Neonatal Abstinence Sydrome

In this country, almost 14,000, or one infant each hour is born having signs of drug withdrawal.  Neonatal abstinence syndrome is characterized by a range of symptoms and signs, including irritability, feeding intolerance, hypertonia (heightened muscle tone), tremors, respiratory distress and seizures.

Neonatal Syndrome

From 2000 to 2009 in the U. S., the yearly rate of maternal opiate use grew almost 5 times, while diagnosis of neonatal abstinence syndrome in infants grew nearly 3 times.  Research revealed that 16.2% of pregnant teenagers and 7.4% of pregnant women between the ages of 18 and 25 years make use of illegal drugs. 

Compared to all other hospital births, neonatal syndrome babies had a 31% greater incidence of respiratory distress, a 20% greater incidence of low birth weight, a 19% greater incidence of feeding difficulties and a 2.3% greater rate of seizures.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309