Suspected opioid-induced hyperalgesia in an infant following surgery: A case report

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVEOpioids are commonly administered to infants having surgery. Opioid induced hyperalgesia (OIH) is a known adverse effect of opioids in adults but can be difficult to identify in infants. CASE SUMMARYA 3-month-old received high-dose fentanyl during anorectoplasty for imperforate anus. He had signs and symptoms of OIH immediately after surgery. His pain and agitation were difficult to manage but improved after he received ketamine. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSIONOIH should be considered in infants postoperatively when pain worsens despite administration of escalating doses of opioids. Ketamine can be an effective therapeutic for OIH.