We have compared the efficacy and side effects of extradural morphine with extradural fentanyl for postoperative pain relief. Thirty children (ages 1-16 yr) were allocated randomly to receive, after extradural administration of 0.5% bupivacaine 0.75 ml kg-1 and before surgical incision, extradural morphine 0.75 microgram kg-1 (group M), with an additional dose administered 24 h later or extradural fentanyl 2 micrograms kg-1 (group F) followed by a continuous extradural infusion (during 48 h). There was no major complication (respiratory depression). Pain scores were satisfactory in both groups for 48 h. Ventilatory frequency was greater in group M 20, 21, 22, 23 and 25 h after the beginning of analgesia (P < 0.05). Pruritus, nausea and vomiting were less common with extradural fentanyl (20% vs 53%, P < 0.05 and 0% vs 33%, P < 0.05) than with morphine. Urinary retention occurred with equal frequency (25%) in the two groups. After a bolus of 2 micrograms kg-1, continuous extradural infusion of fentanyl 5 micrograms kg-1 day-1 provided analgesia comparable to that from a daily bolus of extradural morphine 0.75 mg kg-1 and produced fewer side effects.

One hundred and forty-seven patients undergoing elective or emergency Caesarean section under general anaesthesia were allocated randomly to three groups: group 1 (n = 28) received no premedication; group 2 (n = 58) received 0.3-molar sodium citrate 15 ml (sodium citrate 1.16 g); group 3 (n = 61) received effervescent cimetidine-sodium citrate combination (cimetidine 400 mg with sodium citrate 0.9 g) after entering the operating room. Gastric pH was measured at tracheal intubation (pH1) and extubation (pH2). Mean pH1 and mean pH2 values in group 1 were, respectively, 2.25 (SD 1.35) and 2.83 (1.64). Mean pH1 and pH2 values in group 2 were, respectively, 4.38 (1.44) and 4.57 (1.51). In group 3 mean pH1 and pH2 values were, respectively, 5.07 (1.13) and 5.37 (1.30). Percentages of patients with pH1 less than or equal to 2.5 in groups 1, 2 and 3 were, respectively, 75, 13.8 and 1.6. Percentages of patients with pH2 less than or equal to 2.5 in groups 1, 2 and 3 were 50, 10.3 and 1.6, respectively.

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