Should morphine or pethidine be given? Editor-Davies and Oni's review of the management of sickle cell disease 1 was published in the same issue of the BMJ as the evaluation by Fertleman et al of a fast track admission policy for children with sickle cell crises. 2 The review is based on the practice at the Central Middlesex Hospital, where pethidine has been associated with fits, and morphine is the preferred analgesic. 1 At the North Middlesex Hospital, only a few miles away, pethidine is evidently preferred in children. 2 Was this difference of approach noted by the editorial staff? Which group is right?