we discussed a one day old baby who was jittery irritable very hungry – Neonatal abstinence.

The learning points were:

• Think out in clinical settings
• carefully watch for signs – do not make them
• have a reasonable differential diagnosis
• present findings in a systematic order
• do NOT jump to specific diagnosis and dig a hole for yourself
• Keep your Consultant and Parents in the loop
• i/v Drug user – remember AIDS & Hep B & C
• Appropriate protection for the baby
• Monitoring chart attached – score of > 8 significant.
• Look up local guidelines.

Abstinence Observation Chart