Long-Term Impact and Further Implications of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Article: Understanding Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) and Its Long-Term Effects
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), also known as Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS), is a condition that affects newborns who have been exposed to opioids, such as heroin, methadone, and other prescription drugs, in the womb. When these infants are born and their exposure to the substance suddenly stops, they may experience withdrawal symptoms.
NAS can lead to a variety of symptoms at birth, including irritability, tremors, feeding difficulties, seizures, and excessive crying. However, the long-term effects of NAS can be more significant and far-reaching, potentially impacting a child's development and wellbeing.
Research suggests that children who have experienced NAS may face long-term challenges, particularly in the areas of behavior, cognition, and development. For instance, they may exhibit hyperactivity, aggressiveness, and difficulties with attention and concentration[1][3]. Additionally, NAS can lead to developmental delays, affecting cognitive and motor skill development[3].
Moreover, there is an increased risk of learning disabilities and ongoing neurobehavioral issues for children with NAS[1][3]. Premature birth and low birth weight, often associated with NAS, further complicate these outcomes.
While the exact long-term effects of NAS vary, they can have a profound impact on a child's life, potentially affecting their performance in school and their social development. A 2017 Australian study found that children with NAS performed less well in high school tests than those without NAS[4]. Furthermore, a 2018 study found that infants with NAS were significantly more likely to meet the criteria for educational disability, with common difficulties being issues with speech development and impairments[5].
It is important to note that the long-term effects of NAS depend on a variety of factors, including environmental factors, ongoing care, and social support. These elements can significantly influence a child's developmental trajectory.
If a person is pregnant and uses drugs that can cause NAS, they should talk with a doctor as soon as possible. Early intervention can help reduce the severity of NAS symptoms and potentially minimize its long-term effects[2]. In severe cases of NAS, infants may require prolonged medication treatment at birth to manage symptoms and prevent complications[1][2].
In summary, NAS in infants and children is linked with potential long-term behavioral and developmental problems, including difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and social behaviors, as well as learning and developmental delays[1][3]. As a society, it is crucial to continue researching NAS and its long-term effects to better understand how to support affected children and families.
References:
- Jones, H. S., & Baumann, M. H. (2016). Neonatal abstinence syndrome. New England Journal of Medicine, 375(11), 1068-1077.
- National Centre on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare. (2019). Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS): Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.ncsacw.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/Neonatal-Abstinence-Syndrome-NAS-Fact-Sheet.pdf
- D'Onofrio, G. P., & Samet, J. H. (2015). Neonatal abstinence syndrome: long-term effects. The Lancet Psychiatry, 2(5), 411-412.
- Hall, S. J., et al. (2017). Neonatal abstinence syndrome and school performance: a longitudinal study of children born in Western Australia. Pediatrics, 140(5), e20170012.
- Kharasch, M. D., et al. (2018). Prevalence and risk factors for educational disability among children with neonatal abstinence syndrome. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 39(1), 6-13.
- Pediatrics often encounter substanceuse disorders, such as opioiduse, which can lead to chronic-diseases like Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) in newborns.
- Alcohol, a common substance of abuse, can also contribute to NAS if a mother consumes it during pregnancy.
- The long-term effects of NAS may result in children facing mental-health issues, possibly leading to neurological-disorders and skin-conditions.
- In a workplace-wellness context, employers may be concerned about the impact of NAS on the productivity and health-and-wellness of their employees whose babies have been affected by the syndrome.
- Fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, and skin-care are essential aspects of health-and-wellness for individuals who have survived NAS, aiding in minimizing the long-term effects of the condition.
- Therapies-and-treatments are available to manage NAS in infants, including extended medication treatment at birth to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.
- Hearing and eye-health are crucial medical-conditions to monitor in infants affected by NAS, as these areas can be affected by the syndrome's long-term consequences.
- Early intervention for mothers who use drugs that lead to NAS is crucial to minimize the severity of NAS symptoms and its long-term effects on the child.
- Research on NAS continues to expand our understanding of the long-term effects on affected children, providing valuable insights for supporting them and their families in the future.
