European journal of anaesthesiology
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Comparative Study
Age-adapted morphine titration produces equivalent analgesia and adverse effects in younger and older patients.
To determine the efficacy and safety of intravenous postoperative morphine titration in the elderly compared with younger patients. ⋯ Using lower bolus doses, pain relief in the immediate postoperative period with morphine was as efficacious and safe in elderly patients as in younger patients. The decrease in renal clearance of morphine in the elderly justifies the reduction of intravenous morphine boluses for the treatment of postoperative pain.