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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
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The opioid-exposed newborn: assessment and pharmacologic management

Lauren M Jansson1, Martha Velez, Cheryl Harrow

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Journal of Opioid Management
|April 7, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) in infants exposed to opioids in utero requires careful assessment and treatment. This review offers healthcare professionals current evidence and guidelines for managing these newborns.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal care
  • Pharmacology
  • Public health

Background:

  • Infants exposed to opioids during pregnancy often develop Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS).
  • Assessing and treating NAS presents significant challenges for neonatal care providers.
  • Opioid exposure in utero is an increasing concern in neonatal medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a concise review of current evidence on Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS).
  • To outline practical guidelines for the evaluation of opioid-exposed newborns.
  • To guide pharmacologic management strategies for newborns with NAS.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current evidence.
  • Synthesis of practical guidelines for clinical application.
  • Focus on pharmacologic interventions for NAS.

Main Results:

  • Current evidence supports standardized assessment tools for NAS.
  • Pharmacologic management should be individualized based on symptom severity.
  • Early intervention and appropriate medication are crucial for optimal outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of NAS requires a comprehensive approach.
  • Healthcare professionals need updated evidence-based guidelines for opioid-exposed infants.
  • Optimizing the care of newborns with NAS improves long-term health.

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