Prevalence of potential pathogens in cervical canal before termination of pregnancy.

Abstract

tion between total pethidine dose and norpethidine concentration was found.In renal impairment nor- pethidine elimination is prolonged, leading to a greater accumulation.'Despite mounting evidence against pethidine as a first line analgesic in sickle cell crisis its use persists.We find that patients seem to prefer intramuscular pethidine despite its short duration of action and poor analgesia.This preference was also stated by patients' representatives (Sickle and Thalassaemia Association of Counsellors, Cardiff, September 1991).Apparent ease of administration and doctors' familiarity with the drug further perpetuates this legacy.Pethidine should not be used in patients who have a history of seizure after pethidine or renal impairment.23 Daily doses exceeding 25 mg/kg are likely to produce excitatory effects due to norpethidine toxicity.