Small doses.(briefs)(Brief article)

By Gabrielle Babbington

DRUG FOUND IN BABIES

METHAMPHETAMINE used during pregnancy can cross the placenta to the fetus, analysis of hair samples shows for the first time.

A database of hair samples, taken from mothers suspected of misusing drugs and their neonates, identified 396 people whose hair was positive for methamphetamine.

Among them were 11 mother-baby pairs with significantly correlated levels of methamphetamine.

Positive exposure to methamphetamine strongly suggested polydrug use.

Archives of Disease in Childhood Fetal and Neonatal Edition ; online ...