NEONATAL EFFECTS OF MARIJUANA FOLLOWING MATERNAL ILLICIT DRUG USE:A LITERATURE REVIEW

POSTER PRESENTATIONS

Objective. We sought to compile the most updated information on the use of marijuana during pregnancy and its effects on the neonate as well as the overall development of a child through all stages. Background. Many states have made marijuana either decriminalized or acceptable for medical use, which may potentially lead to increased marijuana use among pregnant women. It is essential to become aware of the effects that marijuana can have on neonates. Methods. Articles were selected from two databases using keywords. Searches were conducted for articles published between January 1, 2010 and October 1, 2015. Keywords used to search for the articles included: Marijuana, cannabis, pregnancy, gestation, neonatal, stillbirth and low birth weight. Results. Six publications were included in this review article. Each of the studies assessed different neonatal outcomes possibly affected by marijuana use during pregnancy including: birth weight < 2500 grams, very low birth weight < 1500 grams, NICU admission, five minute Apgar score, umbilical artery PH, mean gestational age at delivery, and stillbirths, of which all were shown to be statistically insignificant after adjusting for confounding factors. A significant effect was found regarding the possible negative impact on the immune system, and its effects on quality of life. Conclusion. This review offers a compilation of information for healthcare providers to take into account when discussing marijuana use during pregnancy with their patients. Many of the outcomes showed inconclusive results; further studies are critically needed to fully understand the effects of marijuana in neonates. Grants. No grants to disclose.