Conversion From Continuous Infusion Fentanyl to Continuous Infusion Hydromorphone in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Background: Opioid rotations from fentanyl to hydromorphone may reduce opioid/sedative exposure in critically ill children. Objective: The primary objective was to determine the conversion percentage from fentanyl to hydromorphone infusions using equianalgesic conversions (0.1 mg fentanyl = 1.5 mg hydromorphone). Secondary objectives included identification of the median time and hydromorphone rate at stabilization (defined as the first 24-hour period no hydromorphone rates changed, 80% of State Behavioral Scale [SBS] scores between 0 and −1, and