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Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS): A Transgenerational Echo of the Opioid Crisis

Andrew E Weller1, Richard C Crist1, Benjamin C Reiner1

  • 1Center for Neurobiology and Behavior, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.

Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine
|April 2, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) is rising due to the opioid epidemic. More research and treatment access are crucial for pregnant women with opioid use disorder (OUD) and affected infants.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The opioid epidemic has led to a significant increase in Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) incidence in the United States.
  • Despite established protocols, evolving research questions current Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) practices.
  • Limited access to opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment and socioeconomic barriers prevent many pregnant and postpartum women from receiving necessary care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the pathophysiology of Neonatal Opraphic Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS).
  • To investigate the role of genetic and epigenetic factors in Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) development.
  • To understand the long-term effects of in utero opioid exposure on childhood development and cognitive function.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing human and animal research on Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) etiology.
  • Analysis of clinical findings on long-term sequelae of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS).
  • Exploration of potential genetic and epigenetic influences through limited studies.

Main Results:

  • The pathophysiology of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) remains incompletely understood.
  • Evidence suggests genetic and epigenetic factors contribute to Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS), requiring further investigation.
  • Animal models and clinical studies indicate detrimental long-term effects of in utero opioid exposure on cognitive function and development.

Conclusions:

  • Further clinical and molecular studies are needed to identify risk factors and long-term effects of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) as affected children approach adolescence.
  • Enhanced access to specialized opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment for pregnant women, particularly in rural areas, is essential.
  • Addressing the rising incidence of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) requires a multi-faceted approach including research and improved treatment accessibility.

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