Exploring treatment options for infants with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome.

Incorporating nonpharmacologic approaches into a comparative effectiveness pharmacologic trial for neonates with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS)

NIH-funded research Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10916545

This study is looking at the best ways to help babies who are going through withdrawal from opioids after being exposed during pregnancy, by comparing regular morphine treatment with a new approach that also includes comforting methods, to find out which works better for these little ones.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIndiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Indianapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10916545 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates effective treatment strategies for infants suffering from neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS), a condition resulting from opioid exposure during pregnancy. The study aims to compare standard morphine dosing with an optimal morphine strategy that incorporates nonpharmacologic approaches to manage withdrawal symptoms. By using a modified Finnegan scoring system, infants with severe symptoms will be identified and randomized into treatment groups. The goal is to establish a more effective and standardized treatment protocol that could improve outcomes for affected infants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are newborns diagnosed with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome who are experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients who are not newborns or those who do not exhibit symptoms of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment protocols for infants with NOWS, potentially reducing their length of hospital stay and enhancing their recovery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that standardized treatment protocols can lead to significant improvements in outcomes for infants with NOWS, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

Indianapolis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.