Predictors of pharmacologic therapy for neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome: a retrospective analysis of a statewide database

Objective Identify factors associated with the need for pharmacologic therapy (PT) among opioid exposed newborn (OENs). Study design Retrospective analysis of a statewide database of OENs from 2017 through 2019. Multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression modeled the association of maternal characteristics, infant characteristics, and family engagement practices on the receipt of PT. Results Of 2098 OENs, 44.8% required PT for NOWS. Higher odds of PT were associated with in-utero exposure to medication treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and non-prescribed opioids in addition to MOUD; nicotine, benzodiazepines, SSRIs; male; out-born infants and mother’s ineligibility to provide breast-milk. Lower odds were associated with increasing birth year, skin-to-skin (STS) care, and rooming-in. Conclusion Male, out-born infants exposed to MOUD with additional non-prescribed opioids, nicotine, benzodiazepines and SSSRIs with mothers ineligible to provide breast-milk were more likely to require PT, while modifiable care practices including STS care, and rooming-in decreased the likelihood of PT.