Limbic System Microstructure in Neonates With Antenatal Opioid Exposure

Does limbic system microstructure differ in neonates who are opioid exposed vs unexposed?In this case-control study of 201 neonates, antenatal opioid exposure was associated with lower mean and radial diffusivity in the fornix compared with an unexposed control group. Secondary, exploratory analyses revealed diffusion differences in limbic gray matter regions (thalamus, cingulum, parahippocampal gyrus, hippocampus, and amygdala), but these were not corrected for multiple comparisons.This study found that antenatal opioid exposure in neonates was associated with disrupted limbic system microstructure, especially in the fornix.

Corresponding Author: Catherine Limperopoulos, PhD, Developing Brain Institute, Children’s National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010 (climpero@childrensnational.org).

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