Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

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NAS (Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome)
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Introduction to NAS (Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome)

• NAS (Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome) is termed as a
  group of problem a infant experiences when
  withdrawling from exposure to narcotics.
• NAS (Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome) happens once a
  baby is exposed to drug within the womb before
  birth.
• NAS (Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome) may
  result from the utilization of prescription
  drugs as lawfully prescribed, from the abuse
  of prescription drugs, or from the
  utilization of unlawful opioids like Cocain.

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Types of NAS (Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome)

• There are two types of NAS (Neonatal Abstinence
  Syndrome)
• Prenatal
• Postnatal
• Prenatal- Prenatal NAS (Neonatal Abstinence
  Syndrome) occurs due to use of drugs by the
  mother during pregnancy. The foetus become drug
  dependent and experience withdrawal symptoms
  after birth, when exposure to the drug is
  suddenly stopped.

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Types of NAS (Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome)

• Postnatal- Postnatal NAS (Neonatal Abstinence
  Syndrome) follows the use of drugs for the baby
  in situations like emergency mechanical
  ventilation that requires analgesia.
• Postnatal NAS (Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome)
  results when an abrupt discontinuation of opioid
  analgesia occurs, usually after prolonged drug
  exposure.

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Symptoms of NAS (Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome)

• Some sign of NAS (Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome)
  include
• High pitched cry
• Tremors/jittering/shaking of arms, legs, face
• Yawning
• Hard time sucking during feeding times
• Poor weight gain
• Fast breathing
• Frantic sucking - fists, fingers, thumbs

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Continue- Symptoms of NAS (Neonatal Abstinence
Syndrome)

• Trouble falling asleep and staying asleep
• Fussy - hard to calm
• Sneezing/stuffy nose
• Tense arms, legs and body
• Vomiting/diarrhoea
• Skin rashes - more so in the diaper area and face
• Warm to touch/sweating

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Diagnosis of NAS (Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome)

• Tests to diagnose NAS (Neonatal Abstinence
  Syndrome) include 
• NAS (Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome) scoring
  systems These scoring systems allot point to
  each symptom the baby presents with depending
  upon its severity. The overall score decides the
  necessity for treatment.
• Meconium analysis Meconium is the first stool
  passed by the baby. It is the best method for
  detection of the drug used.

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Continue- Diagnosis of NAS (Neonatal Abstinence
Syndrome)

• Urine analysis Urine analysis is also a widely
  used method for detection of drug exposure in the
  newborn, as it contains higher concentrations of
  the drug in comparison with the blood.
• Hair analysis This test is not commonly used as
  it is expensive. But the sample collection is
  very easy and can be done up to 3 months after
  birth.

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Treatments of NAS (Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome)

• Steps to treat infants with NAS (Neonatal
  Abstinence Syndrome) include
• Frequent, small portions of high calorie formula
  feeds are given for children who present with
  problems of feeding and weight gain. This helps
  with the nutrition of the baby.
• Intravenous fluids are considered in case of
  severe vomiting in a dehydrated infant.

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Continue- Treatments of NAS (Neonatal Abstinence
Syndrome)

• Children with NAS (Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome)
  are often irritable and fussy. One can follow
  these steps to calm the baby
• Switching off the lights and keeping a low noise
  or calm environment around them
• Minimizing handling the baby and use of pacifiers
• Gentle rocking and swaddling also helps
• If these measures do not ease the situation, drug
  therapy would be required. Morphine or methadone
  is commonly used in treating this condition.
  However, the choice drug to be used depends on
  the substance used by the mother during her
  pregnancy.