Ultrasound evaluation of brain parenchyma in preterm infants with prenatal opioid exposure

J Perinatol. 2024 Aug;44(8):1119-1124. doi: 10.1038/s41372-023-01804-3. Epub 2023 Oct 20.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate whether preterm infants with prenatal opioid exposure had differences in brain size on head ultrasounds (HUS) in comparison to non-exposed infants.

Study design: Preterm infants ≤34 weeks with prenatal opioid exposure (n = 47) and matched non-exposed infants (n = 62) with early HUSs were examined. Fifteen brain measurements were made and linear regression models performed to evaluate differences.

Results: Brain measurements were smaller in the right ventricular index [β = -0.18 mm (95% CI -0.32, -0.03]), left ventricular index [β = -0.04 mm (95% CI -0.08, -0.003)], left basal ganglia insula [β = -0.10 mm (95% CI -0.15, -0.04)], right basal ganglia insula [β = -0.08 mm (95% CI -0.14, -0.03)], corpus callosum fastigium length [β = -0.16 mm (95% CI -0.25, -0.06)], intracranial height index [β = -0.31 mm (95% CI -0.44, -0.18)], and transcerebellar measurements [β = -0.13 (95% CI -0.25, -0.02)] in the opioid-exposed group.

Conclusions: Preterm infants with prenatal opioid exposure have smaller brain sizes compared to non-exposed infants, potentially increasing their risk for neurodevelopmental abnormalities.

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics, Opioid* / adverse effects
  • Brain* / diagnostic imaging
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature*
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Organ Size
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / diagnostic imaging

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid