New Program In South Carolina Hospitals Could Help Newborns Dependent On Opioids

Columbia, SC (WOLO)– The opioid crisis is sweeping the nation, and no one is left out, not even newborn babies. Medical specialists say they have seen an increase in the number of babies born with a dependence on opioids because of their mother. Four South Carolina hospitals are joining together to help better treat these newborns– one of them is Palmetto Health Richland. It is called the MAiN program, or the Managing Abstinence in Newborns Program. In the next five years it will be in 10 hospitals across the state, and they are hoping eventually the entire country.

“We’re now able to say that what we’re doing is effective, it’s safe, and it has better outcomes than the other models that have been published around the country,” said Dr. Jennifer Hudson, Medical Director for Newborn Services at Greenville Health System.  

Hudson said she has seen an increase in the number of newborns with opioid dependency. Statistics show there are more than 400 babies born a year in South Carolina alone that have this Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. According Hudson, the MAiN program has already helped babies avoid full withdrawal symptoms, like severe weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and shakiness.

“And we’ve been really successful in preventing the worst of the withdrawal, and keeping babies, basically stable from the beginning. Instead of letting them go into full blown withdrawal, then trying to treat and get things under control,” Hudson said. 

There are three main components with the new treatment. Treatment is started right after the baby is born. Newborns will opioid dependency will be able to stay with their mothers, rather than being treated in the NICU. And finally, the baby will continue to be weaned off the opioids, even after leaving the hospital.  

“The full amount for the full wean, is about a 1/3rd of one days dose for a mom if she’s on Methadone. So, it’s very unlikely that we would have any problems with diversion or mishandling because the amount the baby needs for the wean is so tiny,” Hudson said.  According to Hudson, the benefits of this new million dollar program are better health outcomes for the newborns, reduced length of stay in the hospital for both mom and child, and less use of health care services.