Comparison of Morphine- and Hydromorphone-Containing Patient-Controlled Epidural Analgesia Solutions in Pediatric Postoperative Patients

摘要

OBJECTIVEThe use of patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) in pediatric patients has been shown to be safe and effective in managing postoperative pain in children. However, the optimal opioid to use in the epidural regimen remains undetermined. Morphine, hydromorphone, and fentanyl have been the agents most often used, but comparison of effectiveness across studies is difficult. The goal of this study was to compare postoperative pain scores in patients receiving PCEA solutions that contained either ropivicaine plus morphine or ropivicaine plus hydromorphone.