Effect Of Prophylactic Subcutaneous Single Injection Of Naloxone On Prevention Of Intrathecal Morphine-induced Pruritus In Post Caesarean Patients
Wong Ian a , Kwan Anne b , Wai Angela c
a Resident, b Chief of Service, c Senior Medical Officer
Department of Anaesthesiology, United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong SAR
Purpose of Study
In this prospective, double-blinded, randomised controlled study, we evaluated the effect of prophylactic single dose subcutaneous naloxone on the incidence and severity of pruritus caused by intrathecal morphine in patients undergoing caesarean section at United Christian Hospital in 2004.
Method
70 subjects undergoing caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia (intrathecal 2.2 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with 0.2 ml of 0.2 milligram morphine) were randomly allocated to 2 groups – one group received subcutaneous 200 microgram of naloxone and the other received subcutaneous normal saline. The subcutaneous injections were made immediately after the delivery of the fetus and placenta. Pruritus scores were obtained every 2 hours for 24 hours after the injection. The pain scores and the presence of nausea and vomiting were also obtained.
Result
The incidences of pruritus were high in both groups (90.6% in the naloxone group, 83.9% in the control group) and there was no statistically significant difference between them. There were no differences in terms of demographic data, median pain scores, incidence of nausea and vomiting and the use of rescue medications for hypotension and pain.
Conclusion:
We conclude that prophylactic subcutaneous single injection of 200 microgram naloxone does not prevent intrathecal 0.2 milligram morphine-induced pruritus in post caesarean patients.
Time of Presentation
1030
