Researchers from Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Rollins School of Public Health have jointly developed a predictive model to identify severe Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) in infants.
NOWS, a withdrawal syndrome affecting some opioid-exposed newborns, presents a significant challenge for paediatricians, as not all opioid-exposed infants develop the condition.
The new model uses electronic health record (EHR) data from 33,991 births to predict the likelihood of severe NOWS.
It incorporates various predictors beyond opioid exposure, including maternal opioid use disorder diagnosis, cigarette smoking, Apgar score, and maternal prescriptions.
The comprehensive approach aims to improve the accuracy of predicting the need for pharmacotherapy in affected infants.
The study builds on prior research and is funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
It is led by Rollins School of Public Health department of health policy and management chair and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta practicing neonatologist Stephen Patrick.
Patrick said: “The opioid crisis continues to have a substantial impact on mothers and infants nationwide, but especially in rural areas. We need a comprehensive approach that begins with making sure pregnant women can get into treatment.
“We also need far more tools to improve care we deliver to opioid-exposed infants. This predictive model especially benefits rural communities that are disproportionately affected by NOWS.
“For instance, having a clear picture of risk factors based on multiple predictors could mean that babies can stay with their mothers if they’re low risk instead of being separated and transferred to a different hospital for a higher level of care.
“We might also be able to send low-risk infants home days earlier instead of watching them in the hospital. Our hope is that this tool, especially once tested, can help families and paediatricians in real time deliver more personal care.”
The advanced predictive model integrates recent EHR data and additional risk predictors, offering a more robust clinical tool for assessing NOWS risk.
The predictive model represents a significant advancement over traditional screening methods focused entirely on chronic opioid exposure.
By evaluating multiple factors, physicians can better determine the chances of infants developing severe NOWS shortly after birth.
It also facilitates customised interventions and informed decisions regarding hospitalisation and discharge.
The research is a part of a larger project funded by the National Institute on Child Health and Human Development, to help pregnant women and infants affected by the opioid crisis.
