A differential diagnosis of hyperalgesia, toxicity, and withdrawal from intrathecal morphine infusion

Anesth Analg. 2007 Dec;105(6):1816-9, table of contents. doi: 10.1213/01.ane.0000290338.39037.38.

Abstract

Opioid-induced hyperalgesia, toxicity, and withdrawal are phenomena that may occur with intrathecal opioid infusion. We present a case in which a patient received intrathecal morphine infusion, and then experienced a clinical course that may have involved hyperalgesia, toxicity, and/or withdrawal. The possible differential diagnosis of opioid-induced hyperalgesia, toxicity, and withdrawal, and its implications in clinical pain management, are discussed. This report demonstrates the complexity of treating patients with long-term continuous intrathecal opioids when modest adjustment of the intrathecal cocktail results in a paradoxical clinical course.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperalgesia / chemically induced
  • Hyperalgesia / complications
  • Hyperalgesia / diagnosis*
  • Injections, Spinal
  • Middle Aged
  • Morphine / administration & dosage*
  • Morphine / adverse effects*
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / complications
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / diagnosis*

Substances

  • Morphine