Predictors of Delayed Postoperative Respiratory Depression Assessed from Naloxone Administration.

Background: The aim of this study was to identify patient and procedural characteristics associated with postoperative respiratory depression or sedation requiring naloxone intervention.

Methods: We identified patients who received naloxone to reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression or sedation within 48 hours after discharge from anesthetic care (transfer from the postanesthesia care unit or transfer from the operating room to postoperative areas) between July 1, 2008, and June 30, 2010. Patients were matched to 2 control subjects based on age, sex, and exact type of procedure performed during the same year.