A prospective randomized comparison of nebulized morphine versus thoracic epidural analgesia in the management of thoracic trauma

Successful management of pain reduces morbidity and improves patient satisfaction of patient after a chest trauma. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of the respiratory administration of nebulized morphine in such patients. Patients were included in this prospective and randomized study patients to receive either nebulized morphine in group M or a mixture of bupivacaine-fentanyl by epidural route. In group M, patients received nebulized morphine every 30 minutes until the second hour then every 4 hours during 48 hours. In the thoracic epidural analgesia group (group P) they received a mixture of 0.125% bupivacaine and 0.115% of fentanyl continuously infused at the rate of 7 ml/h during 48 hours. The main criterion of judgment was the analgesic effects of analgesic regimen with EVA < 4. Sedation, haemodynamic and respiratory parameters were continuously recorded, as adverse side effects were they occurred. Statistical comparisons were performed with Chi(2), Fisher or Student t-test when appropriate (p