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Urinary effects of morphine in preterm infants
B O S Bengtsson1, S L Wootton-Gorges, F R Poulain
1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Radiology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|April 25, 2003
Summary
Low-dose morphine in preterm infants can cause hydronephrosis and renal dysfunction. Discontinuation of morphine and urinary drainage rapidly resolved these adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Pharmacology
- Pediatric Nephrology
Background:
- Morphine is commonly used for analgesia in preterm infants.
- Understanding potential adverse effects is crucial for neonatal care.
Observation:
- Two preterm infants receiving low-dose intravenous morphine developed bladder distension and hydronephrosis.
- Initial urine output and serum creatinine were normal before symptoms appeared.
Findings:
- Morphine administration was associated with concurrent oliguria and elevated serum creatinine within 24 hours.
- Cessation of morphine and urinary drainage led to rapid and complete resolution of hydronephrosis and renal dysfunction.
Implications:
- Even low doses of morphine may pose a risk for urinary retention and renal complications in preterm neonates.
- Close monitoring for urinary changes is recommended during morphine therapy in this population.
- This highlights the importance of considering medication side effects in neonatal kidney injury.