Comparison of three morphine regimens in postsurgical patients using patient-controlled analgesia.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy and toxicity of three patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) morphine regimens.


METHODS
A prospective, randomized, pilot study of three PCA morphine regimens: (1) 1 mg with 6-minute lockout (n = 10), (2) 2 mg with 12-minute lockout (n = 12), and (3) 2 mg with 20-minute lockout (n = 12).


METHODS
Large teaching institution.


METHODS
Thirty-four patients undergoing cholecystectomy or hysterectomy.


METHODS
Pain scores (0 = no pain, 1 = mild pain, 2 = moderate pain, 3 = severe pain), sedation scores, analgesic consumption, and patient attempts (patient activation of PCA device) and injections (doses actually delivered) were evaluated using analysis of covariance. Distribution of pain and sedation scores and adverse effects were assessed using Fisher's exact test.


RESULTS
Data on 24 patients were evaluable. Six patients withdrew for poor pain control (2 in group 1, 1 in group 2, and 3 in group 3). Three other patients withdrew because of adverse effects and 1 withdrew because of pump problems. Mean morphine consumption did not differ significantly among the groups. Distribution of pain and sedation scores and the number of patients with nausea were similar across treatment groups. The mean injection to attempt ratio was significantly smaller in group 3 (0.71 +/- 0.11) compared with groups 1 and 2 (0.9 +/- 0.06 and 0.83 +/- 0.09, respectively; p = 0.001). Adverse events occurred similarly among treatment groups.


CONCLUSIONS
No significant differences in the efficacy or toxicity of the three morphine PCA regimens were identified.
Smythe
M
M
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202.
Haubert
K
K
Hoffman
J
J
Dmuchowski
C
C
D000328:Adult; D016058:Analgesia, Patient-Controlled; D002763:Cholecystectomy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies
D009020:Morphine