Use of opiates in terminally ill children

Abstract

The records of 21 children receiving morphine ordiamorphine during terminal care at a children's hospice were reviewed to examine the use of these drugs. Twelve children with neoplastic disease required one of these drugs during the last week of life. The main indication in every case was pain. Among children with other diagnoses morphine or diamorphine was used in nine cases for a variety of indications. The experience described here suggests that strong opiates may be used in the terminal care of children following the principles developed in adult hospices.