Demand-only patient-controlled analgesia for treatment of acute vaso-occlusive pain in sickle cell disease.

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic illness that is associated with frequent admissions for vaso-occlusive episodes (VOE). Opioids are frequently utilized in pain management, but dosing is often provider dependent. Opioids cause both short-term and long-term side effects, so the minimal effective dose is desired.