[Neonatal abstinence syndrome: current and future aspects].

Pregnant heroin-addicted women constitute a major social problem that should not be ignored. Newborns may develop a neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). They present with behavioural troubles running a typical clinical course. The level of severity of NAS will be accurately determined, leading to definition of the most appropriate therapy. The best therapeutic formula appears to be paregoric elixir, mixed with phenobarbital if necessary. Least severe cases can be easily controlled by appropriate surrounding conditions. Pharmacological as well as physiopathological effects of opiates are described. Little is known about the long-term effects of opiate exposure; they apparently include frequent instrumental troubles. At the present time, the rapid intervention of a multidisciplinary team is recommended, taking charge of the mothers who should receive methadone in progressively tapering doses.