Cleft Palates, Fused Toes Part of New Syndrome Related to Neonatal Fentanyl Exposure

Cleft palates, fused toes, abnormally small heads, and short bodies are some of the common symptoms found in children born to women who used fentanyl while pregnant, according to a new study. The study, which was published in Genetics in Medicine Open, looked at 10 infants who were exposed to both prescription and illegal drugs in the womb. Six infants were identified at Nemours Children’s Health in Wilmington, Delaware; two were from California; one from Massachusetts; and one from Rhode Island. The babies were exposed to amphetamine, alcohol, cocaine, clonazepam (a medication used to prevent and control seizures), gabapentin, fentanyl, heroin, marijuana, methadone, opiates, and Xanax. Every child was exposed to fentanyl in the womb and tested positive for the drug after birth....