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MOM NEST Study: Maternal Opioid Medication: Naltrexone Efficacy Study

Completed
Conditions
Opioid-use Disorder
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Pregnancy, High Risk
Alcohol Use Disorder
Interventions
Other: Pharmacokinetic analysis
Other: Safety and Efficacy
Genetic: Genetic and epigenetic analysis
Other: Breast milk analysis
Registration Number
NCT03718104
Lead Sponsor
Boston Medical Center
Brief Summary

This is a multi-center prospective comparative cohort study examining the safety, efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacogenomics of naltrexone for pregnant women with opioid use disorder. Pregnancy, delivery, and maternal and infant outcomes to 12 months post-delivery will be examined and compared with a cohort treated with buprenorphine/naloxone.

Detailed Description

Fifty pregnant women stabilized pre-pregnancy on oral or extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) and 50 comparison women on buprenorphine/naloxone (BPH) from Boston Medical Center and the University of North Carolina will be enrolled in this multi-center prospective comparative cohort study. The specific aims of this project are: 1) Safety and Efficacy: To compare maternal outcomes (safety, relapse, retention in care), fetal outcomes (growth, fetal distress), and infant outcomes (neonatal abstinence syndrome, growth, neurodevelopment) during pregnancy until 12 months post- delivery; An exploratory part of this aim is to collect safety and efficacy data on women receiving NTX for alcohol use disorder (AUD). We will collect maternal, fetal and infant outcomes related to prenatal alcohol exposure. 2) Pharmacokinetics: To determine the pharmacokinetics of NTX in pregnant and postpartum women; 3) Genetics and Epigenetics: To examine the association between genetic variants and epigenetic modification in the mu-opioid receptor (OPRM1) gene, as well as global DNA methylation changes after treatment with NTX and BPH within the mother, placenta, and infant; and 4) Breast milk: To measure breast milk concentrations of NTX and corresponding infant relative dose to determine safety for lactating women.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
Female
Target Recruitment
46
Inclusion Criteria
  • Pregnant women between 6 - 30 6/7 weeks gestation, receiving prenatal care at Boston Medical Center (BMC) or the University of North Carolina (UNC)
  • Plan to deliver infant at BMC or UNC
  • Diagnosis of opioid use disorder (OUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD) in the current pregnancy on prescribed oral or extended-release naltrexone; or buprenorphine/naloxone for the treatment of OUD
  • English speaking
  • Singleton pregnancy
Exclusion Criteria
  • OUD on prescribed methadone, or no maintenance medication
  • OUD on Subutex formulation of buprenorphine
  • Severe psychiatric illness or cognitively impairing ability to provide informed consent
  • Current maternal incarceration
  • Women who present for care >31 0/7 weeks
  • Multiple gestation pregnancy

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
NaltrexoneSafety and EfficacyPregnant women with opioid use disorder on prescribed oral or extended-release naltrexone and their infants. Biospecimens collected from this group will undergo pharmacokinetic analysis, genetic and epigenetic analysis, and breast milk analysis. This group will also receive safety and efficacy interventions.
NaltrexoneBreast milk analysisPregnant women with opioid use disorder on prescribed oral or extended-release naltrexone and their infants. Biospecimens collected from this group will undergo pharmacokinetic analysis, genetic and epigenetic analysis, and breast milk analysis. This group will also receive safety and efficacy interventions.
NaltrexonePharmacokinetic analysisPregnant women with opioid use disorder on prescribed oral or extended-release naltrexone and their infants. Biospecimens collected from this group will undergo pharmacokinetic analysis, genetic and epigenetic analysis, and breast milk analysis. This group will also receive safety and efficacy interventions.
Buprenorphine/NaloxoneGenetic and epigenetic analysisPregnant women with opioid use disorder on prescribed buprenorphine/naloxone and their infants. Biospecimens collected from this group will undergo genetic and epigenetic analysis and the group will also receive safety and efficacy interventions.
Naltrexone - alcohol use disorderGenetic and epigenetic analysisPregnant women with alcohol use disorder on prescribed naltrexone (oral or extended-release) and their infants. Biospecimens collected from this group will undergo pharmacokinetic analysis, genetic and epigenetic analysis, and breast milk analysis. This exploratory group will also receive safety and efficacy interventions.
Naltrexone - alcohol use disorderBreast milk analysisPregnant women with alcohol use disorder on prescribed naltrexone (oral or extended-release) and their infants. Biospecimens collected from this group will undergo pharmacokinetic analysis, genetic and epigenetic analysis, and breast milk analysis. This exploratory group will also receive safety and efficacy interventions.
NaltrexoneGenetic and epigenetic analysisPregnant women with opioid use disorder on prescribed oral or extended-release naltrexone and their infants. Biospecimens collected from this group will undergo pharmacokinetic analysis, genetic and epigenetic analysis, and breast milk analysis. This group will also receive safety and efficacy interventions.
Buprenorphine/NaloxoneSafety and EfficacyPregnant women with opioid use disorder on prescribed buprenorphine/naloxone and their infants. Biospecimens collected from this group will undergo genetic and epigenetic analysis and the group will also receive safety and efficacy interventions.
Naltrexone - alcohol use disorderPharmacokinetic analysisPregnant women with alcohol use disorder on prescribed naltrexone (oral or extended-release) and their infants. Biospecimens collected from this group will undergo pharmacokinetic analysis, genetic and epigenetic analysis, and breast milk analysis. This exploratory group will also receive safety and efficacy interventions.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Maternal drug use relapseup to 12 months post-delivery

Maternal relapse of illicit and/or unprescribed drug use from maternal/provider report and or from urine toxicology testing at any point during the pregnancy and up to 12 months after delivery

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Fetal heart rate monitoring from NST27- 41 weeks gestation

Mean fetal heart rate (FHR), FHR variability, and episodic accelerations of FHR (count) from each routine care non-stress test (NST) in the third trimesters.

Infant hair cortisol levelsBirth and 4 weeks post-delivery

Hair cortisol levels will be obtained from infant hair samples obtained at birth and 4 weeks after delivery, and compared between the naltrexone and buprenorphine groups. Higher hair cortisol levels in the infant may indicate exposure to higher levels of stress over the preceding 3 months period.

Naltrexone side effects or adverse eventsup to 12 months post-delivery

Number and type of side effects or adverse events such as injection site reactions, gastrointestinal upset, syncope, headaches, or dizziness reported by participant or provider

Congenital fetal anomalies by ultrasound18 - 41 weeks gestation

Fetal, placental, or amniotic fluid anomalies identified during routine ultrasounds in the second and third trimesters will be documented.

Infant weightBirth, 4 weeks, and 12 months

Growth parameters of infant weight in grams will be obtained by the clinician at birth, 4 weeks, and 12 months at each study visit. Percentiles will be calculated.

Congenital anomalies by physical examinationBirth

Infants will be routinely assessed at birth during the physical examination for any external anomalies.

Diagnosis of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)From birth to 30 days

NAS diagnosis will be based on opioid withdrawal signs and symptoms in the infant after delivery as assessed by NAS withdrawal scores (either the Finnegan score or the via the ESC (Eat, Sleep, Console) assessment tool. The Finnegan scale assesses 21 of the most common signs of neonatal drug withdrawal syndrome and is scored on the basis of pathological significance and severity of the adverse symptoms, which sometimes requires pharmacological treatment. Measurements are performed every 4 hours, typically with 2-3 consecutive scores that are equal to or greater than 8, or 1-2 scores of 12 or greater, pharmacologic treatment for withdrawal is started. For the ESC assessment, clinicians assess whether or not the infant has poor feeding, is unable to sleep for at least 1 hour after feeding, and is consolable (rating of 1-3) due to symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Poor feeding, sleeping, or consolability triggers a huddle and possible start of pharmacologic treatment.

Infant need for adjunctive agentFrom birth to 30 days

The need for adjunctive agents will be recorded as Y/N

Infant opioid replacement pharmacologic treatmentFrom birth to 30 days

The total mgs of morphine/methadone needed for pharmacologic treatment and the total number of total opioid treatment days will be obtained from the birth hospitalization medical records.

Biophysical profile score calculated from NST27 - 41 weeks gestation

The biophysical profile uses electronic fetal heart rate monitoring to examine the fetus. There are five components measured during the biophysical examination (fetal breathing movements, gross body movement, fetal tone, amninotic fluid volume and whether the NST is reactive or nonreactive. A score of 2 points is given for each component The points are then added for a possible maximum score of 10. The test is continued until all criteria are met or 30 minutes have elapsed. HIgher scores are more favorable.

Fetal growth based on ultrasound measurements18 - 41 weeks gestation

Fetal growth will be assessed at the time of routine growth scans at 18-20, and then q4 weeks until delivery. Fetal size will be compared to Intergrowth standards to produce z-scores and SGA (\<10%ile) for averaged 2nd and 3rd trimester measurements.

Infant need for pharmacologic treatmentFrom birth to 30 days

The need for pharmacologic treatment will be recorded as Y/N as will the need for adjunctive agents.

Infant lengthBirth, 4 weeks, and 12 months

Growth parameters of infant length measured by the clinician in cm will be obtained at birth, 4 weeks, and 12 months at each study visit. Percentiles will be calculated.

Infant head circumferenceBirth, 4 weeks, and 12 months

Growth parameters of infant head circumference in cm will be obtained by the clinician at birth, 4 weeks, and 12 months at each study visit. Percentiles will be calculated.

Pharmacokinetic analysis of infant naltrexone levelsDelivery, 2-4 days after delivery, 4 weeks post-delivery

Naltrexone levels from infant blood and plasma will be obtained at regular intervals for pharmacokinetic analysis.

Maternal hair cortisol levelsBirth and 4 weeks post-delivery

Hair cortisol levels will be obtained from maternal hair samples obtained at birth and 4 weeks after delivery, and compared between the naltrexone and buprenorphine groups. Higher hair cortisol levels in the mother may indicate exposure to higher levels of stress over the preceding 3 months period.

Infant birth hospitalization length of stayFrom birth to 30 days

Number of continuous days infant hospitalized after birth.

Infant neurobehavior-function assessed by the NNNS4 weeks of age

The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS) is a comprehensive assessment of both neurologic integrity and behavioral functioning, including signs of stress. It assesses the full range of infant neurobehavioral performance (orientation to auditory and visual stimuli); infant stress (color changes, tremors, startles), neurologic functioning (reflexes, tone); some features of gestational age; self-soothing capacities; states and their organization. The 13 summary scores (i.e., orientation, habituation, hypertonicity, hypotonicity, excitability, arousal, lethargy, non-optimal reflexes, asymmetric reflexes, stress, self-regulation, quality of movement, handling) are typically used to summarize a clinical examination .

Pharmacokinetic analysis of maternal naltrexone levels2nd trimester, 3rd trimester, delivery, 2-4 days after delivery, 4 weeks post-delivery

Naltrexone levels from maternal blood and plasma will be obtained at regular intervals for pharmacokinetic analysis.

Infant neurodevelopment assessed by Bayley III12 months of age

The Bayley III is a standard series of measurements used to assess the development of infants and toddlers, ages 1-42 months. It has 5 scales, 3 administered with child interaction - cognitive, motor, language, and 2 with parent questionnaires- social-emotional, adaptive behavior. A developmental quotient (DQ) is derived from the results.

Trial Locations

Locations (2)

Boston Medical Center

🇺🇸

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

🇺🇸

Carrboro, North Carolina, United States

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