Purpose
The opioid epidemic is a public health threat with consequences
affecting newborns. Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a constellation of
withdrawal symptoms resulting primarily from in utero opioid exposure. The
purpose of this study is to examine NAS and drug-specific trends in West
Virginia (WV), where rurality-related issues are largely present.
Methods
The 2007–2013 WV Health Care Authority, Uniform Billing Data
were analyzed for 119,605 newborn admissions with 1,974 NAS diagnoses. NAS
(ICD9-CM 779.5) and exposure diagnostic codes for opioids, hallucinogens,
and cocaine were utilized as incidence rate (IR) per 1,000 live births.
Findings
Between 2007 and 2013, NAS IR significantly increased from 7.74 to
31.56 per 1,000 live births per year (Z: −19.10, P
< .0001). During this time period, opioid exposure increased (Z:
−9.56, P < .0001), while cocaine exposure
decreased (Z: 3.62, P = .0003). In 2013, the
southeastern region of the state had the highest NAS IR of 48.76 per 1,000
live births. NAS infants were more likely to experience other clinical
conditions, longer hospital stay, and be insured by Medicaid.
Conclusions
Statewide NAS IR increased four-fold over the study period, with
rates over 3 times the national annual averages. This alarming trend is
deleterious for the health of WV mother-child dyads and it strains the
state’s health care system. Therefore, WV has a unique need for
prenatal public health drug treatment and prevention resources, specifically
targeting the southeastern region. Further examination of maternal
drug-specific trends and general underutilization of neonatal exposure
ICD-9-CM codes is indicated.