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Differences in the profile of neonatal abstinence syndrome signs in methadone‐ versus buprenorphine‐exposed neonates
Author(s) -
Gaalema Diann E.,
Scott Teresa Linares,
Heil Sarah H.,
Coyle Mara G.,
Kaltenbach Karol,
Badger Gary J.,
Arria Amelia M.,
Stine Susan M.,
Martin Peter R.,
Jones Hendrée E.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
addiction
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.424
H-Index - 193
eISSN - 1360-0443
pISSN - 0965-2140
DOI - 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2012.04039.x
Subject(s) - buprenorphine , methadone , medicine , anesthesia , irritability , pediatrics , dosing , opioid , pregnancy , receptor , menopause , biology , genetics
Aims To compare the profile of signs of neonatal abstinence syndrome ( NAS ) in methadone‐ versus buprenorphine‐exposed infants. Design, setting and participants Secondary analysis of NAS data from a multi‐site, double‐blind, double‐dummy, flexible‐dosing, randomized clinical trial. Data from a total of 129 neonates born to opioid‐dependent women who had been assigned to receive methadone or buprenorphine treatment during pregnancy were examined. Measurements For 10 days after delivery, neonates (methadone = 72, buprenorphine = 57) were assessed regularly using a 19‐item modified F innegan scale. Data from neonates who required pharmacological treatment (methadone = 41, buprenorphine = 27) were included up to the time treatment was initiated. The incidence and mean severity of the total NAS score and each individual sign of NAS were calculated and compared between medication conditions, as was the median time until morphine treatment initiation among treated infants in each condition. Findings Two NAS signs (undisturbed tremors and hyperactive M oro reflex) were observed significantly more frequently in methadone‐exposed neonates and three (nasal stuffiness, sneezing, loose stools) were observed more frequently in buprenorphine‐exposed neonates. Mean severity scores on the total NAS score and five individual signs (disturbed and undisturbed tremors, hyperactive Moro reflex, excessive irritability, failure to thrive) were significantly higher among methadone‐exposed neonates, while sneezing was higher among buprenorphine‐exposed neonates. Among treated neonates, methadone‐exposed infants required treatment significantly earlier than buprenorphine‐exposed infants (36 versus 59 hours postnatal, respectively). Conclusions The profile of neonatal abstinence syndrome differs in methadone‐ versus buprenorphine‐exposed neonates, with significant differences in incidence, severity and treatment initiation time. Overall, methadone‐exposed neonates have a more severe neonatal abstinence syndrome.