Predictors of neonatal outcomes amongst a methadone- and/or heroin-dependent population referred to a multidisciplinary Perinatal and Family Drug Health Service.

Background And Aims: Although methadone maintenance therapy is the standard of care for opioid-dependent pregnant women, there exists controversy over the benefits and side effects of treatment to the neonate. Our aim was to document predictors of neonatal outcomes within an opioid-using population, with particular reference to methadone treatment in the context of continued heroin use.

Methods: Analysis was performed on a cohort of 183 opioid-using pregnant women seen by the Sydney South West Area Health Service between 2004 and 2007 and between 2009 and 2011.