Non‐pharmacological interventions for neonatal abstinence syndrome

Authors

Noah Allen, Marshall UniversityFollow
Leesa Prunty
Charles C. K. Babcock
Omar F. Attarabeen, Marshall UniversityFollow
Isha Patel

Document Type

Letter to the Editor

Publication Date

5-2018

Abstract

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a growing concern in the wake of America's opioid epidemic. The last 15 years have exhibited a fivefold increase in NAS 1, which is linked directly to the rise of opioid use during pregnancy. Exposure to addictive substances while in the womb leads to a variety of problems after birth, including metabolic, gastrointestinal and central nervous system effects. For example, NAS manifests as fever, sweating, tachypnea, tremors, poor eating, weight loss, seizures, crying and other symptoms. Management of NAS includes both pharmacological and non‐pharmacological supportive care. Non‐pharmacological therapy may reduce the length of hospitalization, minimizing medication therapy requirements and reduce the risk associated with medication therapy in infants.

Comments

Copyright © 2018 Society for the Study of Addiction.

Recommended Citation

Allen N, Prunty L, Babcock C'CK', Attarabeen O, Patel I. Non-pharmacological interventions for neonatal abstinence syndrome. Addiction. 2018 May 24. doi: 10.1111/add.14256.