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Pilot Study Comparing Adverse Cardiorespiratory Events among Pharmacologically and Nonpharmacologically Treated
Spoorthi Davala1, Aaron Hansbury2, Melissa Miller2
1Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA.
Insights
Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) management varies. Pharmacological treatment for NAS was associated with a higher incidence of cardiorespiratory adverse events compared to non-treated infants, suggesting a need for further study.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Pharmacology
- Pediatric adverse events
Background:
- Cardiorespiratory monitoring practices differ for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).
- The incidence of cardiorespiratory adverse events in NAS infants receiving pharmacological treatment versus non-treatment is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the incidence of cardiorespiratory adverse events in pharmacologically treated versus non-treated infants with NAS.
- To inform clinical practice and future research on NAS management.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study design.
- Inclusion of infants diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome.
- Comparison of adverse event rates between pharmacologically treated and non-treated groups.
Main Results:
- Eight (10%) infants in the non-treated group experienced cardiorespiratory adverse events.
- Twenty-three (19%) infants in the pharmacologically treated group experienced cardiorespiratory adverse events.
- A higher incidence of adverse events was observed in the treated group.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacological treatment for NAS may be associated with an increased risk of cardiorespiratory adverse events.
- Further investigation in a larger cohort is warranted to confirm these findings.
- Clinical practice regarding cardiorespiratory monitoring in NAS infants may need re-evaluation.
Abstract:
There is variation in cardiorespiratory monitoring practices for neonatal abstinence syndrome. We examined the incidence of cardiorespiratory adverse events in infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome who were treated or nontreated pharmacologically. Eight (10%) in the nontreated and 23 (19%) in the treated group experienced adverse events. This warrants further investigation in a larger cohort.
