By Elizabeth Moore — News & Updates
Dr. Leslie Kerzner, Medical Director of the Developmental Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital, has co-authored several articles concerning the intricacies of medication dispense, neonatal drug withdrawal, and other issues surrounding prescription opioids. The American Health Council is proud to highlight Dr. Kerzner, whose research furthers the advancement of better healthcare.
Dr. Kerzner’s most recent co-written article, titled Risk of neonatal drug withdrawal after intrauterine co-exposure to opioids and psychotropic medications: cohort study., assesses “the impact of in utero co-exposure to psychotropic medications and opioids on the incidence and severity of neonatal drug withdrawal”. The study engaged in the observation and surveying of pregnant, publicly-insured women exposed to opioids in addition to neonatal drug withdrawal, resulting in the mixture of other drugs, such as antidepressants, further increasing “the risk and severity of neonatal drug withdrawal”.
Other articles co-authored by Dr. Kerzner concern observational studies on neonatal abstinence based on “Medicaid data from 46 US states”, resulting in “propensity score matched analyses, long term prescription opioid use compared with short term use and late use compared with early use in pregnancy demonstrated greater risk of NAS (risk ratios 2.05 (95% confidence interval 1.81 to 2.33) and 1.24 (1.12 to 1.38), respectively)”. Thus, the long-term use of prescription opioids during pregnancy is akin to a “low absolute risk” of NAS (neonatal abstinence syndrome) in the absence of other risk factors.
The American Health Council anticipates future research efforts by Dr. Kerzner and commends her past and present contributions to healthcare, further solidifying her medical leadership.
About the American Health Council:
The American Health Council is the nation’s only organization with a constituency representative of all sectors of the healthcare industry. From the coasts to the heartland, the American Health Council has drawn Affiliates from major metropolitan hubs and small communities. These Affiliates span generations and have reached different stages of their careers — from recent graduates to retirees. More information about the American Health Council and its mission can be found at: http://americanhealthcouncil.org.
Additionally, the American Health Council strives to provide recognition and support for those individuals and institutions making the difference in patients’ lives day in and day out. Throughout 2017, the AHC is honoring “America’s Best Doctors and Nurses,” as well as the nation’s best medical universities and hospitals. The American Health Council’s “Best in Medicine” and “Best in Nursing” awards programs honor the individuals and institutions that have contributed significantly to medicine and nursing, as well as the training and education of physicians and nurses. The most current selections for these honors may be viewed here: http://bestinmedicine.org and http://bestinnursing.org.
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