Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome: An Update on Developmental Outcomes

Kristen L Benninger; Jennifer M McAllister; Stephanie L Merhar

doi:10.1016/j.clp.2022.10.007

Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome: An Update on Developmental Outcomes

Clin Perinatol. 2023 Mar;50(1):17-29. doi: 10.1016/j.clp.2022.10.007.

Authors

Kristen L Benninger¹, Jennifer M McAllister², Stephanie L Merhar²

Affiliations

¹ Center for Perinatal Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 575 Children's Crossroad, WB 5203, Columbus, OH 43215, USA. Electronic address: Kristen.Benninger@nationwidechildrens.org.
² Cincinnati Children's Hospital Perinatal Institute, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Ave, ML 7009, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.

PMID: 36868704
DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2022.10.007

Abstract

Infants and children with prenatal opioid exposure generally have development within the normal range; however, they seem to be at risk for behavioral problems and for lower scores on cognitive, language, and motor assessments than children without prenatal opioid exposure. It is as of yet unclear whether prenatal opioid exposure itself causes issues with development and behavior, or whether it is simply correlated, due to other confounding factors.

Keywords: Developmental outcomes; Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS); Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS); Neurodevelopment; Opioid.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Analgesics, Opioid
Child
Female
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome*
Pregnancy
Problem Behavior*
Reference Values

Substances

Analgesics, Opioid