title: Observations on extradural morphine analgesia in various pain conditions.
abstract: We report the extradural administration of low-dose morphine in 10 ml of 10% dextrose (2-3 mg) to 98 adult patients with various types of acute and chronic pain. Extradural morphine injections were given either via a Tuohy needle (single or repeat injection) or via an extradural catheter. Pain relief was evaluated by subjective scoring and by the subsequent need for systemic analgesics. In 56% of patients, pain relief was considered good or excellent, in 24% it was fair, and in 20%, poor. The best results were after surgery and trauma and in patients with advanced peripheral vascular disease. The analgesia of each dose of extradural morphine lasted for 8 h (mean range 4-36 h). There was no motor, sensory or sympathetic blockade and no respiratory or haemodynamic complications. Dizziness and vomiting occurred in two patients, and urinary retention for about 12 h in three.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000698:Analgesia; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004824:Epidural Space; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010148:Intractable Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D009020:Morphine