Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and Corresponding Pharmacotherapy Approaches from 2 University-affiliated Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Puerto Rico (2018-2020).

OBJECTIVE: Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a set of drug withdrawal symptoms suffered by neonates exposed to drugs in utero. Several studies have widely described NAS incidence and treatment approach; however, little is known regarding the incidence and manifestations of this disease in Puerto Rico (PR). The principal aim of this study was to describe NAS incidence in the neonatal units of hospitals affiliated with the University of PR in terms of occurrence, clinical manifestations, and treatment approaches. METHODS: Our study evaluated the medical records of NAS babies diagnosed from 2018 through 2020 at 2 hospitals affiliated with the University of PR Medical Sciences Campus. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze trends. RESULTS: We identified 12 neonates diagnosed with NAS, 5 with low birthweights (<2500 g); for a NAS incidence of 2 cases per 1000 admitted for the 3 years of recollected data. The urine toxicology results revealed that 9 had experienced intrauterine polydrug exposure. Phenobarbital loading dose were determined on the day of diagnosis (indicated by Finnegan score). The first manifestation of NAS symptoms varied: 8 neonates showed symptoms within 48 hours after birth, whereas 4 had withdrawal symptoms within 72-120 hours of their births. Differences between dosing practices and guidelines were observed, ranging from a 0.69% to a 25% difference during treatment initiation. CONCLUSION: Further research on the incidence of NAS in PR (national level) is needed for a deeper understanding that we hope will lead to the development of enhanced treatment protocols in PR.

Severe cerebral edema related to oral methadone: A case report and literature review.

Introduction: Opioids are widely used for pain management, and increased intracranial pressure (ICP) has been evidenced in some cases. We reported a patient with severe cerebral edema after initiating methadone and its complete resolution upon discontinuing the medication. Additionally, a review of the literature is made. Case report: A 53-year-old woman patient with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus developed mechanic chronic lower back pain, refractory to conventional treatments. She presented improvement with oxycodone. She withdrew this medication due to a lack of supplies in her country (Colombia) and showed withdrawal symptoms. She consulted the emergency department, where oral methadone was started and symptom control was achieved. Three days after admission, she presented intense headaches and emesis. A brain CT scan was performed in which severe cerebral edema was appreciated. Methadone was discontinued, and neurological symptoms quickly disappeared. A follow-up brain CT scan was performed later, finding full resolution of the edema. Conclusion: A case of severe cerebral edema associated with the initiation of oral methadone and its rapid resolution without neurological sequelae after its withdrawal is presented, clinicians must be attentive to this adverse event.

Standardizing the Clinical Definition of Opioid Withdrawal in the Neonate.

OBJECTIVE: To standardize the clinical definition of opioid withdrawal in neonates to address challenges in clinical care, quality improvement, research, and public policy for this patient population. STUDY DESIGN: Between October and December 2020, we conducted 2 modified-Delphi panels using ExpertLens, a virtual platform for performing iterative expert engagement panels. Twenty clinical experts specializing in care for the substance-exposed mother-neonate dyad explored the necessity of key evidence-based clinical elements in defining opioid withdrawal in the neonate leading to a diagnosis of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)/neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). Expert consensus was assessed using descriptive statistics, the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method, and thematic analysis of participants' comments. RESULTS: Expert panels concluded the following were required for diagnosis: in utero exposure (known by history, not necessarily by toxicology testing) to opioids with or without the presence of other psychotropic substances, and the presence of at least two of the most common clinical signs characteristic of withdrawal (excessive crying, fragmented sleep, tremors, increased muscle tone, gastrointestinal dysfunction). CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that both a known history of in utero opioid exposure and a distinct set of withdrawal signs are necessary to standardize a definition of neonatal withdrawal. Implementation of a standardized definition requires both patient engagement and a mother-neonate dyadic approach mindful of program and policy implications.

Impact of Plans of Safe Care on Prenatally Substance Exposed Infants.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of recent federal statute changes mandating child welfare-based Plan of Safe Care (POSC) supportive programming and community-based linkages to treatment providers, resources, and services for families of infants affected by prenatal substance exposure (IPSE). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of Delaware's statewide child welfare case registry data for IPSE birth notifications and subsequent hotline reports for serious physical injury/fatality concerns from November 1, 2018-October 31, 2020. Abstracted variables included IPSE sex, substance exposure type, family characteristics (maternal personal child welfare history or mental health diagnosis, treatment engagement), and POSC referrals. RESULTS: Of 1436 IPSE, 1347 (93.8%) had POSC support. Most IPSE (67.2%) had exposure to single substance types prenatally. Nearly 90% avoided out-of-home placement. Nearly one-fourth of mothers delivered a prior IPSE; 40% of mothers had personal histories of childhood protective services involvement. Also, 43.5% of mothers and 9.1% of fathers were referred to community-based resources, including substance use, mental health treatment, parenting classes, and home visiting nursing. Nearly 58% of IPSE were referred for pediatric/developmental assessment. Notably, 0.82% (11 out of 1347) of IPSE with POSC sustained serious physical or fatal injury. CONCLUSIONS: POSC promote supportive, potentially protective linkages to community-based programming for IPSE and their families.

Chemical composition of Zhumeria majdae essential oil and its effects on the expression of morphine withdrawal syndrome and tolerance to the anticonvulsant effect of morphine on pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in mice / Composição química do óleo essencial de Zhumeria majdae e seus efeitos na expressão da síndrome de abstinência de morfina e tolerância ao efeito anticonvulsivante da morfina em crises induzidas por pentilenotetrazol em camundongos

Abstract Regarding the proven anticonvulsant effect of Zhumeria majdae essential oil (ZMEO) in previous studies we were prompted to investigate the ZMEO effects on the tolerance to the anticonvulsant effects of morphine and the morphine withdrawal syndrome. Tolerance to the morphine anticonvulsant effect was induced in mice by subcutaneous injection of 2.5 mg/kg of morphine for 4 days. Subsequent doses of ZMEO (20 mg/kg) were used to study the expression and development of morphine tolerance. Clonidine was used as the standard drug to inhibit the morphine withdrawal syndrome symptoms. To study the ZMEO effect on withdrawal syndrome, mice received appropriate morphine values for 4 days and on the fifth day, 60 min before administration of naloxone. The effective dose of ZMEO was determined and the number of jumps, stands and changes in the dry stool weight, as symptoms of withdrawal syndrome were evaluated. The dose of 20 mg/kg of ZMEO decreased the tolerance in development and expression groups significantly. Counting the number of jumping, standing and defecation were assessed 30 min after morphine and 1 h after the vehicle and clonidine. The dose of 40 mg/kg ZMEO decreased all the signs of withdrawal syndrome significantly. ZMEO was analyzed by GC/MS and linalool (53.1%) and camphor (23.8%) were characterized as the main components. The results suggest that ZMEO possesses constituent(s) that have activity against tolerance to the anticonvulsant effects of morphine and the morphine withdrawal symptoms.

Resumo Em relação ao efeito anticonvulsivante comprovado do óleo essencial de Zhumeria majdae (ZMEO) em estudos anteriores, fomos instigados a investigar os efeitos do ZMEO em relação à tolerância aos efeitos anticonvulsivantes da morfina e da síndrome de abstinência de morfina. A tolerância ao efeito anticonvulsivante da morfina foi induzida em camundongos por injeção subcutânea de 2,5 mg/kg de morfina por 4 dias. Doses subsequentes de ZMEO (20 mg/kg) foram utilizadas para estudar a expressão e o desenvolvimento da tolerância à morfina. A clonidina foi usada como droga padrão para inibir os sintomas da síndrome de abstinência da morfina. Para estudar o efeito do ZMEO na síndrome de abstinência, os camundongos receberam valores apropriados de morfina por 4 dias e, no 5º dia, 60 minutos antes da administração de naloxona. A dose efetiva de ZMEO foi determinada, e o número de saltos e de permanência e as alterações no peso das fezes secas, conforme os sintomas da síndrome de abstinência, foram avaliados. A dose de 20 mg/kg de ZMEO diminuiu significativamente a tolerância nos grupos de desenvolvimento e expressão. A contagem do número de saltos, permanência e defecação foi avaliada 30 minutos após a morfina e 60 minutos após o veículo e a clonidina. A dose de 40 mg/kg de ZMEO diminuiu significativamente todos os sinais da síndrome de abstinência. O ZMEO foi analisado por GC/MS, e linalol (53,1%) e cânfora (23,8%) foram caracterizados como os principais componentes. Os resultados sugerem que o ZMEO apresenta constituintes que possuem atividade contra a tolerância aos efeitos anticonvulsivantes da morfina e aos sintomas de abstinência da morfina.

Chemical composition of Zhumeria majdae essential oil and its effects on the expression of morphine withdrawal syndrome and tolerance to the anticonvulsant effect of morphine on pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in mice / Composição química do óleo essencial de Zhumeria majdae e seus efeitos na expressão da síndrome de abstinência de morfina e tolerância ao efeito anticonvulsivante da morfina em crises induzidas por pentilenotetrazol em camundongos

Regarding the proven anticonvulsant effect of Zhumeria majdae essential oil (ZMEO) in previous studies we were prompted to investigate the ZMEO effects on the tolerance to the anticonvulsant effects of morphine and the morphine withdrawal syndrome. Tolerance to the morphine anticonvulsant effect was induced in mice by subcutaneous injection of 2.5 mg/kg of morphine for 4 days. Subsequent doses of ZMEO (20 mg/kg) were used to study the expression and development of morphine tolerance. Clonidine was used as the standard drug to inhibit the morphine withdrawal syndrome symptoms. To study the ZMEO effect on withdrawal syndrome, mice received appropriate morphine values for 4 days and on the fifth day, 60 min before administration of naloxone. The effective dose of ZMEO was determined and the number of jumps, stands and changes in the dry stool weight, as symptoms of withdrawal syndrome were evaluated. The dose of 20 mg/kg of ZMEO decreased the tolerance in development and expression groups significantly. Counting the number of jumping, standing and defecation were assessed 30 min after morphine and 1 h after the vehicle and clonidine. The dose of 40 mg/kg ZMEO decreased all the signs of withdrawal syndrome significantly. ZMEO was analyzed by GC/MS and linalool (53.1%) and camphor (23.8%) were characterized as the main components. The results suggest that ZMEO possesses constituent(s) that have activity against tolerance to the anticonvulsant effects of morphine and the morphine withdrawal symptoms.(AU)

Em relação ao efeito anticonvulsivante comprovado do óleo essencial de Zhumeria majdae (ZMEO) em estudos anteriores, fomos instigados a investigar os efeitos do ZMEO em relação à tolerância aos efeitos anticonvulsivantes da morfina e da síndrome de abstinência de morfina. A tolerância ao efeito anticonvulsivante da morfina foi induzida em camundongos por injeção subcutânea de 2,5 mg/kg de morfina por 4 dias. Doses subsequentes de ZMEO (20 mg/kg) foram utilizadas para estudar a expressão e o desenvolvimento da tolerância à morfina. A clonidina foi usada como droga padrão para inibir os sintomas da síndrome de abstinência da morfina. Para estudar o efeito do ZMEO na síndrome de abstinência, os camundongos receberam valores apropriados de morfina por 4 dias e, no 5º dia, 60 minutos antes da administração de naloxona. A dose efetiva de ZMEO foi determinada, e o número de saltos e de permanência e as alterações no peso das fezes secas, conforme os sintomas da síndrome de abstinência, foram avaliados. A dose de 20 mg/kg de ZMEO diminuiu significativamente a tolerância nos grupos de desenvolvimento e expressão. A contagem do número de saltos, permanência e defecação foi avaliada 30 minutos após a morfina e 60 minutos após o veículo e a clonidina. A dose de 40 mg/kg de ZMEO diminuiu significativamente todos os sinais da síndrome de abstinência. O ZMEO foi analisado por GC/MS, e linalol (53,1%) e cânfora (23,8%) foram caracterizados como os principais componentes. Os resultados sugerem que o ZMEO apresenta constituintes que possuem atividade contra a tolerância aos efeitos anticonvulsivantes da morfina e aos sintomas de abstinência da morfina.(AU)

Longitudinal Health Care Utilization of Medicaid-Insured Children with a History of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To describe longitudinal health care utilization of Medicaid-insured children with a history of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) compared with similar children without NAS. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, longitudinal cohort study. Data were extracted from the Medicaid Analytic eXtract files for all available states and DC from 2003-2013. Subjects were followed up to 11 years. In total, 17 229 children with NAS were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code 779.5. Children without NAS, matched on demographic and health variables, served as the comparison group. Outcomes were number of claims for inpatient, outpatient, and emergency department encounters, numbers of prescription claims, and costs associated with these services. Linked claims were identified for each subject using a unique, within-state ID. RESULTS: Children with NAS had increased claims for inpatient admissions (marginal effect [ME] 0.49; SE 0.01) and emergency department visits (ME 0.30; SE 0.04) through year 1; increased prescriptions (ME 1.45; SE 0.08, age 0) (ME 0.69; SE 0.11, age 1 year) through year 2; and increased outpatient encounters (ME 20.13; SE 0.54, age 0) (ME 3.95; SE 0.62, age 1 year) (ME 2.90; SE 1.11, age 2 years) through year 3 after adjusting for potential confounders (P < .01 for all). Beyond the third year, health care utilization was similar between those with and without NAS. CONCLUSIONS: Children with a diagnosis of NAS have greater health care utilization through the third year of life. These differences resolve by the fourth year. Our results suggest resolution of disparities may be due to shifts in developmental health management in school-age children and inability to track relevant diagnoses in a health care database.

m-Trifluoromethyl-diphenyl diselenide (m-CF3-PhSe)2 modulates the hippocampal neurotoxic adaptations and abolishes a depressive-like phenotype in a short-term morphine withdrawal in mice.

The opioid withdrawal syndrome is defined as a complex phenomenon involving multiple cellular adaptations, which leads to the emergence of aversive physical and affective signs. The m-trifluoromethyl-diphenyl diselenide (m-CF3-PhSe)2 elicits an antidepressant-like effect by modulating the opioid system in different animal models of mood disorders. Notably, repeated exposure to (m-CF3-PhSe)2 developed neither tolerance nor withdrawal signs in mice. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether (m-CF3-PhSe)2 attenuates the physical signs and the depressive-like phenotype during morphine withdrawal through its neuroprotective effects on oxidative stress, the NMDA receptor and the proBDNF/mBDNF signaling in the hippocampus of mice. Adult Swiss mice received saline solution or escalating doses (20-100 mg/kg, sc) of morphine for six days. For the next three days, the animals were treated with canola oil, (m-CF3-PhSe)2 (5 and 10 mg/kg, ig) or methadone (5 mg/kg, sc) whereas morphine injections were discontinued. On day 9, physical withdrawal signs and depressive-like behavior were assessed 30 min after the last administration of (m-CF3-PhSe)2. Although short-term treatment with (m-CF3-PhSe)2 at both doses suppressed the aversive physical and affective signs in morphine withdrawn-mice, the highest dose of (m-CF3-PhSe)2 per se increased the teeth chattering manifestation. The intrinsic antioxidant property of (m-CF3-PhSe)2 modulated oxidative stress, it also restored the NMDA receptor levels in the hippocampus of morphine withdrawn-mice. Besides, (m-CF3-PhSe)2 downregulated the proBDNF/p-75NTR/JNK pro-apoptotic pathway without affecting the mBDNF/TrkB/ERK/CREB pro-survival signaling in the hippocampus of morphine withdrawn-mice. The results show that (m-CF3-PhSe)2 treatment modulated the hippocampal neurotoxic adaptations and abolished the depressive-like phenotype following morphine withdrawal in mice.

Chemical composition of Zhumeria majdae essential oil and its effects on the expression of morphine withdrawal syndrome and tolerance to the anticonvulsant effect of morphine on pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in mice

Abstract Regarding the proven anticonvulsant effect of Zhumeria majdae essential oil (ZMEO) in previous studies we were prompted to investigate the ZMEO effects on the tolerance to the anticonvulsant effects of morphine and the morphine withdrawal syndrome. Tolerance to the morphine anticonvulsant effect was induced in mice by subcutaneous injection of 2.5 mg/kg of morphine for 4 days. Subsequent doses of ZMEO (20 mg/kg) were used to study the expression and development of morphine tolerance. Clonidine was used as the standard drug to inhibit the morphine withdrawal syndrome symptoms. To study the ZMEO effect on withdrawal syndrome, mice received appropriate morphine values for 4 days and on the fifth day, 60 min before administration of naloxone. The effective dose of ZMEO was determined and the number of jumps, stands and changes in the dry stool weight, as symptoms of withdrawal syndrome were evaluated. The dose of 20 mg/kg of ZMEO decreased the tolerance in development and expression groups significantly. Counting the number of jumping, standing and defecation were assessed 30 min after morphine and 1 h after the vehicle and clonidine. The dose of 40 mg/kg ZMEO decreased all the signs of withdrawal syndrome significantly. ZMEO was analyzed by GC/MS and linalool (53.1%) and camphor (23.8%) were characterized as the main components. The results suggest that ZMEO possesses constituent(s) that have activity against tolerance to the anticonvulsant effects of morphine and the morphine withdrawal symptoms.

Resumo Em relação ao efeito anticonvulsivante comprovado do óleo essencial de Zhumeria majdae (ZMEO) em estudos anteriores, fomos instigados a investigar os efeitos do ZMEO em relação à tolerância aos efeitos anticonvulsivantes da morfina e da síndrome de abstinência de morfina. A tolerância ao efeito anticonvulsivante da morfina foi induzida em camundongos por injeção subcutânea de 2,5 mg/kg de morfina por 4 dias. Doses subsequentes de ZMEO (20 mg/kg) foram utilizadas para estudar a expressão e o desenvolvimento da tolerância à morfina. A clonidina foi usada como droga padrão para inibir os sintomas da síndrome de abstinência da morfina. Para estudar o efeito do ZMEO na síndrome de abstinência, os camundongos receberam valores apropriados de morfina por 4 dias e, no 5º dia, 60 minutos antes da administração de naloxona. A dose efetiva de ZMEO foi determinada, e o número de saltos e de permanência e as alterações no peso das fezes secas, conforme os sintomas da síndrome de abstinência, foram avaliados. A dose de 20 mg/kg de ZMEO diminuiu significativamente a tolerância nos grupos de desenvolvimento e expressão. A contagem do número de saltos, permanência e defecação foi avaliada 30 minutos após a morfina e 60 minutos após o veículo e a clonidina. A dose de 40 mg/kg de ZMEO diminuiu significativamente todos os sinais da síndrome de abstinência. O ZMEO foi analisado por GC/MS, e linalol (53,1%) e cânfora (23,8%) foram caracterizados como os principais componentes. Os resultados sugerem que o ZMEO apresenta constituintes que possuem atividade contra a tolerância aos efeitos anticonvulsivantes da morfina e aos sintomas de abstinência da morfina.

Outpatient Pharmacotherapy for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine differences in lengths of stay, length of therapy, emergency department (ED) utilization, and hospital readmissions between infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) treated exclusively with inpatient pharmacotherapy compared with those discharged on outpatient pharmacotherapy. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study of infants enrolled in the Tennessee Medicaid program used administrative and vital records data from 2009 to 2011. Medical record review was used to confirm cases of NAS and classify treatment type. Negative binomial regression was used to compare length of therapy and ordinal regression was used to determine frequency of ED visits and hospital readmissions. RESULTS: Among a cohort of 736 patients with confirmed NAS, 72.3% were treated with pharmacotherapy of which approximately one-half (45.5%) were discharged home on outpatient medications. For infants discharged on outpatient pharmacotherapy, initial hospital length of stay was shorter (11 vs 23 days; P < .001) and length of therapy was longer (60 vs 19 days; adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] 2.84, 95%CI 2.31-3.52). After adjusting for potential confounders, infants discharged on outpatient pharmacotherapy had a greater number of ED visits within 6 months of discharge (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.52, 95% CI 1.06-2.17) compared with those treated as inpatients alone. CONCLUSIONS: Outpatient pharmacotherapy for NAS was associated with higher length of therapy and higher rates of ED utilization when compared with infants treated exclusively as inpatients. Future research should focus on improving the efficiency of NAS management while minimizing postdischarge complications.

Chemical composition of Zhumeria majdae essential oil and its effects on the expression of morphine withdrawal syndrome and tolerance to the anticonvulsant effect of morphine on pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in mice

Abstract Regarding the proven anticonvulsant effect of Zhumeria majdae essential oil (ZMEO) in previous studies we were prompted to investigate the ZMEO effects on the tolerance to the anticonvulsant effects of morphine and the morphine withdrawal syndrome. Tolerance to the morphine anticonvulsant effect was induced in mice by subcutaneous injection of 2.5 mg/kg of morphine for 4 days. Subsequent doses of ZMEO (20 mg/kg) were used to study the expression and development of morphine tolerance. Clonidine was used as the standard drug to inhibit the morphine withdrawal syndrome symptoms. To study the ZMEO effect on withdrawal syndrome, mice received appropriate morphine values for 4 days and on the fifth day, 60 min before administration of naloxone. The effective dose of ZMEO was determined and the number of jumps, stands and changes in the dry stool weight, as symptoms of withdrawal syndrome were evaluated. The dose of 20 mg/kg of ZMEO decreased the tolerance in development and expression groups significantly. Counting the number of jumping, standing and defecation were assessed 30 min after morphine and 1 h after the vehicle and clonidine. The dose of 40 mg/kg ZMEO decreased all the signs of withdrawal syndrome significantly. ZMEO was analyzed by GC/MS and linalool (53.1%) and camphor (23.8%) were characterized as the main components. The results suggest that ZMEO possesses constituent(s) that have activity against tolerance to the anticonvulsant effects of morphine and the morphine withdrawal symptoms.

Resumo Em relação ao efeito anticonvulsivante comprovado do óleo essencial de Zhumeria majdae (ZMEO) em estudos anteriores, fomos instigados a investigar os efeitos do ZMEO em relação à tolerância aos efeitos anticonvulsivantes da morfina e da síndrome de abstinência de morfina. A tolerância ao efeito anticonvulsivante da morfina foi induzida em camundongos por injeção subcutânea de 2,5 mg/kg de morfina por 4 dias. Doses subsequentes de ZMEO (20 mg/kg) foram utilizadas para estudar a expressão e o desenvolvimento da tolerância à morfina. A clonidina foi usada como droga padrão para inibir os sintomas da síndrome de abstinência da morfina. Para estudar o efeito do ZMEO na síndrome de abstinência, os camundongos receberam valores apropriados de morfina por 4 dias e, no 5º dia, 60 minutos antes da administração de naloxona. A dose efetiva de ZMEO foi determinada, e o número de saltos e de permanência e as alterações no peso das fezes secas, conforme os sintomas da síndrome de abstinência, foram avaliados. A dose de 20 mg/kg de ZMEO diminuiu significativamente a tolerância nos grupos de desenvolvimento e expressão. A contagem do número de saltos, permanência e defecação foi avaliada 30 minutos após a morfina e 60 minutos após o veículo e a clonidina. A dose de 40 mg/kg de ZMEO diminuiu significativamente todos os sinais da síndrome de abstinência. O ZMEO foi analisado por GC/MS, e linalol (53,1%) e cânfora (23,8%) foram caracterizados como os principais componentes. Os resultados sugerem que o ZMEO apresenta constituintes que possuem atividade contra a tolerância aos efeitos anticonvulsivantes da morfina e aos sintomas de abstinência da morfina.