Characteristics and outcomes of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome in preterm infants: a retrospective cohort study in the current era.

Abstract

Compare Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) in preterm and term infants. Single center, retrospective chart review of all in-utero opioid exposed infants born between 2014 and 2019. Withdrawal symptoms were assessed using Modified Finnegan Assessment Tool. Thirteen preterm (PT), 72 late preterm (LPT), and 178 term infants were included. Preterm and LPT compared to term infants had lower peak Finnegan scores (9/9 vs. 12) and received less pharmacologic treatment (23.1/44.4 vs. 66.3%). Similar onset, peak symptoms, and treatment duration was observed in LPT and term infants. Preterm and LPT infants have lower Finnegan scores and require less pharmacologic therapy for NOWS. It is unclear if this is because our current assessment tool does not capture their symptoms or if they truly have less withdrawal. Onset of NOWS is similar in LPT and term infant, thus LPT infants do not require prolonged hospital monitoring for NOWS.