Early human development
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Early human development · Feb 2018
Prenatal buprenorphine exposure and neonatal neurobehavioral functioning.
Assessments of effects of prenatal opioid exposure on the neonate have consisted principally of evaluations of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) to determine the need for pharmacotherapy. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the effects of gestational maternal buprenorphine maintenance on newborn neurobehavioral functioning. ⋯ Buprenorphine exposure during pregnancy can alter neonatal neurobehavioral and physiological responses to stimuli. A systematic evaluation of the newborn's functional domains above NAS assessment alone is crucial to address the challenges created by neurobehavioral dysregulation associated with substance exposure, improve caregiver/infant interaction and developmental trajectory. Comprehensive pre/postnatal treatment of buprenorphine-maintained mothers can lead to healthier outcomes for the dyad.