EFFECT OF DEMEROL ON THE CEREBROSPINAL FLUID PRESSURE

Abstract

A spinal puncture was performed in 32 unpremedicated patients undergoing spinal anesthesia for various surgical procedures. With a spinal water manometer attached to the spinal needle, spinal fluid and blood pressures were taken at intervals for 10-20 min. after the slow intraven. injn. of morphine sulfate in doses of 6.4, 10.6, or 16 mg. in 5 patients, and Demerol 50, 75, or 100 mg. in 27 patients. In those receiving morphine, there was a rise in cerebrospinal fluid pressure from 12 to 82 mm. of water. Of those receiving Demerol, there was a rise in cerebrospinal fluid pressure in 25 patients. In 3 or 4 patients receiving 50 mg. Demerol, there was an avg. rise in cerebrospinal fluid pressure of 25%. The avg. rise was 31.4% with a 75 mg. dose of Demerol and 49.8% with a 100 mg. dose. No correlation between the blood pressure and cerebrospinal fluid pressure readings was observed.