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