Physiatric management of two neonates with limb deficiencies and prenatal cocaine exposure

Abstract

We evaluated two neonates born within nine weeks of each other who had limb malformations and whose urine toxicology screenings were positive for cocaine metabolites and other drugs. Review of the literature indicates that fetal exposure to cocaine could lead to limb reduction deficits. The purpose of this report is to alert the physiatrist to a possible increase in incidence of limb malformation related to maternal cocaine use during pregnancy. The two cases are detailed, etiology is discussed, and the initial physiatric management is explained.