Opiate-induced respiratory depression in young pediatric burn patients.
Three children younger than 5 with minor burns (< 5% total body surface area) experienced opiate-induced respiratory depression early in hospitalization. This prompted a decrease in the recommended opiate analgesic-dose ranges on our pediatric worksheet. In reviewing 57 admissions, 31 pre- and 26 post-dose change, the amount of opioid equivalents/kg received on admission day did not differ significantly. However, the incidence of respiratory depressive events decreased. Lower opiate-dose guidelines might improve the safe administration of these medications to young children. Other factors- such as concomitant sedative medications, previously administered opiate analgesics, and underlying medical conditions-also must be considered when giving initial doses of opiate analgesics in the burn center.
Gibbons
J
J
University of Washington Burn Center, Seattle, USA.
Honari
S R
SR
Sharar
S R
SR
Patterson
D R
DR
Dimick
P L
PL
Heimbach
D M
DM
D002056:Burns / Q000150:complications*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009294:Narcotics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D009294:Narcotics