The U.S. has experienced a surge in the use of prescription opioids, and the use of illicit heroin and fentanyl that affects nearly every segment of the population, including pregnant women and those of reproductive age (Paulozzi LJ, et al. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2011;60:1487-1481). This has led to a significant increase in the incidence of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS), resulting in prolonged hospitalizations and elevated health care costs (Strahan AE, et al. JAMA Pediatr. 2020;174:200-202).
Although public health measures to prevent and treat opioid use disorder before and during pregnancy are critical, there is an opportunity to improve and standardize postnatal treatment for infants to reduce morbidity, hospital length of stay and associated costs. In addition, postnatal treatment varies substantially across the country due to variation in facility protocols and state policies.