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Probable association of neonatal death with the use of tramadol to treat labour pain

  • ŠTEFAN GROSEK1
  • MARTINA SOBAN2
  • ALENKA KUŠTRIN-SAMBA 3
  • JANEZ PRIMOŽIČ1
  • IZTOK GRABNAR4

1,Department of Paediatric Surgery and Intensive Therapy University Medical Centre Ljubljana

2,Community Health Centre Koper

3Institute of Forensic Medicine Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana

4Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana

DOI: 10.22514/SV72.102012.11 Vol.7,Issue 2,October 2012 pp.56-59

Published: 29 October 2012

*Corresponding Author(s): IZTOK GRABNAR E-mail: iztok.grabnar@ffa.uni-lj.si

Abstract

Tramadol is often used in obstetrics for the relief of labour pain. It has a dual mechanism of action, a monoaminergic effect of tramadol itself and an opioid effect, primarily mediated by its metabolite O-desmethyl tramadol, formed by genetically polymorphic cytochrome P450 2D6. In newborns, elimination of O-desmethyl tramadol is prolonged due to immature renal function. We report on a case of neonatal death following rectal administration of tramadol to treat labour pain to a birth-giving mother. An objective causality assessment using the Naranjo probability scale revealed that the likelihood of tramadol causing respiratory depression was probable. We hypothesize that neonatal death was associated with an incre-ased exposure to O-desmethyl tramadol due to ultrarapid metabolizer cytochrome P450 2D6 genotype of the mother. More evidence is needed to support this association. Nevertheless, in obstetric analgesia, tramadol should be used with more caution until more safety data are available. 

Keywords

opioid analgesics, trama-dol, O-desmethyltramadol, labour, drug toxicity, respiratory depression

Cite and Share

ŠTEFAN GROSEK,MARTINA SOBAN,ALENKA KUŠTRIN-SAMBA ,JANEZ PRIMOŽIČ,IZTOK GRABNAR. Probable association of neonatal death with the use of tramadol to treat labour pain. Signa Vitae. 2012. 7(2);56-59.

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