1297 EARLY NEUTODEVELOPMENT IN INFANTS WITH SLIT LIKE VENTRICLES

Abstract

Infants born to drug-dependent women usually undergo neonatal abstinence syndrome characterized by symptoms of central nervous system irritability, hypertonia, and diminution of the sucking reflex. The effect of fetal exposure to narcotics on the developing brain is not yet fully understood. Preliminary studies have shown that infants born to drug-dependent women tend to have ventricular configurations defined as small or slit-like during the first few days of life. The purpose of this study was to determine if a resumption of normal ventricular configuration occurs after abstinence is no longer evident and whether any developmental sequalae are evident. Ultrasound examinations, using a high resolution real-time sector scanner, were conducted on 31 infants at 24 hours and 6 months of age. All infants were born to drug dependent women and all exhibited symptoms of neonatal abstinence. Infants were assessed with the Bayley Scales of Mental Development (MDI) at 6 months of age. Results showed the presence of slit-like ventricles in 9755 of the infants during the first 24 hours of life. By 6 months of age, normal ventricular configurations were present in the majority of infants. Nine infants (29%) continued to have slit-like ventricles. However, differences in ventricular configuration were not reflected in developmental status at 6 months of age. No differences were found in the Bayley Mental Development Index scores between infants with slit-like ventricles and those with normal ventricles (t=.98, p > .20). Furthermore, developmental scores for both groups were well within the normal range of development. These results suggest that the presence of slit-like ventricles at birth do not have an adverse effect on development, at least by 6 months of age, even if resumption of normal ventricular configuration has not occurred.