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Neonatal morphine withdrawal syndrome: report of two cases
1Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, R.O.C.
Insights
Neonatal morphine withdrawal syndrome can affect infants born to addicted mothers. Supportive care and phenobarbital can manage symptoms like irritability and diarrhea in affected newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
- Pharmacology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a significant concern in infants exposed to opioids in utero.
- Maternal morphine addiction poses risks for neonatal development and health.
- Understanding withdrawal symptoms is crucial for timely intervention.
Observation:
- Two siblings born to a morphine-addicted mother exhibited signs of neonatal withdrawal.
- The female infant presented with irritability, jitteriness, and watery diarrhea at three days old.
- The male infant showed jitteriness and irritability within twelve hours of birth.
Findings:
- Both infants received supportive care for their withdrawal symptoms.
- Phenobarbital was administered to the female infant for symptom management.
- The observed cases align with documented clinical presentations of neonatal morphine withdrawal.
Implications:
- Early recognition and management of neonatal morphine withdrawal are essential.
- Supportive care and pharmacotherapy can effectively mitigate withdrawal symptoms.
- Further research into optimal treatment protocols for NAS is warranted.
Abstract:
Two siblings born to a morphine-addicted mother with morphine withdrawal syndrome were reported. The first child, a female, presented with irritability, jitteriness and watery diarrhea at three days of age. The second, a male, presented with jitteriness and irritability when twelve hours old. Both cases were managed with supportive care; phenobarbital was given for the first case. These two cases and the literature concerning neonatal morphine withdrawal syndrome are reviewed.