Buprenorphine & Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal
Episode Overview
Buprenorphine dose affects neonatal opioid withdrawal severity. Private equity's role in healthcare profitability. History and effects of nitrous oxide use. SSRIs and their long-term mental health impact. Effective treatments for alcohol use disorder.
Shouldn't I decrease my dose so that I have less risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal?
In this episode of Addiction Medicine Journal Club, hosts Dr. John Keenan and Dr. Sonia Del Tredici delve into critical topics affecting addiction medicine today. The primary discussion focuses on the association between buprenorphine dose during pregnancy and the severity of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) in infants. Research has indicated that while maternal buprenorphine dosage might influence NOWS severity, the evidence is still evolving, prompting questions about optimal dosing strategies to minimize withdrawal risks in newborns.
The conversation also touches upon private equity's growing influence in healthcare, examining its implications for profit versus quality care delivery. This raises ethical concerns about whether profit motives align with the goal of providing excellent healthcare services. The hosts reference insights from the AMA Journal of Ethics and presentations from the From Research to Recovery Conference, highlighting the complex interplay between business and medical ethics.
Additionally, the hosts explore nitrous oxide, a substance with a long history of use and a peculiar place in recreational and medical contexts. Known for its dissociative effects, nitrous oxide's history spans from early medicinal use to contemporary recreational inhalation, offering a fascinating look at substance use evolution. The episode further examines the role of SSRIs in mental health treatment. Despite their widespread use, ongoing research suggests varied outcomes, including brain volume improvements with long-term use.
Such findings encourage further investigation into SSRIs' long-term benefits versus potential risks. Finally, the hosts discuss treatments for alcohol use disorder, emphasizing the effectiveness of medications like naltrexone in reducing heavy drinking days. This underscores the importance of tailored treatment approaches in addiction medicine. Throughout the episode, Dr. Keenan and Dr. Del Tredici invite listeners to engage with the content, encouraging feedback and discussion to enrich the journal club experience.
The podcast, offering CME credits, serves as a valuable resource for professionals seeking to stay informed about the latest research and trends in addiction medicine.