Methadone in Pediatric and Adult Sickle Cell Patients

Methadone in Pediatric and Adult Sickle Cell Patients

To determine the pharmacokinetics of methadone in children and adults with SCD who are experiencing a painful episode.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Greater than or equal to 7 years and less than or equal to 40 years
• Confirmed diagnosis of any form of sickle cell disease, including sickle cell anemia, sickle-hemoglobin C disease, and sickle-B thalassemia
• Currently experiencing a vaso-occlusive episode (VOE), defined as acute pain in the extremities
• Admitted to the inpatient unit for further treatment
• Started on morphine patient controlled analgesia and infusion for pain management

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of acute chest syndrome
• New focal neurologic findings or clinical concern of stroke
• Aplastic crisis with hemoglobin 2 g/dl below steady-state value
• Allergy to morphine or methadone
• Any other medical condition that the attending physician deems to be a contraindication to therapy
• Liver or renal insufficiency or failure, and congestive heart failure