Changes in milk composition associated with pethidine-PCEA usage after Caesarean section.

The effect of pethidine as patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) on specific biochemical components in breast milk in relation to the timing of secretory activation is not well investigated. The aim of this study was to compare biochemical timing of secretory activation between women who had a vaginal (V) or Caesarean birth with pethidine-PCEA (CBP). Several milk samples were collected daily from 36 mothers (17 V, 19 CBP) for the first 265 h post-partum.

A phase I pharmacokinetic and bioavailability study of a sublingual fentanyl wafer in healthy volunteers.

Background: The sublingual administration of opioids is a simple and noninvasive method that provides rapid analgesia. In this phase I study we investigated the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of a fentanyl wafer in healthy volunteers. The principal study objective was to investigate the pharmacokinetic profile of a new sublingual fentanyl wafer and to establish its absolute bioavailability.

Neuroanesthesia for the pregnant woman.

Neuroanesthesia for the pregnant patient is required infrequently, and evidence-based recommendations for neuroanesthetic management are sparse. We present a framework for a practical approach to anesthesia of the pregnant patient with subarachnoid or intracerebral hemorrhage, intracranial tumor, traumatic brain injury, spinal tumor, or spinal injury. The importance of a team-approach is emphasized.

The clinical applications of intranasal opioids.

Opioids are widely used in all fields of pain management and may be delivered by a number of routes of administration. The intranasal administration of opioid is a convenient route of transmucosal drug delivery that has received limited attention. Potential advantages compared with parenteral or oral administration include avoidance of painful injection, avoidance of risks associated with intravenous access, rapid onset and titration to effect, good bioavailability, and high levels of acceptability and familiarity to patients.