The opioid-exposed newborn: Assessment and pharmacologic management

Lauren M. Jansson, MD; Martha Velez, MD; Cheryl Harrow, RNC-LRN, MS, FNP-BC, IBCLC, RLC

doi:10.5055/jom.2009.0006

Authors

Lauren M. Jansson, MD
Martha Velez, MD
Cheryl Harrow, RNC-LRN, MS, FNP-BC, IBCLC, RLC

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jom.2009.0006

Keywords:

neonatal abstinencesyndrome, methadone, opioids, infant, substance abuse

Abstract

The infant exposed to opioids in utero frequently presents a challenge to the neonatal care provider in the assessment and treatment of symptoms of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) after birth. This review is intended to provide the healthcare professional with a brief review of current evidence and practical guidelines for optimal evaluation and pharmacologic management of the opioid-exposed newborn.

Author Biographies

Lauren M. Jansson, MD

Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland.

Martha Velez, MD

Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland.

Cheryl Harrow, RNC-LRN, MS, FNP-BC, IBCLC, RLC

Department of Neonatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland.

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