In utero xylazine exposure associated with feeding difficulties in infants with Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome
Abstract
Xylazine is a significant adulterant in the US illicit drug supply. We reviewed medical and veterinary literature regarding neonatal xylazine exposure and withdrawal and associated symptomology. A retrospective College of Arts and Sciencese review of infants born >35 weeks monitored for neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) with known xylazine exposure was conducted. 7 out of 52 infants had xylazine exposure. Exposed infants demonstrated differences in NOWS scoring and feeding patterns and required increased feeding support. Animal data indicates developmental risks from prenatal xylazine exposure, but human data is limited. In our College of Arts and Sciencese series, exposure was associated with feeding difficulties.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Julia Litzky
Status
Medical Students
Student College
Larner College of Medicine
Program/Major
Medical Student
Primary Research Category
Clinical
In utero xylazine exposure associated with feeding difficulties in infants with Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome
Xylazine is a significant adulterant in the US illicit drug supply. We reviewed medical and veterinary literature regarding neonatal xylazine exposure and withdrawal and associated symptomology. A retrospective College of Arts and Sciencese review of infants born >35 weeks monitored for neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) with known xylazine exposure was conducted. 7 out of 52 infants had xylazine exposure. Exposed infants demonstrated differences in NOWS scoring and feeding patterns and required increased feeding support. Animal data indicates developmental risks from prenatal xylazine exposure, but human data is limited. In our College of Arts and Sciencese series, exposure was associated with feeding difficulties.
