OPIATE-INDUCED RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION IN YOUNG PEDIATRIC BURN PATIENTS

Three children younger than 5 with minor burns (< 5% total body surfac e area) experienced opiate-induced respiratory depression early in hos pitalization. This prompted a decrease in the recommended opiate analg esic-dose ranges on our pediatric worksheet. In reviewing 57 admission s, 31 pre- and 26 post-dose change, the amount of opioid equivalents/k g received on admission day did not differ significantly. However, the incidence of respiratory depressive events decreased. Lower opiate-do se guidelines might improve the safe administration of these medicatio ns to young children. Other factors-such as concomitant sedative medic ations, previously administered opiate analgesics, and underlying medi cal conditions-also must be considered when giving initial doses of op iate analgesics in the burn center.