Prenatal Substance Exposure: Historical Perspective, Current Research and Future Challenges
A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 January 2026 | Viewed by 173
Special Issue Editors
Interests: perinatal addiction; translational study and animal models; neurodevelopmental follow-up; neonatal physiologic measures
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
This Special Issue will provide an overview of the evolving understanding of prenatal substance exposure, including historical perspectives, current research, and future challenges. Initially, cases of morphine withdrawal in newborns led to a diagnosis of “congenital morphinism,” marked by high mortality rates. As substance use has diversified, recent research, driven by the opioid crisis, focuses on neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)/neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). Although the extensive literature addresses assessment, treatment, and outcomes, there remains no consensus on optimal management practices. Variables such as co-occurring maternal health issues, social determinants, and poly-substance exposure—including alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines, benzodiazepine, cannabinoids, etc.—further complicate withdrawal manifestations and outcomes. This research collection broadens examination of the impact of both illicit and prescribed substances. Key controversies and research gaps will be highlighted, emphasizing the need for standardization in management and treatment approaches. This synthesis aims to guide practices that improve both short- and long-term outcomes for affected infants. In addition, translational and scientific approaches to determining the impacts of prenatal substance exposure on neurocircuitry development and outcomes are supported in this Special Issue.
Dr. Thitinart Sithisarn
Prof. Dr. Henrietta S. Bada
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- neonatal abstinence syndrome
- neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome
- prenatal substance exposure
- opioids
- cocaine
- amphetamine
- cannabinoids/cannabis
- tobacco
- benzodiazepine
- neurodevelopmental outcomes
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