OMAHA, Neb. – Researchers from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Vanderbilt University have uncovered why certain babies are more vulnerable to a newly identified condition known as Fetal Fentanyl Syndrome (FFS). As previously reported by Emily’s Hope, doctors have noted a pattern of birth defects among babies born to mothers who used fentanyl during pregnancy. FFS is marked by distinct facial features and birth defects, including small heads, short stature, and unique foot deformities.
The syndrome’s physical characteristics resemble those seen in Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome (SLOS), a genetic metabolic disorder that disrupts the body’s ability to synthesize cholesterol. This similarity piqued the interest of researchers at UNMC and Vanderbilt.
“Cholesterol is essential for development,” UNMC Dr. Karoly Mirnics said in a press release. “Without cholesterol, you cannot survive. If you have impaired cholesterol production, the developing brain and body are impacted.”
Barely six months into their study, researchers found that FFS may be caused by fentanyl disrupting the baby’s ability to make cholesterol.
“Fentanyl not only impairs the synthesis of cholesterol, but it also leads to the build-up of the same highly toxic sterols in cells that are found in SLOS patients,” Vanderbilt Dr. Ned Porter said.
The study also revealed why not all babies exposed to fentanyl in utero develop FFS. Researchers found that cells with a single mutated copy of the gene responsible for SLOS are more susceptible to the harmful effects of fentanyl. Additionally, other medications taken during pregnancy could increase the risk of FFS.
“Not everyone is equally susceptible,” Dr. Mirnics said. “The potentially adverse effects of any medication or chemical compound might depend on your genes, lifestyle and environmental factors. One drug might not cause problems for me and might be catastrophic for you.”
“The effects of fentanyl may also be exacerbated by some prescription medications if taken at the same time during a pregnancy,” Dr. Porter said. “It’s been a surprise to find so many highly prescribed medications that cause the same biochemical effect as does fentanyl. Fentanyl exposure while taking one or more of these prescription medications will likely compound the effect of fentanyl alone.”