Study (2020): Effectiveness of therapy blankets in infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)

Caregivers are increasingly caring for infants diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) (withdrawal symptoms in newborns of drug-dependent mothers). The recommended first-line treatment to relieve NAS symptoms also includes non-pharmacological interventions; however, there is currently little precise evidence on their effectiveness. The aim of the study was therefore to investigate the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of weighted blankets in the treatment of NAS infants. 

The study was conducted in a neonatal intensive care unit by using a weighted blanket or a conventional blanket on the infants during a 30-minute session. A total of 16 infants were registered for a total of 67 sessions with the weighted blanket. To ensure the safety of the infants, it was confirmed that no adverse events such as temperature changes occurred. 94% of the surveyed mothers were open to the use of a weighted blanket.

The results of the study show that the infants who used a weighted blanket had a significant decrease in both heart rate and the Finnegan score (assessment sheet for the diagnosis and therapy of neonatal abstinence syndrome). There was no significant change in respiratory rate due to the use of a weighted blanket.

To the study

Source: 

Summe, V., Baker, R. B., & Eichel, M. M. (2020). Safety, Feasibility, and Effectiveness of Weighted Blankets in the Care of Infants With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: A Crossover Randomized Controlled Trial. Advances in neonatal care : official journal of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses, 20(5), 384–391. https://doi.org/10.1097/ANC.0000000000000724