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Clinical presentation and management of neonatal abstinence syndrome: an update
Authors Ordean A, Chisamore B
Received 11 December 2013
Accepted for publication 5 February 2014
Published 9 April 2014 Volume 2014:4 Pages 75—86
DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/RRN.S46441
Checked for plagiarism Yes
Review by Single anonymous peer review
Peer reviewer comments 3
Alice Ordean,1 Brian C Chisamore2
1Department of Family Medicine, 2Department of Pediatrics, St Joseph's Health Centre, and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
Abstract: Exposure to prescription medications and illicit drug use during pregnancy has been associated with neonatal abstinence syndrome. The clinical presentation consists of neurological respiratory, gastrointestinal, and vasomotor disturbances. All infants require observation and supportive care to ensure appropriate adaptation and growth in the newborn period. A smaller percentage may also require additional pharmacotherapy, depending on the specific gestational substance exposure. Women should be counseled antenatally about the possible neonatal effects, and mother–baby dyad care should be implemented for this particular patient population.
Keywords: neonatal withdrawal, opioids, marijuana, cocaine, benzodiazepines, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
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