Amphetamine abuse in pregnancy: anesthetic implications.

The prevalence of recreational substance abuse amongst young adults (including women in child-bearing age) has markedly increased over the past two decades and it remains one of the major problems facing our society today--worldwide. Amphetamine is one of the most common substances abused in pregnancy and one of the most potent sympathomimetic amines with respect to stimulatory effects on the central nervous system. The following case report illustrates the problems that may arise during anesthesia in the parturient with recent amphetamine intake.