Journal of Nursing and Health Studies

Neonatal abstinence syndrome: history, diagnosis and management

EuroSciCon Event on Nursing Diagnosis & Midwifery
September 10-11,2018 Prague,Czech Republic

Enrique Gomez Pomar

University of Kentucky, USA

ScientificTracks Abstracts: J Nurs Health Stud

DOI: 10.21767/2574-2825-C4-011

Abstract

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) refers to a constellation of signs that are present in some newborn infants resulting from the abrupt cessation of passive transfer of maternal opioids used during pregnancy. The classic NAS refers to infants born to mothers who used opioids during pregnancy, but the term has broadened to include infants whose mothers have used or abused other psychoactive substances during pregnancy that contribute to the expression of the syndrome. Pregnant women who use opioids do so illicitly, and/or as medically prescribed for pain relief, and/or as medication assisted treatment for opioid dependence. The first case of NAS in infants and the subsequent treatment (or lack thereof) was reported in 1875 and was called Congenital Morphinism. By 2012, the incidence of NAS increased to more than 30 per 1000 hospital live births, along with an increase in the number of infants being treated pharmacologically for NAS, resulting in an increase in the length of stay and healthcare expenses. We present historical references on NAS, the various factors and events that led to its increasing prevalence and today’s current epidemic. We also review the current tools to assess infants with NAS and treatment options in its management.

Biography

Enrique Gomez completed his Medical School in Peru, Pediatric Residency in St Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson, NJ and Neonatology fellowship at the University of Kentucky in Lexington; he has completed Masters’ in Sciences at the University of Kentucky. He is currently working as a Neonatologist in Mississippi. He has published in several peer review journals and it’s currently interested in Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and in improving breastfeeding rates and success.

E-mail: enrique.gomez@uky.edu