Neonates of Drug-Abusing Mothers: Experiences in a Medical Center in Northern Taiwan

Background: The aim of this study was to explore the patterns of drug abuse in pregnant women and the health problems of infants born to such women in northern Taiwan. Materials and Methods: From January 1990 through October 2005, the records of all neonates born at Mackay Memorial Hospital to mothers who had abused drugs during their pregnancies were reviewed. Results: Of the 37 neonates exposed prenatally to illicit drugs, 81% (30/37) developed neonatal abstinence syndrome. Withdrawal symptoms occurred in most infants within 72 hours of birth. The most common sign was tachypnea which required oxygen therapy. Other signs and symptoms included neurologic abnormalities (tremors and irritability) and gastrointestinal dysfunction (diarrhea, vomiting, and poor feeding). The course of the syndrome in the neonates correlated with the timing of the mother's last dose of the drug. Heroin was the most commonly abused drug during the most recent 5 years. Most of the infants were lost to follow up. Conclusions: In neonates with unexplained excitatory nervous and neuromuscular symptoms, neonatal withdrawal syndrome should be considered. A high index of suggestion and detailed maternal history are crucial for early detection and treatment.

並列關鍵字

neonatal abstinence syndrome ； neonatal withdrawal syndrome ； substance abuse

國際替代計量

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