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Neonatal abstinence syndrome - Overview

Alternative Names

NAS

Definition of Neonatal abstinence syndrome:

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a group of problems that occur in a newborn who was exposed to addictive illegal or prescription drugs while in the mother' s womb.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Neonatal abstinence syndrome occurs because a pregnant woman takes addictive illicit or prescription drugs such as:

Amphetamines
Barbiturates
Cocaine
Diazepam
Marijuana
Opiates (heroin, methadone, codeine)

These and other drugs pass through the placenta – the organ that connects the baby to its mother in the womb – and reach the baby. The baby becomes addicted along with the mother.

At birth, the baby is still dependent on the drug. Because the baby is no longer getting the drug after birth, symptoms of withdrawal occur.

Alcohol use during pregnancy can also cause problems in the baby. See: Fetal alcohol syndrome

Neonatal abstinence syndrome

Reviewed last on: 1/29/2010
Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Ford MD, Delaney KA, Ling L, Erickson T, eds. Clinical Toxicology. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2001.

Ebner N. Management of neonatal abstinence syndrome in neonates born to opioid maintained women. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2007;87:131-138.

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