Determination Of The Efficacy And Side-effect Profile Of Lower Doses Of Intrathecal Morphine In Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Intrathecal (IT) morphine provides excellent post-operative analgesia, but causes multiple side effects including nausea and vomiting (PONV), pruritus and respiratory depression, particularly at higher doses. The lowest effective dose of spinal morphine in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty is not known.

Methods

We evaluated the analgesic efficacy and side effect profile of 100 - 300 μg IT morphine in patients undergoing elective total knee replacement in this prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind study. Sixty patients over the age of 60 undergoing elective knee arthroplasty were enrolled. Patients were randomized to receive spinal anaesthesia with 15 mg Bupivacaine and IT morphine in three groups: (i) 100 μg; (ii) 200 μg; and (iii) 300 μg.

SUBMITTER: Hassett P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2559822 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature