We use various neonatal abstinence scoring tools to assess the withdrawl symptoms of infants exposed to illicit drugs via mother's drug use. I have not found a scoring tool specific to preterm infants. This is important because the signs and symptoms exhibited by preemies would be significantly different from those of term infants. Does anyone know of such a tool?

Thanks,

Mike

I am not aware of a preterm NA scoring tool. But much of the literature suggests premature infants do not withdraw from maternal drug abuse as severely for reasons as the prematurity of CNS development and less exposure to the maternal abuse due to being born early. I have observed iatrogenic withdrawal in preemies in our NICU, and we see increased lability with O2 needs and increased feeding intolerance. If you ever come across a preterm NA scoring tool, please pass it on!!!

Nancy