Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 26, 2026

Evaluating the Effects of Different Polishing Methods on Color Stability of Dental Restorations in Pediatric Dentistry
03:37

Evaluating the Effects of Different Polishing Methods on Color Stability of Dental Restorations in Pediatric Dentistry

Published on: June 6, 2025

411

The Role of Neuraxial Opioids in Pediatric Practice

Ardin S Berger1, Kenneth R Goldschneider2

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative & Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA.

The Clinical Journal of Pain
|April 16, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Neuraxial opioids offer effective pain control for children in various settings. This review covers pharmacology, drug selection, side effects, and appropriate uses of neuraxial (spinal and epidural) opioid administration in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Anesthesiology
  • Pain Management
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Neuraxial (spinal and epidural) opioid administration is a viable strategy for pediatric pain management.
  • Effective implementation requires understanding of pharmacological principles and logistical considerations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the fundamental concepts of neuraxial opioid use in children.
  • To guide pediatricians in advocating for and supporting patients and families regarding this treatment modality.

Main Methods:

  • This is a review article.
  • It synthesizes information on pharmacology, drug selection, side effects, and complications.
  • It outlines appropriate clinical scenarios for pediatric neuraxial opioid use.

Main Results:

  • Neuraxial opioids provide effective pain relief in pediatric patients.
  • Key considerations include drug choice, potential side effects, and managing complications.
  • Appropriate patient selection is crucial for successful outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Neuraxial opioid administration is an effective pain management option for children.
  • A thorough understanding of the associated pharmacology and clinical application is essential for safe and effective use.
  • This approach empowers healthcare providers to better support pediatric patients and their families.

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Simulating Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Using a Neonatal Piglet Model04:55

Author Spotlight: Simulating Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Using a Neonatal Piglet Model

Published on: May 26, 2023

1.3K
Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation11:19

Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation

Published on: January 17, 2011

18.5K

Related Concept Videos

Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids01:15

Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids

Synthetic and semisynthetic opioids are pivotal in pain management and tackling opioid addiction. Semisynthetic opioids, including morphinans (morphine derivatives), oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone, have improved pharmacokinetic profiles compared to morphine. Additionally, heroin and 6-MAM (6-Monoacetylmorphine) show better CNS penetration than morphine due to heightened lipid solubility. Hydromorphone, a potent opioid, undergoes hepatic metabolism to form the active...
975
Opioid Receptors: Overview01:22

Opioid Receptors: Overview

Opioid receptors, including the mu (μ, MOR), delta (δ, DOR), and kappa (κ, KOR) types, belong to the rhodopsin family of G protein-coupled receptors. These receptors are located throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems and in non-neuronal tissues such as macrophages and astrocytes. Opioid receptor ligands can be categorized into agonists or antagonists. Highly selective agonists include [d-Ala2, MePhe4, Gly(ol)5]-enkephalin or DAMGO for MOR, [D-Pen2,...
4.2K
Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners01:20

Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners

Opioids are a class of drugs that mimic endogenous opioid peptides and act on opioid receptors, and help in pain relief. These compounds are classified as natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic. Natural opioids, like morphine, codeine, and thebaine, are derived from the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum or Papaver album) and are termed opiates. Synthetic opioids are artificial, while semi-synthetic opioids combine natural and synthetic compounds. Morphine, a prototypical opioid, possesses a...
904
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Opioids as Antidiarrheal Agents01:17

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Opioids as Antidiarrheal Agents

Diarrhea, a condition marked by frequent loose or watery bowel movements, can be triggered by multiple factors such as viral or bacterial infections, food intolerances, anxiety, medications, and digestive disorders. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and cramping. Severe or prolonged diarrhea can lead to complications like electrolyte imbalances, malnutrition, and dehydration if left untreated.
Opioids, widely used antidiarrheal agents, mitigate diarrhea by slowing down...
650
Characteristics of Practical Op Amps01:16

Characteristics of Practical Op Amps

A difference amplifier, a crucial component in numerous electronic devices, ideally amplifies only the difference-mode signal, which is the difference between two input signals. However, in practical circuits, the output voltage depends on both the differential gain and the common-mode gain.
The ratio of differential gain to the common-mode gain is defined as the common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR). This ratio quantifies the ability of operational amplifiers (op-amps) to reject common-mode...
843
Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice01:30

Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice

Theories play an essential role in organizing patient care. Theories refer to a proposed or followed belief, policy, or procedure that is the basis for action. Nursing theories are knowledge-based concepts that guide nurses' actions, influence nursing education and practice, and allow nurses to care for their patients.
Theories provide a perspective to assess patients' conditions and organize data and methods. They also assist in analyzing and interpreting information. They represent a...
17.3K