Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome in Infants Born to Substance-Dependent Mothers (Pereira, Colombia, 2019)

Abstract

Introduction: Drug addiction is a global public health problem with widespread implications in society, significantly affecting lactating mothers with addictions and putting the health of newborns at risk. Objective: To determine the incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome in children of mothers with substance dependence treated at a health institution in Pereira, Colombia in 2019. Methodology: Observational and descriptive study with a cross-sectional and prospective cohort design of 40 cases of babies born to drug-dependent mothers. The Finnegan scale was used to assess neonatal abstinence, applied every 4 hours during the first 12 to 24 hours after birth; a score greater than 8 indicated neonatal abstinence syndrome. Clinical data of the neonate, including the Apgar test, the method of delivery, and birth weight, among others, were recorded. Congenital anomalies, treatments, infections, complications, and the duration of hospital stay were also noted. Results: Among the neonates assessed with the Finnegan scale during the observation period, 70% of neonates who scored between 10 and 11 points were considered to have mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms. The most notable signs and symptoms in neonates who developed neonatal abstinence syndrome included unexplained continuous crying, mild tremors, myoclonus, sweating, fever, and diarrhea, specifically in 27 cases (67.5%). Conclusions: The incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome has experienced significant growth in recent years. Therefore, it is imperative to emphasize public health policies aimed at preventing drug use during pregnancy in order to reduce the rising incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome.