ABSTRACT The number of newborns with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome is alarming, due to the increase in maternal opioid use. Despite the critical health and socio‐economic impact, a precise clinical and therapeutic approach for opioid using infants and mothers remains undefined. Aim The main objective is to update the therapeutic approach and the role of nursing in neonates with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome due to mothers who use opioids. Design We conducted a systematic review, as a meta‐analysis was not feasible due to heterogeneity across study designs and outcomes, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook. Methods Studies related to the update of the therapeutic approach and the role of nursing in a newborn with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome were considered. Single patient case studies, studies of psychoactive substances other than opium derivatives, iatrogenic treatment approach, guidelines, consensus and meeting abstracts were excluded. The databases Scopus, Dialnet, Cinahl and PubMed were searched. Results The results of the 28 publications included indicated the need for a major update of both treatment, diagnostic scales and treatment in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. Conclusions Clonidine and buprenorphine demonstrated superior safety profiles and shorter treatment duration compared to morphine in controlling NOWS symptoms. The ESC functional assessment model, integrated with non‐pharmacological interventions, proved superior to traditional Finnegan scoring, significantly reducing pharmacotherapy requirements, total morphine exposure, hospital length of stay, and healthcare costs whilst enhancing breastfeeding rates and parental involvement. Nursing‐led holistic care, encompassing skin‐to‐skin contact, breastfeeding support, rooming‐in, and environmental control, is essential and irreplaceable in comprehensive NOWS management.
Pérez‐Jiménez et al. (Wed,) studied this question.