Cocaine use during pregnancy and its relationship with eclampsia: an interdisciplinary approach

In Argentina, the prevalence of cocaine use among pregnant women varied according to the studies carried out and the methodologies applied. The detection of these cases was probably underestimated due to the social stigma and the lack of adequate screening tools. The ASSIST test was promoted as a method to improve the early identification of use. The use of cocaine during pregnancy was associated with an increase in the occurrence of hypertensive disorders, including preeclampsia and eclampsia. The mechanisms involved included uterine vasospasms, oxidative stress and reduced blood flow to the foetus, which led to serious consequences such as placental infarctions and premature births. Faced with this problem, the Argentine health system adopted an interdisciplinary approach, with the involvement of doctors, psychologists, social workers and other professionals. Early detection in prenatal check-ups was promoted, as well as the training of health teams. The treatment was designed to be comprehensive, including psychosocial therapies and medical support. After delivery, long-term follow-up was recommended to guarantee the well-being of the mother-child pair and prevent relapses or future consequences. This situation represented a major challenge for public health, underlining the urgency of implementing effective detection, treatment and support strategies.