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Review
. 2012 Oct;59(5):1147-65.
doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2012.07.006. Epub 2012 Aug 30.

Pharmacologic management of the opioid neonatal abstinence syndrome

Walter K Kraft  1 , John N van den Anker
Affiliations
Review

Pharmacologic management of the opioid neonatal abstinence syndrome

Walter K Kraft et al. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2012 Oct.

Abstract

Opioid use in pregnant women has increased over the last decade. Following birth, infants with in utero exposure demonstrate signs and symptoms of withdrawal known as the neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Infants express a spectrum of disease, with most requiring the administration of pharmacologic therapy to ensure proper growth and development. Treatment often involves prolonged hospitalization. There is a general lack of high-quality clinical trial data to guide optimal therapy, and significant heterogeneity in treatment approaches. Emerging trends in the treatment of infants with NAS include the use of sublingual buprenorphine, transition to outpatient therapy, and pharmacogenetic risk stratification.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Length of treatment: open-label morphine versus buprenorphine by patient.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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