Comparison of Cocaine and Opiate Exposures Between Young Urban and Suburban Children FREE

Norman M. Rosenberg, DO; Deborah Marino, RN; Kathleen L. Meert, MD; Ralph F. Kauffman, MD

Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1995;149(12):1362-1364. doi:10.1001/archpedi.1995.02170250068012.

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ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT | REFERENCES

Objective: To determine the prevalence of cocaine and opiate metabolites in the urine of young urban and suburban children.

Design: Survey.

Setting: Urban and suburban emergency departments and private pediatric practices.

Patients: A convenience sample of 1469 children between 1 and 60 months of age who required a urinalysis for investigation of the chief complaint.

Interventions: None.

Main Outcome Measures: Urine was screened for benzoylecgonine and opiates using an enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique and a fluorescence-polarization immunoassay, both with a sensitivity of 50 ng/mL.

Results: Benzoylecogonine was identified in the urine of 45 children (3.1%) (95% CI, 2.2% to 3.9%) and opiates in the urine of 38 children (2.6%) (95% CI, 1.8% to 3.4%). No difference was observed between urban and suburban health care facilities in the percentage of patients whose urine tested positive for benzoylecgonine (29 of 1011 vs 16 of 458, P=.6) or opiates (28 of 1011 vs 10 of 458, P=.6)

Conclusion: Exposure to illicit drugs, as reflected by urinary metabolites, is similar for urban and suburban children.(Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1995;149:1362-1364)

REFERENCES

ABSTRACT | REFERENCES

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Rosenberg NM, Meert KL, Marino D, et al. Occult cocaine and opiate exposure in children and associated physical findings. Pediatr Emerg Care. In press.

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Country-Specific Mortality and Growth Failure in Infancy and Yound Children and Association With Material Stature

Use interactive graphics and maps to view and sort country-specific infant and early dhildhood mortality and growth failure data and their association with maternal