Comparison of the Severity of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Manifestations in Newborns Exposed the Natural and Synthetic Opioids

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Zabol University of Medical Science, Zabol, Iran

2 Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran

3 3. Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran 4. Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran

4 Student Research Committee, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran

5 Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran

6 Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran

10.22038/ijn.2025.88224.2703

Abstract

Background: The study aimed to investigate the severity of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) complications in newborns (NBs)  in the eastern region of Iran.
Methods: The retrospective study was conducted among mothers and singleton live births between March 2022 and March 2023.
Results: Twenty-nine mothers (53.7%) used natural opioids (NO) and 25 (46.3%) synthetic opioids (SO). The highest number with the 20-30 age range. Of the NBs from the NO, 31.03% were before 37 weeks. In contrast, in the SO, 88% were before 37 weeks (p < 0.05). In the NO, 89.65% weighed < 2.5 kg. In contrast, 100% of those in the SO weighed > 2.5 kg. In SO exhibited crying for >10 minutes at a high. Additionally, SO had a high frequency of sleep (P<0.05). The SO showed a high frequency of metabolic disorders (P<0.05). The frequency of sneezing was high in the SO (P<0.05). Nasal flaring was high in the SO (P<0.05). Respiratory rate index, defined as more than 60 breaths per minute and retractions> 60 breaths per minute, were high in the NO and SOs, respectively (P<0.05). Excessive sucking and poor nutrition were high in the NO, and SO, respectively (P<0.05). The regurgitation index (grade 3), and loose stools and watery stools were high in the SO (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: The study highlighted the impact of the NB's gender and age at birth on the severity of the NAS symptoms, esprcially in SO group.
 

Keywords

References

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Iranian Journal of Neonatology
Volume 17, Issue 2
April 2026
Pages 29-38

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