Abstract
Objective This study compares the effect of partially hydrolyzed formula (PHF) and standard
formula (SF) on the severity and short-term outcomes of neonatal abstinence syndrome
(NAS).
Study Design We performed a retrospective chart review of 124 opioid-dependent mothers and their
term or near-term infants. Infants were categorized according to the predominant type
of formula consumed during the hospital stay. Finnegan's scale was used to assess
symptoms of withdrawal.
Results A total of 110 infants met our inclusion criteria. Thirty-four (31%) infants were
fed predominantly PHF, 60 (54%) infants were fed SF, and 16 (15%) infants were fed
maternal breast milk. There was no difference between the infants in the PHF and SF
groups with respect to requirement of morphine (MSO4) therapy, maximum dose of MSO4 used, duration of MSO4 treatment or length of hospital stay after performing multivariate analyses to control
for type of drug used by the mother, maternal smoking, regular prenatal care, inborn
status, and maximum Finnegan score prior to MSO4 treatment.
Conclusion Use of PHF failed to impact short-term outcomes in infants treated for NAS including
maximum MSO4 dose, duration of MSO4 treatment, and length of hospital stay. A prospective randomized controlled trial
may be indicated to confirm this finding.
Keywords
neonatal abstinence - infant formula - drug withdrawal - hydrolyzed formula
