Sunday, June 28, 2009
Hall A (San Diego Convention Center)
Sue Hermann, RN, MN, PNC(c) , Maternal & Newborn Unit, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
Wendy A. Moulsdale, RN, MN, IBCLC , Newborn and Developmental Pediatrics/NICU, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
Evidence is growing regarding the potential risk to the fetus exposed to antidepressant medications, specifically the selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). These infants are at risk of experiencing a constellation of postnatal symptoms which may interfere with transition, including respiratory distress, neurobehavioral issues, seizures, poor state regulation, hypoglycemia, and feeding issues. There is debate regarding the prevalence of these symptoms and whether they represent a transient neonatal behavioral syndrome, a withdrawal syndrome, or another entity such as serotonin toxicity. The discontinuation of antidepressant therapy in the third trimester may not be feasible and may have more negative outcomes for both the mother and infant. The catalyst for this innovative project was the identification of two infants on the postpartum unit where concerns were raised about newborn health, SSRI exposure, and the provision of safe and optimal care in the context of family centred-care. This presentation will outline current knowledge regarding outcomes for infants exposed to SSRIs in utero. The steps involved in developing a standard of care for these at-risk infants will be discussed. This nursing-led process utilized the input of the multidisciplinary team, with front-line staff providing key feedback at each step. The clinical database was enhanced to collect information on maternal use of antidepressants, and infant outcomes following exposure. The relevant research literature was critiqued and recommendations made for specialized postpartum monitoring of these infants. Partnerships were developed between the Maternal & Newborn Unit and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to facilitate the creation and adoption of the new protocols, thereby helping women, families, and care providers seek best-practice solutions. As the Standard of Care is a dynamic tool to aid nursing care, evaluation is an ongoing process.