Neonatal abstinence syndrome in neonates born of mothers in drug-assisted rehabilitation.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

In recent years, the use of opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) during pregnancy has been a topic of much debate among clinicians. A frequent consequence of such therapy is neonatal abstinence syndrome in the newborn infant. This study aimed to investigate whether follow-up of these neonates was in line with national recommendations.

MATERIAL AND METHOD:

All maternity units in Norway were asked whether they treated neonates born to mothers in opioid maintenance treatment (OMT). 14 out of 42 maternity units treated these patients in collaboration with neonatal units, while 28 units referred the patients onward. Altogether 13 of the 14 treatment units answered a questionnaire on the nature of the care received by neonates.

RESULTS:

None of the hospitals treated more than ten neonates at risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome each year. All neonatal units used a standardised scoring form to assess the development of abstinence. When there was a need for pharmacological treatment, morphine was the first-line choice for all the units. All of them used non-pharmacological interventions. Observation time, procedures for dose reduction of pharmacological treatment and use of supplementary medication varied considerably between the units.

INTERPRETATION:

Key aspects of the management of neonates born to mothers in opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) were practised in the same manner and in line with national recommendations. However, our study revealed differences between the hospitals, which overall represent a potential for improvement in the treatment of a vulnerable patient group.

• Authors: Maria Andenes, Eva Sævold, Silja Torvik Griffiths, Eivind Sirnes
• Journal: Tidsskrift for den Norske laegeforening : tidsskrift for praktisk medicin, ny raekke (Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen) Vol. 141 Issue 1 (01 12 2021) ISSN: 0807-7096 [Electronic] Norway
• Vernacular Title: Neonatalt abstinenssyndrom blant nyfødte barn av mødre i legemiddelassistert rehabilitering.
• PMID: 33433103 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Pharmaceutical Preparations
• Methadone

Topics

• Female
• Humans
• Infant
• Infant, Newborn
• Methadone
• Mothers
• Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (drug therapy, epidemiology)
• Norway (epidemiology)
• Opioid-Related Disorders (drug therapy)
• Pharmaceutical Preparations
• Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Complications (drug therapy)