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Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
07:54

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Tramadol vs morphine during adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea in children

Bruce J Hullett1, Neil A Chambers, Elaine M Pascoe

  • 1Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Management, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, WA, Australia. hullettb@yahoo.com

Paediatric Anaesthesia
|May 25, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Tramadol may be a suitable pain relief option for children after adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This study found fewer respiratory events with tramadol compared to morphine, suggesting potential benefits.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Anesthesiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Optimal pain management for pediatric adenotonsillectomy in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) remains debated.
  • Tramadol is explored as a potentially safer alternative to morphine, possibly reducing sedation and respiratory issues.
  • Effective analgesia could streamline preoperative and postoperative care protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the efficacy and safety of perioperative tramadol versus morphine in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy for OSA.
  • To evaluate postoperative sedation, pain, respiratory events, and vomiting between the two analgesic groups.

Main Methods:

  • A double-blinded, prospective, controlled trial randomized 66 children to receive either tramadol or morphine.
  • Postoperative outcomes including sedation, pain, respiratory events, and vomiting were systematically assessed and compared.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences were observed in sedation or pain scores between tramadol and morphine groups up to 6 hours postoperation.
  • The tramadol group exhibited fewer episodes of postoperative desaturation (<94%), particularly in the second hour postoperation (P=0.02).
  • A trend towards reduced desaturation events was noted in the tramadol group overall.

Conclusions:

  • Tramadol appears to be a viable option for analgesia in pediatric adenotonsillectomy for OSA.
  • Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the role of tramadol in this patient population.
Abstract

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