Cordero L, Custard M
College of Medicine, Ohio State University.
Ohio Med. 1990 May;86(5):410-2.
The purpose of the study was to compare perinatal and infant outcomes of 69 cocaine abusers enrolled in a comprehensive antepartum program (High-Risk Perinatal Project: HRPP) with that of 66 cocaine abusers who did not receive prenatal care (walk-ins) all of whom delivered at the same hospital. The average patient was 26 years of age, gravida 4, para 2, abortion 1. Fifty-seven percent were blacks, 42% Caucasian, and all were on public assistance. No demographic differences were noted between HRPP and walk-in groups. Prematurity rate was 31% for HRPP and 42% for walk-ins. Hospital records, and telephone and mail contact with families were the main source of follow-up data. Seventy-one of the 134 live-born infants were located after their first birthdate. Of the 71 infants, four had died of SIDS, one had AIDS and eight were developmentally delayed. These problems occurred with similar frequency in the HRPP and walk-in groups. The remaining 63 infants were doing well. Right to patient confidentiality prevented agencies (WIC, Dept. Human Resources, Public Health Nurses, Children's Services, etc.) from providing necessary follow-up information. Walk-in patients offer only a limited opportunity for medical and social intervention.
