Torticollis in infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To report the incidence of torticollis diagnosed in infants treated for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and compare neonates with and without torticollis. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective cohort study reports on infants examined at 1-4 months of age. Numerous obstetrical/newborn factors and other drugs used during gestation were compared. RESULTS: Of 501 neonates treated for NAS, 421 (84%) were seen for follow-up. Of these, 105 (24.9%) were diagnosed with torticollis. The only significant obstetrical/newborn factor identified was a lower rate if the parents were the primary caregiver after hospital discharge. Of the 105 cases, 88 (84%) were right-sided and 17 (16%) were left-sided. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that torticollis is a common diagnosis in infants examined at 1-4 months of age after being treated for NAS with a predilection for this to be right-sided. The etiology for this is uncertain, but newborns treated for NAS need close follow-up post discharge.