Neonatal withdrawal syndrome by methadone

Abstract

Seven newborns of methadone and/or heroin addicted mothers were reviewed between 1994 and 1995, inclusively. A progresive increase in number of case was observed in the two last years. The factor of risk were tied to the unfavourable socialeconomical situation of the mother, low birth weight(4-7), preterm(1-7) and infections(5-7), like VIH and hepatitis B and C virus. Neonatal withdrawal syndrome was present in all cases. The digestive manifestations were the most difficult to treat, originating prolonged hospitaller stays.