A comparison of epidural and intramuscular morphine in patients following cesarean section

This randomized, double-blind study compared epidural (EP) and intramuscular (IM) morphine in 24 healthy parturients for 24 h after cesarean section. The 11 EP subjects received 5 mg of EP morphine and normal saline intramuscularly, and the 13 IM patients received 5 mg of IM morphine and normal saline epidurally. Both injections were given simultaneously just after delivery and then upon request with at least 30 min between each pair of injections. Blood pressure, visual analogue scale pain score, somnolence score, and presence of nausea, vomiting, or pruritus were assessed every 30 min for 1 h after each dose and then hourly. Oxyhemoglobin saturation (Spo2) and respiratory rate (RR) and pattern were monitored continuously with pulse oximetry and respiratory inductive plethysmography. The EP group had significantly lower pain scores (less pain) than the IM (0.9 +/- 0.3 vs. 3.3 +/- 1.3; mean +/- SD; P less than 0.001) with less morphine (0.3 +/- 0.2 vs. 2.2 +/- 0.6 mg patient-1 h-1; P less than 0.001). There was no difference between groups for RR, Spo2, incidence or frequency of slow respiratory rate (SRR, 5-min mean RR less than 10) and apneas (AP, greater than or equal to 15 s of less than 100 ml tidal volume), incidence of nausea and/or vomiting, pruritus, or hypotension, and hours asleep or drowsy. There were no major respiratory abnormalities. During control monitoring of nine EP and 11 IM subjects while asleep postoperatively, the RR, Spo2, and incidence and frequency of SRR and AP were similar to the study period in both groups. In conclusion, EP morphine was a more effective analgesic than IM morphine, but the side effects of both were similar.     

Use of thymalin in trauma patients

A clinical study of the thymus preparation Thymalin was carried out in 23 patients with special reference to its use for prevention and treatment of infectious complications of critical traumas. The complex treatment can improve the clinical course of the trauma disease and normalize immune indices of the patients.     

The pharmacokinetics of morphine and lidocaine in nine severe trauma patients

Study Objective: To study the pharmacokinetic parameters of morphine and lidocaine after a single intravenous (IV) bolus in severe trauma patients.

Design: Clinical case study.

Setting: Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care of a university hospital.

Patients: Nine patients, ages 24 to 91 years (mean 54.4 yrs), admitted to the hospital with severe trauma (Injury Severity Score >20) were included in the study.

Interventions: After initial evaluation and stabilization, a single IV dose of morphine 0.025 mg/kg and lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg was given separately, and blood samples were drawn for each drug serum concentration.

Measurements and Main Results: Morphine pharmacokinetics was studied in eight patients, lidocaine pharmacokinetics in seven patients, and both drugs were studied in six patients. Morphine clearance 2.5 to 10 ml/kg/min (6 ± 2.6, mean ± SD) and volume of distribution 0.28 to 3.30 L/kg (1.4 ± 1.0) were found to be lower than values described previously for healthy volunteers (33.5 ± 9 ml/kg/min and 5.16 ± 1.40 L/kg, respectively), and are similar to those described in trauma patients (5 ± 2.9 ml/kg/min and 0.9 ± 0.2 L/kg, respectively). In contrast, lidocaine clearance 4.5 to 9.4 ml/kg/min (6.7 ± 1.7) and volume of distribution 0.39 to 1.20 L/kg (0.72 ± 0.28) were similar to the value described in healthy volunteers (10 ml/kg/min and 1.32 L/kg, respectively).

Conclusion: Changes in pharmacokinetics of drugs eliminated by the liver may occur in patients with severe trauma. The preserved lidocaine clearance indicates an almost normal hepatic blood flow and suggests that other mechanisms may be involved in the lower morphine clearance. The findings may have applications for the treatment of severe trauma patients and suggest that drug monitoring might be needed in some instances so as to avoid toxicity.     

A comparison of intramuscular tenoxicam with intramuscular morphine for pain relief following tonsillectomy in children

A double blind trial was conducted to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of intramuscular tenoxicam for pain relief following tonsillectomy in children. Fifty children, aged 3–10 years, were randomly allocated to receive intramuscular tenoxicam 0.75 mg·kg^?1 or intramuscular morphine sulphate 0.2 mg·kg^?1 after induction of anaesthesia. Although the tenoxicam group required significantly more postoperative morphine (mean 57.8 μg·kg^?1 compared with 26.9 μg·kg^?1, P=0.025), the total morphine dose was significantly reduced after tenoxicam (57.8 μg·kg^?1 compared with 226.9 ug·kg^?1, P<0.0001). There was no difference between the quality of analgesia after discharge from recovery. The incidence of postoperative vomiting was significantly reduced after tenoxicam (20%) compared with morphine (71%).     

A comparison of intramuscular and sublingual buprenorphine, intramuscular morphine and placebo as premedication

Buprenorphine premedication by two routes, 0.4 mg sublingual and 0.3 mg intramuscular was compared double-blind, double-dummy with intramuscular morphine 10 mg and placebo in 74 patients undergoing elective total hip replacement. Anxiety, depressive mood, sedation, vital signs and side-effects were measured before surgery. All patients then received a standardised general anaesthetic using a muscle relaxant and ventilation. The effects of the premedication on the anaesthetic were assessed by a scoring system. Intra- and postoperative blood gases, plasma cortisol and glucose were measured and the 1 hour postoperative pain intensity, side-effects and sedation were assessed. No differences between the premedications were seen on any of the pre-, intra- or postoperative measurements, suggesting that even with adequate measurement sensitivity it is difficult to distinguish opiate from placebo premedication.     

Use of clonidine in hernia patients: intramuscular versus surgical site.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to determine if administration of clonidine in hernia patients enhances analgesia. It was also designed to determine whether administration directly in the surgical site further improves the analgesia. METHODS: A randomized, double-blinded study was undertaken at a tertiary care hospital. Forty-five outpatients undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair by one of two surgeons (D.P. or M.A.) under local anesthesia with monitored anesthesia care were evaluated. Patients were invited to participate in this investigation at the time of the preoperative surgical visit. Patients who had a contraindication to the use of clonidine or who refused repair under local anesthesia with sedation were excluded. Patients were randomized to one of three groups: (a) clonidine 0.5 microg/kg intramuscularly and saline in the surgical site (mixed with the local anesthetic); (b) clonidine 0.5 microg/kg in the surgical site and saline intramuscularly; or (c) saline in both the surgical site and intramuscularly. The outcome measures included visual analog pain scores twice in the hospital, pain scores at rest and with movement 24 hours postoperatively, the time to first analgesic, and total analgesic requirement. RESULTS: The pain scores were lower in both clonidine groups at 2 hours postoperatively than in the control group (P < .03). No difference was observed with respect to the time to first analgesic, 24-hour analgesic use, or 24-hour pain scores among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: When clonidine is administered to patients undergoing hernia repair, the 2-hour pain scores are lowered. No difference was exhibited when clonidine was administered intramuscularly or directly into the hernia site.     

Comparison of oral slow release morphine (MST) with intramuscular morphine for premedication

Oral morphine sulphate slow-release (MST) 40 mg and intramuscular morphine sulphate 10 mg, each administered with intramuscular atropine 0.6 mg, were compared in a randomised double-blind trial as premedication agents in 30 patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy. Both formulations produced sedation but no anxiolysis in the anaesthetic room, as measured by 10 cm, horizontal linear analogue scales. There was no significant difference between the preparations in terms of postoperative pain, recorded either by the linear analogue scales or using a patient questionnaire. The usage of analgesics and anti-emetics postoperatively was comparable in both groups.     

Oxyhaemoglobin saturation following elective abdominal surgery in patients receiving continuous intravenous infusion or intramuscular morphine analgesia

Oxygen saturation was continuously measured using computerised pulse oximetry for 8 h overnight pre-operatively and for the first 24 h postoperatively in 40 patients receiving intermittent intramuscular morphine or continuous infusion of morphine following elective upper abdominal surgery. The proportion of time with an oxygen saturation less than 94% was used as an index of desaturation. Patients receiving continuous infusion analgesia received a larger morphine dose and achieved better analgesia than the intramuscular group. Postoperatively, the duration of desaturation increased 10-fold over pre-operative values, 'intramuscular' patients spending 39.0% (SD, 37.0%) and 'continuous infusion' patients 40.0% (SD, 37.5%) of the time below 94% saturation. Although newer therapies (e.g. epidural analgesia and patient-controlled analgesia) are currently receiving greater attention, the sequelae of these more traditional analgesic techniques warrant further study.     

Comparison of intramuscular ketorolac and morphine in pain control after laparotomy

Ketorolac, a prostaglandin synthetase-inhibiting analgesic, was compared with morphine for relief of pain after laparotomy for gynaecological surgery. Eighty patients were studied; they were given either ketorolac 30 mg intramuscularly followed by 10 mg 4-hourly as required, or morphine 10 mg intramuscularly 4-hourly as required, administered in a double-blind, randomised fashion. Pain scores (verbal and visual analogue) were recorded at baseline and assessed at 30 and 60 minutes and then hourly for 6 hours. Pain relief was measured at the same times. Pain and pain-relief scores were further assessed on the evening of day 1 and at 24 hours. Pain scores were similar in the two groups but pain-relief scores were better in the morphine group. A considerable number of patients suffered postoperative nausea and vomiting but there was no difference between the groups. One patient in the ketorolac group had unexplained hypotension. It is concluded that ketorolac can provide effective postoperative analgesia.     

A comparison of regularly dosed oral morphine and on-demand intramuscular morphine in the treatment of postsurgical pain

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial was conducted to compare the use of regularly dosed po morphine and on-demand im morphine in 47 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. Patients were randomized to receive either 20 mg (initial dose) of regularly dosed morphine (every four hours po) plus breakthrough pain medication on-demand consisting of both 10 mg morphine po and placebo im, or an equivalent regularly dosed oral placebo (every four hours) with breakthrough pain medication consisting of oral placebo and 5–10 mg morphine im. Subsequent to each request for break-through pain medication, the next regularly dosed oral solution was increased by 5 mg (or equivalent volume of placebo) to a maximum of 40 mg po Q4H. Time-averaged pain scores were lower on both postoperative day 1 and 2 in the group receiving regularly dosed morphine po (P < 0.05). Fewer patients requested breakthrough pain medication on both days in the oral morphine group. The incidences of nausea and vomiting, and of decreased respiratory rates were similar in both groups. Regularly dosed oral morphine is inexpensive and should be compared to other methods of opioid delivery.     

Long-term peridural analgesia with morphine in complex anti-shock measures in patients with severe trauma

Prolonged peridural analgesia by morphine was used in 45 patients with severe skeletal traumas. The administration of minimal doses of morphine (0,08-0,1 mg/kg) into the peridural space facilitated earlier normalization of indices of hemodynamics and external ventilation.     

Use of cholescintigraphy with morphine in critically ill patients with suspected cholecystitis

Diagnosis of acute cholecystitis in critically ill patients is often difficult; clinical signs are subtle, and radiologic tests are nonspecific and have a high incidence of false-positive results. This study reviews our experience with intravenous morphine sulfate as an adjunct to promote gallbladder filling in 18 critically ill patients who demonstrated nonvisualization of the gallbladder during cholescintigraphy performed as part of a diagnostic workup for occult sepsis. Findings suggestive of a biliary source included fever, leukocytosis, abdominal tenderness, abnormal liver function test results, fasting, and total parenteral nutrition. Morphine was administered to all 18 patients after nonvisualization of the gallbladder; in 17 cases prompt visualization was noted, thus excluding cystic duct obstruction. The remaining patient underwent operation for acalculous cholecystitis. None of the 17 patients whose gallbladders were visualized had a subsequent clinical course consistent with untreated biliary sepsis. Radionuclide cholescintigraphy with morphine appears to be useful in the evaluation of critically ill patients with suspected biliary sepsis. It is particularly helpful in confirming or excluding the diagnosis of acute acalculous cholecystitis in patients who are fasting or receiving total parenteral nutrition and initially demonstrate nonvisualization of the gallbladder and in patients who have previously documented gallstones.     

A comparison of the effect of oral controlled release morphine and intramuscular morphine on gastric emptying

The effect on gastric emptying of the administration of oral controlled-release morphine 20 mg and intramuscular morphine 10 mg is compared. Gastric emptying was estimated by the measurement of paracetamol absorption. Statistically significant differences exist between the two treatments. There is slight inhibition of gastric emptying with the oral preparation and almost complete inhibition with intramuscular morphine.     

Use of ECMO support in pediatric patients with severe thoracic trauma

BackgroundExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used in the non-trauma setting for over 30 years. However, the use of ECMO in trauma remains a difficult question, as the risk of bleeding must be weighed against the benefits of cardiopulmonary support.MethodsRetrospective review of children who sustained severe thoracic trauma (chest abbreviated injury score ≥ 3) and required ECMO support between 2009 and 2016.ResultsOf the 425 children who experienced severe thoracic trauma, 6 (1.4%) underwent ECMO support: 67% male, median age 4.8 years, median ISS 36, median GCS 3, and overall survival 83%. The median hospital day of ECMO initiation was 2 with a median ECMO duration of 7 days. All cannulations occurred through the right neck regardless of the size of the child. Five initially had veno-venous support with 1 requiring conversion to veno-arterial (VA) support. Both children on VA support suffered devastating cerebrovascular accidents, one of which ultimately led to withdrawal of care and death. Complications in the cohort included: paraplegia (1), neurocognitive defects/dysphonia (1), infected neck hematoma (1), deep femoral venous thrombosis (1), bilateral lower extremity spasticity (1).ConclusionThis small cohort supports the use of ECMO in children with severe thoracic injuries as a potentially lifesaving intervention, however, not without significant complication.Level of EvidenceIV.     

A comparison of regularly administered sustained release oral morphine with intramuscular morphine for control of postoperative pain

We studied the efficacy and side effect profile of regularly administered, oral sustained-release morphine sulfate tablets (MST) and IM morphine in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty under lumbar spinal anesthesia. Patients in Group I received MST 20 mg 12 hourly and a placebo IM injection 6 hourly regularly. Group II patients received an oral placebo 12 hourly and morphine sulfate 10 mg IM 6 hourly regularly. Rescue analgesia was provided with regular diclofenac suppositories and patient-controlled analgesia. Pain scores assessed by using visual analog scale and verbal pain scoring at rest and with movement were low in both groups, with no statistical difference between groups. Mean patient-controlled analgesia morphine consumption during the 48-h study was 16.7 mg in the IM group and 25.9 mg in the MST group. The difference between the groups was significant at 36 h postoperatively (0.03). Side effects of sedation and respiratory depression were not problematic in either group, with a maximal sedation score of 2 occurring once in a patient in Group II. Nausea and vomiting occurred more often in Group II, but this was not statistically significant, with a mean nausea/vomiting score for Group II of 1.7. We conclude that oral, sustained-release morphine is an attractive alternative to IM opiates in patients undergoing body surface surgery under regional anesthesia. IMPLICATIONS: Each postoperative analgesic has its own limitations for route of administration, dosage, and potential side effects. Using the oral route for drug administration seems more attractive than other methods but may not be suitable in all postoperative patients. We studied the efficacy and side effect profile of sustained-release, oral morphine compared with standard IM morphine for the treatment of pain after hip replacement surgery. We concluded that use of the oral preparation is a suitable alternative to the IM route in this population undergoing surgery under spinal anesthesia.     

Use of oral morphine in incurable pain

Oral morphine sulphate is the strong narcotic of choice at most hospices. Administered in simple aqueous solution (e.g. 10 mg in 10 ml). No advantage in giving as "Brompton Cocktail." Usual starting dose 10 mg every 4 h. If patient has previously only had a weak narcotic analgesic, 5 mg may be adequate. If changing to morphine from alternative strong narcotic, such as dextromoramide, levorphanol, methadone, a considerably higher dose may be needed. With frail elderly patients, it may be wise to start on sub-optimal dose in order to reduce likelihood of initial drowsiness and unsteadiness. Adjust upwards after first dose if not more effective than previous medication. Adjust after 24 h "if pain not 90% controlled." Most patients are satisfactorily controlled on dose of between 5 and 30 mg 4 hourly; however, some patients need higher doses, occasionally up to 500 mg. Giving a larger dose at bedtime (1,5 or 2 x daytime dose) may enable a patient to go through the night without waking in pain. Use co-analgesic medication as appropriate. Eigher prescribe an antiemetic concurrently or supply (in anticipation) for regular use should nausea or vomiting develop. Prescribe laxative. Adjust dose according to response. Suppositories may be necessary. Unless carefully monitored, constipation may be more difficult to control than the pain. Write out regimen in detail with times to be taken, names of drugs and amounts to be taken. Warn patient of possibility of initial drowsiness. Arrange for close liaison and follow up.     

Combination of low-dose epidural morphine and intramuscular diclofenac sodium in postcesarean analgesia.

Epidural morphine is used for postcesarean analgesia, and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs are frequently administered to relieve uterine cramps after vaginal delivery. To assess the efficacy of a combination of low-dose epidural morphine and intramuscular diclofenac sodium in postcesarean analgesia, a double-blind, randomized study was conducted. Epidural anesthesia was given to 120 parturients who were randomly allocated into four treatment groups: group A received normal saline solution, 10 mL epidurally and 3 mL intramuscularly (IM); group B received 10 mL of epidural saline solution and 75 mg (3 mL) of diclofenac IM; group C received 2 mg of morphine in 10 mL of epidural saline solution and 3 mL of saline solution IM; and group D received 2 mg of morphine in 10 mL of epidural saline solution and 75 mg of diclofenac IM. Epidural injections were given after delivery of the placenta, and IM injections were given on arrival in the recovery room. Verbal analogue pain scores were recorded at 2, 4, 8, 12, 18, and 24 h after epidural injection. Subjective scores of overall pain relief were also recorded at 24 h. Results showed that scores of overall pain relief were significantly better in group D compared with group A, B, or C (P less than 0.05). Groups A and B required more supplemental meperidine than groups C and D. None of the subjects in group D requested supplemental analgesia. Compared with the other three groups, group D experienced a better analgesic effect for both wound pain and uterine cramping pain from 4 to 18 h (P less than 0.05). Incidence of nausea or vomiting, or both, and pruritus occurred more frequently in groups C and D compared with group A or B (P less than 0.05). No bradypnea was observed during the study period. Diclofenac alone was not effective in postcesarean analgesia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)