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Evidence · Systematic review or meta-analysis

Review of the assessment and management of neonatal abstinence syndrome.

Systematic review or meta-analysisAddiction Science & Clinical Practice2014Over 5 years oldFull text
  • Breast milk and breastfeeding
  • Comfort and nursing care
  • Medical
  • Neonatal abstinence syndrome
  • Nursing
  • Postnatal and transitional care

This paper is from 2014, more than five years ago. Newer evidence may have been published since.

Summary

This systematic review examines the evidence on assessment tools, nonpharmacological interventions and pharmacological management for neonatal abstinence syndrome following in-utero opioid exposure. It notes limited data on inter-observer reliability of assessment scales, many of which predate common use of concomitant prenatal medications. Nonpharmacological measures, particularly breastfeeding, may reduce severity, and opioids are described as first-line therapy with phenobarbital or clonidine as adjuncts. The authors highlight the need for further research to define best practice.

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