The management of a stimulant abuse during pregnancy: a review of the literature published in Japan

• Published in: Journal of Japan Society of Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine Vol. 56; no. 3; pp. 451 - 456
• Main Authors: Akazawa, Munetoshi, Hashimoto, Kazunori
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: Japan Society of Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine 2020; 一般社団法人 日本周産期・新生児医学会
• Subjects: amphetamine; drug abuse; perinatal management; pregnancy; reviews
• ISSN: 1348-964X; 2435-4996
• DOI: 10.34456/jjspnm.56.3_451

While a stimulant abuse is spreading widely in a society, a stimulant abuse during pregnancy has been reported even in Japan. In the previous domestic reports, many authors commented the management of the pregnant women with a stimulant abuse was difficult not only from the medical aspect but also from the social and legal aspect. To analyze the management of a stimulant abuse during pregnancy in Japan, using a Japanese national database, “Igaku Chuo Zasshi,” we reviewed the 13 cases of a stimulant abuse during pregnancy in Japan. Regarding the patients’ backgrounds, all the patients did not receive regular perinatal check-up. As severe maternal complications, intracranial bleeding and thyrotoxic crisis were reported. As neonatal complications, drug withdrawal syndrome was noticed in the four case. Two legal problems were discussed in the reports; whether the consent of the patients are needed for the urinary test and whether reporting to the police violates the concept of doctor-patient confidentiality? Since the case of a stimulant abuse during pregnancy is rare and containing the legal problems, the preparation of guideline for the management is needed.