Monitoring withdrawal symptoms in newborns exposed to opioids.

Wireless withdrawal detection and monitoring system for neonatal abstinence syndrome.

NIH-funded research Rekovar INC. · NIH-10661085

This study is testing a new, easy-to-use wireless system that helps doctors keep track of withdrawal symptoms in newborns who were exposed to opioids before birth, using comfortable wearable devices to measure things like heart rate and skin responses, so they can provide better care for these babies.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRekovar INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Lake Forest, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10661085 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a wireless system to detect and monitor withdrawal symptoms in newborns suffering from neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a condition caused by opioid exposure in utero. By utilizing flexible, low-cost wearable devices, the study aims to objectively measure physiological responses such as heart rate and skin conductance, which can indicate the severity of withdrawal symptoms. This approach seeks to reduce the reliance on subjective assessments by healthcare providers, thereby improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment. The ultimate goal is to create new scoring tools that can guide treatment decisions and improve outcomes for affected infants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are newborns diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome due to in utero opioid exposure.

Not a fit: Patients who are not newborns or those not affected by neonatal abstinence syndrome will not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and timely interventions for newborns with NAS, potentially reducing hospital stays and improving health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using wearable technology for monitoring physiological conditions, indicating potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Lake Forest, 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.