Association of a Simplified Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Scoring Tool With the Need for Pharmacologic Treatment for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Key Points

Question Can a simplified Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Scoring Tool (FNAST), composed only of dichotomized items that are independently associated with the decision to initiate pharmacologic therapy, discriminate between infants who did and did not receive therapy as effectively as the original FNAST? 

Findings In this cohort study of 424 neonates with opioid exposure, the simplified FNAST discriminated between neonates who did and did not receive pharmacologic treatment nearly as well as the original FNAST.

Meaning Use of a simplified FNAST may provide an accurate means of identifying neonatal abstinence syndrome and may enhance the clinical utility of the tool.