METHODS: Sixty children (age 5-12 years) scheduled for adenotonsillectomy were randomized into four groups to receive intravenously (i.v.) either 0.5 mg.kg(-1) ketamine hydrochloride (K), 0.1 mg x kg(-1) morphine hydrochloride (M), 1.5 mg x kg(-1) tramadol hydrochloride (T) or normal saline (S) in a volume of 4 ml during induction. After tracheal intubation 10 microg x kg(-1).min(-1) ketamine hydrochloride in group K and 0.6 ml x kg(-1) x h(-1) saline i.v. in groups M, K and S were infused peroperatively. Postoperative analgesic requirements and side-effects were recorded. Pain was assessed by the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale (CHEOPS) scores.

RESULTS: Heart rate increased significantly peroperatively only in group K. NRS at first and fifth minute in group M and at first minute in group T and K and CHEOPS score at first, fifth, 15th and 60th min in group M were found to be significantly lower than in the control group. The time to first analgesic requirement was significantly longer in group M compared with ketamine and the control group. Six children in group M, nine in group T, 11 in group K and 15 in group S needed additional analgesics.

CONCLUSIONS: Morphine hydrochloride 0.1 mg x kg(-1) i.v. administered during induction of anaesthesia provides efficient pain relief in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy. Copyright 2004 Blackwell Publishing Ltd

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