Neonatal abstinence syndrome secondary to infant opioid infusion

In neonates and infants receiving opioid infusions, high dose (fentanyl > 2.5 mg/kg) and duration of infusion (> 9 days) was predictive of withdrawal requiring treatment (NAS scores ≥ 8) [10, 11]. (LOE III-2) Infants receiving prolonged fentanyl infusions may be at higher risk of withdrawal symptoms than infants receiving prolonged morphine infusions [12]. (LOE III-2)

Management of opioid withdrawal includes gradual opioid weaning, environmental and nursing supportive measures and treatment with methadone, clonidine or both [4].