third of women undergoing surgical management for endometriosis in Ontario between 2002 and 2018 had a hysterectomy. Overall, complications following surgery were low, but dependent on the extent of the surgery.
ACTA OBSTETRICIA ET GYNECOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA
(2021)
Editorial Material
Substance Abuse
Miriam Komaromy, Mary Tomanovich, Jessica L. Taylor, Glorimar Ruiz-Mercado, Simeon D. Kimmel, Sarah M. Bagley, Kelley M. Saia, Eileen Costello, Tae Woo Park, Colleen LaBelle, Zoe Weinstein, Alexander Y. Walley
Summary: The Grayken Center for Addiction at Boston Medical Center swiftly innovated during the COVID-19 outbreak by offering telehealth services and maintaining focus on patients, especially those experiencing homelessness or with complex problems. Various measures were taken to ensure patient safety and continued access to treatment.
JOURNAL OF ADDICTION MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Paola Sebastiani, Anthony Federico, Melody Morris, Anastasia Gurinovich, Toshiko Tanaka, Kevin B. Chandler, Stacy L. Andersen, Gerald Denis, Katherine Costello, Luigi Ferrucci, Lori Jennings, David J. Glass, Stefano Monti, Thomas T. Perls
Summary: Using samples from the New England Centenarian Study, researchers characterized the serum proteome of centenarians, their offspring, and age-matched controls. They identified protein signatures associated with longer survival in centenarians and younger individuals and found similarities in aging markers between centenarians and short-lived cohorts. The study provides specific circulating biomarkers of healthy aging and longevity, suggesting potential mechanisms to prolong health and support longevity.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Miriam T. H. Harris, Jordana Laks, Natalie Stahl, Sarah M. Bagley, Kelley Saia, Wendee M. Wechsberg
MEDICAL CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jessica A. Penney, Angie Mae Rodday, Paola Sebastiani, David R. Snydman, Shira Doron
Summary: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the impact of changes to urinalysis with reflex to culture (UARC) reflex criteria on culture performance and clinical decision outcomes. The results showed that the implementation of stricter UARC reflex criteria led to a significant decrease in culture rates with improved diagnostic efficacy without significant adverse events. Although antimicrobial prescription rates also decreased, this was primarily driven by preintervention changes. Continued education is needed to change antimicrobial prescribing practices.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Substance Abuse
Amita Wanar, Kelley Saia, Thomas Field
Summary: Illicit fentanyl use is increasing among pregnant individuals in the US. However, the pharmacokinetics of fentanyl in this population remains understudied. Variations in fentanyl metabolism during pregnancy can impact the interpretation of drug test results, leading to potential legal consequences, including termination of parental rights.
JOURNAL OF ADDICTION MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Substance Abuse
Briana N. Perry, Simone Vais, Jeffery O. Boateng, Mayuri Jain, Elisha M. Wachman, Kelley A. Saia
Summary: Compared with buprenorphine, the use of buprenorphine-naloxone in pregnancy is not associated with a higher risk of return to opioid use or a higher need for pharmacological treatment for neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome.
JOURNAL OF ADDICTION MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Amita Wanar, Breanna Cassidy Isley, Kelley Saia, Thomas A. Field
Summary: The use of labetalol hydrochloride in pregnant women with substance use disorders can result in false-positive urine immunoassays for fentanyl, which can have significant consequences for pregnant and postpartum women with co-occurring substance use and hypertensive disorders.
JOURNAL OF ADDICTION MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Paola Sebastiani, Zeyuan Song, Dylan Ellis, Qu Tian, Michaela Schwaiger-Haber, Ethan Stancliffe, Michael S. Lustgarten, Cory C. Funk, Priyanka Baloni, Cong-Hui Yao, Shakchhi Joshi, Megan M. Marron, Anastasia Gurinovich, Mengze Li, Anastasia Leshchyk, Qingyan Xiang, Stacy L. Andersen, Mary F. Feitosa, Svetlana Ukraintseva, Mette Soerensen, Oliver Fiehn, Jose M. Ordovas, Marcia Haigis, Stefano Monti, Nir Barzilai, Sofiya Milman, Luigi Ferrucci, Noa Rappaport, Gary J. Patti, Thomas T. Perls
Summary: By conducting a meta-analysis of five studies, this research identified a signature of 19 metabolites significantly associated with the e2 allele of the APOE gene. These metabolites were primarily glycerolipids and glycerophospholipids, which were higher in carriers of the e2 allele. Additionally, one organic acid metabolite was also found to be associated with the e2 allele. However, no significant associations were found with metabolites in the e4 allele group.
Letter
Hematology
Paola Sebastiani, Martin H. Steinberg
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Harold Bae, Anastasia Gurinovich, Tanya T. Karagiannis, Zeyuan Song, Anastasia Leshchyk, Mengze Li, Stacy L. Andersen, Konstantin Arbeev, Anatoliy Yashin, Joseph Zmuda, Ping An, Mary Feitosa, Cristina Giuliani, Claudio Franceschi, Paolo Garagnani, Jonas Mengel-From, Gil Atzmon, Nir Barzilai, Annibale Puca, Nicholas J. Schork, Thomas T. Perls, Paola Sebastiani
Summary: In this study, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted on human extreme longevity (EL) using data from four centenarian studies. The analysis identified a locus in CDKN2B-AS1 (rs6475609, p = 7.13 x 10(-8)) that almost reached genome-wide significance and four other suggestive significant loci. Additionally, a novel rare variant (rs145265196) on chromosome 11 was found to have higher longevity allele frequencies in Ashkenazi Jewish and Southern Italian cases compared to cases of other European ancestries.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Substance Abuse
Jordana Laks, Alexander Y. Y. Walley, Sarah M. M. Bagley, Cecily M. M. Barber, Jessie M. M. Gaeta, Linda A. A. Neville, Alyssa F. F. Peterkin, Emily Rosenthal, Kelley A. A. Saia, Zoe M. M. Weinstein, Miriam T. H. Harris
Summary: This article describes the development of a Women's Health track within an addiction medicine fellowship program, which provides gender-responsive addiction treatment and promotes research and policy in women-focused addiction care. The track includes women-focused rotations and clinics, as well as enhanced education on women's health for all fellows. The program also encourages collaboration and mentorship between different departments for research and advocacy projects. Addiction medicine fellowships can replicate this curriculum model to advance women-focused education, research, and policy.
ADDICTION SCIENCE & CLINICAL PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Amita Wanar, Kelley Saia, Thomas A. A. Field
Summary: This study reveals the differences in fentanyl metabolism between pregnant and non-pregnant individuals. It emphasizes the need for caution when interpreting fentanyl test results in pregnant patients, as a positive test does not always indicate recent use. These findings provide valuable insights for accurate interpretation of urine fentanyl tests during pregnancy.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
E. Casey, M. P. Velez, L. Gaudet, S. B. Brogly
Summary: The prevalence of prenatal and postpartum over-the-counter medication use among Canadian women was high, with acetaminophen being the most commonly used medication. Despite a moderate level of safety knowledge, further research is needed to assess the risks associated with over-the-counter medication use during pregnancy.
