Neonatal abstinence syndrome and maternal toxicological profile

: Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is one of the most frequent manifestations in the neonates of drug-addicted mothers. It is caused by the abrupt interruption of the transplacentar passage of drugs from the mother to the fetus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between drugs taken during pregnancy and NAS. Data were examined relating to 223 neonates born during 1975-1992 to drug-addict mothers. Neonates were subdivided into four groups according to the maternal toxicological profile. It was thus possible to observe that there is a greater prevalence of NAS in cases of polypharmacomania and that it gradually diminishes in the children of heroin addicts and those receiving methadone treatment. Moreover, the intensity of the syndrome is correlated to the high doses of methadone and/or heroin. In the group of neonates whose mothers had complied with the methadone treatment protocol, the severity of NAS was proportional to the dose taken by the mother. In conclusion, the management of pregnant drug addicts following a controlled methadone treatment programme is accompanied by improved obstetric help and is the most suitable way of reducing perinatal complications and the prevalence of NAS.