Systematic Review of Obstetric and Child Outcomes of Prenatal Exposure to Inhalants in the Context of a Use Disorder

Systematic Review of Obstetric and Child Outcomes of Prenatal Exposure to Inhalants in the Context of a Use Disorder

Ever wondered how inhalant use during pregnancy affects both the mother and child? In this episode of 'Addiction Medicine: Beyond the Abstract', Dr. Charles Schauberger, an expert in obstetrics and addiction medicine, shares his experiences and findings from his recent research. He opens up about the challenges clinicians face when identifying inhalant use in pregnant patients, noting that standard drug tests often miss these substances. Instead, detection relies heavily on self-disclosure or recognising specific odours. Dr.

Schauberger discusses the medical complications linked to inhalant use during pregnancy, such as premature birth and developmental delays, and explores the controversial concept of fetal solvent syndrome. This syndrome shares traits with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, but the distinction remains debated among experts. Despite being mostly retired from obstetrics, Dr. Schauberger continues to provide addiction care and emphasises the importance of understanding the socio-economic factors surrounding inhalant use.

He also shares his thoughts on the future of addiction medicine, predicting that more doctors will bridge multiple specialties as he has done. His insights offer a fresh perspective on how findings about inhalant use can inform treatment for substance use disorders in pregnant and postpartum individuals. With humour and compassion, Dr. Schauberger reflects on his career path and encourages the next generation of addiction medicine professionals to embrace interdisciplinary approaches.

So, if you're curious about the intersection of obstetrics and addiction medicine, this episode is a must-listen. You might just find yourself pondering how we can better support those affected by substance use during pregnancy.