Intravenous Methadone Versus Intrathecal Morphine for Analgesia Following Cesarean Delivery

Launched by MAYO CLINIC · Feb 10, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the differences in pain management after a scheduled cesarean delivery by comparing two types of medication: intrathecal morphine and intravenous methadone. Specifically, it aims to see how much pain relief each medication provides and how much additional pain medication patients need in the first 48 hours after their surgery.

To participate in this study, women must be at least 18 years old, speak English, and have a scheduled cesarean delivery. However, certain health conditions may prevent eligibility, such as severe respiratory issues or a history of adverse reactions to opioid medications. Participants will receive either the morphine or methadone and will be monitored for their pain levels and medication needs following their surgery. This trial is currently recruiting participants, so if you or someone you know fits the criteria, it could be an opportunity to contribute to important research in pain management after childbirth.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • English-speaking
• • Age over 18 years old
• • Scheduled cesarean delivery
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Any contraindication to the administration of a spinal technique for anesthesia
• • History of intolerance or adverse reaction to opioid medications
• • History of chronic pain, opioid use \>30 OME/day, or substance use disorder
• • History of obstructive sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or respiratory compromise (SpO2 \<92% on room air, or has a pre-existing oxygen requirement)
• • History of liver or kidney failure
• • Diagnosis of pre-eclampsia with current pregnancy
• • Depression requiring more than one medication
• • Planned use of CSE technique
• • BMI \>50.0 kg/m2
• • ASA status IV, V
• • No prior history of an ECG demonstrating QTc \> 440ms
• • Surgical complication requiring conversion to general anesthesia