Epidural analgesia in thoracic trauma: effects of lumbar morphine and thoracic bupivacaine on pulmonary function.

Abstract

Changes in pulmonary function tests were compared in 14 thoracic trauma patients, of whom seven received thoracic epidural bupivacaine for analgesia and seven received lumbar epidural morphine. In both groups epidural analgesia decreased subjective pain levels when compared to parenteral narcotics which the patients received before epidural catheter placement. Patients in the bupivacaine group had statistically significant improvements in vital capacity and forced expiratory volume, and a decreased respiratory rate. Patients in the morphine group had no significant change in pulmonary function. The use of thoracic epidural bupivacaine for analgesia in post-traumatic chest injuries produced superior improvement in pulmonary function when compared to lumbar epidural morphine.

• Authors: R S Cicala, G R Voeller, T Fox, T C Fabian, K Kudsk, E C Mangiante
• Journal: Critical care medicine (Crit Care Med) Vol. 18 Issue 2 Pg. 229-31 (Feb 1990) ISSN: 0090-3493 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2298017 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Morphine
• Bupivacaine

Topics

• Analgesia, Epidural (methods)
• Bupivacaine (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Lung (drug effects)
• Male
• Morphine (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Pain (drug therapy)
• Respiratory Function Tests
• Thoracic Injuries