Analgesic efficacy of intravenous paracetamol for outpatient fractional curettage: a randomised, controlled trial

Abstract

To determine the efficacy of intravenous (i.v.) paracetamol for decreasing pain associated with fractional curettage. This double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial included 70 women who underwent fractional curettage. Patients were randomly assigned to receive i.v. infusion of either 1000 mg paracetamol (n = 36) or 0.9% normal saline as placebo (n = 34) prior to the procedure. The main outcome measure was the intensity of pain assessed by a 10-cm visual analogue scale. Pain scoring was performed at t(1) = prior to the procedure, t(2) = during the procedure and t(3) = 30 min after the procedure. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student's t-test, chi-squared and Pearson's correlation analysis. The pain scores at t(2) and t(3) were significantly higher than the score at t(1) in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the pain scores at t(1), t(2) and t(3) among the two groups. Menopausal status had no effect on the pain scores and on the treatment outcome. The pain scores prior to the procedure were significantly higher in women with a history of endometrial curettage when compared with women who have no history. Fractional curettage is associated with mild pain. We were unable to detect a significant difference in pain scores in patients undergoing fractional curettage when comparing the use of i.v. paracetamol with placebo. History of prior endometrial curettage seems to be a predictor of the basal pain scores at admission although it does not affect the pain intensity related to the procedure.