Neonatal Manifestations of Maternal Phencyclidine (PCP) Abuse

Abstract

Two cases concerning newborn infants whose mothers used phencyclidine (PCP) during pregnancy are described. The neonatal symptoms of maternal PCP abuse were jitteriness, hypertonicity, vomiting, and one case of diarrhea. In both infants, PCP was detected in the urine during the first few days of life. Both infants were successfully treated with phenobarbital but they continued to remain jittery and slightly hypertonic following discontinuation of the therapy. In one case the infant was noted to be microcephalic. In the neonate, the symptoms of maternal PCP abuse are similar to the symptoms of narcotic withdrawal. The diagnosis of PCP effects in the neonate can be confirmed by urinalysis for the drug. The teratogenicity of PCP remains a possibility. The metabolism and treatment of PCP effects in the newborn need further clarification.