Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and Associated Neonatal and Maternal Mortality and Morbidity

We examined demographic characteristics and birth outcomes of infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and their mothers in Canada.

This retrospective, population-based, descriptive cross-sectional study of mother-infant dyads included all singleton live births in Canada (excluding Quebec), from 2005-2006 to 2015-2016 (N = 2 881 789). Demographic characteristics, NAS, and neonatal and maternal morbidities were identified from delivery hospitalization data (including diagnostic codes). The main composite outcomes were maternal and neonatal mortality and/or severe morbidity, including death and potentially life-threatening conditions in the mother and the infant, respectively. Logistic regression yielded adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

The study included 10 027 mother-infant dyads with NAS. The incidence of NAS increased from 0.20% to 0.51%. Maternal mortality was 1.99 vs 0.31 per 10 000 women in the NAS group versus the comparison group (aOR = 6.53; 95% CI: 1.59 to 26.74), and maternal mortality and/or severe morbidity rates were 3.10% vs 1.35% (aOR = 2.21; 95% CI: 1.97 to 2.49). Neonatal mortality was 0.12% vs 0.19% (aOR = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.53), and neonatal mortality and/or severe morbidity rates were 6.36% vs 1.73% (aOR = 2.27; 95% CI: 2.06 to 2.50) among infants with NAS versus without NAS.

NAS incidence increased notably in Canada between 2005-2006 and 2015-2016. Infants with NAS had elevated severe morbidity, and their mothers had elevated mortality and severe morbidity. These results highlight the importance of implementing integrated care services to support the mother-infant dyad during childbirth and in the postpartum period.