Neonatalt abstinenssyndrom blant nyfødte barn av mødre i legemiddelassistert rehabilitering

Abstract

BACKGROUND\nIn recent years, the use of opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) during pregnancy has been a topic of much debate among clinicians. A frequent consequence of such therapy is neonatal abstinence syndrome in the newborn infant. This study aimed to investigate whether follow-up of these neonates was in line with national recommendations.\n\n\nMATERIAL AND METHOD\nAll maternity units in Norway were asked whether they treated neonates born to mothers in opioid maintenance treatment (OMT). 14 out of 42\xa0maternity units treated these patients in collaboration with neonatal units, while 28 units referred the patients onward. Altogether 13 of the 14 treatment units answered a questionnaire on the nature of the care received by neonates.\n\n\nRESULTS\nNone of the hospitals treated more than ten neonates at risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome each year. All neonatal units used a standardised scoring form to assess the development of abstinence. When there was a need for pharmacological treatment, morphine was the first-line choice for all the units. All of them used non-pharmacological interventions. Observation time, procedures for dose reduction of pharmacological treatment and use of supplementary medication varied considerably between the units.\n\n\nINTERPRETATION\nKey aspects of the management of neonates born to mothers in opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) were practised in the same manner and in line with national recommendations. However, our study revealed differences between the hospitals, which overall represent a potential for improvement in the treatment of a vulnerable patient group.