Stopped: Difficulties with recruitment
The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of morphine (a drug commonly used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain, particularly following surgery) on the number of pauses in breathing in patients with moderate obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Morphine has been shown to reduce upper airway muscle tone and can also cause shallow breathing, which can affect breathing function in patients with sleep apnoea. However, to date these effects have not been proven in clinical trials. Although, caution is advised when prescribing morphine to patients with sleep apnoea, there is currently no strong evidence that morphine makes sleep apnoea worse. Only one randomised controlled trial (considered the gold standard in medical research) has shown no worsening of symptoms for patients with sleep apnoea. The effect of morphine on patients with sleep apnoea will be assessed in a safe, controlled, hospital environment. Information from the study will help inform doctors about the safety of giving morphine to patients with sleep apnoea in urgent situations, for example after surgery. The results of this study will enable clinicians to make better decisions when prescribing this drug to patients with OSA in the future.
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Change in Apnoea-Hypopnea Index (AHI)
Timeframe: Change in AHI from baseline Respiratory Polygraphy (rPSG) through to completion of study at overnight visit, within 4 months of baseline