The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics
2012 , Vol 54 , Num 4
Two newborns of heroin-addicted mothers suffering neonatal withdrawal syndrome
Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Adana, Turkey.
E-mail: erenk9@yahoo.com
Neonatal withdrawal syndrome is characterized by non-specific signs and
symptoms that occur in infants following in-utero drug exposure. The incidence
of neonatal withdrawal syndrome is 16-90% in infants of mothers abusing
heroin. Clinical signs of withdrawal syndrome usually occur within the first
48-72 hours after birth. Central nervous system and gastrointestinal system
symptoms are the main symptoms.
In this case report, two newborns born to the mothers addicted to heroin who suffered neonatal withdrawal syndrome are presented. They were successfully treated with phenobarbital and morphine infusion.
Keywords : newborn, withdrawal syndrome, opioid, heroin.