A Shift From Demerol (Meperidine) to Dilaudid (Hydromorphone) Improves Pain Control and Decreases Admissions for Patients in Sickle Cell Crisis

Perlman, Kathryn M. MS, RN (BC), CEN
Myers-Phariss, Suzanne BS, RN, CEN
Rhodes, Jeremy C. BS, RN

Kathryn Perlman, Suzanne Myers-Phariss, and Jeremy C. Rhodes, ENA Chapter 190, are Staff Nurses, Emergency Department, Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, Dallas, Tex.

For reprints, write: Kathryn Perlman, 14631 Crossway Rd, Rockville, MD 20853; E-mail: [email protected].

Journal of Emergency Nursing 30(5):p 439-446, October 2004.

The Progressive Pain Process Improvement Committee of Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas mounted an effective initiative to improve the pain relief of sickle cell crisis patients in part by replacing Demerol with more effective drugs. Dilaudid, which seemed to cause less nausea and itching than morphine, became firmly established as the drug of choice, and admissions of ED sickle cell patients went from almost 100% in 2000 to only 25% in 2003.