Standardizing care improves outcomes for infants born with neonatal abstinence syndrome

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-04/vumc-sci041516.php

Public Release: 15-Apr-2016
Standardizing care improves outcomes for infants born with neonatal abstinence syndrome
Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Standardizing hospital care policies across institutions for infants diagnosed with drug withdrawal symptoms at birth reduces their length of treatment and hospitalization, according to new collaborative research led by Vermont Oxford Network, Vanderbilt and the University of Michigan Health System.

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a drug withdrawal syndrome experienced by infants exposed to opioids, or narcotic drugs like oxycodone, while in utero. NAS has been linked to both illicit drug use as well as prescription opioids -- narcotic pain relievers such as hydrocodone -- by pregnant women. Infants born with NAS are more likely to have respiratory complications, feeding difficulty, low birthweights, and extended hospital stays.

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tags: drug use, drub abuse