Treatment of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome with Clonidine versus Morphine as Primary Therapy

Background: Maternal opiate use and resulting Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) have continued to be a major public health concern in the US. NAS is a result of the abrupt discontinuation of the substances abused or used by the mother during pregnancy. The withdrawal symptoms are seen in about 80% of the neonates exposed to opioids in utero. Pharmacologic treatment is required when the infant fails to respond to supportive care, when scores for withdrawal remain high, if seizures are seen or if withdrawal …