[Newborn infant of drug-addicted mother: maternal, perinatal, neonatal aspects, and neonatal abstinence syndrome].

Maternal drug addiction has increased in an alarming way over the last ten years. Therefore, the withdrawal syndrome in the newborn has also increased. 53% of the newborns (of chemical dependent mother) studied from 1985 to 1989 in HCP have presented this syndrome. We have analysed: perinatal, neonatal and maternal factors, and their clinical features and treatment: There is a great incidence of perinatal asphyxia, acidosis, premature rupture of the fetal membranes, etc. The newborns are usually premature or of low birth weight for their gestational age. They present diverse pathology: syphilis, HBsAg +, HIV +, gonorrhea, congenital malformations, etc. The mothers are often prostitutes, belong to a low socioeconomic status, have had previous abortions and have had no control of the actual pregnancy, etc. The syndrome of abstinence presents with: jitteriness, sweating, high-pitched or continuous crying, vomits, diarrhea, and even seizures. The neurological and digestive manifestations are the most difficult to treat. The treatment consists of general measures (little stimulation dim light, etc.), phenobarbital, and chlorpromazine.