T Verklan | PubMed Health

PubMed1992

Substance abuse.

The potential for human developmental toxicity caused by chemical exposure was not generally recognized until the thalidomide tragedy of the early 1960s, at which time it was acknowledged that the placenta is not a barrier protecting the fetus. The focus of this chapter is to present the role of substance abuse screening in prenatal care, the gamut of drugs, and the clinical implications of the substances abused by pregnant women, as well as the legal and ethical considerations. Physiologic and care issues will be discussed. Legal substances discussed include the commonly used artificial sweeteners, caffeine, cigarette smoking, alcohol, and over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Illegal substances discussed include marijuana, phencyclidine, lysergic acid diethylamide, opiates, and cocaine.

Ethics, Nursing↗

PubMed1990

Systemic lupus erythematosus: obstetric and neonatal implications.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a collagen vascular disease that may have a tremendous impact on pregnancy. The pregnant patient with SLE is at increased risk for fetal wastage, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD), pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), and exacerbations of the lupus process. SLE is an autoimmune disease with tremendous implications for pregnancy. The diagnosis of SLE is based on criteria developed by The American Rheumatism Association. The recent identification of circulating antibodies associated with women who have lupus has led to some confusion. The circulating antibodies are associated with an increased risk of fetal wastage. However, those antibodies have been documented in women who do not have lupus. The diagnosis of SLE and pregnancy requires intensive obstetrical care. SLE may also affect the neonate, from skin lesions to complete heart block. This article describes the effects of SLE on the mother, pregnancy, and the neonate.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗