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1Motherisk Program, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario Canada.
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
|January 1, 2010
Summary
This case study highlights neonatal withdrawal symptoms in an infant born to a mother with a history of heroin use. Therapeutic drug monitoring confirmed in utero drug exposure, aiding diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a significant concern in infants exposed to substances in utero.
- Maternal history of substance use, including heroin, necessitates careful monitoring of newborns for withdrawal symptoms.
Observation:
- A newborn presented with clinical signs consistent with withdrawal.
- The infant's mother had a documented history of heroin addiction.
Findings:
- Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) was employed to detect the presence of substances in the infant, indicating in utero exposure.
- The results of TDM confirmed the suspected in utero exposure to heroin or its metabolites.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of TDM in diagnosing NAS when the history is unclear or suspicious.
- Early and accurate diagnosis of in utero exposure is crucial for timely intervention and management of neonatal withdrawal.
- Effective management strategies can improve outcomes for infants affected by NAS.
