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David J. Burchfield, MD; Victor W. Lucas, MD; Robert M. Abrams, PhD; Ronald L. Miller; C. Lindsay DeVane, PharmD

JAMA. 1991;265(15):1968-1973.

Abstract
To determine the placental transfer of methamphetamine, its subsequent fetal disposition, and its hemodynamic effects, we administered methamphetamine intravenously to 15 pregnant ewes 3 days after placement of maternal and fetal vascular catheters. Methamphetamine crossed the placenta within 30 seconds of its administration. Although the ewes had higher peak concentrations, the fetuses' longer elimination half-life ultimately led to higher fetal than maternal methamphetamine concentrations. The ratio of fetal tissue to plasma drug concentration 2 hours after administration was highest in the lung, followed by the placenta, kidney, intestine, liver, brain, and heart. Methamphetamine caused a 54% to 63% rise in maternal blood pressure, a 20% to 37% increase in fetal blood pressure, and a drop in fetal oxyhemoglobin saturation and arterial pH. We conclude that methamphetamine, in doses at or below what is commonly abused, has effects that could be detrimental to the health of the mother and her fetus.

(JAMA. 1991;265:1968-1973)

Author Affiliations
From the Departments of Pediatrics (Drs Burchfield, Lucas, and Abrams), Obstetrics and Gynecology (Dr Abrams), Pharmacy Practice (Mr Miller and Dr DeVane), and Psychiatry (Dr DeVane), University of Florida, Gainesville.

Footnotes
Presented in abstract form at the fall meeting of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Boston, Mass, October 6-10,1990.

Reprint requests to Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Box J-296, JHMHC, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 (Dr Burchfield).

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