JAMA Netw Open

Medication for OUD improves treatment retention in pregnant individuals

April 23, 2025

Study details: This cross-sectional study examined the association between medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and 6-month treatment retention among pregnant individuals in publicly funded specialty treatment facilities during the high-potency synthetic opioid (HPSO) era. Researchers analyzed 29,981 treatment episodes from a cohort of pregnant patients receiving MOUD, including methadone and buprenorphine.

Results: MOUD inclusion in treatment episodes increased from 65.0% in 2015 to 74.1% in 2021. Treatment episodes with MOUD were associated with greater odds of 6-month treatment retention compared with those without MOUD (adjusted odds ratio, 1.86; 95% confidence interval 1.72-2.01). This translated to a 14.2 percentage point higher adjusted probability of 6-month retention among treatment episodes with MOUD (43.1%) vs. those without it (28.9%).

Clinical impact: The study underscores the critical role of MOUD in improving treatment retention among pregnant individuals with OUD. Despite the increase in MOUD inclusion, overall retention rates remain low, highlighting the need for continued efforts to optimize treatment strategies and support for this high-risk population.

Source:

Ganetsky VS, et al. (2025, April 1). JAMA Netw Open. Medication for Opioid Use Disorder and Treatment Retention Among Pregnant Individuals. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40257794/