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A recent study conducted by researchers from Yale University School of Medicine examined hospital readmission rates for infants with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). The study found that infants with NOWS had a higher risk of readmission for any cause, as well as for trauma and confirmed maltreatment. These findings highlight the need for family-based, in-home services that address substance use treatment and parenting support for mothers with opioid use disorder. The study provides valuable insights into the impact of NOWS on infants and the challenges faced by mothers in caring for newborns with NOWS. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Duke University discusses the findings of a study on Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS). The study highlights that approximately 50% of infants exposed to opioids at birth will develop NOWS within 5 days. The researchers propose using noninvasive clinical indicators, such as newborn neurobehavior and autonomic biomarkers, to predict which infants will develop NOWS. The goal is to improve diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity, leading to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of NOWS. This research has the potential to reduce hospital stays for infants who do not develop NOWS and alleviate burdens on hospitals and clinicians. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses a study on neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) in mice. The researchers aimed to understand the behavioral and vocalization patterns, brainstem transcriptomic adaptations, and the role of kappa opioid receptors in USVs (ultrasonic vocalizations) during opioid withdrawal. The study found that there were increased USV emissions and altered USV syllables during withdrawal, with a specific increase in Complex 3 syllables in female mice. The researchers also identified the involvement of the kappa opioid receptor system in increased USVs associated with withdrawal severity. However, it is important to note that this study has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts compared the safety of using buprenorphine combined with naloxone versus buprenorphine alone for the treatment of opioid use disorder during pregnancy. The study found that both formulations were reasonable options, with similar or more favorable outcomes for pregnancies exposed to buprenorphine combined with naloxone. The research supports the flexibility in collaborative treatment decision-making and affirms that buprenorphine with naloxone appears to be a safe treatment option for pregnant individuals with opioid use disorder. The study was funded by the NIH National Institute on Drug Abuse. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Arizona State University explores the role of C-tactile afferents (CTs) in the physiological benefits of babywearing for infants with Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS). The study involved 29 infants in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) who were worn in an infant carrier starting at five days old. The researchers found that stroking an infant's head during babywearing resulted in a greater reduction in heart rate compared to hands-free babywearing. The study suggests that the activation of CTs plays a significant role in the positive effects of babywearing and caregiver-infant attachment. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents new findings from Thomas Jefferson University on the severity of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) and its relation to infant sex. Topics discussed include the lack of significant differences in NOWS severity between male and female infants, the study's methodology and statistical analysis, and the implications for future research on sex-related outcomes in NOWS.

Researchers at the University of Maryland have conducted a study on the relationship between placental DNA methylation and the severity of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). The study found that lower placental methylation of the ABCB1 gene was associated with more severe cases of NOWS. Additionally, higher methylation of the CYP19A1 gene was correlated with higher levels of the drug norbuprenorphine in the umbilical cord. This research provides valuable insights into the potential risk factors for severe NOWS and could contribute to the development of prevention strategies. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the University of Southern Alabama highlights the potential dangers of prenatal exposure to tianeptine, an opioid receptor agonist commonly used as an antidepressant in many countries. Although tianeptine is not approved for medical use in the United States due to its potential for abuse and addiction, it is readily available as a dietary supplement. The study describes a case of a newborn who exhibited severe withdrawal symptoms shortly after birth as a result of chronic prenatal exposure to tianeptine. The researchers recommend that healthcare providers inquire about the use of neurotropic over-the-counter drugs when assessing infants with opioid withdrawal symptoms of unknown origin. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the University of British Columbia examined the infant mortality and hospitalizations among newborns diagnosed with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) in British Columbia, Canada. The study found that infants with NAS had a higher rate of mortality and hospitalizations during the first year of life compared to infants without NAS. However, after adjusting for maternal factors, the association between NAS and infant mortality diminished. The study highlights the importance of implementing integrated care services to support infants with NAS and their mothers during the first year of life and beyond. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Johns Hopkins University examined the effects of buprenorphine-naloxone treatment on fetal neurobehavior in pregnant women with opioid use disorder (OUD). The study found that fetal heart rate and motor activity were suppressed when buprenorphine-naloxone levels were at their peak, but not earlier in gestation. The researchers concluded that further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effects of these changes in fetal neurobehavior on infant development. This research provides valuable insights into the potential benefits and effects of buprenorphine-naloxone treatment during pregnancy. [Extracted from the article]

A preprint abstract from biorxiv.org discusses the impact of neonatal fentanyl withdrawal syndrome on sleep and circadian rhythms in mice during adolescence. Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, is known to cause sleep disturbances in adults during use and withdrawal. The study found that mice exposed to fentanyl as neonates experienced reduced wake duration and fewer non-rapid eye movement sleep bouts, but an increase in the average duration of rapid eye movement sleep bouts. These findings suggest that neonatal fentanyl exposure can lead to altered sleep-wake states during adolescence in mice. However, it is important to note that this preprint has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]

A preprint abstract from biorxiv.org discusses the effects of opioid use during pregnancy on infant health outcomes, specifically neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). The study used a mouse model to simulate NOWS traits and found that neonatal mice exposed to opioids exhibited reduced body weight gain, hypothermia, thermal hyperalgesia, and increased ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs). The researchers also observed altered USV syllable profiles during spontaneous morphine withdrawal, particularly in female mice. Brainstem transcriptomics revealed an upregulation of the kappa opioid receptor (Oprk1), which was associated with withdrawal-induced dysphoria. Treatment with a kappa opioid receptor antagonist reduced USV emission in female mice during morphine withdrawal, while treatment with a kappa opioid receptor agonist increased USV emission in both male and female mice. The study suggests a female-specific recruitment of the dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor system in neonatal opioid withdrawal symptom severity. However, it is important to note that this preprint has not been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A recent scoping review conducted by researchers at Unity Health Toronto explores the use of opioid medical detoxification (OMD) as an alternative strategy to opioid agonist treatment (OAT) for pregnant individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). OAT, which involves the use of methadone or buprenorphine, has been associated with a risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in newborns. The review aims to summarize the evidence on maternal, obstetrical, and neonatal outcomes of OMD compared to OAT maintenance and provides recommendations for future research in this area. The study highlights the need for further investigation to better manage this patient population. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from researchers at the University of Puerto Rico provides fresh data on Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), a set of drug withdrawal symptoms experienced by newborns exposed to drugs in utero. The study aimed to describe the incidence, clinical manifestations, and treatment approaches of NAS in two hospitals affiliated with the University of Puerto Rico. The researchers identified 12 neonates diagnosed with NAS, with an incidence rate of 2 cases per 1000 admissions over a three-year period. The study highlights the need for further research on NAS in Puerto Rico to develop enhanced treatment protocols. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Harvard Medical School discusses research findings on opioids, specifically focusing on neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) and its treatment guidelines. The American Academy of Pediatrics published guidelines in 2020 recommending nonpharmacologic treatment as the first-line approach for NOWS, unless severe symptoms require pharmacologic treatment. The researchers analyzed data from 11 hospitals and found that the use of pharmacologic treatment decreased significantly after the guidelines were released. Additionally, there was a decrease in NICU utilization for infants with NOWS. The study concludes that the guidelines had a positive impact on the management of NOWS. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the Chandler Regional Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona, implemented a nurse-driven Eat-Sleep-Console (ESC) treatment pathway for neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). The study compared three different treatment epochs and found that the proportion of infants treated with ESC increased, leading to a decrease in length of stay and a decrease in the use of pharmacologic agents. A survey of NICU nursing staff showed that the implementation of the ESC program did not negatively impact their perceptions or attitudes towards the program. This research provides insights into the effectiveness of the ESC program for improving short-term outcomes in infants with NOWS. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at the State University of New York (SUNY) Buffalo examined the impact of maternal region of residence on severe neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) in Western New York (WNY). The study found that infants born to mothers from the "Urban South" region were twice as likely to be admitted for severe NOWS. The researchers also noted that the trend in admissions for severe NOWS doubled between 2008-2010 and 2014-2016. The study suggests that implementing targeted strategies at the community level may help improve outcomes for infants with NOWS. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at St. Louis University focused on neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) in infants. The study aimed to evaluate electroencephalography (EEG) abnormalities using amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG) in NOWS. The findings revealed that aEEG abnormalities, specifically the absence of sleep-wake cyclicity (SWC), were common in infants with NOWS and persisted despite treatment at the time of discharge. The study suggests that neonates with persistent aEEG abnormalities at discharge should receive close follow-up. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the University of Louisville evaluated the effectiveness of a special type of bassinet in the treatment of infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). NAS is a condition that occurs when infants are exposed to opioids in the womb and experience withdrawal symptoms after birth. The study found that the use of the bassinet did not provide any benefit to infants with NAS and may have actually prolonged their length of stay and treatment. Further research is needed before these bassinets are adopted for routine care of infants with NAS. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at West Virginia University examined the impact of Certificate-of-Need (CON) laws on substance use disorder (SUD) treatment facilities and patient outcomes. The study found that CON laws, which restrict the supply of facilities and beds, can lead to negative outcomes for patients with SUD who rely on publicly funded healthcare insurance plans. The researchers discovered that CON laws were associated with higher rates of hospital bed utilization, an increase in the number of infants born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, and higher rates of emergency department visits. These findings provide important evidence on the effects of CON laws on vulnerable populations. [Extracted from the article]

A new study conducted in Washington, D.C. explores the need for a dyadic approach to care for birthing individuals and their infants who are exposed to opioids. The study found that there is currently no consensus on how to clinically define the opioid-exposed birthing person-infant dyad. Through a literature review, the researchers identified eight recurring elements that characterize the dyad, including engagement, communication, bonding, and attunement. The study suggests that this interactional relationship should be the foundational principle for defining the dyad, which has implications for clinical care, data collection, and research. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that infants with prenatal substance exposure or neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) utilize health services more frequently than other children. The study, which followed infants born in 2016 in 38 states through their fifth year of life, revealed that these infants had higher rates of mental health visits and psychotropic medication use compared to infants without these conditions. The researchers emphasize the importance of early screening and school-based mental health interventions for these infants. This research has been peer-reviewed and published in Psychiatric Services. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from investigators at Columbia University examines the punitive legal responses to prenatal drug use in the United States and their public health impacts. The researchers conducted a survey of state policies that criminalize or penalize prenatal drug use and identified empirical studies evaluating these policies. The findings suggest that punitive policies are not associated with public health benefits and may even have unintended adverse health consequences. The report highlights the need for further research in this area. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of New Mexico focused on neonatal opiate withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) and its impact on rural hospitals. The study found that the incidence of NOWS has increased significantly in the US over the past two decades, leading many rural hospitals to transfer patients to larger cities for treatment. To address this issue, the researchers developed a web-based training curriculum called the NOWS-NM Program, which aimed to improve knowledge and care practices for newborns with NOWS. The study found that the curriculum had a positive impact on participants' knowledge and care practices, but did not significantly change negative attitudes towards parents of infants with NOWS. The researchers suggest that future iterations of the curriculum should focus on trauma-informed care and self-regulation to address the needs expressed by participants and improve care for families and babies with NOWS. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Kerman University of Medical Sciences compared the effects of phenobarbital and levetiracetam as adjuvant therapy in neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). NAS occurs in infants born to mothers with substance use disorder and requires treatment with medication. The study found that there was no significant difference in hospitalization time, frequency of re-hospitalization, occurrence of complications, and third treatment line prescription between the two groups. The researchers suggest that levetiracetam could be used as a substitute for phenobarbital in treating NAS. The study was registered in the Iran registry of clinical trials. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Alabama has provided updated information on Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), a medical condition in newborns caused by substance withdrawal due to the mother's substance use during pregnancy. The study analyzed data from the Alabama Medicaid Agency and found that neonates diagnosed with NAS had different demographic profiles and incurred higher costs for state Medicaid agencies compared to those without NAS. The study highlights the need for further efforts to reduce the occurrence of NAS. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Ponce Health Sciences University in Puerto Rico discusses the incidence and treatment of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) in two university-affiliated neonatal intensive care units. NAS is a set of drug withdrawal symptoms experienced by newborns exposed to drugs in utero. The study analyzed medical records from 2018 to 2020 and found 12 cases of NAS, with an incidence rate of 2 cases per 1000 admissions. The research highlights the need for further investigation into NAS in Puerto Rico to develop improved treatment protocols. [Extracted from the article]

A new study on neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) has been conducted to evaluate the standardized surveillance case definition (SSCD) for NAS. The study aimed to identify challenges and opportunities for improvement in the implementation of the definition. The research found challenges in abstracting data on withdrawal signs, determining the time frame of prenatal substance exposure, and assigning case classifications. The study concluded that modifying the SSCD could promote consistency and ease implementation across jurisdictions, which would support comparability of NAS incidence estimates, evaluation of prevention efforts, and allocation of resources to support families. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from the University of Warmia and Mazury Olsztyn discusses the challenges of anesthesia in pregnant patients with substance abuse and the optimization of analgesic treatment. The study highlights the increasing concern of stimulant use during pregnancy, particularly in the USA and Europe. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding substance use differences in order to manage complications and provide long-term care. The report concludes that a multidisciplinary approach is necessary to manage drug-addicted pregnant women, with anesthesia providers playing a crucial role in ensuring safety and pain control. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from researchers at the London Health Sciences Centre in Canada explores the topic of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) and its implications for pain assessment in newborns. The study highlights the difficulty in distinguishing symptoms of NOWS from pain behaviors and emphasizes the need for structured and targeted tools for pain scoring in this population. The researchers recommend exploring objective methods to assess pain in NOWS due to the overlapping mechanisms of pain perception and opioid withdrawal. The full article can be accessed for free through the provided link. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Northeastern University examines the misinformation surrounding Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) in mainstream media from 2015 to 2021. The study found that 76% of the 348 articles analyzed featured misinformed narratives, with the most common misinformation elements being the misrepresentation of babies as "addicted" at birth and the exaggeration of NAS symptomatology and long-term harms. The voices of those most affected, particularly mothers who used opioids prepartum, were least represented. The researchers emphasize the need to address inaccurate and stigmatizing narratives to improve policy and practice surrounding NAS. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine discusses the findings of a study on opioids. The study focused on neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) rates and access to buprenorphine during pregnancy in Missouri. The researchers found that the majority of counties in Missouri lack the capacity for buprenorphine prescribing during pregnancy. However, they did not find a significant correlation between rurality or lower buprenorphine capacity and elevated rates of NOWS. This research provides valuable insights into the current state of opioid-related issues in Missouri. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the University of Southern Maine examined trends in maternal opioid use disorder (OUD) and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in Maine from 2016 to 2022. The study found that the prevalence of maternal OUD decreased from 35.3 to 18.8 per 1000 deliveries, and the prevalence of NAS decreased from 33.2 to 14.0 per 1000 newborns. These findings suggest a decrease in OUD and NAS diagnoses in Maine during the study period. However, the researchers caution that changes in how these diagnoses are recorded and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare utilization should be considered when interpreting the results. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report discusses research on neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in pediatrics. The study examined the withdrawal signs and length of treatment in 182 infants with prenatal opioid exposure. The researchers found that the prevalence of withdrawal signs decreased from day one to day three of treatment, but certain central nervous system and gastrointestinal signs showed sporadic increases around two weeks of treatment. The study suggests that monitoring these signs throughout treatment is crucial and further research may lead to improvements in NAS pharmacotherapy. The research was conducted by Jennifer S. Miller and colleagues at the University of Tennessee. [Extracted from the article]

A critical review conducted by researchers from the University of Southern Florida examined in-home services for children with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) and their families. The study found that households with substance use often have unmet basic needs that limit the effectiveness of interventions. Current in-home early childhood programs are poorly equipped to help families of children with NAS, and biases within the public health system may cause parents with substance use disorder to leave services. The researchers recommend that in-home early childhood services be evaluated and adapted to better serve these families. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Maryland examined implicit racial bias in the evaluation of neonatal opiate withdrawal syndrome. The study involved nurses who were presented with clinical vignettes and randomized to view a photo of either a Black or White infant. The results showed that nurses, particularly those with less experience, scored Black infants lower than White infants on the Modified Finnegan Score, which is used to quantify neonatal opiate withdrawal. The researchers concluded that implicit bias may contribute to differences in opiate treatment. This research has been peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Boston Medical Center has highlighted significant advances in the identification, diagnosis, assessment, and management of infants with prenatal opioid exposure and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). The study aims to inform the clinical management of opioid-exposed newborns and provide an overview of NOWS care to promote best practices. The research reviews advances in the clinical diagnosis of NOWS, assessment strategies, nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment modalities, factors associated with NOWS severity, and recommendations for postdelivery hospitalization follow-up and developmental surveillance. The study emphasizes the need for ongoing research to support the well-being of families impacted by opioid use. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Rockefeller University in New York City examined the effects of prenatal and early post-natal oxycodone exposure on opioid addiction behaviors in adult mice. The research found that offspring of parental dyads exposed to oxycodone self-administered more oxycodone compared to offspring of control parental dyads. The study also observed alterations in certain genes in the striatum of the mice. These findings suggest that prenatal and early post-natal oxycodone exposure may enhance oxycodone self-administration in adulthood. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of California explores the history and effects of methadone use during pregnancy on neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). The study highlights the need for accurate understanding and dosing of methadone during pregnancy, as well as the importance of comprehensive services for both mother and child. The societal impact of the "war on drugs" on pediatric management of neonatal withdrawal risks is also discussed. The study emphasizes the shift towards a "rooming-in" approach to neonatal care, which promotes maternal-infant bonding and has replaced the older model of maternal/infant separation in the NICU. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report discusses the implementation of a Learning Community (LC) among 15 states to improve services for pregnant and postpartum individuals with opioid use disorder and infants exposed to substances prenatally. The states developed action plans with goals, strategies, and activities, and qualitative data was analyzed to assess their alignment with focus areas. The research found that many states included activities focused on access to quality services and provider awareness and training. The study concludes that LC participation supported the sustainment of activities to improve health and healthcare for these populations. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from East Tennessee State University examined the relationship between the rise in neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) rates and the increase in buprenorphine prescriptions in southern Appalachia. The study found a significant linear association between the rising rate of NAS diagnoses and the rising rate of buprenorphine prescriptions. Additionally, there was a correlation between the increase in buprenorphine prescriptions and the rise in drug-induced deaths. The researchers suggest a reevaluation of buprenorphine prescribing recommendations during pregnancy and further research on establishing the lowest effective dose for pregnant patients. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pennsylvania, explores the stability of a novel sublingual (SL) buprenorphine formulation for the treatment of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). The researchers prepared a buprenorphine solution free of alcohol, sugars, and preservatives and conducted quality assessments to determine its stability. The results showed that the solution remained stable with no visual or pH changes and retained over 99% of the initial buprenorphine concentration after 14 days of storage. The researchers suggest that this formulation may offer a significant safety advantage for NOWS patients, but further clinical studies are needed to verify its bioavailability and efficacy. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Nebraska Medical Center highlights the increased risk of developmental disorders in offspring due to perinatal opioid exposure. The use of opioids during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum complications has been on the rise, leading to a significant increase in Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS). The report aims to provide a framework for understanding the developmental outcomes of perinatal exposure to prescription opioids and emphasizes the need for further research to uncover the underlying mechanisms. This information is important for healthcare professionals and policymakers in addressing the long-term implications of perinatal opioid exposure. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine discusses research on neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a condition that affects newborns exposed to opioids during pregnancy. The study aimed to improve the management of NAS by implementing a protocol that emphasized non-pharmacologic care and the use of as-needed morphine when necessary. The researchers found that this approach led to significant improvements in outcomes, including a decrease in the length of hospital stay and cumulative morphine exposure. The study supports the efficacy and safety of as-needed morphine for managing NAS without the need for a new scoring system. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Boston University examined the effects of prenatal opioid exposure on neonatal mice. The researchers found that neonatal mice exposed to opioids experienced weight deficits, thermal hyperalgesia, and altered vocalization profiles during withdrawal. Transcriptome analysis revealed downregulation of myelin-associated genes in the nucleus accumbens of the mice. However, there were no significant long-term effects on adult behaviors. This study provides insights into the neural mechanisms of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and highlights the importance of further research in this area. [Extracted from the article]

A preprint abstract from biorxiv.org discusses the impact of perigestational opioid exposure (POE) on the reward system in adolescent rats. The study found that POE increased alcohol consumption in female rats under noncontingent conditions, but reduced alcohol consumption in both male and female rats during operant conditioning sessions. The expression of -opioid receptors was also significantly altered in certain brain regions associated with reward and aversion. The research suggests that babies born with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) may face risks regarding alcohol use later in life. However, it is important to note that this preprint has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at West Virginia University examined the impact of opioid exposure during pregnancy on the immune profile of neonates. The study found that neonates with opioid exposure had reduced proportions of certain immune cells, an anti-inflammatory cytokine profile, decreased T cell proliferation, and reduced monocyte bacterial killing activity compared to the control group. The findings suggest that the immune profile in opioid-exposed neonates may make them more susceptible to infection. This research is important for understanding the short and long-term health effects of opioid exposure in neonates and addressing the rising incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) associated with the opioid epidemic in the United States. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the University of Western Australia examined the impact of maternal incarceration on neonatal outcomes, specifically focusing on neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). The study found that infants born to currently or formerly incarcerated women had higher odds of adverse outcomes compared to infants born to women who were never incarcerated. The timing of incarceration during pregnancy also played a role, with infants born to women incarcerated during the second or third trimester experiencing poorer outcomes. The researchers concluded that enhanced maternal healthcare should be provided during incarceration and after release. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee examined the prevalence of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) among different racial and ethnic groups in the United States. The study found that NAS, which is associated with adverse health outcomes and high healthcare costs, disproportionately affects certain populations. Specifically, the study found that NAS prevalence was higher among Whites compared to Blacks and Hispanics, particularly among those on Medicaid and in the lowest income quartile. Additionally, NAS prevalence was higher among Whites in the Northeast region of the country. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address the racial and socioeconomic disparities in NAS prevalence. [Extracted from the article]