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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
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Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome
Mary Beth Sutter1, Lawrence Leeman2, Andrew Hsi3
1Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of New Mexico, 2400 Tucker North East, MSC09 5040, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America
|May 22, 2014
Summary
Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) is increasingly common. Buprenorphine may lead to milder NOWS compared to methadone, with nonpharmacological methods and breastfeeding being beneficial.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
- Maternal Opioid Addiction
- Pharmacological Treatment
Background:
- Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) is a growing concern linked to the opioid addiction epidemic.
- Infants exposed to prescription opioids may present withdrawal signs unexpectedly.
- Buprenorphine is emerging as a treatment for maternal opioid use disorder, potentially offering milder infant withdrawal than methadone.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome.
- To compare the effects of buprenorphine versus methadone in maternal opioid addiction treatment.
- To outline current and adjunctive treatment strategies for NOWS.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome.
- Analysis of treatment outcomes for buprenorphine and methadone in pregnant women.
- Evaluation of nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions for NOWS.
Main Results:
- Buprenorphine treatment for maternal opioid addiction may result in milder neonatal withdrawal symptoms compared to methadone.
- Nonpharmacological interventions like decreasing stimuli, rooming-in, and breastfeeding can reduce NOWS severity.
- Opioid monotherapy is the preferred pharmacological approach, with adjunctive medications like phenobarbital or clonidine used less frequently.
Conclusions:
- Buprenorphine appears to be a favorable option for managing maternal opioid addiction, potentially reducing the severity of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome.
- Nonpharmacological supportive care and breastfeeding are crucial in managing NOWS.
- Further research is needed on the long-term effects of perinatal opioid exposure.
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