Neuraxial Buprenorphine for Postcesarean Delivery Analgesia: A Case Series

( Int J Obstet Anesth . 2023;56:103906. doi: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2023.103906) Neuraxial morphine is standard for postcesarean pain relief, yet morphine shortages lead to off-label use of alternative opioids. Buprenorphine, considered since the 1980s, lacks robust studies but shows promise. This study assesses buprenorphine's efficacy and side effects in current practice. After institutional approval, a retrospective analysis was conducted on women receiving neuraxial buprenorphine at a Tennessee community hospital from November 2019 to September 2020. All received intrathecal or epidural buprenorphine 0.3 mg. Exclusions included certain medical conditions.