Low frequency of meperidine-associated seizures in sickle cell disease.
Pain control measures in sickle cell diseases are not uniform. Most clinicians use parenteral morphine or meperidine for severe pain. Reports of seizures associated with meperidine have led to a growing reliance on intravenous morphine, usually with patient-controlled devices. Acceptance of morphine has been poor among patients, and many prefer meperidine. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the incidence of meperidine-associated seizures in a large, mostly pediatric population with sickling disorders. The results suggest that the incidence of seizures with meperidine is extremely small (0.4% of patients; 0.06% of admissions). The risk of seizures should not dissuade clinicians from using this drug.
Nadvi
S Z
SZ
Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
Sarnaik
S
S
Ravindranath
Y
Y
D000293:Adolescent; D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007275:Injections, Intravenous / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008614:Meperidine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010148:Intractable Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D009020:Morphine; D008614:Meperidine