Intrathecal Morphine Versus Intrathecal Hydromorphone for Analgesia After Cesarean Delivery: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

(Anesthesiology. 2020;132:1382–1391) The effectiveness of intrathecal morphine for postcesarean analgesia is widely established, and is used throughout the United States and across the world. However, drug shortages have affected the supply of preservative-free morphine throughout the United States, leading to the exploration of alternative analgesic options. This study aimed to compare both the effectiveness and side effects of intrathecal morphine when compared with intrathecal hydromorphone. The authors hypothesized that equipotent doses would yield a superior result for intrathecal morphine following a 24-hour period.