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A Study of 75 Patients

Juan Casado-Flores, MD; Antonio Bano-Rodrigo, MD; Encarnacion Romero

Am J Dis Child. 1990;144(9):977-979.

Abstract
• Between January 1985 and December 1987, seventy-five children of intravenous heroin-addicted parents (one or both) were studied. Their ages ranged from 4 days to 14 years. All patients had suffered from several pediatric diseases. Three major types of problems were found among the children studied: infectious diseases, nutritional diseases, and parental neglect and/or disinterest. The most common diagnoses at discharge were gastroenteritis (24%), pneumonia (21%), malnutrition (17%), upper airway infectious diseases (13%), septicemia (12%), child abuse (4%), acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (3%), and other infectious diseases (24%). Their parents reported hepatitis B virus infection, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and alcoholism. The unemployment rate among the fathers was 37%. Sixteen percent of mothers were prostitutes. There was an imprisonment record of 19% for mothers and fathers combined. A multidisciplinary approach for this group of children would make prevention possible and care less expensive.

(AJDC. 1990;144:977-979)

Author Affiliations
From the Department of Pediatrics and the Department of Social Work, Nino Jesus Children's Hospital, Autonoma University of Madrid (Spain).

Footnotes
Accepted for publication March 3, 1989.

Reprint requests to Nino Jesus Children's Hospital, Avda, Menendez Pelayo 65, 28009-Madrid, Spain (Dr Casado-Flores).

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