ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the efficacy of hydromorphone for postoperative parent-controlled intravenous analgesia in pediatric patients.Methods Seventy-five pediatric patients of both sexes,aged 2-5 yr,of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ,scheduled for elective surgery for treatment of developmental displasia of the hip,were divided into 2 groups using a random number table:sufentanil group (group S,n =38) and hydromorphone group (group H,n =37).Parent-controlled intravenous analgesia was carried out within 48 h after operation.Parent-controlled intravenous analgesia solution contained sufentanil 2 μg/kg (group S) or hydromorphone 200 μg/kg (group H) in 100 ml of normal saline.The analgesia pump was set up with a 0.5 ml bolus dose,a 15-min lockout interval and infusion at a rate of 0.5 ml/h.Ramsay sedation scores were recorded at 0.5,1,4,8,12,24 and 48 h after extubation (T1-7).At 1 h before operation (To),T3 and T6,blood samples were collected from the ulnar vein for determination of the concentration of substance P in serum.The total consumption of analgesics,the number of successfully delivered doses,the number of attempts and drug-related adverse reactions were recorded,and parents' satisfaction was scored.Results Compared with group S,Ramsay sedation scores were significantly decreased at T1-3,the number of attempts was increased (P＜0.05),and no significant change was found in the total consumption of analgesics,the number of successfully delivered doses,degree of parents' satisfaction,serum concentration of substance P or incidence of drug-related adverse reactions in group H (P＞0.05).Conclusion Hydromorphone can be safely and effectively used for postoperative parent-controlled intravenous analgesia in pediatric patients.