Critical Respiratory Events in Children Requiring Naloxone: Naloxone Use as Opioid Safety Measure

Study of Hospital-wide Critical Respiratory Events Requiring Naloxone in a Pediatric Institution

Opioids are the mainstay of analgesia in hospitalized children but opioid therapy is associated with life-threatening respiratory depression requiring antagonism with naloxone. Hence, it is hypothesized that naloxone requirement can be used as a quality measure of opioid safety. A retrospective medical chart review of 95 patients, who received naloxone for life threatening events, from June 2006-2012, is planned, to identify significant factors associated with risk for opioid induced respiratory depression and formulation of preventive strategies.

Inclusion Criteria:

• any gender, age or race
• administered naloxone for opioid induced respiratory depression

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any one who did not require naloxone for opioid induced respiratory depression