title: Postoperative respiratory depression and unresponsiveness following epidural opiate administration: a case report.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Naval Hospital, Camp Lejeune, NC, USA.
authors.forename: Johnnie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Holmes
authors.forename: John P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Maye
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D004091:Hydromorphone