Evidence · Systematic review or meta-analysis
The comparative effects of prenatal exposure to methadone versus buprenorphine for opioid use disorder on neonatal outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
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- Neonatal abstinence syndrome
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- Postnatal and transitional care
Summary
This systematic review and meta-analysis compares prenatal exposure to methadone versus buprenorphine for maternal opioid use disorder and its effects on neonatal outcomes. It pooled 27 randomised and observational studies, examining preterm birth, low birthweight, small for gestational age, stillbirth, and diagnosis and treatment of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. In unadjusted observational analyses, buprenorphine exposure was associated with lower risk of several adverse birth outcomes and of needing withdrawal treatment, with no difference in withdrawal diagnosis or stillbirth. The authors note that the evidence is limited by lack of covariate adjustment, heterogeneity and small samples.
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- Open (Creative Commons)
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