Journal of burn care & research : official publication of the American Burn Association
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Satisfactory treatment of burn pain continues to be elusive. The perioperative period is particularly challenging. The contributions of acute tolerance and opioid-induced hyperalgesia have not been previously explored in burn patients. ⋯ While this study is retrospective, there is a suggestion that opioid amounts given pre-OR and intraoperatively are correlated with worse post-OR pain. While an increase in pain ratings postoperatively are anticipated, the additional contributions of acute tolerance and opioid-induced hyperalgesia need to be determined. Pharmacologic intervention directed at these mechanisms can then be administered to achieve better postoperative pain control.