Neonatal withdrawal syndrome: Case report

Maternal drug abuse has increased over the past decade. It has a multiple negative influence on a pregnant woman, as well as her newborn. Practically, every drug taken during pregnancy crosses the placenta, and the developing fetus may also be affected by the effects of a drug. After delivery, an infant of a drug-abusing mother may potentially develop neonatal withdrawal syndrome. Existing studies on the neonatal effects of drug exposure in utero are subject to many factors. Many studies have relied on the history obtained from the mother, which is innacurate. Urine testing for drug abuse does not reflect exposure to a drug through pregnancy and does not provide quantitative information. Social and economic deprivation is common among drug abusers, and this factor has a major effect on long term studies of infant outcome. The purpose of this article is to underline the problems during management of a neonatal withdrawal syndrome, and growing incidence of it in our society.