title: Low frequency of meperidine-associated seizures in sickle cell disease.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
authors.forename: S Z
authors.initials: SZ
authors.lastname: Nadvi
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sarnaik
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ravindranath
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D009020:Morphine; D008614:Meperidine