Abstract
Abstract
Background: In the United States (USA), kratom has become popular for controlling withdrawal symptoms from opioid cessation. Case studies have alluded to the occurrence of features of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in infants born to mothers who regularly used kratom.
Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature was conducted using Pubmed and Google Scholar with a combination of keywords. A total of 8 unique abstracts were identified and reviewed.
Results: The reviewed papers suggest that infants exposed to kratom via the transplacental route exhibit symptoms such as breathing difficulties, irritability, jitteriness, muscle hypertonicity, and a high-pitched inconsolable cry, which are features of NAS. Though no treatment protocols exist for managing kratom withdrawal, the studies suggested symptomatic management of a hyper-adrenergic state. Some studies recommended using methadone, whereas others recommend the use of morphine, rooming-in, and close contact with the mother.
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