Neonatal abstinence syndrome

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a group of conditions that occur in a newborn who was exposed to addictive opiate drugs while in the mother's womb. NAS can occur when a pregnant woman takes drugs such as heroin, codeine, oxycodone (opioids), methadone or buprenorphine.

Symptoms

Symptoms of NAS may vary and can exhibit between 1 to 3 days after birth, but may take up to a week to appear. These symptoms include:

• Excessive crying or high-pitched crying
• Sleep problems
• Tremors (trembling)
• Seizures
• Sweating
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Fever or unstable temperature
• Increased reflexes
• Poor feeding and sucking
• Stuffy nose or sneezing

Causes

NAS is caused by the sudden discontinuation of fetal exposure to substances that were used or abused by the mother during pregnancy. The syndrome is most often caused by opioids, which are drugs used to treat pain. Other substances can also cause NAS, including alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, and certain antidepressants.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of NAS is based on a physical examination of the baby. The doctor may use a scoring system to help diagnose the severity of the syndrome. The scoring system may include the baby's weight, measurements, and head circumference, as well as questions about the mother's drug use.

Treatment

Treatment for NAS can include medication to relieve symptoms and promote the baby's normal development. The baby may need to be hospitalized for a period of time. The specific treatment will depend on the baby's overall health and the type of drug the mother used.

Prognosis

With appropriate treatment, babies with NAS can recover fully. However, they may be at a higher risk for long-term problems such as developmental issues and behavior problems.

Prevention

Prevention of NAS primarily involves the prevention of substance abuse in pregnant women. This can include education, counseling, and access to contraceptive services.

See also

• Opioid Use Disorder
• Substance Abuse
• Pregnancy

Neonatal abstinence syndrome Resources
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