Buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine in hair of pregnant women and their infants after controlled buprenorphine administration

Robert S. Goodwin, Diana G. Wilkins, Olga Averin, Robin E. Choo, Jennifer R. Schroeder, Donald R. Jasinski, Rolley E. Johnson, Hendrée E. Jones, Marilyn A. Huestis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Buprenorphine is under investigation as a pharmacotherapeutic agent for treating opioid dependence in pregnant women. We hypothesized that there would be a relationship between the cumulative maternal dose of buprenorphine during pregnancy and the concentration of buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine in maternal and infant hair. Methods: This study examined buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine concentrations in hair obtained from 9 buprenorphine-maintained pregnant women and 4 of their infants. Specimens were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with limits of quantification of 3.0 pg/mg. All maternal hair specimens were washed with methylene chloride before analysis, and when sufficient amounts of maternal hair were available, specimens also were analyzed without washing. Infant hair specimens were not washed. Results: Buprenorphine concentrations were significantly greater in unwashed hair than washed hair (P = 0.031). Norbuprenorphine concentrations were significantly greater than buprenorphine concentrations in both maternal (P = 0.0097) and infant hair (P = 0.0033). There were statistically significant associations between the cumulative maternal dose of buprenorphine administered and the concentrations of buprenorphine (washed, P <0.0001; unwashed, P = 0.0004), norbuprenorphine (washed, P <0.0001; unwashed, P = 0.0005), and buprenorphine plus norbuprenorphine (washed, P <0.0001; unwashed, P = 0.0005) for both washed and unwashed maternal hair specimens. There was a significant positive association between concentrations of buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine in maternal hair (washed, P <0.0001; unwashed, P = 0.0003), a trend for this association in infant hair (P = 0.08), and an association between buprenorphine concentrations in maternal unwashed hair and infant hair (P = 0.0002). The buprenorphine:norbuprenorphine ratio increased in distal segments. Conclusion: Buprenorphine treatment during gestation provides an opportunity for monitoring drug disposition in maternal and fetal tissues under controlled conditions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2136-2143
Number of pages8
JournalClinical chemistry
Volume53
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2007
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Biochemistry, medical

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