Format
Scientific article
Publication Date
Published by / Citation
Burke S, Beckwith AM. "Morphine versus Methadone Treatment for Neonatal Withdrawal and Impact on Early Infant Development." Global Pediatric Health. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/2333794X17721128
Original Language

English

Country
United States
Keywords
neonatal abstinence syndrome
NAS
Opioid
development

Morphine versus Methadone Treatment for Neonatal Withdrawal and Impact on Early Infant Development

Abstract

Objective: Compare developmental outcomes in infants treated with morphine versus methadone.

Method: Retrospective chart review of newborns identified through use of ICD-9 code for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Thirty-six infants were evaluated—17 treated with methadone and 19 treated with morphine. Assessment was completed following treatment using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development–Third Edition (Bayley-III). Scores in Cognitive, Language, and Motor domains were compared.

Results: Comparison of scores between morphine- and methadone-treated groups revealed differences in mean Cognitive Composite (91.3 vs 83.0; P = .03410) and mean Total Motor Composite Scores (96.3 vs 89.6; P = .0149).

Conclusion: Newborns with NAS treated with morphine had significantly higher scores in Cognitive and Gross Motor domains compared to infants treated with methadone. Development screening should be pursued to determine if this difference persists throughout early childhood. Results may influence accepted treatment protocols for NAS.