Analysis of a Biostatistical Article “A Pilot Study of the Nutritional States of Opiate-using Pregnant Women on Methadone Maintenance Therapy” PHE 5020 Priscilla Tolin MSN, RN Intro Article studied the nutritional intake of pregnant women in a methadone maintenance program This study is significant due to the importance of healthy prenatal habits for the pregnant woman and her fetus This article used reputable resources such as the Institute of Medicine, the National Institute of Health and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to provide important information needed for the background and rationale for this study. 2 Data National estimates of opiate use in pregnancy are low due to a limited number of women self reporting opiate use Screening studies have identified that 1.0-2.6% of pregnant women misuse opiates Data Opiate use during pregnancy puts the fetus at risk i.e. Preterm birth Low birth weight Neonatal withdrawal symptoms Methadone programs are encouraged as effective treatment Maintenance therapy with methadone has been the standard of treatment in opioid addiction in pregnancy to prevent complications of opioid use and narcotic withdrawal, encourage prenatal care and drug treatment and avoid risks to the patient associated with a drug culture ("Opioid Abuse," 2012). 4 Data Poor nutrition negatively impacts pregnancy Micronutrient deficiencies are detrimental to pregnancy Women who are underweight and have inadequate energy are at risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes Data collected for this study identified that maternal micronutrient deficiencies are detrimental to pregnancy and women who are underweight before pregnancy or those that do not have adequate energy intake are at risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes (Tomedi et al, 2012). Women should try to conceive at a normal weight for better obstetrical outcomes and improved preconception care is necessary in helping women to reach this goal (Rasmussen, Catalano, & Yaktine, 2009). 5 Hypothesis Opiate using pregnant patients on methadone therapy will have more nutritional deficiencies compared to non-drug using pregnant patients This pilot study is to describe the nutritional status of a cohort of opiate dependent pregnant women treated with methadone compared to a cohort od non-drug using pregnant women (Tomedi et al, 2012). 6 Study Design Methods Located at Magee Women’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 2006-08 Eligibility 20-35 weeks’ gestation Compliant with methadone treatment Participants N=22 opiate users eligible In order to be eligible, pregnant women that were 20-35 weeks’ gestation that were attending a methadone treatment program had to be compliant with the treatment, be HIV negative, intend on maintaining the pregnancy, not placing the baby up for adoption, and delivering their baby at Magee Women’s Hospital (Tomedi et al, 2012). The participants in this study were given information about the detai.