Methadone in Pediatric and Adult Sickle Cell Patients

Inclusion Criteria:

- Greater than or equal to 7 years and less than or equal to 40 years

- Confirmed diagnosis of any form of sickle cell disease, including sickle cell anemia,
sickle-hemoglobin C disease, and sickle-B thalassemia

- Currently experiencing a vaso-occlusive episode (VOE), defined as acute pain in the
extremities

- Admitted to the inpatient unit for further treatment

- Started on morphine patient controlled analgesia and infusion for pain management

Exclusion Criteria:

- Diagnosis of acute chest syndrome

- New focal neurologic findings or clinical concern of stroke

- Aplastic crisis with hemoglobin 2 g/dl below steady-state value

- Allergy to morphine or methadone

- Any other medical condition that the attending physician deems to be a
contraindication to therapy

- Liver or renal insufficiency or failure, and congestive heart failure