Effects of T's and Blues Abuse on Pregnancy Outcome and Infant Health Status

ABSTRACT

T's and blues (pentazocine and tripelennamine) abuse during pregnancy has been reported to be associated with adverse maternal and fetal effects. In this study, conducted at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, Texas, pregnancy outcome and health status of infants born to 23 T's and blues abusers were compared to a group of 100 unexposed women and their infants. Infants born to T's and blues abusers had significantly reduced birthweight, length, head circumference, and an increased frequency of major congenital anomalies (3 of 23), including two congenital cardiac anomalies. However, one of these cardiac anomalies occurred in the offspring of a woman who also reported moderate to heavy daily alcohol use during pregnancy. The other cardiac anomaly occurred in association with in utero anoxia. We therefore surmise that a known teratogen (alcohol) and perinatal complications caused two of the major anomalies, and not the pentazocine-tripelennamine combination per se.