Evaluation of the severity of neonatal abstinence syndrome using the Finnegan Scale according to the type of drug consumed by pregnant women.

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: To assess the severity of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) using the Finnegan scale based on the type of drug consumed by pregnant women who gave birth at Hospital General Guasmo Sur.

Methodology: This is a retrospective study that utilized the collection of clinical medical records and Finnegan scales registered at General Guasmo Sur Hospital in the period of 2018.

Results: Sample of 30 neonates with NAS, 20% were affected by marijuana, 30% by cocaine, and 50% by heroin. Newborns whose mothers consumed cocaine had an average score of 9 during the first day of life and progressively decreased in contrast to those affected by heroin who maintained the same score until the fourth day. The most common manifestations of NAS were tremor when slightly disturbed (42.3%) and acute crying (39.9%). Neonates of mothers with marijuana consumption demonstrated hyperactive moro reflex (14.2%) while neonates of mothers who consumed heroin demonstrated avid sucking (14.9%). Neonates belonging to mothers with cocaine consumption were found to sleep < 3 hours after eating (11.3%).

Conclusions: Heroin was the most consumed drug by pregnant women. Newborns whose mothers consumed cocaine had an average score of 9 during the first day of life. Acute crying and tremor when slightly disturbed appeared in all three drugs, whereas avid sucking appeared with heroin, sleeping < 3 hours after eating with cocaine, and hyperactive moro reflex with marijuana.