Effective Pain Relief In Patients Research Articles

ID: 212826 Investigation of 10KHz Spinal Cord Stimulation on Small Fiber Painful Diabetic Neuropathy (PDN)

A large multicenter RCT1 recently demonstrated that spinal cord stimulation (SCS) at 10 kHz provides effective pain relief for patients with painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). These outcomes remain durable to 24 months.2 Patient-reported outcomes suggest profound improvements in pain, function, and quality of life with 10kHz SCS in PDN patients, but more objective quantitative measures of nerve pathology and function can confirm these clinical outcomes and suggest the mechanism of action for the observed clinical improvements.

The effectiveness of using “Painmetrica” software for the diagnosis and selection of treatment for chronic pain syndrome in degenerative diseases of the spine

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of using the “Painmetrica” software for the diagnosis and selection of treatment for pain in degenerative diseases of the spine. Materials and methods. Software “Painmetrica” was developed for the diagnosis and selection of treatment for pain in degenerative diseases of the spine. Through a bidirectional nonrandomized controlled trial, its effectiveness was evaluated using telephone interviews with 42 patients. For comparison, a telephone interview was conducted with 47 patients for whom the Panimetrica program had not been used in the treatment.Results. The effectiveness of using “Painmetrica” software for the diagnosis and selection of treatment for patients with back pain was demonstrated. In the main group, the decrease in pain syndrome tended to differ due to an increase in the number of patients in whom pain was relieved by more than 50% and completely disappeared (p = 0,09 according to the two-tailed Fisher’s exact test). Patients treated with Painmetrica algorithms experienced sleep recovery due to a decrease in pain: changes persisted in 12 cases (28,6%), while in the comparison group, sleep changes remained in 24 patients (51,1%) (p=0,05 according to two-tailed Fisher’s exact test). Against the background of effective pain relief in patients who used Painmetrica, there was a decrease in the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (17 patients (40,5%) of the main group versus 36 patients (76,6%) of the control group, p = 0,001 according to the twotailed Fisher’s exact test ). At the same time, only 8 patients (19.1%) in the main group and 30 patients (63.8%) in the comparison group (p < 0.001 according to Fisher’s two-sided exact test) indicated the need to consult a neurologist.Conclusion. The effectiveness of the use of “Painmetrica” software for the diagnosis and selection of treatment of patients with degenerative diseases of the spine on an outpatient basis in relation to the need for patients to use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the need for additional consultation of a neurologist, as well as effective relief of sleep disorders caused by pain were demonstrated.

Cervical Kyphoplasty and OsteoCoolTM Radiofrequency Ablation for Painful Cervical Metastasis: A Case Report and Novel Approach for Pain Relief

Background: Metastatic bone pain is very difficult to treat and challenging to manage for health care professionals. Kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty has been used to reinstate the height of a compressed fractured vertebral body. OsteoCoolTM radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a relatively new ablation technique and at present, current literature only supports its role for thoracic and lumbar vertebral metastases. Case Report: In the present case report, we utilized OsteoCoolTM RFA using anterolateral cervical kyphoplasty for cervical spinal metastasis with intractable pain and limited range of motion. Discussion: A successful palliative treatment was provided with a combination of kyphoplasty and OsteoCoolTM RFA. The patient has had great relief of pain and an increased range of motion of the cervical spine post procedure. Conclusion: Anterolateral balloon kyphoplasty provides stability to fractured vertebrae and when combined with OsteoCoolTM RFA, it potentially can provide effective pain relief in patients who have failed radiation and for whom surgery is contraindicated. Key words: Cervical kyphoplasty, cervical vertebral metastasis, kyphoplasty, OsteoCoolTM

Effectiveness of high dose spinal cord stimulation for non-surgical intractable lumbar radiculopathy - HIDENS Study.

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is being increasingly used in non-surgical intractable low back pain. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of high-dose (HD) SCS utilizing sub-perception stimulation with higher frequency and pulse width in non-surgical predominant low-back pain population at 12months. A total of 20 patients were recruited (280 screened between March 2017 and July 2018) to undergo percutaneous fluoroscopic-guided SCS (Medtronic 8 contact standard leads and RestoreR IPG), with T8 and T9 midline anatomical parallel placement. Sixteen patients completed 12months follow-up (500Hz frequency, 500μs pulse width, and 25% pulse density). Differences in patients' clinical outcome (NRS back, NRS leg, ODI, PGIC, and PSQ) and medication usage (MQS) at 1, 3, and 12months from the baseline were assessed using non-parametric Wilcoxon paired test. The mean NRS scores for back pain (baseline 7.53) improved significantly at 1, 3, and 12months; 2.78 (p<0.001), 4.45 (p=0.002), and 3.85 (p=0.002), respectively. The mean NRS score for leg pain (baseline 6.09) improved significantly at 1 and 3months; 1.86 (p<0.001) and 3.13 (p=0.010), respectively. Mean NRS for leg pain at 12months was 3.85 (p=0.057). ODI and sleep demonstrated significant improvement as there was consistent improvement in medication particularly opioid usage (MQS) at 12months. This study demonstrates that anatomical placement of leads with sub-perception HD stimulation could provide effective pain relief in patients who are not candidates for spinal surgery.

Sublingual Sufentanil in Pain Management After Pulmonary Resection: A Randomized Prospective Study

BackgroundSuccessful postoperative pain management after major lung resection surgery is mostly achieved through intravenous administration of analgesic drugs. This study explored the use of sublingual sufentanil cartridges (Zalviso) as a noninvasive alternative to postoperative analgesia. MethodsFrom July 2019 to April 2020, patients who underwent major thoracoscopic lung resection surgery were randomly allocated to receive either intravenous pain management, or patient-controlled analgesia by the Zalviso system. Pain assessment scores were collected for a 72-hour time window, and requests for additional medication due to insufficient pain control were recorded. ResultsOf the 80 patients enlisted, 40 were assigned to the Zalviso group and 40 to the control group. The groups were not statistically different from each other. The difference in the mean pain scores reported was statistically significant in the first 24 hours in favor of the Zalviso group (P = .046), and the need for additional pain medication was significantly higher in the control group (P = .004). ConclusionsPatient-controlled analgesia using sublingual sufentanil cartridges can provide effective pain relief for patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery and can reduce the need for additional medication, offering a noninvasive alternative to traditional intravenous therapy.

Tailoring of neurosurgical ablative procedures in the management of refractory cancer pain

IntroductionNeurosurgical ablative procedures can offer immediate and effective pain relief for patients suffering from refractory cancer pain. However, choosing the appropriate procedure for each patient may not be straightforward and...

Administration of Nebulized Ketamine for Managing Acute Pain in the Emergency Department: A Case Series

Ketamine administration in sub-dissociative doses in the emergency department (ED) results in effective pain relief in patients with acute traumatic and non-traumatic pain, chronic pain, and opioid-tolerant pain. This case series describes five adult ED patients who received nebulized ketamine for predominantly acute traumatic pain. Three patients received nebulized ketamine at 1.5 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) dose, one patient at 0.75 mg/kg, and one patient at 1 mg/kg. All five patients experienced a decrease in pain from the baseline up to 120 minutes. The inhalation route of ketamine delivery via breath-actuated nebulizer may have utility for managing pain in the ED.

Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia simulation: use of meat glue in inexpensive and realistic nerve block models

BackgroundUltrasound-guided regional anesthesia (UGRA) is increasingly used by emergency physicians to provide safe and effective pain relief for patients. However, one of the factors limiting its widespread use is the lack of realistic models available for learners to train on. There are currently no inexpensive nerve block models available that are injectable and that closely mimic nerves, fascial planes, muscles, and other landmarks. Our aim is to create inexpensive, injectable nerve block models that can be used as effective medical training tools for UGRA.MethodsBy using a lean cut of pork such as pork loin, yarn soaked in ultrasound gel to simulate peripheral nerves, and drinking straws filled with gel to represent vascular structures, we created various nerve block models. Meat glue applied between sections of meat appears hyperechoic under ultrasound, thereby mimicking fascial planes and has the added benefit of helping to secure the components of the model together. Using these elements, we were able to create realistic peripheral nerve, fascia iliaca compartment, serratus anterior plane, and interscalene brachial plexus models.ResultsOne of the necessary skills in performing UGRA involves placing the needle tip along a fascial plane and visualizing hydrodissection of this plane with the local anesthetic. When meat glue (transglutaminase) is applied between layers of meat such as pork loin, the meat binds together and creates a hyperechoic line that mimics a fascial plane. When meat glue is applied to two apposing fascial layers naturally occurring on the meat, the fascial plane can be injected, and fluid can be seen hydrodissecting in this space. We created several nerve block models using meat glue and other components to mimic normal landmarks.ConclusionsWe have developed inexpensive and easily reproducible models that create the realistic appearance of tissues, nerves, and fascial planes under ultrasound. They can also accurately simulate hydrodissection of fluid in fascial planes. We hope these nerve block models will allow for the education in UGRA to be more widespread and accessible to learners from all specialties.

Analgesic effects of mirogabalin, a novel ligand for α2δ subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, in experimental animal models of fibromyalgia.

Mirogabalin, a novel ligand for the α2δ subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, is under the development for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Mirogabalin specifically and potently binds to α2δ subunits, and it shows analgesic effects in both peripheral and central neuropathic pain models in rats. To expand pharmacological findings on mirogabalin and provide additional information of its potential for chronic pain therapy, we examined the effects of mirogabalin in 2 experimental models of fibromyalgia, namely, the intermittent cold stress model (ICS model) and the unilateral intramuscular acidic saline injection model (Sluka model). To induce chronic mechanical hypersensitivity, mice were placed under ICS conditions for 3days, whereas rats were injected twice with acidic saline (pH4) into the gastrocnemius muscle in a 4-day interval. The pain sensitivity was evaluated by the von Frey test. Long-lasting increases in pain response score or decreases in pain threshold to the von Frey stimulation were observed in both the ICS and Sluka models. Mirogabalin (1, 3, or 10mg/kg, p.o.) dose-dependently alleviated the mechanical hypersensitivity, with significant effects persisting at 6 or 8h following administration. The standard α2δ ligand, pregabalin (30mg/kg, p.o.), also significantly reduced the mechanical hypersensitivity. In summary, mirogabalin showed analgesic effects in the ICS model mice and in the Sluka model rats. Therefore, mirogabalin may have the potential to provide effective pain relief in patients with fibromyalgia.

Interspinous process decompression is associated with a reduction in opioid analgesia in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.

BackgroundLumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) causes significant pain and functional impairment, and medical management has increasingly included the prescription of opioid-based analgesics. Interspinous process decompression (IPD) provides a minimally-invasive treatment option for LSS.MethodsThis study estimated the type, dosage, and duration of opioid medications through 5 years of follow-up after IPD with the Superion Indirect Decompression System (Vertiflex Inc., Carlsbad, CA USA). Data were obtained from the Superion-treatment arm of a randomized controlled noninferiority trial. The prevalence of subjects using opiates was determined at baseline through 60 months. Primary analysis included all 190 patients randomized to receive the Superion device. In a subgroup of 98 subjects, we determined opioid-medication prevalence among subjects with a history of opioid use.ResultsAt baseline, almost 50% (94 of 190) of subjects were using opioid medication. Thereafter, there was a sharp decrease in opioid-medication prevalence from 25.2% (41 of 163) at 12 months to 13.3% (20 of 150) at 24 months to 7.5% (8 of 107) at 60 months. Between baseline and 5 years, there was an 85% decrease in the proportion of subjects using opioids. A similar pattern was also observed among subjects with a history of opiates prior to entering the trial.ConclusionStand-alone IPD is associated with a marked decrease in the need for opioid medications to manage symptoms related to LSS. In light of the current opiate epidemic, such alternatives as IPD may provide effective pain relief in patients with LSS without the need for opioid therapy.

Analgesic effects of the novel α₂δ ligand mirogabalin in a rat model of spinal cord injury.

Mirogabalin, which is a novel ligand for the α₂δ subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, is under development for the treatment of pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia. Mirogabalin possesses unique binding characteristics to α₂δ subunits and potent and long-lasting analgesic effects in peripheral neuropathic pain models. In the present study, we investigated the analgesic effects of mirogabalin in a rat model of spinal cord injury as an experimental animal model for central neuropathic pain. The spinal cord injury model was established by acute compression of the spinal cord at the T6/7 level with a microvascular clip in male rats. Twenty-eight days after spinal cord injury, the animals received the test compound orally, and the paw withdrawal threshold to mechanical stimulation was determined using the von Frey test at 0 (before administration), 2, 4, 6, 8, and 24 h after administration. The area under the curve of the paw withdrawal threshold (paw withdrawal threshold AUC) was also calculated. In rats subjected to spinal cord injury, mechanical allodynia was demonstrated by a decreased paw withdrawal threshold. A single oral administration of mirogabalin (2.5, 5, or 10 mg/kg) significantly increased the paw withdrawal threshold. The effects of mirogabalin were still significant 6 or 8 h after administration. The paw withdrawal threshold AUC was significantly higher in the treated animals than in the control group. In conclusion, mirogabalin showed potent and long-lasting analgesic effects in a rat model of spinal cord injury and may therefore provide effective pain relief for patients with central neuropathic pain.

Patient-Controlled Paravertebral Block for Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery: A Randomized Trial

Paravertebral block (PVB) has been proven to be an efficient way to control postoperative pain in patients who have undergone a thoracotomy. This study explored whether the use of a patient-controlled PVB can provide benefits over intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for 3-port single-intercostal video-assisted thoracic surgery. From May 2015 to December 2016, patients who had solitary pulmonary nodules or spontaneous pneumothorax and underwent single-intercostal video-assisted thoracic surgery were randomly allocated to receive patient-controlled PVB or intravenous PCA. Intramuscular dezocine (10 mg) was used as a rescue medication. None of the surgeons, patients, or investigators assessing outcomes or analyzing the data were blinded to the group assignments. Pain level was measured by the visual analog score. There were 86 patients assigned to the PVB group and 85 patients assigned to the PCA group. The difference in the mean visual analog score between these two groups was not significant (p= 0.115). For patients who needed rescue medication, the cumulative dezocine dose in the PVB group was significantly lower than that in the PCA group (21.7 mg vs 30.9 mg, p= 0.001) throughout the 4 postoperative days. The frequencies of severe vomiting (p= 0.003) and hypotension (p= 0.005) were significantly lower in the PVB group. PVB, which resulted in lower cumulative dezocine doses and produced fewer side effects than PCA, can provide effective pain relief for patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery.

Emergency physician-performed ultrasound-guided nerve blocks in proximal femoral fractures provide safe and effective pain relief: a prospective observational study in The Netherlands

BackgroundThe treatment of acute pain in the emergency department is not always optimal. Peripheral nerve blocks using “blind” or nerve stimulator techniques have substantial disadvantages. Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia may provide quick, safe, and effective pain relief in patients with proximal femoral fractures with severe pain. However, no evidence exists on emergency physician-performed ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia in these patients in Dutch emergency departments. We hypothesized that emergency physicians can be effectively trained to safely perform and implement ultrasound-guided femoral nerve blocks, resulting in effective pain relief in patients with proximal femoral fractures.MethodsIn this prospective observational study, emergency physicians were trained by expert anesthesiologists to perform ultrasound-guided femoral nerve blocks during a single-day course. Femoral nerve blocks were performed on patients with proximal femoral fractures. A system of direct supervision by skilled anesthesiologists and residents was put in place.ResultsA total of 64 femoral nerve blocks were performed. After 30 min, blocks were effective in 69% of patients, and after 60 min, in 83.3%. The mean reduction in pain scores after 30 and 60 min was 3.84 and 4.77, respectively (both p < 0.001).Patients reported a mean satisfaction of 8.42 (1 to 10 scale). No adverse events occurred.ConclusionsUltrasound-guided femoral nerve block is an effective, safe, and easy to learn (single-day course) procedure for emergency physicians to implement and perform in the emergency department. Patient satisfaction was high.

Comparative efficacy and safety of intravenous tramadol and nalbuphine for pain relief in postoperative patients

Aim: To compare the efficacy and safety of single-dose intravenous nalbuphine versus intravenous tramadol for postoperative analgesia. Materials and Methods: In this prospective randomized study, adults with the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status class I and II undergoing elective surgeries performed under general anesthesia, resulting in mild-to-moderate pain (n = 60), received either intravenous nalbuphine (10 mg) or tramadol (100 mg). Visual analog scale scores for pain, sedation, and nausea and vomiting were monitored for 4 h and compared between the two groups. Statistical Analysis: The mean scores within the groups were analyzed by paired t-test, whereas between the groups by unpaired t-test. The median scores were analyzed by using Mann–Whitney U test. P value 0.05). Conclusion: Intravenous nalbuphine and tramadol both provided effective pain relief in patients with postoperative pain. Tramadol resulted in early pain relief but higher incidence of nausea and vomiting.

Effectiveness of the capsaicin 8% patch in the management of peripheral neuropathic pain in European clinical practice: the ASCEND study

BackgroundIn randomised studies, the capsaicin 8% patch has demonstrated effective pain relief in patients with peripheral neuropathic pain (PNP) arising from different aetiologies.MethodsASCEND was an open-label, non-interventional study of patients with non-diabetes-related PNP who received capsaicin 8% patch treatment, according to usual clinical practice, and were followed for ≤52 weeks. Co-primary endpoints were percentage change in the mean numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) ‘average daily pain’ score from baseline to the average of Weeks 2 and 8 following first treatment; and median time from first to second treatment. The primary analysis was intended to assess analgesic equivalence between post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) and other PNP aetiologies. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL, using EQ-5D), Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) and tolerability were also assessed.ResultsFollowing first application, patients experienced a 26.6% (95% CI: 23.6, 29.62; n = 412) reduction in mean NPRS score from baseline to Weeks 2 and 8. Equivalence was demonstrated between PHN and the neuropathic back pain, post-operative and post-traumatic neuropathic pain and ‘other’ PNP aetiology subgroups. The median time from first to second treatment was 191 days (95% CI: 147, 235; n = 181). Forty-four percent of all patients were responders (≥30% reduction in NPRS score from baseline to Weeks 2 and 8) following first treatment, and 86.9% (n = 159/183) remained so at Week 12. A sustained pain response was observed until Week 52, with a 37.0% (95% CI: 31.3, 42.7; n = 176) reduction in mean NPRS score from baseline. Patients with the shortest duration of pain (0–0.72 years) experienced the highest pain response from baseline to Weeks 2 and 8. Mean EQ-5D index score improved by 0.199 utils (responders: 0.292 utils) from baseline to Week 2 and was maintained until Week 52. Most patients reported improvements in PGIC at Week 2 and at all follow-up assessments regardless of number of treatments received. Adverse events were primarily mild or moderate reversible application site reactions.ConclusionIn European clinical practice, the capsaicin 8% patch provided effective and sustained pain relief, substantially improved HRQoL, improved overall health status and was generally well tolerated in a heterogeneous PNP population.Trial registrationNCT01737294 Date of registration - October 22, 2012.

Resorption of Massive Lumbar Disc Herniation on MRI Treated with Epidural Steroid Injection: A Retrospective Study of 28 Cases

Background: Although herniated disc fragments may resolve spontaneously, the optimal treatment option for massive lumbar disc herniation (LDH) has not been determined. Objective: To evaluate the extent of reduction in the size of massive LDH on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the pain relief effect of transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) during the study period. Study Design: Retrospective evaluation. Setting: Hospital and ambulatory pain clinic, Korea. Methods: After Institutional Review Board approval, we conducted a retrospective review of 28 patients who underwent at least 2 MRIs during the period from January 2012 to December 2014. The size of the herniated mass was determined from the ratio of the anterior-posterior diameter of the spinal canal (C-value) to the maximum anterior-posterior diameter of the herniated disc (H-value) on axial MRI (C-H ratio). We also analyzed visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at baseline (T0), 2 weeks after the first and second TFESI (T1, T2), and at the second follow-up MRI (T3). Results: The mean C-value was 18.3 ± 2.9 mm. The mean H-value changed from 10.4 ± 1.9 mm to 4.5 ± 2.7 mm, and the mean C-H ratio changed from 58 ± 1.0% to 24 ± 1.4% (P &lt; 0.001). Twenty-four of 28 patients demonstrated a reduction in the size of the herniation, and the mean reduction rate of the C-H ratio was 59%. In 4 patients, the LDH had not resolved on MRI, but the symptoms had diminished to such an extent that surgery was not required. The mean VAS score had significantly decreased at T1 and showed a continued decrease at the time of the last follow-up (P &lt; 0.001). Limitations: This is a retrospective study and only offers data for patients who chose not to undergo surgery. In addition, the timing of repeat MRI was not standardized. Conclusion: The majority of cases of massive LDH demonstrated resolution at variable points between 3 and 21 months. TFESI could provide effective pain relief for patients with massive LDH in the interval without severe neurologic deterioration. IRB approval: Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital: IRB Number # 14-1-10 Key words: Lumbar disc herniation, magnetic resonance imaging, migration, regression, resorption, sequestration, transforaminal epidural steroid injection

Intraoperative neurolytic celiac plexus block with Frey's procedure for effective pain relief in patients with chronic calcific pancreatitis – Prospective randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial

Intraoperative neurolytic celiac plexus block with Frey's procedure for effective pain relief in patients with chronic calcific pancreatitis – Prospective randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial

Epidural analgesia provides effective pain relief in patients undergoing open liver surgery.

Epidural analgesia has been the reference standard for the provision of post-operative pain relief in patients recovering from major upper abdominal operations, including liver resections. However, a failure rate of 20-32% has been reported. The aim of the study was to analyse the success rates of epidural analgesia and the outcome in patients who underwent liver surgery. We collected data from a prospectively maintained database of 70 patients who underwent open liver surgery by a bilateral subcostal incision during a period of 20 months (February 2009 to September 2010). Anaesthetic consultants with expertise in anaesthesia for liver surgery performed the epidural catheter placement. A dedicated pain team assessed the post-operative pain scores on moving or coughing using the Verbal Descriptor Scale. The outcome was measured in terms of epidural success rates, pain scores, post-operative chest infection and length of hospital stay. The study group included 43 males and 27 females. The indication for resection was liver secondaries (70%), primary tumours (19%) and benign disease (11%). While major (≥3 segments) and minor resections (≤ 2 segments) were performed in 44% and 47% respectively, 9% of patients were inoperable. Epidural analgesia was successful in 64 patients (91%). Bacterial colonisation of epidural tip was noticed in two patients. However, no neurological complications were encountered. Five patients (7%) had radiologically confirmed chest infection. Four patients (6%) developed wound infection. One patient died due to liver failure following extended right hepatectomy and cholecystectomy for gall bladder cancer. The median length of stay was 6 days (3-27 days). The extent of liver resection (p = 0.026) and post-operative chest infection (p = 0.012) had a significant influence on the length of stay. Our experience shows that epidural analgesia is safe and effective in providing adequate pain relief following open liver surgery.

Anesthesia management with single injection paravertebral block for aorta coarctation in infant

Thoracotomy causes severe pain in the postoperative period. Perioperative thoracic paravertebral block reduces pain score and may improve outcome after pediatric cardiac surgery. This prospective study was designed for the efficacy and duration of a single level, single injection ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) for fifteen infants undergoing aortic coarctation repair. After approval of the ethical committee and the relatives of the patients, 15 infants who had undergone thoracotomy were enrolled in the study. The patients received 0.5 ml·kg(-1) a bolus 0.25% bupivacaine with epinephrine 1 : 200 000 at T5-6 level after standard general anesthesia induction. Anesthesia depth with Index of Consciousness (IOC) and tissue oxygen saturation with cerebral (rSO2-C) and somatic thoracodorsal (rSO2-S) were monitored. Intraoperative hemodynamic and postoperative hemodynamic and pain scores were evaluated for 24 h after surgery. Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) score was utilized to measure postoperative pain in the intensive care unit. Rescue 0.05 mg·kg(-1) IV morphine was applied to patients in whom FLACC was >3. The median age of the patients was 4.5 (1-11) months, and the median intraoperative endtidal isoflurane concentration was 0.6% (0.3-0.8). The amount of remifentanil used intraoperatively was 4.5 (2.5-14) μg·kg(-) (1) ·h(-1). Intraoperative heart rate and blood pressure values significantly decreased compared with values detected at 5th, 10th, and 15th min after TPVB application, after incision prior and after cross-clamp (P < 0.01). The median time of first dose of morphine application after block was 320 (185-430) min. The median morphine consumption in 24 h was 0.16 (0.09-0.4) mg·kg(-1). The median length of postoperative intensive care unit and in-hospital stay times was 23 (1-67) h and 4 (1-10) days, respectively. We believe that TPVB, as part of a balanced anesthetic and analgesic regime, provides effective pain relief in patients undergoing aortic coarctation repair.

A Phase 3 study of lower-dose diclofenac submicron particle capsules demonstrates effective pain relief in patients with osteoarthritis

A Phase 3 study of lower-dose diclofenac submicron particle capsules demonstrates effective pain relief in patients with osteoarthritis