Ultrarapid opioid detoxification of two children with congenital heart disease

Abstract

The cases of two children with congenital heart disease and severe opioid dependency who underwent ultrarapid opioid detoxification are presented. This technique entails rapid opioid reversal with the opioid antagonist naloxone while under general anesthesia. The procedures were not technically difficult to perform and both children were successfully detoxified at the end of the procedure. In the weeks following the procedure, the first child exhibited accelerated neurodevelopment. Ultrarapid opioid detoxification is possible in children and may have a neurodevelopmental advantage over a prolonged wean.