Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome

Abstract

Opioid use, both prescribed and illicit, has grown exponentially in the United States since the late 1990s, and with it, opioid use during pregnancy and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) have also increased. NAS is a withdrawal syndrome occurring in newborns that results from maternal opioid use during pregnancy and has variable onset, severity, and duration. Given the increasing incidence of NAS, this article seeks to review its definition, presentation, evaluation, and management to ensure adequate care of these infants and families. [ Pediatr Ann . 2022;51(6):e234–e242.]