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Faculty have requested this content not be shared on social media
Faculty have requested this content not be shared on social media
CME Credit Offered
CME Credit Offered
Abstract Award
Abstract Award
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Poster Session 3

(808) Effects of Co-Occurring Opioid Use and Mood Disorders on Neonatal Outcomes in Pregnancy

Friday, January 31, 2025
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM  
Objective: Co-occurring prenatal mood disorders and opioid use disorders are the leading cause of pregnant-related mortality, but the combined effect on neonatal morbidity is poorly understood. Thus, the objective of this study is to better understand associations between co-occurring prenatal opioid use and mental health diagnoses on neonatal outcomes.

Study Design: This retrospective cohort study used California linked vital statistics and hospital discharge data (2008-2020). Patients were categorized into opioid-users, mental health disorders, both, or neither. We included singleton gestations delivered between 23-42 weeks and excluded individuals using other substances. Exposure (opioid use and mental health disorders) and outcomes were identified using birth certificate and ICD-9/10 codes. Results were analyzed by chi-square tests and multivariable Poisson regression models. Adjusted risk ratios (aRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated.

Results: A total of 5,423,898 pregnancies were included, and of those,6,285 (0.12%) had opioid-related diagnosis, 165,121 (3.04%) had mental health disorders and 1,599 (0.03%) had a dual diagnosis. The impact of opioid use and mental health disorders (3.4%; aRR= 3.39 (2.59-4.43)) appears to have an additive effect compared to either opioid use (2.3%; aRR=2.62 (2.21-3.12)) or mental health disorders (1.4%; aRR=1.48 (1.42-1.54)) on rates of preterm birth < 32 weeks. Compared to no opioid use or mental health disorders, the risk of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome was higher with dual diagnosis (13.8%; aRR=4.14 (3.65-4.68)), opioid use (9.1%; aRR=3.13 (2.89-3.39)) and mental health disorders (5.8%; aRR=1.79 (1.76-1.83)). Similarly, the risk of NICU admissions was significantly higher in individuals with both opioid use and mental health disorders.

Conclusion: Our study suggests that co-occurring psychiatric disorders with opioid use is associated with worse neonatal outcomes. As the opioid epidemic continues, our findings can shape clinical management.