title: The effects of intrathecal diamorphine on gastric emptying after elective Caesarean section.
abstract: This study investigated whether intrathecal diamorphine affects gastric emptying following elective Caesarean section. Forty women were randomly allocated to receive either diamorphine 300 microg or 0.9% saline as part of a standard spinal anaesthetic. Gastric emptying was measured in the immediate postoperative period using paracetamol absorption. Paracetamol concentrations were measured by enzymatic assay method using a Beckman CX-7 automated analyser. The time to maximum concentration (Tmax) was statistically longer in the diamorphine group (control 41.8, SD 20.8 min; diamorphine 72.6 SD 41.9 min; p < 0.01). During the 2-h study period, mean morphine consumption via a patient controlled analgesia device was significantly higher in the control group (control 9.3, SD 3.6 mg; diamorphine 2.1, SD 2.1 mg; p < 0.01). We conclude that intrathecal diamorphine may contribute to the delay in gastric emptying that occurs immediately following elective spinal Caesarean section.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesia, Liverpool Women's Hospital, Crown Street, Liverpool, L8 7SS, UK. hannahking@henry.pau.clara.co.uk
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: King
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Barclay
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016058:Analgesia, Patient-Controlled; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical; D000775:Anesthesia, Spinal; D002585:Cesarean Section; D005260:Female; D005746:Gastric Emptying / Q000187:drug effects*; D003932:Heroin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011184:Postoperative Period
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D003932:Heroin; D009020:Morphine