RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sedative and cardiopulmonary effects of various combinations of acepromazine, dexmedetomidine, hydromorphone, and glycopyrrolate, followed by anesthetic induction with propofol and maintenance with isoflurane in healthy dogs. ANIMALS: 6 healthy adult female Beagles. PROCEDURES: Dogs were instrumented for hemodynamic measurements while anesthetized with isoflurane. Two hours after recovery, dogs received 1 of 4 IM combinations in a crossover design with 1 week between treatments: hydromorphone (0.1 mg/kg) and acepromazine (0.005 mg/kg; HA); hydromorphone and dexmedetomidine (0.0025 mg/kg; HD); hydromorphone, acepromazine, and dexmedetomidine (HAD); and hydromorphone, acepromazine, dexmedetomidine, and glycopyrrolate (0.02 mg/kg; HADG). Sedation was scored after 30 minutes. Physiologic variables and cardiac index were measured after sedation, after anesthetic induction with propofol, and every 15 minutes during maintenance of anesthesia with isoflurane for 60 minutes (target expired concentration at 760 mm Hg, 1.3%). RESULTS: Sedation scores were not significantly different among treatments. Mean ± SD cardiac index was significantly higher for the HA (202 ± 45 mL/min/kg) and HADG (185 ± 59 mL/min/kg) treatments than for the HD (88 ± 31 mL/min/kg) and HAD (103 ± 25 mL/min/kg) treatments after sedation and through the first 15 minutes of isoflurane anesthesia. No ventricular arrhythmias were noted with any treatment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In healthy dogs, IM administration of HADG before propofol and isoflurane anesthesia provided acceptable cardiopulmonary function with no adverse effects. This combination should be considered for routine anesthetic premedication in healthy dogs.
Assuntos
Anestesia , Anestésicos , Dexmedetomidina , Isoflurano , Propofol , Acepromazina/farmacologia , Anestesia/veterinária , Anestésicos/farmacologia , Animais , Estudos Cross-Over , Dexmedetomidina/farmacologia , Cães , Feminino , Glicopirrolato/farmacologia , Frequência Cardíaca , Hidromorfona/farmacologia , Hipnóticos e Sedativos/farmacologia , Isoflurano/farmacologia , Propofol/farmacologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Sterilization clinics often occur in remote places where anesthesia machines and compressed oxygen are unavailable. This study describes the use of total injectable anesthesia in dogs and cats presented for sterilization in a remote location. RESULTS: A total of 100 animals were sterilized; 26 female cats (CF), 22 male cats (CM), 28 female dogs (DF), and 24 male dogs (DM). CF were anesthetized with dexmedetomidine (20 mcg/kg), ketamine (8 mg/kg) and hydromorphone (0.1 mg/kg) IM. CM were anesthetized with dexmedetomidine (15 mcg/kg), ketamine (5 mg/kg) and hydromorphone (0.1 mg/kg) IM. Insufficient anesthesia in cats was treated with alfaxalone (1 mg/kg) IM. All cats were administered meloxicam at 0.3 mg/kg SQ. DF were anesthetized with dexmedetomidine (15 mcg/kg), ketamine (7-10 mg/kg) and hydromorphone (0.1 mg/kg) IM. DM were anesthetized with dexmedetomidine (15 mcg/kg), ketamine (5 mg/kg) and hydromorphone (0.1 mg/kg) IM. All dogs had IV catheter and endotracheal tube placed. If SpO2 < 91%, ventilation was assisted with an Ambu bag. Insufficient anesthesia in dogs was treated with alfaxalone (1 mg/kg) IV. All dogs were administered meloxicam at 0.2 mg/kg SQ. Following surgery, atipamezole (0.05-0.1 mg/kg) IM was administered to any patient that did not have voluntary movement. All patients survived and were discharged. Less than 25% of cats and male dogs required supplemental anesthesia. Fifty seven percent of female dogs required supplemental anesthesia. More than 89% of patients (in any group) required atipamezole administration. One cat recovered with agitation and hyperthermia (41.1C/ 106F). Some dogs required ventilatory assistance to remain normoxemic while anesthetized. CONCLUSION: Total injectable anesthesia can be accomplished for remote location sterilization clinics with minimal morbidity.
Assuntos
Anestesia Intravenosa/veterinária , Gatos/cirurgia , Cães/cirurgia , Orquiectomia/veterinária , Ovariectomia/veterinária , Antagonistas de Receptores Adrenérgicos alfa 2/administração & dosagem , Anestésicos Combinados/administração & dosagem , Animais , Dexmedetomidina/administração & dosagem , Equador , Feminino , Hidromorfona/administração & dosagem , Imidazóis/administração & dosagem , Ketamina/administração & dosagem , Masculino , Meloxicam/administração & dosagem , PregnanodionasRESUMO
PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the current attitudes, perceptions, and practices of emergency medicine providers and nurses (RNs) regarding the discharge of adult patients from the emergency department (ED) after administration of opioid analgesics. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was administered at 3 hospital sites with a combined annual ED census of >180,000 visits per year. All 59 attending emergency physicians (EPs), 233 RNs, and 23 advanced practice clinicians (APCs) who worked at these sites were eligible to participate. FINDINGS: Thirty-five EPs (59.3%), 88 RNs (37.8%), and 14 APCs (60.9%) completed the survey for an overall response rate of 51.75%. Most respondents were female (95 [69.9%]). The factor ranked most important to consider when discharging a patient from the ED after administration of opioids was the patient's functional status and vital signs (median, 2.00; interquartile range, 2.00-3.50). More RNs (84 [96.6%]) than EPs (29 [82.9%]) reported that developing an ED policy or guideline for safe discharge after administration of opioids is important to clinical practice (P = 0.02). Only 8 physicians (23.5%) reported that they did not prescribe intramuscular morphine, and 15 (42.9%) reported that they did not prescribe intramuscular hydromorphone. EPs (7 [20.0%]) and RNs (3 [3.4%]) differed in regard to whether they were aware if any patients to whom they administered an opioid had experienced an adverse drug-related event (P = 0.01). Most EPs (24 [68.6%]) and RNs (54 [61.4%]) believed that the decision for patient discharge should be left to both the emergency medicine provider and the RN. IMPLICATIONS: Most study participants believed that developing a policy or guideline for safe discharge after administration opioids in the ED is important to clinical practice. Only a few physicians reported that they did not prescribe intramuscular hydromorphone or morphine. Most participants believed the discharge decision after administration of opioids in the ED should be primarily determined by both the emergency medicine provider and the RN.
Assuntos
Analgésicos Opioides/administração & dosagem , Serviço Hospitalar de Emergência/estatística & dados numéricos , Alta do Paciente , Padrões de Prática Médica/estatística & dados numéricos , Adolescente , Adulto , Estudos Transversais , Medicina de Emergência , Feminino , Pessoal de Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Humanos , Hidromorfona/administração & dosagem , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Morfina/administração & dosagem , Percepção , Inquéritos e Questionários , Adulto JovemRESUMO
A new Hydrocodone Enzyme Immunoassay (HEIA; Lin-Zhi International, Inc.) was evaluated for the detection of hydrocodone and its main metabolite, hydromorphone. All specimens were tested with two different cutoff calibrators, 100 and 300 ng/mL, on an ARCHITECT Plus c4000 Clinical Chemistry Analyzer. Controls containing -25% (negative control) and +25% (positive control) of the cutoff calibrators and a drug-free control were analyzed with each batch. All 1,025 urine specimens were previously analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS-MS) for opiates. Approximately, 33% (337/1,019) of the specimens yielded positive results by the HEIA assay at a cutoff concentration of 100 ng/mL and 19% (190/1,025) yielded positive results at the 300 ng/mL cutoff concentration. Of these presumptive positive specimens, UPLC-MS-MS confirmed the presence of hydrocodone and/or hydromorphone >100 ng/mL in 241 specimens and >300 ng/mL in 162 specimens, for each respective cutoff. With the 100 ng/mL cutoff, the HEIA demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.959, a specificity of 0.846 and an overall agreement with the UPLC-MS-MS of 87%. At 300 ng/mL cutoff, the HEIA demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.880, a specificity of 0.966 and an overall agreement of UPLC-MS-MS results of 95%. The Lin-Zhi HEIA 100 ng/mL cutoff assay demonstrated sensitivity for the detection of hydrocodone and hydromorphone in urine. The 300 ng/mL cutoff was less sensitive, but more selective, and should be part of an initial immunoassay screen, particularly in pain management compliance testing.
Assuntos
Hidrocodona/urina , Hidromorfona/urina , Técnicas Imunoenzimáticas/métodos , Detecção do Abuso de Substâncias/métodos , Calibragem , Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Pressão , Humanos , Alcaloides Opiáceos/urina , Manejo da Dor , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Manejo de Espécimes , Espectrometria de Massas em TandemRESUMO
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although many studies have found no difference between thoracic epidural block and unilateral thoracic paravertebral block after thoracotomy, no previous studies have compared epidural block with bilateral thoracic paravertebral block (bTPVB) in patients undergoing open liver resection. We aimed to investigate whether there was a significant analgesic advantage of thoracic epidural over bTPVB after liver resection. METHODS: This randomized, prospective, open-label study included adult patients undergoing elective open liver resection. Patients were randomized to receive either thoracic epidural block or bTPVB, through which ropivacaine (0.2%) was infused for 3 days. The primary outcome was pain Verbal Rating Scale (VRS) score (0-10) at rest and with postoperative incentive spirometry. Secondary outcomes included VRS at rest, inspired volumes during incentive spirometry, patient-controlled analgesia hydromorphone utilization, measures of hemodynamic stability, and postoperative bowel function. RESULTS: Eighty patients completed the study and received thoracic epidural block (n = 41) or bTPVBs (n = 39). No catheter-related complications were noted. The primary outcome, pain (VRS) with incentive spirometry, was significantly lower in the epidural group (epidural vs bTPVB, mean [SD]) (4.5 [2.7] vs 5.4 [2.7] at 24 hours postoperatively, and 3.2 [2.1] vs 4.6 [2.4] at 48 hours postoperatively). Maximal inspired volumes at 24 hours postoperatively (917 [379] vs 1042 [468] mL) and cumulative utilization of patient-controlled analgesia hydromorphone during the first 48 hours postoperatively (10.7 [7.9] vs 13.6 [8.5] mg) were not significantly different between groups. Decrease in mean arterial pressure from baseline at 24 hours postoperatively was greater for the epidural group (-12.6 [15.8] vs -3.8 [16.2]; P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that there is a modest analgesic advantage of thoracic epidural over bTPVBs for patients after open liver resection.
Assuntos
Analgesia Epidural/métodos , Anestésicos Locais/administração & dosagem , Hepatectomia/métodos , Bloqueio Nervoso/métodos , Dor Pós-Operatória/prevenção & controle , Adulto , Idoso , Analgesia Epidural/efeitos adversos , Analgesia Controlada pelo Paciente/métodos , Analgésicos Opioides/administração & dosagem , Anestésicos Locais/efeitos adversos , Pressão Arterial/efeitos dos fármacos , Coagulação Sanguínea/efeitos dos fármacos , Procedimentos Cirúrgicos Eletivos , Feminino , Hepatectomia/efeitos adversos , Humanos , Hidromorfona/administração & dosagem , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Bloqueio Nervoso/efeitos adversos , Medição da Dor , Dor Pós-Operatória/diagnóstico , Dor Pós-Operatória/etiologia , Pennsylvania , Estudos Prospectivos , Recuperação de Função Fisiológica , Respiração/efeitos dos fármacos , Espirometria , Fatores de Tempo , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
This article reports orthodontic treatment of a case of hypodontia of five premolars in an 11-year-old female patient with a positive tooth size-arch length discrepancy in both dental arches. The patient had a straight profile with balanced facial growth. Setup manufacture revealed the possibility of achieving ideal occlusion by mesializing permanent molars up to 15 mm, in addition to keeping a primary molar in the dental arch. With the aid of absolute anchorage, the proposed mechanics was performed and the occlusion predicted in the setup was achieved, while profile and facial growth pattern were maintained. The use of miniscrews for extensive orthodontic movements was successful. Furthermore, one primary molar was extensively mesialized. The indication of gingivoplasty to correct gingival smile proved effective. This is considered a useful technique for orthodontists.
Este artigo apresenta o tratamento ortodôntico de um caso com hipodontia de cinco pré-molares, em uma paciente, de 11 anos de idade, com discrepância positiva de modelo em ambas as arcadas. A paciente apresentava perfil reto, com crescimento facial equilibrado. Por meio da confecção de set-up, verificou-se a possibilidade de se estabelecer uma oclusão ideal por meio da mesialização, de até 15mm, dos molares permanentes e manutenção de um molar decíduo no arco. Com o auxílio de ancoragem absoluta, foi realizada a mecânica proposta, alcançando-se a oclusão prevista em set-up, além da manutenção do perfil e do padrão de crescimento facial. A utilização de mini-implantes para grandes movimentos ortodônticos foi favorável, incluindo a extensa mesialização de um molar decíduo. A indicação da gengivoplastia para correção do sorriso gengival se mostrou acertada, sendo essa uma técnica de grande auxílio à Ortodontia.
Assuntos
Animais , Cães , Feminino , Masculino , Doenças do Cão/induzido quimicamente , Hidromorfona/efeitos adversos , Náusea/veterinária , Quinuclidinas/uso terapêutico , Vômito/veterinária , Analgésicos Opioides/efeitos adversos , Antieméticos/administração & dosagem , Antieméticos/uso terapêutico , Doenças do Cão/tratamento farmacológico , Esquema de Medicação/veterinária , Náusea/induzido quimicamente , Náusea/tratamento farmacológico , Quinuclidinas/administração & dosagem , Vômito/induzido quimicamente , Vômito/tratamento farmacológicoRESUMO
JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dor crônica é uma condição frequente na população mundial, sendo causa de perdas emocionais e econômicas importantes. A busca por fármacos analgésicos potentes, de longa duração de ação, que possam proporcionar estabilidade no controle em longo prazo, melhora da adesão ao tratamento com o mínimo de eventos adversos, tem crescido na última década. O mais novo membro desta classe de analgésicos é a hidromorfona OROS®, opioide forte agonista µ, que incorpora a tecnologia OROS® push-pullTM (ALZA Corporation, Mountain View, CA, USA), liberado hidromorfona, administrada por via oral, de forma constante, por 24h. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os aspectos farmacocinéticos e farmacodinâmicos, indicações e contra-indicações, bem como sumarizar os resultados dos principais artigos publicados, de relevância clínica, sobre a hidromorfona OROS®.CONTEÚDO: O cloridrato de hidromorfona é um analgésico opioide forte para a administração em dose única diária. A liberação controlada promove uma analgesia dose-dependente contínua, durante 24h de intervalo entre duas doses. Está indicada no tratamento da dor de moderada à intensa, crônica, maligna ou benigna. A dose inicial deve ser de 8 mg a cada 24h para pacientes que não estejam recebendo nenhum outro analgésico opioide. Para pacientes que estejam recebendo opioidespor via oral, a razão sugerida de conversão é de 5:1 de equivalentes de morfina por hidromorfona. Os estudos clínicos demonstraram um efeito analgésico contínuo ao longo de 24h em pacientes com dor moderada à intensa, maligna e não maligna. A formulação de liberação lenta proporciona analgesia estável, segura, sem a condição que comumente chamamos de "picos e vales", que favorece o aparecimento de efeitos adversos e um controle analgésico não ideal. A adesão ao tratamento e a comodidade posológica são inquestionáveis, com apenas uma administração diária. CONCLUSÃO: A hidromorfona OROS® parece ser uma opção analgésica segura e eficaz para o controle da dor crônica, de intensidade moderada à forte, não incidentais, malignas ou benignas, ajustando-se às exigências da Escada Analgésica da Organização Mundial da Saúde (3º degrau) e da analgesia multimodal.
BACKGROUND AND OJBECTIVES: Chronic pain is a common condition worldwide, being responsible for major emotional and economic losses. The search for potent long lasting analgesic drugs to provide stability for long term pain control and to improve adherence to treatment with minimum adverse events has grown during the last decade. The latest member of this class of analgesics is hydromorphone OROS®, strong µ agonist opioid, which incorporates the OROS® push-pullTM (ALZA Corporation, Mountain View, CA, USA) technology, which releases oral hydromorphone in a constant way during 24 hours. This review aimed at describing pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic aspects, indications and counterindications, as well as at summarizing results of major published articles of clinical relevance on hydromorphone OROS®.CONTENTS: Hydromorphone hydrochloride is a strong opioid analgesic for single daily dose administration. Controlled release promotes a continuousdose-dependent analgesia during the 24-hour interval between two doses. It is indicated to treat moderate to severe, chronic, malignant or benign pain. Initial dose should be 8 mg every 24 hours for patients not receiving any other opioid analgesic. For patients receiving oral opioids, suggested conversion ratio is 5:1 of morphine equivalents by hydromorphone. Clinical studies have shown a continuous analgesic effect for 24 hours in patients with moderate to severe, malignant or not malignant pain. The slow release formulation provides stable and safe analgesia without the condition we commonly call "peaks and valleys", which favors the onset of adverse effects and a less than ideal analgesic control. Adherence to treatment and dose convenience are unquestionable, with just one daily administration.CONCLUSION: Hydromorphone OROS® seems to be a safe and effective analgesic option to control chronic moderate to severe, non incidental, malignant or benign pain, in compliance with the requirements of World Health Organization?s Analgesic Stair (3rd step) and of multimodal analgesia.
Assuntos
Humanos , Analgésicos Opioides/administração & dosagem , Dor Crônica/tratamento farmacológico , Hidromorfona/administração & dosagem , Preparações de Ação Retardada , Esquema de Medicação , Hidromorfona/efeitos adversos , Hidromorfona/farmacocinéticaRESUMO
La Organización Mundial de la Salud define el cuidado paliativo como el cuidado total y activo en aquellos pacientes que no responden a un tratamiento curativo. El control del dolor, otros síntomas y los problemas psicológicos, sociales y espirituales son de fundamental importancia. La meta del cuidado paliativo es brindar la mejor calidad de vida a los pacientes y a sus familias. En el cuidado paliativo es necesario el manejo multidisciplinario. Nuevas estrategias como rotación de opioides y sus diferentes vías de administración pueden ofrecer analgesia con pocos efectos adversos.
The World Health Organisation defines palliative care as the active total care of patients whose disease is not responsive to curative treatment. Control of pain, of other symptoms, and of psychological, social and spiritual problems, is paramount. The goal of palliative care is achievement of the best quality of life for patients and their families. Palliative care is necessarily multidisciplinary. New strategies such as the switching opioids and/or their route of administration may offer improved analgesia with fewer adverse effects, thus providing therapeutic alternatives for the clinical community.
Assuntos
Acetaminofen , Analgésicos , Analgésicos Opioides , Codeína , Hidromorfona , Morfina , Neoplasias/enfermagem , Neoplasias/terapia , Preparações Farmacêuticas , TramadolRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To compare induction with hydromorphone and diazepam (HydroD) or oxymorphone and diazepam (OxyD) followed by maintenance with isoflurane in dogs with induced hypovolemia. ANIMALS: 6 healthy mixed-breed dogs. PROCEDURE: The study used a crossover design. Measurements were obtained in normovolemic dogs during isoflurane. Hypovolemia was induced (blood loss of 30 mL/kg) and measurements repeated following recovery from anesthesia, after HydroD (hydromorphone, 0.1 mg/kg; diazepam, 0.2 mg/kg; i.v.) or OxyD (oxymorphone, 0.05 mg/kg; diazepam, 0.2 mg/kg; i.v.), after another dose of the same opioid, during administration of isoflurane (end-tidal concentration, 0.9%), and after glycopyrrolate (0.01 mg/kg, i.v.). Significant changes were identified. RESULTS: Induction effect was evident within 1 minute. All dogs were intubated after the second dose of opioid. No significant differences were found between inductions. The HydroD decreased heart rate (mean +/- SEM, -41 +/- 9.8 beats/min), whereas both inductions increased stroke index (0.4 +/- 0.09 mL/kg/beat) and caused moderate respiratory depression. Cardiac index was decreased (-30.2 +/- 6.04 mL/kg/min) and there was minor metabolic acidosis during isoflurane following HydroD, compared with values for anesthetized normovolemic dogs. Glycopyrrolate increased heart rate (50 +/- 8.6 beats/min) and decreased systolic blood pressure (-23.2 +/- 4.87 mm Hg) in dogs induced with HydroD and decreased stroke index (-0.3 +/- 0.08 mL/kg/beat) for both inductions. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Similar effects were detected after administration of HydroD or OxyD in hypovolemic dogs. Either combination should be safe for use in hypovolemic dogs. Administration of glycopyrrolate was not beneficial.
Assuntos
Anestesia Geral/veterinária , Diazepam/administração & dosagem , Doenças do Cão/fisiopatologia , Hidromorfona/administração & dosagem , Hipovolemia/veterinária , Isoflurano/administração & dosagem , Oximorfona/administração & dosagem , Adjuvantes Anestésicos/administração & dosagem , Anestesia Geral/métodos , Anestésicos Inalatórios/administração & dosagem , Animais , Pressão Sanguínea/efeitos dos fármacos , Temperatura Corporal/efeitos dos fármacos , Cães , Feminino , Frequência Cardíaca/efeitos dos fármacos , Hipovolemia/fisiopatologia , Masculino , Respiração/efeitos dos fármacos , Volume Sistólico/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
PROPÓSITO: Comparación en la incidencia de prurito en las primeras 24 horas del postoperatorio en las pacientes sometidas a operación cesárea cuando se les administra hidromorfona o morfina peridural. ANTECEDENTES: Se conoce que el efecto analgésico de la morfina y la hidromorfona son comparables, la literatura reporta en forma controvertida, la aparición del prurito como un efecto adverso más pronunciado con el uso de la morfina. MÉTODOS: Entre Abril y Diciembre de 1.997, en nuestra institución, se realiza un ensayo clínico, doble ciego, con 59 pacientes embarazadas programadas para cesárea, las cuales recibieron anestesia peridural lumbar con inserción de catéter. Como anestésico local se aplicó xilocaína simple o con epinefrína, adicionando 50 - 75 mcr. de Fentanyl, hasta adquirir un nivel sensitivo de T4. Fueron aleatorizados en dos grupos: El grupo 1 (n=28) recibió 1.5 mgrs de Morfina diluidos en 10cc de solución salina normal. El grupo 2 (n=31) recibió 0.5 mgrs de hidromorfona diluidos en 10cc de solución salina normal. Ambas mezclas se administraron una vez se clampeó el cordón umbilical. Se realizo el seguimiento desde el ingreso a sala de recuperación, 2, 6, 12 y 24 horas después; evaluando EVA, aparición de efectos adversos, uso de dosis de rescate de dipirona, uso de clemastina parenteral. Se utilizaron pruebas de chi cuadrado, de Fisher y análisis de varianza de las variables a medir. RESULTADOS: Se encontró una diferencia estadísticamente significante entre la aparición de los efectos adversos en cada uno de los grupos: el prurito moderado se presento en forma predominante en el grupo Hidromorfona (p=0.006) durante las primeras 24 horas del postquirúrgico. Mientras que otros efectos colaterales, tales como mareo y náuseas, se reportaron en el grupo de la Morfina (p=0.0014 y 0.002 respectivamente). CONCLUSIÓN: Este estudio demuestra que la incidencia de prurito en las 24 primeras horas del postoperatorio es mayor cuando se utiliza Hidromorfona que Morfina peridurales
Assuntos
Cesárea , Hidromorfona , Incidência , Morfina , Período Pós-Operatório , PruridoRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: (1) To test the safety and efficacy of a clinical protocol for administering opioid by using patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for the management of mucositis pain in children after bone marrow transplantation, (2) to compare the efficacy, side-effect profile, and potency ratio of morphine with those of hydromorphone by using PCA as the method of opioid administration, and (3) to obtain pharmacokinetic data on hydromorphone and morphine in this population of children. METHODS: In this double-blind, three-period crossover study, patients were randomly assigned to receive either morphine (group 1) or hydromorphone (group 2) initially by means of PCA on days 1, 2, and 3 (period 1), to be followed on days 4, 5, and 6 (period 2) with the alternative opioid, followed by the opioid used at the commencement of the study on days 7, 8, and 9 (period 3). A clinical protocol for calculating the PCA commencement opioid dose and subsequent opioid-dose escalation was tested by measures of safety and efficacy. Measures of pain intensity and opioid side effects were made during the three periods. On the last study day (day 10), patients received a continuous infusion of opioid derived from the previous 24-hour PCA opioid requirement, and blood specimens were collected and stored for subsequent opioid analysis. RESULTS: Ten patients were enrolled in this study. Rapid escalation in opioid requirement commonly occurred at the commencement of PCA, followed by a variable plateau phase and then deescalation of opioid requirement after mucositis resolution. The measures demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the clinical protocol. In the concentrations used, there was no statistical difference between the mean daily pain, sedation, nausea and vomiting, and pruritus scores for both opioids (Friedman test). The analysis of variance of the log-total opioid doses per patient during periods 1, 2, and 3 indicated that patients used 27% more hydromorphone than expected from its presumed 7:1 ratio relative to morphine potency used in the PCA infusions. The mean plasma hydromorphone concentration was 4.7 ng/ml (range, 1.9 to 8.9 ng/ml), and the mean clearance was 51.7 ml/min per kilogram of body weight (range, 28.6 to 98.2 ml/min per kilogram). The mean plasma morphine, morphine-6-glucuronide, and morphine-3-glucuronide concentrations were 40.0 ng/ml (range, 15 to 62.5), 168.2 ng/ml (range, 54.4 to 231.9), and 391.0 ng/ml (range, 149.4 to 921.7), respectively. The mean morphine clearance was 34.3 ml/min per kilogram of body weight (range, 19.3 to 58.3). The mean molar ratios of morphine-6-glucuronide/morphine, morphine-3-glucoronide/morphine, and morphine-3-glucuronide/morphine-6-glucuronide were 2.48 (range, 1.4 to 3.3), 5.82 (range, 3.4 to 9.1), and 2.46 (range, 1.1 to 3.3), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The safety and efficacy of a clinical protocol for the administration of opioids by means of PCA for mucositis pain after bone marrow transplantation was demonstrated. In this small study, hydromorphone was not superior to morphine in terms of analgesia or the side-effect profile: a larger study would be needed to show a difference. The clearances of hydromorphone and morphine in the children studied were generally greater than those previously recorded, but this finding may be related to disease or treatment variables. Apart from clearance, the morphine pharmacokinetics in the study population were similar to those previously recorded. Hydromorphone may be less potent in this population of children than indicated by adult equipotency tables.