Continuous morphine infusion for postoperative pain in children.
Previous erratic use of intermittent intramuscular and intravenous morphine or pethidine for postoperative analgesia prompted a prospective trial of continuous intravenous morphine delivered by an infusion pump. The rate was adjusted to keep the patient free of pain--as assessed by observation in the infant and enquiry in the older child. Serum morphine levels were monitored for the first 36 hours. The results of a cohort of 20 patients (aged 3 months-12 years) are presented. Thanks to positive parental and nursing staff support, and absence of complications, administration of postoperative analgesia with continuous intravenous morphine infusion is now standard practice in this unit.
Millar
A J
AJ
Department of Paediatric Surgery, University of Cape Town.
Rode
H
H
Cywes
S
S
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies
D009020:Morphine