Neurodevelopmental challenges at age four following fetal exposure to maternal opioid maintenance treatment
This population-based cohort study demonstrates that children with in-utero exposure to maternal OMT are at high risk of neurodevelopmental, emotional and behavioral difficulties at age four. Our results particularly add new knowledge of specific domains (skills) in neurodevelopmental screening tests and ICD-10 diagnoses in these children. Beyond OMT, multiple additional risk factors such as fetal exposures to illicit substances or other harmful substances and postnatal environmental instability further compound the likelihood of later-life impairments. These findings emphasize the critical need for comprehensive follow-up, stable environment, and early interventions for this vulnerable group.
Authors
- Sarimari Tupola
- Mika Gissler (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8254-7525)
- Krista Rantakari (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4218-0391)
- Minna M. Kanervo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0373-9500)
- Hanna Kahila (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9658-1193)
- Eeva Nikkola
Institutions
- University of Helsinki (FI)
- Helsinki University Hospital (FI)
- Karolinska Institutet (SE)
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (FI)
- Helsinki Children's Hospital (FI)
- Stockholm Health Care Services (SE)
- Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa (FI)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Pediatric Research
- Published
- 2025-03-27
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-025-04029-6
- Citations
- 2
- Primary Topic
- Prenatal Substance Exposure Effects
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 6.99
Funders
- Helsingin Yliopisto
- Helsingin ja Uudenmaan Sairaanhoitopiiri
- Päivikki ja Sakari Sohlbergin Säätiö
- Lastentautien Tutkimussäätiö