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The effects of intrathecal diamorphine on gastric emptying after elective Caesarean section *
Author(s) -
King H.,
Barclay P.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
anaesthesia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.839
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1365-2044
pISSN - 0003-2409
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2044.2004.03738.x
Subject(s) - medicine , gastric emptying , anesthesia , elective caesarean section , caesarean section , saline , intrathecal , hydromorphone , morphine , opioid , pregnancy , gastroenterology , stomach , receptor , biology , genetics
Summary This study investigated whether intrathecal diamorphine affects gastric emptying following elective Caesarean section. Forty women were randomly allocated to receive either diamorphine 300 μg or 0.9% saline as part of a standard spinal anaesthetic. Gastric emptying was measured in the immediate postoperative period using paracetamol absorption. Paracetamol concentrations were measured by enzymatic assay method using a Beckman CX‐7 automated analyser. The time to maximum concentration (Tmax) was statistically longer in the diamorphine group (control 41.8, SD 20.8 min; diamorphine 72.6 SD 41.9 min; p < 0.01). During the 2‐h study period, mean morphine consumption via a patient controlled analgesia device was significantly higher in the control group (control 9.3, SD 3.6 mg; diamorphine 2.1, SD 2.1 mg; p < 0.01). We conclude that intrathecal diamorphine may contribute to the delay in gastric emptying that occurs immediately following elective spinal Caesarean section.