Neonatal Drug Withdrawal(Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome)by Patricia Griffin Kellicker, BSN DefinitionNeonatal drug withdrawal occurs when a baby who has been exposed to drugs in the womb develops withdrawal symptoms. This occurs because the baby is no longer exposed to the drug the mother was taking. This condition can be caused by medicines, alcohol, and illegal drugs. It can take weeks to months for a baby to fully withdraw from a drug. Without treatment, this can be a life-threatening condition. If you used drugs during your pregnancy, tell your doctor right away. Your baby can be tested and treated after delivery. Blood Traveling Through Mother's Placenta to Baby Drugs and alcohol travel through this path from mother to baby. Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. CausesThis condition is caused when a woman uses drugs and/or alcohol while pregnant. Drugs that cause this condition include:
Risk FactorsThese factors increase your baby’s chances of developing this condition. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors: SymptomsDepending on the type and amount of drug exposure, symptoms can develop within hours to days after birth. Symptoms include:
DiagnosisThe doctor will examine your baby based on her symptoms and your medical and drug history. To diagnose your baby correctly, the doctor needs to know what drug you took during pregnancy, how much was taken, and how often. Your baby will have a physical exam. Tests may include urine tests, hair or stool tests, blood tests, and x-rays. TreatmentTalk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for your baby. Treatment options include the following: Close MonitoringYour baby may need to stay in the hospital to be closely monitored. Your baby may be watched for:
MedicinesYour baby may be given medicines to help during withdrawal. Medicines will differ based on the drug from which your baby is withdrawing. Supportive CareYour baby may need IV fluids, oxygen, high-calorie formula, tube-feeding, or other support. Follow your doctor's instructions. PreventionTo help reduce your baby‘s chances of getting this condition, take the following steps:
National Institute on Drug Abuse Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Toronto Area of Narcotics Anonymous Improving treatment for drug exposed infants, treatment improvement protocol, (TIP), series 5. US Department of Health and Human Services, Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse website. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64750/ . Accessed January 8, 2013. Neonatal abstinence syndrome. Children’s Hospital Boston website. Available at: http://www.childre... . Accessed January 8, 2013. Neonatal opiate withdrawal. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated June 5, 2012. Accessed January 8, 2013. Schub E., Cabrera G. Neonatal abstinence syndrome: an overview. EBSCO Nursing Reference Center website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=16&topicID=860 . Updated August 24, 2012. Accessed January 8, 2013. Last reviewed November 2012 by Michael Woods, MD |
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