1. Seizure and electroencephalographic changes in the newborn period induced by opiates and corrected by naloxone infusion.
- Author
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da Silva O, Alexandrou D, Knoppert D, and Young GB
- Subjects
- Female, Humans, Infant, Newborn, Male, Brain drug effects, Electroencephalography, Morphine adverse effects, Naloxone therapeutic use, Narcotic Antagonists therapeutic use, Seizures chemically induced
- Abstract
Objective: To describe the association between opioid administration in the newborn period and neurologic abnormalities., Study Design: Case reports of two infants who presented with seizure activity and abnormal electroencephalograms associated with opiate administration, and reversed by naloxone., Results: The first was a preterm infant who developed a burst-suppression pattern on the electroencephalogram while receiving a continuous infusion of morphine and muscle paralysis. Naloxone injection during the electroencephalogram recording reversed the burst-suppression pattern. The second was a term infant receiving fentanyl infusion for pain control following surgery, who presented with motor seizure that was only partially controlled with barbiturates. An abnormal electroencephalogram recording during the opiate infusion improved with naloxone administration., Conclusion: Our observations indicate a potential for neurologic abnormalities, including induction of seizure activity and electroencephalogram abnormalities, suggesting caution when opiates are used for sedation and/or pain control in the newborn period.
- Published
- 1999
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