Periventricular Leukomalacia and Prenatal Methamphetamine Exposure: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a complication of prematurity that carries a high risk of long-term neurologic morbidity. We report the first case, to our knowledge, of unexpected PVL associated with in utero methamphetamine exposure in a 30-week gestation premature infant with a benign hospital course, who subsequently developed cerebral palsy by 24 months of life.

KEYWORDS

Periventricular leukomalacia - methamphetamine - prematurity - cerebral palsy - prenatal drug abuse

REFERENCES

• 1 Fanaroff A A, Hack M, Walsh M C. The NICHD neonatal research network: changes in practice and outcomes during the first 15 years.  Semin Perinatol. 2003;  27 281-287
• 2 Rogers B, Msall M, Owens T et al.. Cystic periventricular leukomalacia and type of cerebral palsy in preterm infants.  J Pediatr. 1994;  125 S1-S8
• 3 Volpe J J. Neurobiology of periventricular leukomalacia in the premature infant.  Pediatr Res. 2001;  50 553-562
• 4 Taeusch H W, Ballard R A. Avery's Diseases of the Newborn. 7th ed. Philadelphia; WB Saunders 1998: 856-857
• 5 Golub M, Costa L, Crofton K et al.. NTP-CERHR expert panel report on the reproductive and developmental toxicity of amphetamine and methamphetamine.  Birth Defects Res B Dev Reprod Toxicol. 2005;  74 471-584
• 6 Dixon S D, Bejar R. Echoencephalographic findings in neonates associated with maternal cocaine and methamphetamine use: incidence and clinical correlates.  J Pediatr. 1989;  115 770-778
• 7 Oro A S, Dixon S D. Perinatal cocaine and methamphetamine exposure: maternal and neonatal correlates.  J Pediatr. 1987;  111 571-578
• 8 Smith L, Yonekura M L, Wallace T, Berman N, Kuo J, Berkowitz C. Effects of prenatal methamphetamine exposure on fetal growth and drug withdrawal symptoms in infants born at term.  J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2003;  24 17-23
• 9 Cernerud L, Eriksson M, Jonsson B, Sterneroth G, Zetterstrom R. Amphetamine addiction during pregnancy: 14-year follow-up of growth and school performance.  Acta Paediatr. 1996;  85 204-208
• 10 Plessinger M A. Prenatal exposure to amphetamines.  Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 1998;  25 119-137