Postoperative respiratory depression and unresponsiveness following epidural opiate administration: a case report.
The profound segmental antinociception that epidural opioids offer has increased their use over the last 2 decades. Though side effects may accompany the use of epidural opioids, clinicians have found that the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. The following case report outlines a patient's postoperative course in which she experienced respiratory depression while receiving epidural opioids. The pharmacokinetics of lipophilic vs hydrophilic opioids in relation to the occurrence of respiratory depression is discussed.
Holmes
Johnnie
J
Naval Hospital, Camp Lejeune, NC, USA.
Maye
John P
JP
D000367:Age Factors; D015360:Analgesia, Epidural / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; D003128:Coma / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004091:Hydromorphone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D018579:Patient Selection; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012995:Solubility
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D004091:Hydromorphone