Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) can be described as a problem or condition prevalent in newborn children who have been exposed to addictive prescription or illegal drugs while they were developing in their mother’s wombs (Queensland Maternity and Neonatal Clinical, 2010). The condition often results after the mother of an unborn child uses opiate or narcotic drugs for example heroin, oxycodone, methadone, codeine or buprenorphine. The condition has many adverse effects on the newborn child. The condition shares similar symptoms and may be confused easily with other diseases prevalent in children (Matic, 2008). However, various tests help to diagnose the condition. The diagnosis of the condition mainly depends on a study of the kind of drugs that the mother used, and the same drug may be used in the treatment process (MacMullen, Dulski, & Blobaum, 2014). More research on the NAS condition is vital in today’s world where drug and substance abuse among expectant women is on the increase. The number of cases reported with such conditions globally is on the rise. Thus, more research is needed to show the various factors that can lead to the condition.
Table of Contents
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Objectives and Topics
This paper reviews scholarly literature on neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), focusing on its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and management. It seeks to explain factors associated with the condition and to inform communities about supporting affected infants.
- Prenatal and postnatal causes of NAS
- Symptoms and factors affecting their onset
- Diagnostic tests for drug exposure
- Supportive care and pharmacological treatment
- Prenatal substance exposure and its effects on infants
Excerpt from the Book
Diagnosis and Treatment
During the process of diagnosis and treatment of the child, various tests are carried out. The tests are vital in helping assess the level of addiction of the infant. The disease also has almost similar symptoms with many other diseases, therefore conducting the various tests is vital in determining the chief cause of the problem (Astho, 2014). Once the tests are carried out, treatment can be carried out effectively with much ease. The tests include the urine test (urinalysis), which refers to the microscopic examination of the physical and chemical urine components (MacMullen et al., 2014). In the lab, the urine is examined for any traces of the drug residue. The concentration of the drug residue in the urine can also be determined.
Toxicology screening of first bowel movements is also conducted (MacMullen et al., 2014). This test is primarily done to determine the types and amounts of toxic or non-toxic drugs that a person has taken. While carrying out the tests, the mother of the infant is supposed to make it known to the doctor the kind of drugs, including the over-the-counter drugs that she has taken and the amounts. This help to assess and determine the level of dependence of the infant to the drug. The test is usually carried out using a blood test or a urine test. Another test done is the radioimmunoassay and enzyme immunoassay (ELISA). The test uses antibodies and change in color to identify various substances. It is a type of analytical biochemistry assay which uses solid-phase enzymes, immunoassay (EIA) to help detect the presence of a substance (antigen) in a wet or liquid sample (MacMullen et al., 2014). The test can be used to ascertain the presence of various drug substances present in the infant.
Another test that may be conducted is the Meconium analysis, which is primarily used to detect fetal and infant exposure to drugs and other substances. It is vital in determining the prevalence of antenatal exposure to various compounds, as well as assessing the possible effects that are associated with the compounds (MacMullen et al., 2014). All these tests mentioned above are used in the determination of the various drugs and substances that may be present in the infant’s body thereby making it possible for treatment for withdrawal to start immediately.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: Introduces NAS, its association with exposure to addictive drugs and the need for further research.
Methods: Describes a review of scholarly works addressing symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and management.
Results: Discusses causes and symptoms of NAS, diagnostic tests, and approaches to management and treatment.
Discussion: Considers the effects of prenatal substance exposure and cites statistics on the occurrence of NAS.
Conclusion: Calls for further research, education for expectant parents and treatment protocols tailored to individual infants.
Keywords
neonatal abstinence syndrome, newborns, prenatal drug exposure, postnatal withdrawal, opioids, withdrawal symptoms, diagnosis, urinalysis, meconium analysis, supportive care, pharmacotherapy, maternal substance use
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this paper about?
It examines neonatal abstinence syndrome, a condition associated with drug exposure and withdrawal in newborns.
What are its central topics?
The paper addresses causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and management, as well as prenatal substance exposure.
What is the primary aim of the paper?
It aims to review literature on NAS and explain factors associated with the condition and the care of affected infants.
What research method does the author use?
The author reviews scholarly works on NAS rather than reporting an original study.
What does the main section cover?
It describes types and symptoms of NAS, diagnostic tests, supportive care and drug treatment.
Which keywords characterize the paper?
Key terms include neonatal abstinence syndrome, prenatal drug exposure, withdrawal symptoms, diagnosis, supportive care and pharmacotherapy.
Which diagnostic tests does the paper discuss?
It discusses urinalysis, toxicology screening, immunoassays and meconium analysis.
How does the paper distinguish prenatal and postnatal NAS?
It describes prenatal NAS in relation to maternal substance use and postnatal NAS in relation to discontinuing medication administered to newborns.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Oliver Tumbo (Autor:in), 2015, Essay on the Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/299683
