MOM NEST Study: Maternal Opioid Medication: Naltrexone Efficacy Study

Safety, Efficacy, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacogenomics of Extended-Release Naltrexone in Pregnant Women

This is a multi-center prospective comparative cohort study examining the safety, efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacogenomics of naltrexone for pregnant women with opioid use disorder. Pregnancy, delivery, and maternal and infant outcomes to 12 months post-delivery will be examined and compared with a cohort treated with buprenorphine/naloxone.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Pregnancy, High Risk; Alcohol Use Disorder; Opioid-use Disorder; Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: Pharmacokinetic analysis; Other: Safety and Efficacy; Genetic: Genetic and epigenetic analysis; Other: Breast milk analysis

Detailed Description

Fifty pregnant women stabilized pre-pregnancy on oral or extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) and 50 comparison women on buprenorphine/naloxone (BPH) from Boston Medical Center and the University of North Carolina will be enrolled in this multi-center prospective comparative cohort study. The specific aims of this project are: 1) Safety and Efficacy: To compare maternal outcomes (safety, relapse, retention in care), fetal outcomes (growth, fetal distress), and infant outcomes (neonatal abstinence syndrome, growth, neurodevelopment) during pregnancy until 12 months post- delivery; An exploratory part of this aim is to collect safety and efficacy data on women receiving NTX for alcohol use disorder (AUD). We will collect maternal, fetal and infant outcomes related to prenatal alcohol exposure. 2) Pharmacokinetics: To determine the pharmacokinetics of NTX in pregnant and postpartum women; 3) Genetics and Epigenetics: To examine the association between genetic variants and epigenetic modification in the mu-opioid receptor (OPRM1) gene, as well as global DNA methylation changes after treatment with NTX and BPH within the mother, placenta, and infant; and 4) Breast milk: To measure breast milk concentrations of NTX and corresponding infant relative dose to determine safety for lactating women.

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Actual): 46

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• United States
  • Massachusetts
    • Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02118
      • Boston Medical Center
  • North Carolina
    • Carrboro, North Carolina, United States, 27510
      • University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 18 years and older (Adult, Older Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Pregnant women with opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder on prescribed naltrexone, or those with opioid use disorder on buprenorphine/naloxone and their infants.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant women between 6 - 30 6/7 weeks gestation, receiving prenatal care at Boston Medical Center (BMC) or the University of North Carolina (UNC)
• Plan to deliver infant at BMC or UNC
• Diagnosis of opioid use disorder (OUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD) in the current pregnancy on prescribed oral or extended-release naltrexone; or buprenorphine/naloxone for the treatment of OUD
• English speaking
• Singleton pregnancy

Exclusion Criteria:

• OUD on prescribed methadone, or no maintenance medication
• OUD on Subutex formulation of buprenorphine
• Severe psychiatric illness or cognitively impairing ability to provide informed consent
• Current maternal incarceration
• Women who present for care >31 0/7 weeks
• Multiple gestation pregnancy

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Observational Models: Cohort
• Time Perspectives: Prospective

Number of groups / cohorts

3

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort	Intervention / Treatment
Naltrexone; Pregnant women with opioid use disorder on prescribed oral or extended-release naltrexone and their infants. Biospecimens collected from this group will undergo pharmacokinetic analysis, genetic and epigenetic analysis, and breast milk analysis. This group will also receive safety and efficacy interventions.	Other: Pharmacokinetic analysis; Pharmacokinetic analysis of maternal blood, maternal urine, cord blood, infant blood and urine for dyads in the naltrexone group at various time points in the pregnancy, at delivery, and 4 weeks postpartum.; Other: Safety and Efficacy; Examination of the safety and efficacy of naltrexone and comparison of outcomes with the buprenorphine/naloxone cohort. Outcomes examined will include: 1) maternal outcomes (relapse, retention in care, preterm labor); 2) fetal outcomes (growth, fetal anomalies, fetal distress, cortisol levels); and 3) infant outcomes (NAS, growth, neurodevelopment via NNNS exam at 4 weeks and Bayley exam at 12 months of age).; Genetic: Genetic and epigenetic analysis; Maternal blood and saliva DNA samples will be genotyped for single nucleotide polymorphisms in the mu opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) to look for associations with effectiveness of NTX and BPH. In addition, DNA methylation levels in the OPRM1 promoter within maternal and infant saliva and placenta at delivery and 4 weeks postpartum will be examined. Lastly, we will compare genome-wide DNA methylation levels at delivery and 4 weeks postpartum in mother-infant dyads.; Other: Breast milk analysis; Mothers in the naltrexone group will have their breast milk analyzed at 4 weeks post-delivery for naltrexone levels, with corresponding maternal and infant plasma levels.
Buprenorphine/Naloxone; Pregnant women with opioid use disorder on prescribed buprenorphine/naloxone and their infants. Biospecimens collected from this group will undergo genetic and epigenetic analysis and the group will also receive safety and efficacy interventions.	Other: Safety and Efficacy; Examination of the safety and efficacy of naltrexone and comparison of outcomes with the buprenorphine/naloxone cohort. Outcomes examined will include: 1) maternal outcomes (relapse, retention in care, preterm labor); 2) fetal outcomes (growth, fetal anomalies, fetal distress, cortisol levels); and 3) infant outcomes (NAS, growth, neurodevelopment via NNNS exam at 4 weeks and Bayley exam at 12 months of age).; Genetic: Genetic and epigenetic analysis; Maternal blood and saliva DNA samples will be genotyped for single nucleotide polymorphisms in the mu opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) to look for associations with effectiveness of NTX and BPH. In addition, DNA methylation levels in the OPRM1 promoter within maternal and infant saliva and placenta at delivery and 4 weeks postpartum will be examined. Lastly, we will compare genome-wide DNA methylation levels at delivery and 4 weeks postpartum in mother-infant dyads.
Naltrexone - alcohol use disorder; Pregnant women with alcohol use disorder on prescribed naltrexone (oral or extended-release) and their infants. Biospecimens collected from this group will undergo pharmacokinetic analysis, genetic and epigenetic analysis, and breast milk analysis. This exploratory group will also receive safety and efficacy interventions.	Other: Pharmacokinetic analysis; Pharmacokinetic analysis of maternal blood, maternal urine, cord blood, infant blood and urine for dyads in the naltrexone group at various time points in the pregnancy, at delivery, and 4 weeks postpartum.; Genetic: Genetic and epigenetic analysis; Maternal blood and saliva DNA samples will be genotyped for single nucleotide polymorphisms in the mu opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) to look for associations with effectiveness of NTX and BPH. In addition, DNA methylation levels in the OPRM1 promoter within maternal and infant saliva and placenta at delivery and 4 weeks postpartum will be examined. Lastly, we will compare genome-wide DNA methylation levels at delivery and 4 weeks postpartum in mother-infant dyads.; Other: Breast milk analysis; Mothers in the naltrexone group will have their breast milk analyzed at 4 weeks post-delivery for naltrexone levels, with corresponding maternal and infant plasma levels.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Maternal drug use relapse	Maternal relapse of illicit and/or unprescribed drug use from maternal/provider report and or from urine toxicology testing at any point during the pregnancy and up to 12 months after delivery	up to 12 months post-delivery

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Naltrexone side effects or adverse events	Number and type of side effects or adverse events such as injection site reactions, gastrointestinal upset, syncope, headaches, or dizziness reported by participant or provider	up to 12 months post-delivery
Fetal heart rate monitoring from NST	Mean fetal heart rate (FHR), FHR variability, and episodic accelerations of FHR (count) from each routine care non-stress test (NST) in the third trimesters.	27- 41 weeks gestation
Biophysical profile score calculated from NST	The biophysical profile uses electronic fetal heart rate monitoring to examine the fetus. There are five components measured during the biophysical examination (fetal breathing movements, gross body movement, fetal tone, amninotic fluid volume and whether the NST is reactive or nonreactive. A score of 2 points is given for each component The points are then added for a possible maximum score of 10. The test is continued until all criteria are met or 30 minutes have elapsed. HIgher scores are more favorable.	27 - 41 weeks gestation
Maternal hair cortisol levels	Hair cortisol levels will be obtained from maternal hair samples obtained at birth and 4 weeks after delivery, and compared between the naltrexone and buprenorphine groups. Higher hair cortisol levels in the mother may indicate exposure to higher levels of stress over the preceding 3 months period.	Birth and 4 weeks post-delivery
Infant hair cortisol levels	Hair cortisol levels will be obtained from infant hair samples obtained at birth and 4 weeks after delivery, and compared between the naltrexone and buprenorphine groups. Higher hair cortisol levels in the infant may indicate exposure to higher levels of stress over the preceding 3 months period.	Birth and 4 weeks post-delivery
Fetal growth based on ultrasound measurements	Fetal growth will be assessed at the time of routine growth scans at 18-20, and then q4 weeks until delivery. Fetal size will be compared to Intergrowth standards to produce z-scores and SGA (<10%ile) for averaged 2nd and 3rd trimester measurements.	18 - 41 weeks gestation
Congenital fetal anomalies by ultrasound	Fetal, placental, or amniotic fluid anomalies identified during routine ultrasounds in the second and third trimesters will be documented.	18 - 41 weeks gestation
Congenital anomalies by physical examination	Infants will be routinely assessed at birth during the physical examination for any external anomalies.	Birth
Diagnosis of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)	NAS diagnosis will be based on opioid withdrawal signs and symptoms in the infant after delivery as assessed by NAS withdrawal scores (either the Finnegan score or the via the ESC (Eat, Sleep, Console) assessment tool. The Finnegan scale assesses 21 of the most common signs of neonatal drug withdrawal syndrome and is scored on the basis of pathological significance and severity of the adverse symptoms, which sometimes requires pharmacological treatment. Measurements are performed every 4 hours, typically with 2-3 consecutive scores that are equal to or greater than 8, or 1-2 scores of 12 or greater, pharmacologic treatment for withdrawal is started. For the ESC assessment, clinicians assess whether or not the infant has poor feeding, is unable to sleep for at least 1 hour after feeding, and is consolable (rating of 1-3) due to symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Poor feeding, sleeping, or consolability triggers a huddle and possible start of pharmacologic treatment.	From birth to 30 days
Infant need for pharmacologic treatment	The need for pharmacologic treatment will be recorded as Y/N as will the need for adjunctive agents.	From birth to 30 days
Infant need for adjunctive agent	The need for adjunctive agents will be recorded as Y/N	From birth to 30 days
Infant opioid replacement pharmacologic treatment	The total mgs of morphine/methadone needed for pharmacologic treatment and the total number of total opioid treatment days will be obtained from the birth hospitalization medical records.	From birth to 30 days
Infant birth hospitalization length of stay	Number of continuous days infant hospitalized after birth.	From birth to 30 days
Infant weight	Growth parameters of infant weight in grams will be obtained by the clinician at birth, 4 weeks, and 12 months at each study visit. Percentiles will be calculated.	Birth, 4 weeks, and 12 months
Infant length	Growth parameters of infant length measured by the clinician in cm will be obtained at birth, 4 weeks, and 12 months at each study visit. Percentiles will be calculated.	Birth, 4 weeks, and 12 months
Infant head circumference	Growth parameters of infant head circumference in cm will be obtained by the clinician at birth, 4 weeks, and 12 months at each study visit. Percentiles will be calculated.	Birth, 4 weeks, and 12 months
Infant neurobehavior-function assessed by the NNNS	The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS) is a comprehensive assessment of both neurologic integrity and behavioral functioning, including signs of stress. It assesses the full range of infant neurobehavioral performance (orientation to auditory and visual stimuli); infant stress (color changes, tremors, startles), neurologic functioning (reflexes, tone); some features of gestational age; self-soothing capacities; states and their organization. The 13 summary scores (i.e., orientation, habituation, hypertonicity, hypotonicity, excitability, arousal, lethargy, non-optimal reflexes, asymmetric reflexes, stress, self-regulation, quality of movement, handling) are typically used to summarize a clinical examination .	4 weeks of age
Infant neurodevelopment assessed by Bayley III	The Bayley III is a standard series of measurements used to assess the development of infants and toddlers, ages 1-42 months. It has 5 scales, 3 administered with child interaction - cognitive, motor, language, and 2 with parent questionnaires- social-emotional, adaptive behavior. A developmental quotient (DQ) is derived from the results.	12 months of age
Pharmacokinetic analysis of maternal naltrexone levels	Naltrexone levels from maternal blood and plasma will be obtained at regular intervals for pharmacokinetic analysis.	2nd trimester, 3rd trimester, delivery, 2-4 days after delivery, 4 weeks post-delivery
Pharmacokinetic analysis of infant naltrexone levels	Naltrexone levels from infant blood and plasma will be obtained at regular intervals for pharmacokinetic analysis.	Delivery, 2-4 days after delivery, 4 weeks post-delivery

Other Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Maternal DNA methylation profile	Mothers will have a genome wide methylation profile at 36 weeks gestation from a blood sample.	36 weeks gestation
Mu opioid receptor (OPRM1) gene single nucleotide (SNP) genotype	Mothers will be genotyped for the ORPM1 A118G SNP at 36 weeks gestation from a blood sample to see if genotype is associated with treatment response and risk for relapse.	36 weeks gestation
Maternal saliva OPRM1 methylation status	Mothers will have their OPRM1 methylation status examined via saliva samples to see if OPRM1 methylation is altered by maternal treatment.	Birth, 4 weeks postpartum
Infant saliva OPRM1 methylation status	Infants will have their OPRM1 methylation status examined via saliva samples at to see if OPRM1 methylation is altered by maternal treatment.	Birth, 4 weeks postpartum
Breast milk naltrexone level	Naltrexone levels will be measured from the breast milk of breastfeeding mothers who are on naltrexone.	4 weeks postpartum
Retention in addiction treatment	Length of time mother continues medication assisted treatment (MAT) from provider or participant report	up to 12 months post-delivery
Maternal healthcare utilization	Data on maternal healthcare utilization, including emergency room visits, primary care visits, and re-hospitalizations will be collected.	up to 12 months post-delivery
Infant healthcare utilization	Data on infant healthcare utilization, including emergency room visits, primary care visits, and re-hospitalizations will be collected.	up to 12 months post-delivery

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Boston Medical Center
• Collaborators: Boston University; Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD); University of California, San Diego; University of North Carolina
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Elisha Wachman, MD, Boston Medical Center

Publications and helpful links

General Publications

• Jones HE, Chisolm MS, Jansson LM, Terplan M. Naltrexone in the treatment of opioid-dependent pregnant women: the case for a considered and measured approach to research. Addiction. 2013 Feb;108(2):233-47. doi: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2012.03811.x. Epub 2012 Apr 4.
• Saia KA, Schiff D, Wachman EM, Mehta P, Vilkins A, Sia M, Price J, Samura T, DeAngelis J, Jackson CV, Emmer SF, Shaw D, Bagley S. Caring for Pregnant Women with Opioid Use Disorder in the USA: Expanding and Improving Treatment. Curr Obstet Gynecol Rep. 2016;5(3):257-263. doi: 10.1007/s13669-016-0168-9. Epub 2016 Jul 1.
• Wachman EM, Saia K, Miller M, Valle E, Shrestha H, Carter G, Werler M, Jones H. Naltrexone Treatment for Pregnant Women With Opioid Use Disorder Compared With Matched Buprenorphine Control Subjects. Clin Ther. 2019 Sep;41(9):1681-1689. doi: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2019.07.003. Epub 2019 Jul 27.

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): December 1, 2018
• Primary Completion (Actual): May 8, 2024
• Study Completion (Actual): May 8, 2024

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: October 19, 2018
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: October 22, 2018
• First Posted (Actual): October 24, 2018

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Estimated): November 4, 2024
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: October 31, 2024
• Last Verified: October 1, 2024

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: pharmacogenetics; pharmacokinetics; retention in care; naltrexone; buprenorphine/naloxone; maternal relapse
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Narcotic-Related Disorders; Mental Disorders; Infant, Newborn, Diseases; Substance-Related Disorders; Chemically-Induced Disorders; Alcohol-Related Disorders; Opioid-Related Disorders; Alcoholism; Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
• Other Study ID Numbers: H-37773; R01HD096798-01 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No