Which is a neonatal effect of maternal cocaine use?

Which is a neonatal effect of maternal cocaine use?

• A. Hypoxia, tachycardia, irritability
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Hypothermia
• D. Microcephaly

Answer: (A)

Cocaine exposure during pregnancy acts as a powerful vasoconstrictor and CNS stimulant. Restricted placental blood flow leads to fetal hypoxia, which contributes to distress at birth and potential growth effects. In the newborn, the lasting stimulant effects produce signs of sympathetic overactivity, most notably a rapid heart rate, signs of autonomic arousal, and irritability or high-pitched crying. This combination—hypoxia from reduced placental perfusion along with tachycardia and irritability—best fits the neonatal effects seen with maternal cocaine use. Hyperkalemia is not a typical immediate neonatal finding tied to cocaine exposure, and hypothermia is less likely because cocaine tends to raise metabolic rate and body temperature rather than lower it. Microcephaly can be associated with cocaine exposure over time, but it is not an acute neonatal effect like the combination of hypoxia, tachycardia, and irritability.

Cocaine exposure during pregnancy acts as a powerful vasoconstrictor and CNS stimulant. Restricted placental blood flow leads to fetal hypoxia, which contributes to distress at birth and potential growth effects. In the newborn, the lasting stimulant effects produce signs of sympathetic overactivity, most notably a rapid heart rate, signs of autonomic arousal, and irritability or high-pitched crying. This combination—hypoxia from reduced placental perfusion along with tachycardia and irritability—best fits the neonatal effects seen with maternal cocaine use.

Hyperkalemia is not a typical immediate neonatal finding tied to cocaine exposure, and hypothermia is less likely because cocaine tends to raise metabolic rate and body temperature rather than lower it. Microcephaly can be associated with cocaine exposure over time, but it is not an acute neonatal effect like the combination of hypoxia, tachycardia, and irritability.