Novel Withdrawal Symptoms of a Neonate Prenatally Exposed to a Fentanyl Analog

• Published in: Journal of pediatric health care 2019-01, Vol.33 (1), p.102-106
• Main Authors: Nellhaus, Emma M., Murray, Sara, Hansen, Zachary, Loudin, Sean, Davies, Todd H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Fentanyl; NAS; Nursing; opioids; withdrawal
• ISSN: 0891-5245; 1532-656X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2018.08.014

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a withdrawal syndrome observed in neonates exposed to drugs in utero, typically opioids, which is associated with symptoms affecting the central and autonomic nervous systems and the gastrointestinal system. West Virginia, particularly the southeastern region of the state, has remarkably higher rates of NAS than similar communities. Our facility is increasingly faced with complex cases of NAS caused by in utero exposure to multiple substances. We present a case report of a neonate born to a 25-year-old mother enrolled in a medication-assisted treatment program for substance use disorder who was noncompliant in prenatal care, using multiple substances throughout the pregnancy, including gabapentin and fentanyl. After birth, the neonate began to exhibit unusual withdrawal symptoms including arching, tongue thrusting, and irregular eye movements, which are typically associated with in utero gabapentin exposure. The parents denied consent to treat with gabapentin, the suggested management for these symptoms; thus, a treatment protocol for methadone and clonidine were followed. This case exemplifies the medical and social complexities involved in treating polysubstance exposure–associated NAS.