Comparison of Two Naloxone Infusion Rates on the Postoperative Recovery of Patients Undergoing Spine Fusion Surgery
Comparison of Two Naloxone Infusion Rates on the Postoperative Recovery of Patients Undergoing Spine Fusion Surgery
There will be two groups in this study: one group will be given the standard infusion of
 naloxone, a drug which helps reduce side effects from opioids needed after surgery, and the
 other group will receive a higher dose. The trial is designed to determine if a higher dose
 of naloxone infusion will reduce side effects from opioid therapy in patients who have
 undergone spine fusion for scoliosis.
Currently, patients undergoing spinal fusion for scoliosis are routinely given patient
 controlled analgesia (PCA) for pain control postoperatively. PCA therapy is typically
 combined with an ultra low dose naloxone infusion because of the established benefit of
 reduced pruritis and nausea. The investigators hypothesize that using a higher dose naloxone
 infusion may lead to further improvement in pruritis and nausea and may improve GI function.
 Improvement in bowel function could lead to faster initiation of oral intake as well as
 transition to oral pain medication and even decreased length of stay.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Idiopathic scoliosis requiring spine fusion surgery

 -  Age 10-21 years

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Inability to understand PCA instructions

 -  Allergy to: morphine, hydromorphone, fentanyl, naloxone, or diphenhydramine

 -  Chronic opioid therapy > 2 months

 -  Non-English speaking