Comparison of codeine phosphate and morphine sulphate in infants undergoing cleft palate repair.
OBJECTIVE
To ascertain the quality of analgesia provided by morphine in comparison to codeine.


METHODS
The study is a prospective, randomized, double-blind trial of analgesic effect employing validated pain scores.


METHODS
Infants having primary cleft palate repair with informed parental consent to enter the study.


METHODS
Infants received one of two analgesics intraoperatively for immediate postoperative pain relief. Morphine was given by intravenous injection and codeine by the intramuscular route.


METHODS
Pain scores in the immediate postoperative period for 2 hours following surgery; this outcome measure was decided prior to data collection.


RESULTS
The pain score and other outcome measures were all blinded. Measurements are all evident from the nature of the results.


CONCLUSIONS
There was no clinically significant difference observed in the analgesic effect of either drug on the two groups studied.
Fenlon
S
S
Department of Anesthesia, Queen Victoria Hospital, West Sussex, UK.
Somerville
N
N
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002972:Cleft Palate / Q000601:surgery*; D003061:Codeine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D009020:Morphine; D003061:Codeine