Which condition is characterized by a high-pitched cry and irritability in infants?

The condition characterized by a high-pitched cry and irritability in infants is neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). This syndrome occurs when a baby is born to a mother who has used certain drugs during pregnancy, such as opioids, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms in the newborn after birth.

Infants experiencing NAS often exhibit signs of irritability, including a high-pitched or abnormal cry that is more intense than typical infant crying. These infants may also have difficulty feeding, increased muscle tone, and disturbances in their sleep patterns, which further signify the stress of withdrawal.

Understanding that NAS is a comprehensive syndrome that encompasses various withdrawal symptoms is key. While conditions like colic and hypoglycemia can cause irritability and changes in a baby's behavior, NAS is specifically associated with the distinct symptomatology arising from in utero drug exposure and subsequent withdrawal. Neonatal withdrawal syndrome is often used interchangeably with NAS, but the primary terminology used by healthcare providers tends to favor NAS, making this choice the most accurate representation of the condition described.