Consumption Of Opioid Analgesics Research Articles

Relationship between intraoperative requirement for anesthetics and postoperative analgesic consumption in laparoscopic colectomy: a randomized controlled double-blinded study.

This study investigated the relationship between intraoperative requirement for an inhalational anesthetic (sevoflurane) or an opioid (remifentanil) and postoperative analgesic consumption. The study included 200 adult patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colectomy. In the sevoflurane group, the effect-site concentration of remifentanil was fixed at 1.0 ng/ml, while the inspiratory sevoflurane concentration was adjusted to maintain an appropriate anesthetic depth. In the remifentanil group, the end-expiratory sevoflurane concentration was fixed at 1.0 vol.%, and the remifentanil concentration was adjusted. Pain scores and cumulative postoperative analgesic consumptions were evaluated at 2, 6, 24, and 48 h after surgery. Average end-tidal concentration of sevoflurane and effect-site concentration of remifentanil were 2.0 ± 0.4 vol.% and 3.9 ± 1.4 ng/ml in the sevoflurane and remifentanil groups, respectively. Cumulative postoperative analgesic consumption at 48 h postoperatively was 55 ± 26 ml in the sevoflurane group and 57 ± 33 ml in the remifentanil group. In the remifentanil group, the postoperative cumulative analgesic consumptions at 2 and 6 h were positively correlated with intraoperative remifentanil requirements (2 h: r = 0.36, P < 0.001; 6 h: r = 0.38, P < 0.001). However, there was no significant correlation in the sevoflurane group (r = 0.04, P = 0.691). The amount of intraoperative requirement of short acting opioid, remifentanil, is correlated with postoperative analgesic consumption within postoperative 6 h. It may be contributed by the development of acute opioid tolerance. However, intraoperative sevoflurane requirement had no effect on postoperative analgesic consumption.

Comparing Apotel and Remifentanil for Multimodal Patient-Controlled Analgesia in Postoperative Pain Management Following Total Knee Arthroplasty Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a standard surgical procedure for individuals with debilitating knee arthritis. Effective postoperative pain management is essential for successful recovery, although traditional opioid-based methods have limitations. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of Apotel and remifentanil patient-controlled analgesia in managing postoperative pain after TKA. This double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial took place at Amir-al-Momenin and Qods Hospitals in Arak, Iran, spanning from June 2022 to September 2023. Sixty-two eligible patients scheduled for knee joint replacement were randomly assigned to receive either Apotel (Group A) or remifentanil (Group R) as part of multimodal analgesia administered via a pain pump for postoperative pain relief in TKA. The study assessed hemodynamic parameters, pain levels (measured using the Visual Analog Scale), analgesic duration, and narcotic consumption. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v.27 and Plotly. Subjects exhibited no statistically significant differences in age, gender distribution, duration of surgery, or anesthesia. The hemodynamic status assessment in the recovery room showed no significant differences in SPO2, PR, or MAP between the groups. However, remifentanil demonstrated superior effectiveness in reducing pain over 24 hours post TKA surgery compared to Apotel, as evidenced by lower average Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores (P < 0.001), longer duration without the need for narcotic painkillers (P < 0.001), and lower cumulative opioid analgesic consumption in Group R (P < 0.001). Remifentanil demonstrates superior pain control in a multimodal pain management approach compared to Apotel, providing sustained pain reduction over 24 hours post-surgery. Moreover, remifentanil offers longer-lasting pain relief and results in lower cumulative narcotic painkiller consumption compared to Apotel.

The influence of transformations in supply on methamphetamine initiation among people injecting opioids in the United States

BackgroundCo-use of methamphetamine (MA) and opioids (pharmaceutical pills, heroin and fentanyls) has increased in the United States and is represented in rising mortality. Although coinciding with the import of low cost, high potency and purity methamphetamine, the relationship between supply and demand in propelling this polydrug use is not well understood. We consider the influence of macro changes in supply on the uptake of opioid and methamphetamine co-use by injection at the level of individual drug and injection initiation in West Virginia, a state which leads the US in drug overdose mortality.MethodWe recruited n = 30 people for semi-structured interviews who self-reported injecting heroin/fentanyl and using methamphetamine by any route at a West Virginia syringe service program and through snowball sampling. Interviews were recorded and transcripts analyzed using a thematic approach. Ethnographic observation was also conducted and recorded in fieldnotes. Sequence of substance and mode of use initiation and use trajectories for opioids and stimulants were charted for each participant.ResultsA clear pattern of individual drug initiation emerged that matched each successive supply wave of the US overdose epidemic: 25 participants had initiated opioid use with pills, followed by heroin, often mixed with/replaced by fentanyl, and subsequently added methamphetamine use. For participants, the supply and consumption of opioid analgesics had set in motion a series of steps leading to the addition of stimulant injection to existing opioid injecting repertoires. Unlike other studies that have found a birth cohort effect in patterns of initiation, participants showed the same sequence across age groups. Considerations of economy, availability, dependence, tolerance and the erosion of taboos that marked transitions from opioid pills to heroin injection influenced these subsequent trajectories in novel ways. The form, timing and extent of opioid and stimulant consumption was influenced by four stages of the changing drug supply, which in turn reflected back on demand.ConclusionTransformations in the social meaning and supply of methamphetamine enabled these transitions while other desired, non-injectable drugs were difficult to obtain. We discuss policy implications of injectable drugs’ market dominance at this location and possible interventions.

Efficacy of quadratus lumborum block in the treatment of acute and chronic pain after cesarean section: A systematic review and meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials.

This analysis aimed to explore the analgesic effects of quadratus lumborum block on acute and chronic postoperative pain among patients undergoing cesarean section. PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and VIP databases for Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) that focused on the use of quadratus lumborum block in cesarean section procedures were searched from the inception of the databases until December 2022. Studies were screened based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and were then conducted for quality assessment and data extraction. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 15.0 software. Two researchers independently screened the studies, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias for the included studies. In case of any disagreements, it was resolved by consultation with a third party opinion. A total of 21 studies involving 1976 patients were finally included, with an overall acceptable study quality level. Compared to the control group, the administration of Quadratus Lumborum Block (QLB) resulted in significant reduction in the postoperative 24-hour visual analog scale (VAS) score (WMD = -0.69, 95% CI: -1.03 ~ -0.35, P < .001) and the consumption of opioid analgesics within 24 hours after surgery (WMD = -2.04, 95% CI: -2.15 ~ -1.92, P = .002). The incidence of chronic pain 3 months QLB (OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.09 ~ 1.88, P = .253) and 6 months (OR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.33 ~ 2.07, P = .686) after surgery were observed to increase as compared with the control group. The use of QLB for postoperative analgesia after cesarean section, particularly in the relief of acute postoperative pain, had been proven to significantly decrease the VAS score and morphine consumption within the first 24 hours after surgery. However, further studies are needed to determine its impact on managing chronic postoperative pain.

Patterns of Opioid and Non-Opioid Analgesic Consumption in Patients with Post-COVID-19 Conditions.

Pain is a major health issue for healthcare systems, and access to pain treatment is a fundamental human right. Pain is a common symptom experienced in the post-COVID phase by a significant percentage of patients. This study describes the prevalence and associated factors associated with the use of opioid and non-opioid analgesics in subjects with post-COVID-19 condition. Sociodemographic data, post-COVID symptoms, health profile, and opioid and non-opioid analgesic consumption were collected in 390 subjects with post-COVID-19 condition. We analyzed the independent effect of all variables on opioid/non-opioid analgesic consumption by using logistic multivariate regressions. The prevalence of opioid and non-opioid analgesic consumption was 24.1% and 82.3%, respectively. Tramadol (17.18%) and codeine (7.95%) were the most commonly used opioid analgesics, and Paracetamol (70%) and ibuprofen (45.4%) were the most commonly used non-opioid analgesics. Females were more likely to consume non-opioid analgesics (aOR2.20, 95%CI 1.15, 4.22) than males. Marital status of married/partner vs. single (aOR2.96; 95% CI 1.43, 6.12), monthly income < EUR 1000 VS. > EUR 2000 (aOR3.81; 95% CI 1.37, 10.61), number of post-COVID symptoms < 5 (aOR2.64, 95%CI 1.18, 5.87), and anxiolytics consumption (aOR 1.85, 95%CI 1.05, 3.25) were associated with a greater likelihood of opioid analgesic consumption. Age > 55 years (aOR3.30, 95%CI 1.34, 8.09) and anxiolytics consumption (aOR2.61, 95%CI 1.36, 4.98) were associated with a greater likelihood of non-opioid analgesic consumption. Opioid analgesic consumption was highly associated (aOR 3.41, 95%CI 1.27, 6.11) with non-opioid analgesic consumption. The prevalence of opioid analgesic and non-opioid analgesic consumption in individuals with post-COVID-19 condition was 24.1% and 82.3%. Females with post-COVID-19 condition showed higher non-opioid analgesic consumption than men. Predictors of opioid consumption were marital status, lower monthly income, number of post-COVID symptoms, and anxiolytic consumption. Older age and anxiolytic consumption were predictors of non-opioid consumption.

Efficacy of Nefopam in multimodal analgesia in dogs

Pain that occurs in a surgical patient in the area of surgical intervention is called surgical pain. Postoperative analgesia is one of the most important components in the system of general intensive care, which creates comfortable living conditions for the surgical patient. In veterinary practice, the central non-opioid analgesic Nefopam has become available, which has a structural affinity for diphenhydramine (Diphenhydramine) and orphenadrine and has both spinal and supraspinal mechanisms of action. The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Nefopam as part of multimodal analgesia in the postoperative period in dogs. For the study were selected 20 dogs aged 1 to 10 years who underwent radical surgery requiring multicomponent anesthesia. The animals were divided into 2 groups of 10 dogs each. Surgical interventions were performed under conditions of general combined anesthesia according to standard protocols of the clinic using neuroleptics, anesthetics, non-narcotic painkillers. In the postoperative period, a non-opioid centrally acting analgesic, Nefopam, was introduced into the scheme of multimodal analgesia in the animals of the experimental group, and Analgin was administered to the dogs of the control group. The level of pain of the visual analog scale for assessing pain according to VAS. To assess the health status of experimental animals before surgery and on the 3rd and 7th days after it, blood was taken for biochemical and clinical studies. The use of Nefopam in the complex of multimodal analgesia used in the clinic is therapeutically justified and effective. It is this kind of analgesia that makes it possible to fully and safely anesthetize patients after extensive and traumatic operations with minimal consumption of non-opioid and opioid analgesics.

Effect of noise isolation using noise-cancelling headphones during laparoscopic surgery for postoperative pain reduction: A randomized clinical trial

Study objectiveMost laparoscopic surgeries under general anesthesia are performed in noisy environments, although the effect of intraoperative noise reduction on postoperative pain remains uncertain. This study aimed to explore whether postoperative pain could be reduced through the intraoperative use of noise-cancelling headphones. DesignThis study was conducted as a prospective parallel-group randomized clinical trial. SettingOperating room and surgery room. PatientsNinety patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia. InterventionsIn the intervention group, noise-cancelling headphones were used to reduce noise intensity during laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia. MeasurementsThe primary outcome was the maximum movement-evoked pain intensity within 24 h post-surgery, measured using a 10-point numeric rating scale. Secondary outcomes included the maximum resting pain score and total opioid consumption during the 24-h period post-surgery. Mean intraoperative noise and the proportion of intraoperative time with noise intensity ≥70 dB were recorded. Main resultsThe maximum movement-evoked pain score was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (mean score [SD], 2.7 [1.0] and 4.0[1.0], respectively; P < 0.001). The intervention group required significantly fewer opioids than the control group (mean [SD], 44.2 [12.8] and 51.3[17.5] mg, respectively; P = 0.032). In the control group, but not the intervention group, all postoperative pain scores were significantly associated with the proportion of intraoperative time with noise intensity ≥70 dB, which was an independent risk factor for postoperative pain. ConclusionDuring laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia, intraoperative noise isolation using noise-cancelling headphones is a safe and effective strategy for relieving postoperative pain and decreasing total opioid analgesic consumption.

Changes in hospital consumption of opioid and non-opioid analgesics after colorectal endometriosis surgery.

The aim of this study was to analyze postoperative consumption of analgesics during hospitalization following colorectal surgery for endometriosis. We conducted a retrospective study at Tenon University Hospital, Paris, France from February 2019 to December 2021. One hundred sixty-two patients underwent colorectal surgery: eighty-nine (55%) by robotic and seventy-three (45%) by conventional laparoscopy. The type of procedure had an impact on acetaminophen and nefopam consumed per day: consumption for colorectal shaving, discoid resection, and segmental resection was, respectively, 2(0.5), 2.1(0.6), 2.4(0.6) g/day (p = 10-3), and 25(7), 30(14), 31(11) mg/day (p = 0.03). The total amount of tramadol consumed was greater following robotic surgery compared with conventional laparoscopy (322(222) mg vs 242(292) mg, p = 0.04). We observed a switch in analgesic consumption over the years: tramadol was used by 70% of patients in 2019 but only by 7.1% in 2021 (p < 10-3); conversely, ketoprofen was not used in 2019, but was consumed by 57% of patients in 2021 (p < 10-3). A history of abdominal surgery (OR = 0.37 (0.16-0.78, p = 0.011) and having surgery in 2020 rather than in 2019 (OR = 0.10 (0.04-0.24, p < 10-3)) and in 2021 than in 2019 (OR = 0.08 (0.03-0.20, p < 10-3)) were the only variables independently associated with the risk of opioid use. We found that neither clinical characteristics nor intraoperative findings had an impact on opioid consumption in this setting, and that it was possible to rapidly modify in-hospital analgesic consumption modalities by significantly reducing opioid consumption in favor of NSAIDS or nefopam.

Pharmacoepidemiology and pharmacoeconomics of pain management in caesarean section in a chronological aspect

Background. For pain management during caesarean section, the correct choice of anesthesia and adequate analgesia are of great importance.&#x0D; Aim. To study pain management methods for caesarean section, to develop their pharmacoepidemiological and pharmacoeconomic characteristics in a chronological aspect.&#x0D; Material and methods. A retrospective pharmacoepidemiological and pharmacoeconomic analysis of 1025 birth histories of women after caesarean section with a detailed assessment of the use of local anesthetics, central deprecating agents, opioid and non-opioid analgesics in 20072009 (523) and 20162017 (502) was carried out. Frequency of use, total consumption and cost of drug therapy during and after surgery were analyzed. The significance of differences in relative indicators was assessed by Pearson (2).&#x0D; Results. In the first time period, regional methods of anesthesia were used in 98.5% of cases: epidural anesthesia in 428 (82%) cases, spinal anesthesia in 87 (16.5%) cases (p=0.001). In the second period, regional methods of anesthesia were used in 97.5% of cases: epidural anesthesia in 157 (31%) cases, spinal anesthesia in 334 (66.5%) cases (p=0.001). Intraoperatively, in the second period, trimeperidine for spinal anesthesia, fentanyl for epidural anesthesia (p=0.001; p=0.001) were prescribed 2 times more often; intraoperative consumption of opioid analgesics was greater than in the first period. After surgery in the first period with epidural anesthesia more often than in the second, trimeperidine (45%), ropivacaine (96%); for spinal and epidural anesthesi paracetamol, ketorolac (p=0.001), were prescribed. Spinal anesthesia in both periods was characterized by a greater consumption of adjuvants than epidural anesthesia. In the first period, 12 drugs for pain management from 5 pharmacotherapeutic groups were used, in the second 10 drugs from 5 groups. The cost of epidural anesthesia was 4 times higher in the first period, and 7 times higher in the second.&#x0D; Conclusion. Between 2007 and 2017, there was a transition from epidural to spinal anesthesia, and opioid analgesics were more often added to local anesthetics to manage pain during surgery in the second period; the cost of epidural anesthesia was high due to the price of ropivacaine.

The Impact of Peripheral Nerve Block on the Quality of Care After Ankle Fracture Surgery: A Quality Improvement Study.

To increase peripheral nerve block (PNB) administration for ankle fracture surgeries (AFSs) at our institution to above 50% by January 1st, 2021. Longitudinal, single-center quality improvement study conducted at a high-volume tertiary care center. All patients undergoing isolated AFS for unimalleolar, bimalleolar, or trimalleolar ankle fracture from July 2017 to April 2021 were included in this study. Interventions implemented to minimize barriers for PNB administration included recruitment and training of expert anesthesiologists in regional anesthesia, procurement of ultrasound machines, implementation of a dedicated block room, and creation of a pamphlet for patients describing multimodal analgesia. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients receiving PNB for AFS. Secondary outcomes included hospital length-of-stay, postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption (mean oral morphine equivalent [OME]), proportion of patients not requiring opioid analgesic in PACU, and PACU and 24-hour postoperative nausea/vomiting requiring antiemetic. The PNB and non-PNB groups included 78 and 157 patients, respectively. PNB administration increased from <5% to 53% after implementation of the improvement bundle. Mean PACU and 24-hour opioid analgesic consumption was lower in the PNB group (PACU OME 38.96 mg vs. 55.42 mg, P = 0.001; 24-hour OME 50.83 mg vs. 65.69 mg, P = 0.008). A greater proportion of patients in the PNB group did not require PACU opioids (62.8% vs. 27.4%, P < 0.001). By performing a root cause analysis and implementing a multidisciplinary, patient-centered improvement bundle, we increased PNB administration for AFSs, resulting in reduced postoperative opioid analgesia consumption. Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

1107: EVALUATION OF LIPOSOMAL BUPIVACAINE VERSUS USUAL CARE AND ITS EFFECT ON PAIN FOR CARDIAC SURGERY

Introduction: The objective of this study is to compare clinical effects of standard of care and liposomal bupivacaine. The primary outcome of this study will be to compare the pain scores associated with liposomal bupivacaine compared to standard of care of standard bupivacaine. Methods: A prospective, randomized, single-blinded, active-controlled, parallel group trial was conducted on cardiac surgery evaluating opioid analgesic consumption and effectiveness of pain control in patients who received liposomal bupivacaine vs. bupivacaine/epinephrine. The study was conducted at a 503-bed tertiary care community hospital. Participants included patients of at least 18 years of age undergoing a cardiac surgical procedure at the study institution. The standard of care group received 0.25% bupivacaine with epinephrine at 1 mL/kg total dose and the treatment arm received liposomal bupivacaine 266 mg/20 ml added to 40 ml 0.25% bupivacaine with epinephrine. Both treatment arms received either therapy as a single-dose infiltration from the first to the 8th intercostal space. Results: A total of 43 patients received liposomal bupivacaine and 44 patients received bupivacaine/epinephrine. The difference in average opioid (morphine equivalent) usage between liposomal bupivacaine and bupivacaine/epinephrine on post-operative (POD) day 1 was 11 mg (IQR 5.25-24.3 mg) and 14 mg (IQR 5-26.175 mg) and on POD 4, the difference was 1.5 mg (IQR 0-4.875) and 0 mg (IQR 0-3). There was no difference in average pain scores and adverse effects between the two groups. Conclusions: The results of this current study found that the administration of liposomal bupivacaine intra-operatively cardiac surgery show less opioid use as compared to the standard of care. The study is ongoing and enrolling more patients.

A nationwide study on consumption of opioid analgesics in Iran from 2000 to 2018.

Opioid analgesics play a unique role in pain management. National opioid consumption studies could provide indirect evidence of pain management in a country. National, regional, and global opioid consumption have been studied in other countries so far; however, conducting a focused study to illuminate the consumption of opioid analgesics over the past decades in Iran seemed necessary. The main objective of this study was to determine the consumption of opioid analgesics and explore the trend of their use during 19years in Iran. Iran pharmaceutical wholesale data were used to extract the annual consumption figures of the opioid analgesics in group N02A of the World Health Organization (WHO) Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification and were available in Iran (morphine, fentanyl, pethidine, and oxycodone as strong opioids and, tramadol and pentazocine as weak opioids), from 2000 to 2018. Using Defined Daily Dose (DDD) by WHO and Oral Morphine Equivalent (OMEQ), the amount of annual consumption was determined in DDD/1000 inhabitants/Day (DID) and OMEQ (mg)/1000 inhabitants/Day (OID). Total opioid analgesic utilization based on DID and OID increased 31.12-fold (from 0.0196 to 0.61) and 21.06-fold (from 1.97 to 41.5mg) over 19years, respectively with a significant sharp increase from 2003 to 2006 (ß = 1.78 (DID), P value < 0.001). Medications that constituted 70% of annual opioid analgesics utilization were morphine in 2000, compared to tramadol in 2018. The annual weak and strong opioids share were 86.7% and 13.2% in 2018, respectively. Despite considerable growth in the consumption of opioid analgesics in Iran over nearly two decades, the consumption amount remained low, which might signal sub-optimal pain management. On the other hand, misuse and abuse seem to be the main reason behind significant increases in the consumption of opioid analgesics with less controlled distribution.

Towards the efficacy of erector spinae plane block in lumbar spinal fusion

AIM: This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the erector spinae plane block (ESP-block) in lumbar spinal fusion in the perioperative period.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective randomized study included 200 patients aged 4565 years undergoing decompression and lumbar spinal fusion. All the patients were divided into three groups depending on the anesthesia method. The first group received general anesthesia in combination with a single bilateral ESP-block; the second group received general anesthesia in combination with a prolonged bilateral ESP-block; the third (or, control) group was given general anesthesia. The parameters of intraoperative hemodynamics, the postoperative pain according to the visual analog scale, the need for opioid analgesics during and after surgery, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and other anesthesia-induced adverse reactions were assessed.&#x0D; RESULTS: Patients who received the single bilateral ESP-block have exhibited adequate pain relief, leading to minimal opioid analgesic consumption in the early postoperative period. However, prolonged ESP-block with bilateral catheters is the most efficacious postoperatively, and patients hardly needed narcotic analgesics and featured a low incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (hazard ratio: 0.32; 95% confidence interval: 0.2130.464; р 0.001).&#x0D; CONCLUSION: The bilateral ultrasound-assisted ESP-block in lumbar decompression and spinal fusion ensures adequate pain relief both intra- and postoperatively, resulting in a reduced need for opioid analgesics and minimizing their related incidence of adverse reactions.

335 Motor Sparing Peripheral Nerve Block: A Modern Approach to Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract Aim To maximise postoperative analgesia, whilst minimising opioid use, motor sparing peripheral nerve blocks have been described as an alternative to local infiltration analgesia (LIA) with adductor canal block (ACB) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). At The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, we have developed a new technique, involving ten separate injections to the four genicular nerves, saphenous nerve, nerve to the vastus medialis, the popliteal plexus and to the medial, intermediate, and lateral cutaneous nerves of the thigh. The aim was to compare the analgesic effect of this type of motor sparing nerve block against LIA with ACB in TKA. Method Two groups were identified retrospectively. The test group included fifty patients who received 5ml each of 0.75% Levobupivacaine to the saphenous nerve and nerve to the vastus medialis, and 40ml of 0.25% Levobupivacaine to the four genicular nerves, the popliteal plexus, and to the cutaneous nerves. A matched control group received standard treatment with ACB and LIA. The primary outcome was the consumption of opioid analgesics, measured as a total morphine equivalent. Results For patients in the test group, the mean amount of IV morphine equivalent administered in the first 48-hours postoperatively was 34mg vs 108mg. This equates to a 68% reduction in opioid consumption compared to the control group. Conclusions Motor sparing nerve blocks provide a significant reduction in opioid consumption compared to LIA with ACB in TKA. The results have implications in terms of pain management, reduced opioid-induced side effects and overall, enhanced patient recovery.

Intravenous Parecoxib for Pain Relief after Orthopedic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

IntroductionOrthopedic procedures have been associated with increased pain, making perioperative analgesia a major clinical concern. We assessed the efficacy and safety of intravenous parecoxib administration during the perioperative period for postoperative pain relief after orthopedic surgery in adults.MethodsPubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and clinicaltrial.gov were searched from inception to 23 August 2021 without language restrictions. Randomized controlled trials comparing intravenous parecoxib with placebo or another active treatment for acute postoperative pain in adults after orthopedic surgery were included. The primary outcomes were the pain scores and cumulative morphine consumption. The secondary outcomes included the proportion of patients requiring rescue analgesics and the incidence of adverse events. The meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines and was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews Registration (PROSPERO).ResultsTwenty-seven trials (n = 2840) from more than 20 countries involving six types of orthopedic surgery met the inclusion criteria. Compared with placebo, intravenous parecoxib administration led to reductions in postoperative resting pain scores at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h [mean difference (MD) −0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] −1.71 to −0.03; MD −0.86, 95% CI −1.26 to −0.46; MD −0.57, 95% CI −0.84 to −0.31; MD −0.40, 95% CI −0.69 to −0.11, respectively], postoperative movement pain scores at 24 and 48 h (MD −0.66, 95% CI −1.14 to −0.19; MD −0.78, 95% CI −1.16 to −0.39, respectively), cumulative morphine consumption (MD −11.30 mg, 95% CI −14.79 to −7.81 mg), and the proportion of patients requiring rescue analgesia (relative risk 0.83, 95% CI 0.77–0.89). There was no difference in the incidence of adverse events between groups.ConclusionLow to moderate evidence indicates that parecoxib might be an effective and safe analgesic in perioperative orthopedic settings. It relieves postoperative orthopedic pain while sparing opioid analgesic consumption without increasing the incidence of adverse events.PROSPERO RegistrationCRD42021274939.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40122-022-00400-1.

SABER-Bupivacaine Reduces Postoperative Pain and Opioid Consumption After Arthroscopic Subacromial Decompression: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Shoulder arthroscopy can result in substantial postoperative pain. Sucrose acetate isobutyrate extended-release bupivacaine (SABER-Bupivacaine; trade name Posimir) is a novel depot formulation of bupivacaine designed to provide analgesia at the surgical site for up to 72 hours. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of SABER-Bupivacaine on pain and opioid consumption after arthroscopic subacromial decompression and to assess short-term and long-term safety. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 78 subjects were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to SABER-Bupivacaine 5 mL or SABER-placebo 5 mL injected into the subacromial space just before skin closure. Twenty-nine additional subjects were randomized on an exploratory basis to bupivacaine hydrochloride 20 mL, also injected subacromially. Subjects rated pain intensity on a 0 to 10 scale over the first 3 postoperative days and received intravenous or oral morphine for breakthrough pain. The coprimary efficacy end points were pain intensity on 90° shoulder flexion and cumulative morphine intake from 0 to 72 hours after surgery. The time to first use of opioid rescue analgesia was a secondary end point. The mean (SD) pain intensity was 5.16 (1.94) for SABER-Bupivacaine and 6.43 (1.77) for placebo (P = 0.012). The median consumption of intravenous morphine equivalents was 4.0 mg for SABER-Bupivacaine and 12.0 mg for placebo (P = 0.010). The median time to first use of morphine rescue was 12.4 hours for SABER-Bupivacaine and 1.2 hours for placebo (P = 0.014). The corresponding values for bupivacaine hydrochloride were 5.16 (2.38), 8.0 mg, and 1.4 hours. The incidence and severity of treatment-emergent adverse events were similar for all treatment groups, and no functional or radiographic differences were noted at the 6-month follow-up. Compared with placebo, SABER-Bupivacaine reduced pain and opioid analgesic consumption over 72 hours after arthroscopic subacromial decompression and prolonged the time to first use of opioid rescue analgesia. No safety signals were noted during the immediate postoperative period or at 6-month follow-up.

Efficacy and Safety of Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation for Postoperative Pain: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Objective This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) in treating post-operative pain. Methods This meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021286753). We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about TEAS in treating postoperative pain that were published before November 2021. The primary outcome was visual analogue scale (VAS) within 24 h after surgery. The secondary outcomes included postoperative opioid analgesic drug consumption and the occurrence of adverse reactions within the postoperative 24–72 h. Adverse reactions included dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Continuous variables were analyzed using mean difference (MDs) or standardized mean difference (SMDs) and 95% CIs. Relative risk (RR) and 95% CI were used for dichotomous data. The data were pooled and analyzed by RevMan 5.4 and STATA15.0 software. Results Seventeen trials with 1375 participants were included. The current results suggested that application of TEAS showed obvious superiority in reducing VAS scores (SMD = −1.51, 95% CI = −2.20∼−0.82, I2 = 96%). Subgroup analysis was performed according to open surgery and minimally invasive surgery. VAS scores were decreased after surgery at 24 h (SMD = −0.84, 95% CI = −1.07∼−0.6, I2 = 96%; SMD = −0.88, 95% CI = −1.02∼−0.75, I2 = 96%). The incidence of postoperative dizziness and nausea and vomiting was significantly lower in the TEAS group within postoperative 24–72 h (RR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.34∼0.68, I2 = 0%; RR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.44∼1.01, I2 = 69%; and RR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.24∼1.00, I2 = 51%). Postoperative opioid analgesics were also reduced in the TEAS group within 72 h after surgery (SMD = −2.10, 95% CI = −3.37∼−0.82, I2 = 96%). Conclusions TEAS can reduce postoperative pain as well as the incidence of dizziness, nausea, and vomiting and the number of analgesics used after surgery. TEAS is a reasonable modality to incorporate into a multimodal management approach for postoperative pain.

Global, regional, and national trends in opioid analgesic consumption from 2015 to 2019: a longitudinal study

Previous studies have reported an extremely unbalanced global access to opioid analgesics. We aimed to determine contemporary trends and patterns of opioid analgesic consumption at the global, regional, and national levels. We analysed the global pharmaceutical sales data of 66 countries or regions from the IQVIA-Multinational Integrated Data Analysis System database on opioid analgesics between 2015 and 2019. Opioid analgesic consumption was measured in milligram morphine equivalent per 1000 inhabitants per day (MME per 1000/day). The global, regional, and national trend changes were estimated using linear regressions. Factors associated with consumption patterns and trend changes were explored in multivariable linear regression analyses. Overall opioid analgesic sales in the 66 countries or regions increased from 27·52 MME per 1000/day (16·63-45·54) in 2015 to 29·51 MME per 1000/day (17·85-48·79) in 2019 (difference per year 3·96%, 95% CI 0·26 to 7·80). Sales reduced yearly in North America (-12·84%; 95% CI -15·34 to -10·27) and Oceania (-2·96%; -4·20 to -1·70); increased in South America (28·69%; 7·18 to 54·53), eastern Europe (7·68%; 3·99 to 11·49), Asia (5·74%; 0·61 to 11·14), and western and central Europe (1·64%; 0·52 to 2·78); and did not differ in Africa or central America and the Caribbean. The global opioid consumption patterns were associated with country-level Human Development Index (p=0·040), cancer death rate excluding leukaemia (p=0·0072), and geographical location (p<0·0001). In 2019, opioid analgesic consumption ranged from 0·01 MME per 1000/day to 5·40 MME per 1000/day in the 17 countries and regions in the lowest consumption quartile, despite high income levels and cancer death rates in some of them. Global opioid analgesic consumption increased from 2015 to 2019. The trend changes were distinctive across regions, which could reflect the different actions in response to known issues of opioid use and misuse. Disparities in opioid analgesic consumption remained, indicating potential inadequate access to essential pain relief in countries with low consumption. None.

Closing the global pain divide: balancing access and excess

Closing the global pain divide: balancing access and excess

Development and validation of a risk-score model for opioid overdose using a national claims database

Opioid overdose can be serious adverse effects of opioid analgesics. Thus, several strategies to mitigate risk and reduce the harm of opioid overdose have been developed. However, despite a marked increase in opioid analgesic consumption in Korea, there have been no tools predicting the risk of opioid overdose in the Korean population. Using the national claims database of the Korean population, we identified patients who were incidentally prescribed non-injectable opioid analgesic (NIOA) at least once from 2017 to 2018 (N = 1,752,380). Among them, 866 cases of opioid overdose occurred, and per case, four controls were selected. Patients were randomly allocated to the development (80%) and validation (20%) cohort. Thirteen predictive variables were selected via logistic regression modelling, and a risk-score was assigned for each predictor. Our model showed good performance with c-statistics of 0.84 in the validation cohort. The developed risk score model is the first tool to identify high-risk patients for opioid overdose in Korea. It is expected to be applicable in the clinical setting and useful as a national level surveillance tool due to the easily calculable and identifiable predictors available from the claims database.