Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Question 1

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Answer 1

maternal use of narcotics during pregnancy leads to the fetus developing dependency on that drug

Socioeconomic factors, poor nutrition, stress, infections, and poor perinatal care— can lead to use of several drugs during pregnancy

the fetus experiences withdrawal when the mother is withdrawn from her drug or drugs when the fetus is delivered

Onset of withdrawal symptoms occurs 72 hours

Question 2

M/c Drugs

Answer 2

heroin
cocaine
methadone 
pain medication 
alcohol and tobacco

Question 3

S/s of withdrawal

Answer 3

irritability, tremors, seizures, apnea, increased mm tone, inability to sleep, hyperactive DTR’s, incoordination, inefficient sucking and swallowing, and high pitched/shrill cry

Question 4

Diagnsosis

Answer 4

Made based on maternal hx, maternal and infant toxicology reports, and clinical exam of the infant

Question 5

Lipsitz Tool

Answer 5

Neonatal Drug Withdrawal Scoring System
scores irritability, reflexes, stools, mm tone, skin abrasions, tachypnea, repetitive sneezing, yawning, vomiting, and fever

Question 6

Treatmetn

Answer 6

supportive care: swaddle, non nutritive sucking, decreased sensory stimulation, small frequent feedings and additional calories may be needed

meds: tincture of opium, morphine, methadone, buprenorphine