Apnoea associated with the intrathecal administration of morphine in obstetrics

Abstract

The intrathecal administration of hyperbaric morphine 1 mg for pain relief during labour was followed, 7 h after injection, and 1 h after delivery, by respiratory depression. Pulseoximetry was helpful in alerting the medical personnel. After an initial 1 mg of naloxone i.v. in increments of 0.1-0.2 mg, a continuous infusion of naloxone 0.4 mg h-1 i. v. was used to prevent a recurrence of the respiratory depression. The total dose of naloxone over an 8-h period was 3.6 mg. © 1988 British Journal of Anaesthesia.