Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
neonatal abstinence syndrome
Also written as: NAS — Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Withdrawal symptoms in newborns exposed to drugs or alcohol in utero.
Full Definition
A constellation of physiologic and behavioral symptoms experienced by newborns following in-utero exposure to addictive substances, most commonly opioids, alcohol, or other drugs of abuse. Symptoms include irritability, tremors, feeding difficulties, high-pitched crying, and sleep disturbances. The condition requires careful assessment using standardized scoring tools like the Finnegan Scale and may necessitate pharmacological treatment with morphine or methadone.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize syndrome; use NAS for subsequent references after first mention.
In Context
- "The infant's Finnegan scores indicated moderate neonatal abstinence syndrome requiring morphine therapy." — Medical progress note
- "NAS symptoms typically peak 48-72 hours after birth in opioid-exposed infants." — Clinical guideline
Also known as
NAS
neonatal withdrawal syndrome
Don't confuse with
neonatal adaptation syndrome
drug withdrawal