Frequency of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and type of the narcotic substance in neonates born from drug addicted mothers

Abstract

Background: NAS is a combination of signs and symptoms that due to physical and mental dependency, develops in neonates born from drug addicted mothers. The onset of NAS varies in accordance with the type, amount, frequency and duration of substance used. Because of diverse and unclear pattern of substance abuse in Iranian addicted pregnant mothers in comparison with western countries, this multi-center study has been designed to evaluate NAS in neonates born from drug addicted mothers.Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out on newborns of narcotic addicted mothers during the first six months of 2008. The newborn’s status and clinical signs were checked by physical examination and scored by the Finnegan scoring system.Results: In this study 100 neonates born from narcotic addicted mothers were examined; the most used narcotic was crack (36%). 60% of neonates showed signs of NAS. The most prevalent signs of NAS were increased muscle tonicity (60%/7), irritability (59%/6) and increased moro reflex (51%/8). Neonates born from crack abusers, in comparison with other drugs, were significantly at risk of NAS (100% vs.87%, P<0.03).Conclusion: Public education as regards to the negative impact of substance abuse in pregnancy is strongly advised so as to promote health status of the society. It is substantial to encourage women at reproductive age to quit addiction before pregnancy, or even undergoing drug replacement therapy with low risk narcotics in order to completely prevent NAS.Keywords: Addiction, NAS, Pregnancy