[Management of the opioid withdrawal in the neonates: French and European survey].
Maternal opioid abuse during pregnancy results in 60 to 95% of neonatal withdrawal. The literature review on the evaluation of the severity of the related symptoms and treatments used shows an absence of consensus.


METHODS
To survey the management of the neonatal withdrawal a questionnaire was sent to French and other European pharmacists.


RESULTS
Fifty-eight questionnaires were returned, 37 from France. In 74%, a written protocol about the management of the neonatal withdrawal was available. The severity of the symptoms was assessed using the Finnegan's scale in 55% of the cases and the treatment was a substitute opiate in 72.5%. In 64% of the cases, this drug was an oral morphine solution: a hydrochloride solution in France and a sulfate solution in other E.U countries at the most common dose of 0.5 to 1mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) and 0.24 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The solution used in France is contra-indicated in infants less than six months and the presentation is not adapted to this use.


CONCLUSIONS
This morphine survey points out that a preparation intended for infants should be developed and licensed in this indication to improve the use of treatment.
Micard
S
S
Service pharmacie, hôpital Robert-Debré, assistance publique-hôpitaux de Paris, 48, boulevard Sérurier, 75019, Paris, France.
Brion
F
F
D000328:Adult; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009357:Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D009020:Morphine