Patient selection and trialing techniques utilizing low-dose intrathecal morphine for chronic nonmalignant pain: A report of two cases

Jay S. Grider, DO, PhD; Michael E. Harned, MD; Paul A. Sloan, MD

doi:10.5055/jom.2010.0035

Authors

Jay S. Grider, DO, PhD
Michael E. Harned, MD
Paul A. Sloan, MD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jom.2010.0035

Keywords:

intrathecal morphine, intrathecal drug delivery, low-dose opioid, chronic nonmalignant pain, intrathecal analgesics

Abstract

The administration of opioid analgesics via the intrathecal route is becoming more commonplace for a variety of chronic nonmalignant pathologic pain states. Despite this growing trend, there is very little information available to guide practitioners with regard to patient selection as well as intrathecal drug dosing paradigms. The authors describe the use of a protocol for patient selection, including pretrial preparation, as well as detailed very low-dose chronic intrathecal morphine dosing regimens to treat patients with refractory chronic nonmalignant pain.

Author Biographies

Jay S. Grider, DO, PhD

Department of Anesthesiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.

Michael E. Harned, MD

Department of Anesthesiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.

Paul A. Sloan, MD

Department of Anesthesiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.

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