title: A double-blind comparison of morphine infusion and patient controlled analgesia in children.
abstract: The analgesia provided after major abdominal surgery in 30 children by continuous morphine infusion and patient controlled analgesia, also using morphine, was compared using a double-blind, double-dummy design. The groups of children were comparable in age, weight, duration of operation and sex ratio. Pain assessment was carried out by a single observer using a visual analogue scale and the Poker Chip Tool. Assessments took place during two four-hour periods, one on the day of operation and one the following day. Children aged between nine and 15 years achieved better pain relief with patient controlled analgesia. No difference could be shown in children aged between five and eight years.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesia, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Bray
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Woodhams
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Vallis
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Ward-Platt
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D000698:Analgesia; D016058:Analgesia, Patient-Controlled; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D009020:Morphine