Abstract
Continuous subcutaneous infusion of meperidine was compared with infusion of morphine for pain relief in 19 patients (9-19 years, weight 19.2-57.6kg) after major orthopedic surgery. 11 children received meperidine, and 8 received morphine. After surgery, a 25-gauge butterfly needle was inserted subcutaneously in the anterior chest.
Patients received meperidine at a rate of 38-687μg•kg-1•h-1 for 45.0-115.8hours, and morphine at 4.5-46μg•kg-1•h-1 for 38.5-83.3hours. The total amount of drug per patient was 185.0-1, 207.5mg for meperidine, and 19.8-71.1mg for morphine. Both of them brought about a satisfactory analgesia.
Abdominal distension, nausea or vomiting occurred in 7 of 8 patients taking morphine, but only 7 of 11 patients suffered from mild gastrointestinal side effects in the meperidine group. Neither respiratory depression nor excessive sedation was observed in any patient.
Meperidine was as effective as morphine for postoperative analgesia but with less gastrointestinal side effects.
We concluded that continuous subcutaneous meperidine infusion is a safe and effective method for postoperative pain relief.