Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: A Case Series

The increasing prevalence of substance misuse in modern culture is contributing to the growth in neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) cases in India. NAS can be challenging to diagnose due to nonspecific symptoms and maternal suppression of drug history. Only a few reports of NAS have been published from India. This is a case series of three newborns from India who all had symptoms like restlessness, high-pitched crying, excessive sweating, vigorous sucking, tremors, and diarrhea. The investigations did not lead to any conclusions. In the first case, the mother was treated with a combination of psychotropic medications, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), atypical antipsychotics, and tricyclic antidepressants. In the second case, the mother was a nicotine addict, while in the third case, the mother had an opiate addiction. It was only after being asked several times that the abuse background of the last two cases was revealed. As a result, three cases of NAS were diagnosed, successfully managed with phenobarbitone, and discharged.