Gabapentin to Reduce Opioid Use Postoperatively (GROUP) in Children

This study is a double-blind, placebo controlled, randomized study to explore the effects of gabapentin peri and post operatively. Physician and families will be blinded to the treatment.

60 subjects will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either:

• Gabapentin treatment group
• Placebo - control group

We aim to understand the impact that gabapentin use peri and post operatively has on:

• opioid use based of IV morphine
• pain scores
• opioid related complications such as withdrawal
• effects on the level of sedation
• Possible adverse effects associated with use of gabapentin
• Time to extubating

The duration of an individual subject's participation in the study will be 7 days or until the patient is discharged from UC Davis Hospital, whichever occurs first.

Inclusion criteria

• Age newborn to < 18 years.
• Gestational age to be minimum 38 weeks.
• Undergo cardiac surgery via a sternotomy or thoracotomy. OR Any Thoracic Surgery OR Planned noncardiac surgery via a thoracotomy or Video Assisted Thoracotomy (VATS).
• Surgery will result in an inpatient stay of at least 48 hours.

Exclusion criteria

• Use of opioids within 30 days prior to study entry.
• Renal Failure as defined by RIFLE Criteria.
• History of seizures requiring active treatment.
• History of chronic pain treated medically.
• Diagnosis of Autism.
• Unable to tolerate enteral medications.
• Hematology/Oncology patients.
• Parents/legal guardians unable to consent.
• Participation in another clinical study presently or within the last 30 days
• Pregnancy
• Prisoners
• Patient undergoing nuss procedure with cryoablation