Need For Additional Analgesia Research Articles

Fractures around the hip - post operative pain relief. comparison between spinal anesthesia with and without intraoperative periarticular local infiltration of drugs mixture

Background: The incidence of hip fracture is increasing worldwide. Better postoperative pain relief in patients with hip fracture can be achieved with multimodal anaesthesia. Using intraoperative local infiltration of surgical site can achieve this goal efficiently and also it can reduce need of rescue doses of systemic analgesia and adverse outcomes associated with opioids. We endeavor to compare the analgesia produced in patients operated for fractures around hip under spinal anesthesia with and without intraoperative periarticular local infiltration with drug mixture.Material and Methods: A total of 60 patients were included in the study. 30 patients given spinal anaesthesia along with intraoperative local infiltration of mixture of drugs (Group A).30 patients given plane spinal anaesthesia (Group B).22 Gauge, 3.5 inches long needle used for local infiltration of mixture. Drug mixture used contained a combination of 300mg of ropivacaine, 30 mg of ketorolac and 0.5 mg epinephrine (approx.160 ml). Intraoperative as well as postoperative measurements and recordings were done with respect to haemodynamic parameters as heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure change trends were recorded. Pain measurement was done using 10 point Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, and need for additional analgesia in form of tramadol and /or diclofenac injection.Result: The average scores on the VAS scores for both procedures were comparable except at 4 and 8 hours post-operatively, resulting in greater number of rescue analgesics in the Group B compared to Group A.Conclusion: For surgeries done around hip spinal anaesthesia with intraoperative periarticular local infiltration of drug mixture is a good option to efficiently control postoperative pain. This reduces the need of rescue analgesia and thus helps avoid the adverse-affects that are due to use of opioids in immediate postoperative period.

Intranasal hydromorphone for treatment of acute pain in children: A pilot study

ObjectivesWe aimed to describe the analgesic efficacy, duration of analgesia, and adverse event profile associated with intranasal hydromorphone in children with acute pain presenting to an emergency department. MethodsProspective dose titration pilot study of otherwise healthy children 4 to 17-years-old with moderate to severe pain who required a parenteral opioid. All patients received an initial intranasal hydromorophone dose of 0.03 mg/kg. The need for additional analgesia was assessed at 15 and 30 min; an additional 0.015 mg/kg was given at each assessment, if required. Need for rescue analgesic, pain intensity and adverse events were assessed until 6 h after hydromorphone administration or until patients were discharged, underwent a procedure to treat their painful condition, or received a rescue analgesic. ResultsWe enrolled 35 children. Fifteen, 11, and 9 children required a total dose of 0.03, 0.045, and 0.06 mg/kg, respectively. Patients in each dose group experienced an absolute decrease in pain score of ≥3/10 and percent reduction >40% within 5–15 min of completing dose-titration administration of hydromorphone. Duration of analgesia (i.e. time until rescue analgesic administered) >1 h was observed in 85.7% of patients. Patients not requiring rescue analgesics had mild or no pain until discharged or their painful conditions were treated. Three (8.6%) patients required a rescue analgesic <1 h after hydromorphone administration. There were no major adverse events. ConclusionsIntranasal hydromorphone led to rapid, clinically significant and frequently sustained decreases in pain intensity in children. No major adverse events were observed in this preliminary sample.Clinical Trials Registration Number: NCT02437669

Ultrasound guided supra-inguinal Fascia Iliaca Compartment Blocks in hip fracture patients: An alternative technique

IntroductionIn the Emergency Department, regional anesthesia is increasingly used in elderly patients with hip fractures. An example is a Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block (FICB). Traditionally, this block is administered below the inguinal ligament. There is no Emergency Department data regarding effectivity of an alternative, more cranial approach above the inguinal ligament. The objective was to determine analgesic effects of an ultrasound-guided supra-inguinal FICB in hip fracture patients in the Emergency Department. MethodsThis case series included all Emergency Department hip fracture patients who were treated with a supra-inguinal FICB during a period of 10 months. All data were recorded prospectively. Primary study outcome was decrease in Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores 60 min after the FICB. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of patients achieving 1.5 NRS points decrease at 60 min; NRS differences at 30 and 120 min compared to baseline; need for additional analgesia and occurrence of adverse events. ResultsA total of 22 patients were included in the study. At 60 min median NRS pain scores decreased from 6.0 to 3.0 (p < 0.001). Of all patients, a total of 59% achieved a decrease in 1.5 NRS points after 60 min. Median pain scores at 30 and 120 min were 4.0 (Interquartile Range (IQR) 2.0–5.0) and 2.5 (IQR 0.8–3.0). Seven patients (31.8%) required additional opioid analgesia after the FICB. No adverse events were recorded. ConclusionAn ultrasound-guided supra-inguinal FICB decreases NRS pain scores in hip fracture patients both clinically relevant and statistically significantly after 60 min. Clinical trial registrationThe study was registered in the ISRCTN database (ISRCTN74920258).

Analgesic efficacy and impact of caudal block on surgical complications of hypospadias repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and objectivesis commonly used for children undergoing hypospadias repair. However, the safety of caudal block for hypospadias repair in children is controversial in terms of surgical complications such as...

Evaluating different pain lowering medications during intrauterine device insertion: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

To synthesize the evidence on the most effective medications for the relief of intrauterine device (IUD) insertion-related pain. Systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Not applicable. Patients undergoing IUD insertion who received different medications for pain relief versus those who received placebo. Electronic search in the following bibliographic databases: Medline via PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and ScienceDirect. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain score during tenaculum placement, IUD insertion, and 5 to 20minutes after insertion, the score of easiness of insertion and the need for additional analgesics. The present review included 38 RCTs (n = 6,314 patients). The network meta-analysis showed that lidocaine-prilocaine cream (genital mucosal application) statistically significantly reduced pain at tenaculum placement compared with placebo (mean difference -2.38; 95% confidence interval, -4.07 to -0.68). In the ranking probability order, lidocaine-prilocaine cream ranked the highest in reducing the pain at tenaculum placement, followed by lidocaine (paracervical). Similarly, lidocaine-prilocaine cream ranked as the highest treatment in pain reduction during IUD insertion, followed by lidocaine (paracervical). Lidocaine-prilocaine cream is the most effective medication that can be used for IUD insertion-related pain. Other medications are not effective.

Outcomes of an enhanced recovery program after colorectal surgery: a single-center experience

Background Successful care of postoperative patients is dependent on optimal nutritional supports, which enhance wound healing and immune response. Enhanced recovery program (ERP) after surgery employs a multimodal perioperative care pathway with the aim of improving the stress response to surgery and outcomes across a range of participation from the patients, surgeons, anesthesiologists, pain specialists, and nursing staff. Objective The aim was to evaluate the outcome of fast-track rehabilitation program versus delayed oral feeding, regular forms of mobilization, and pain control in patients who underwent colorectal surgery. Design This is a prospective study. Patients and methods The present study included 60 patients who were admitted to the Ain Shams University Hospitals between September 2014 and April 2016. We prospectively compared 30 patients: group A submitted for ERP with 30 patients and group B submitted for conventional rehabilitation program for patient outcomes as regards hospital stay, rehabilitation, hospital readmission, and complications. Results Postoperative vomiting in group A occurred in eight (26.7%) patients, while 17 (56.7%) patients in group B without statistical significance, similar was the case with abdominal distention. The overall compliance in group A was better than in group B. Regarding pain control, only nine patients were in need for additional analgesia, while in group B no one was pain free, so additional analgesia was needed in 11 patients. During the hospital stay, only pulmonary complications and hypokalemia were statistically significant between the two groups (P=0.001 and 0.003, respectively). In group A, the mean total postoperative hospital stay was 4.2±1.56 days while in group B it was 8.4±1.6 days (P=0.0001). Conclusion ERP is safe and tolerable after colorectal surgery with no increase in postoperative morbidity and mortality. ERAS protocols should be implemented as the standard approach for perioperative care in colorectal surgery.

Comparative evaluation of regional blockades during arthroscopic shoulder surgery

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of interscalene brachial plexus block versus combined suprascapular and axillary nerves block for shoulder arthroscopy. Methods: In this prospective study 174 patients were operated on the shoulder joint by the arthroscopic method under combined anesthesia. In the 1st group (n=96), for the purpose of analgesia, patients got interscalene brachial plexus block; in the 2nd group (n=78), patients received suprascapular and axillary nerves block. Ultrasound visualization and neurostimulation were used in both groups. Recorded the time from the start of blockade to the start of the operation, as well as the duration of the sensory and motor blockade. The intensity of postoperative pain was assessed with a 10-point Numeric rating scale, the need for additional analgesia, the quality of night sleep, and patient comfort. Neurological complications were also recorded.&#x0D; Results: There were no differences in the time from the admit patients to the operating room and before the start surgery. The analgesic effect in the early postoperative period in the 1st group was higher, but by the end of the first day there was no statistical difference between the groups in the intensity of the pain syndrome. Intake of non-narcotic and narcotic analgesics was higher in the 2nd group. Complications were noted only for the 1st group: diaphragm paresis in 6 (6.25%) patients, in 2 (2.08%) recurrent laryngeal nerve blockade. Satisfaction with postoperative analgesia was 100% in patients of the 2nd group. The choice of regional anesthesia for arthroscopic interventions on the shoulder did not affect the length of hospitalization.&#x0D; Conclusion: Selective anesthesia of the suprascapular and axillary nerves during shoulder arthroscopic surgery is an alternative of interscalene brachial plexus block; it is not associated by respiratory and neurological complications; does not violate movements in the distal upper limb, reduces psychological discomfort and anxiety of patients.

Efeitos de tramadol, magnésio e cetamina por via intra‐articular sobre a dor pós‐operatória em meniscectomia artroscópica

ObjectivePostoperative pain control is important in terms of early recovery and rehabilitation in arthroscopic meniscectomy. For this purpose, we aimed to compare the effects of intraarticular tramadol, magnesium, and ketamine with combinations of pericapsular bupivacaine on postoperative pain and recovery in arthroscopic meniscectomy. MethodsNinety patients who underwent arthroscopic meniscectomy were enrolled in the study. Group T was given tramadol, Group K was given ketamine, and Group M was given magnesium reconstituted intraarticularly, and all groups received periarticular bupivacaine. Comparisons were made in terms of the patients’ postoperative Visual Analogue Scale scores with and without movement, need for additional analgesics, first analgesic time, mobilization times, adverse effects, and satisfaction with the analgesics. ResultsThe Visual Analogue Scale scores were lowest in Group T at 0 minutes, and were higher in the 15th and 30th minutes and 1st, 2nd, and 6th hours. Visual Analogue Scale values with movement were found to be high in Group M at 0 and 15 minutes, but they were found to be higher in group T in the 30th minute, 1st, 2nd and 6th hour. The groups were similar in terms of postoperative additional analgesic use, number of analgesic use, and satisfaction with analgesics; however, the first analgesic time was earlier in Group M, and the first mobilization time was earlier in Group K. ConclusionIntraarticular ketamine enables early mobilization and less need for additional analgesics, it also provides a better analgesic effect in comparison with intraarticular tramadol and magnesium.

Effects of intraarticular tramadol, magnesium and ketamine on postoperative pain in arthroscopic meniscectomy

ObjectivePostoperative pain control is important in terms of early recovery and rehabilitation in arthroscopic meniscectomy. For this purpose, we aimed to compare the effects of intraarticular tramadol, magnesium, and ketamine with combinations of pericapsular bupivacaine on postoperative pain and recovery in arthroscopic meniscectomy. MethodsNinety patients who underwent arthroscopic meniscectomy were enrolled in the study. Group T was given tramadol, Group K was given ketamine, and Group M was given magnesium reconstituted intraarticularly, and all groups received periarticular bupivacaine. Comparisons were made in terms of the patients’ postoperative Visual Analogue Scale scores with and without movement, need for additional analgesics, first analgesic time, mobilization times, adverse effects, and satisfaction with the analgesics. ResultsThe Visual Analogue Scale scores were lowest in Group T at 0 minutes, and were higher in the 15th and 30th minutes and 1st, 2nd, and 6th hours. Visual Analogue Scale values with movement were found to be high in Group M at 0 and 15 minutes, but they were found to be higher in group T in the 30th minute, 1st, 2nd and 6th hour. The groups were similar in terms of postoperative additional analgesic use, number of analgesic use, and satisfaction with analgesics; however, the first analgesic time was earlier in Group M, and the first mobilization time was earlier in Group K. ConclusionIntraarticular ketamine enables early mobilization and less need for additional analgesics, it also provides a better analgesic effect in comparison with intraarticular tramadol and magnesium.

Painful Recall in Elective Electrical Cardioversion with Propofol and the Need for Additional Analgesia.

Introduction Electrical cardioversion (ECV) is a short but painful procedure for treating cardiac dysrhythmias. There is a wide variation regarding the medication strategy to facilitate this procedure. Many different sedative techniques for ECV are described. Currently, the optimal medication strategy to prevent pain in ECV has yet to be established. The role for additional analgesic agents to prevent pain during the procedure remains controversial, and evidence is limited. Methods We conducted a prospective multicenter study to determine the incidence of painful recall in ECV with propofol as a sole agent for sedation, in order to assess the indication for additional opioids. In all patients, sedation was induced with propofol titrated till loss of eyelash reflex and nonresponsiveness to stimuli, corresponding to Ramsay Sedation Score level 5-6. ECV was performed with extracardiac biphasic electrical shocks. The primary outcome was painful recall of the procedure, defined as numeric pain rating scale (NRS) ≥ 1. NRS ≥ 4 is considered inadequately treated pain. Secondary outcome parameters were pain at the side of the defipads and muscle pain after ECV. Results A total of 232 patients were enrolled in this study. Six patients were excluded due to missing data or violation of study protocol. Three patients reported recall of the procedure, and one patient (0.4%) reported recall of severe pain during the procedure with NRS 7. Two patients (0.9%) reported recall of mild pain with NRS 1–3. Complete amnesia was observed in 223 patients (98.7%), with NRS 0. The mean of the total dose of propofol was 1.1 mg/kg. Fifteen patients (6.6%) experienced pain at the side of the defipads, and six patients (2.7%) complained of muscle pain after the procedure. Conclusions In this prospective multicenter study, propofol as a sole agent provided good conditions for ECV with a low incidence of recall. Effective sedation and complete amnesia was achieved in 98.7% of the patients, 0.4% of patients reported recall of severe pain during the procedure, and 0.9% of patients experienced mild pain during the ECV.

THE USE OF LIDOCAINE INFUSION FOR ANALGESIA AND PREVENTION OF ILEUS AFTER MAJOR ABDOMINAL SURGERIES

Objective. To assess the effect of infusion of lidocaine solution in patients after extensive abdominal operations. Material and methods. Were examined 42 patients with cancer of the pancreas, which is made pancreatoduodenal resections. The patients were divided into two comparable groups. Patients of the first group (n=21) before surgery injected bolus 1.5 mg/kg lidocaine, followed by infusion at a rate of 1.5 mg/kg*h during the first 24 hours after surgery. Patients of the second group (n=21) started epidural infusion of 0.2 % ropivacaine solution at a rate of 5 ml/h. The intensity of pain syndrome was evaluated on VAS at rest and during mobilization, bowel actions, the time of first flatus and first stool, the need for additional analgesics and lenght of stay in the intensive care unit. Results. The intensity of pain in the first day was significantly (p

Comparison of local and intra venous dexamethasone on post operative pain and recovery after caeseream section. A randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveTo compare the effect of local infiltration and intravenous dexamethasone on postoperative pain and recovery after Cesarean Section (CS). Material and methodsA Prospective, randomized study conducted on 120 pregnant women attending the labor wards. All participants were scheduled for elective CS under spinal anaesthesia and were randomly divided into 3 equal groups. Group 1 received 16 mg Dexamethasone IV drip. Group II received 16 mg Dexamethasone subcutaneous injection around the caesarean section scar after skin closure and Group III received Placebo (500 cc saline infusion). All cases were followed up for 48 h for assessment of level of pain by using a 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS). Primary outcome parameters were VAS score and the need for additional analgesics. Other parameters were hemodynamic changes and occurrence of side effects or complications. Resultsthere was a highly statistically significant difference between placebo and local infiltration groups and between the placebo and IV groups regarding the needs for postoperative morphine. Comparing both interventional groups revealed statistically significant difference between local infiltration and IV groups regarding the needs for postoperative morphine. ConclusionLocal infiltration of dexamethasone is more effective than systemic administration to decrease postoperative pain with weaker antiemetic effect.NCT02784340.

Painful recall in elective electrical cardioversion with propofol and the need for additional analgesia

Painful recall in elective electrical cardioversion with propofol and the need for additional analgesia

Comparative Study between Lidocaine 2% and Dexamethasone Local Wound Infiltration Effect on Postoperative Pain Post Mastectomy: A Randomized Controlled Study

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of Lidocaine 2% versus Dexamethasone injected locally in mastectomy wound as pain relieving agents. Materials & Methods: A randomized single-blinded study in which 50 patients candidate for Mastectomy were included. Participants were equally randomized into two groups; Group A, in which patients received 10 ml Lidocaine 2% and Group B, in which patients received 16 mL Dexamethasone. In both groups, the drugs were given via local infiltration in the subcutaneous layer of the Mastectomy wound immediately after skin closure. Pain control was assessed post-operatively in the first 24 hours using the visual analogue scale (VAS) in addition the need for additional analgesia was recorded. Results: There was a statistically significant lower VAS score in group A (Lidocaine group) when compared to those in group B (Dexamethasone group) 1 h, 6 h, 12 h postoperatively with no significance 24 h postoperatively (36% vs 64% 1 h, 28% vs 64% 6 h, 30% vs 72% 12 h and, 80% vs 60% 24 h). This statistical significance was evident throughout the post-operative hours (1 h, 6 h, 12 h). Though local Lidocaine caused marked improvement of pain in bigger number of patients in group A than group B, yet it showed no statistical significance 24 h post-mastectomy. Furthermore, the number of participants that needed additional doses of analgesia lower in group A (48% vs 56%) in comparison to group B, but still showed no statistical significance. Conclusion: Local injection of Lidocaine 2% in Mastectomy wounds, has an upper hand in reducing the post-operative pain and showed a lesser need for post-operative analgesia when compared to local Dexamethasone injection.

Acetaminophen or Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Acute Musculoskeletal Trauma: A Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized, Clinical Trial

We determine whether pain treatment with acetaminophen was not inferior to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or the combination of both in minor musculoskeletal trauma. The Paracetamol or NSAIDs in Acute Musculoskeletal Trauma Study was a double-blind, randomized, clinical trial conducted in 2 general practices and 2 emergency departments in the Netherlands. A total of 547adults, aged 18 years and older, with acute blunt minor musculoskeletal extremity trauma were randomlyassignedin a 1:1:1 ratio to acetaminophen 4,000 mg/day, diclofenac 150 mg/day, or acetaminophen 4,000 mg/day+diclofenac 150 mg/day during 3 consecutive days. Patients, health care staff, and outcome assessors were blinded for treatment allocation. Follow-up for each patient was 30 days. Primary outcome measures were between-group differences in mean numeric rating scale (NRS) pain scores in rest and with movement at 90 minutes after initial drug administration compared with baseline pain scores with a predefined noninferiority margin of 0.75 NRS points. Secondary outcomes included NRS pain scores during 3 consecutive daysand need for additional analgesia. One hundred eighty-two patients were treated with acetaminophen, 183 with diclofenac, and 182 with combination treatment. Intention-to-treat analysis revealed mean NRS reduction in rest -1.23 (95% confidence interval [CI]-1.50 to -0.95) and -1.72 (95% CI -2.01 to -1.44) with movement, both for acetaminophen at 90 minutes compared with baseline. Pairwise comparison in rest with diclofenac showed a difference of -0.027 (97.5% CI -0.45 to 0.39) and -0.052 (97.5% CI-0.46 to 0.36) for combination treatment. With movement, these numbers were -0.20 (97.5% CI -0.64 to 0.23) and-0.39 (97.5% CI -0.80 to 0.018), respectively. All differences were well below the predefined noninferiority margin. Pain treatment with acetaminophen was not inferior to that with diclofenac or the combination of acetaminophen and diclofenac in acute minor musculoskeletal extremity trauma, both in rest and with movement.

Comparison of IV dexketoprofen trometamol, fentanyl, and paracetamol in the treatment of renal colic in the ED: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to compare the analgesic efficacy of intravenous dexketoprofen trometamol, fentanyl, and paracetamol in patients presenting to the emergency department with renal colic. Materials and methodData obtained from the emergency departments of Gaziantep University's Hospital for Research and Practice along with two other state hospitals in Gaziantep, Turkey between January 2016 and January 2017 was used for this study. A total of three hundred patients (n=300), who presented to the ER with complaints most common to renal colic whose diagnoses were subsequently confirmed with Computerized Tomography were included in the study. Patients’ pain scores were recorded using the Visual Analogue Scale, at admission (immediately before drug administration), then at the 15th, and 30th minutes. SPSS 22.0 software package was used for analysis. p<0.05 was considered significant. ResultsAt the 15th minute comparison, the efficacies of the three groups of drugs were not superior to one other, but at the 30th minute, dexketoprofen trometamol was statistically more effective than paracetamol and fentanyl. There was no statistically significant difference between fentanyl and paracetamol. The need for additional analgesia in the group receiving dexketoprofen trometamol was found to be lower. Dexketoprofen trometamol was statistically superior to the other two agents in achieving full analgesia at the end of the thirty-minute period. Fentanyl was found to be statistically significant in achieving moderate analgesia. ConclusionAs a Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug dexketoprofen trometamol is superior to paracetamol and fentanyl in achieving analgesia and reducing the need for additional drugs for the treatment of renal colic.

Intrauterine Anaesthetic After Hysteroscopy to Reduce Post-operative Pain—A Double Blind Randomised Controlled Trial

Background Pain after hysteroscopy is usually minimal but some women need additional analgesia while in the recovery ward and some require overnight hospital admission to control pain. Intrauterine installation of an anaesthetic after hysteroscopy may reduce pain. Aims To see if intrauterine levobupivacaine reduces post-procedure pain, need for analgesia and allow earlier return to normal activity. Materials and methods This was a double-blind randomised controlled trial. Women having hysteroscopy under general anaesthesia were allocated to receive intrauterine instillation of levubupivacaine or normal saline at the end of the procedure. Women were assessed in the recovery ward by a verbal descriptor pain scale and need for additional analgesia and followed up on day 3 to further assess pain and return to normal activity. Results There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics or indication for surgery between the 224 women in the study group or the 214 women in the control group. At two hours post-procedure, 156/224 (70%) study women versus 119/214 (56%) control women had no pain; (relative risk (RR) 0.68 and 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53–0.87). There were 182/224 (81%) study women versus 154/214 (72%) control women with a pain score < 5 (RR 0.67; 95% CI 0.47–0.95). Fewer women in the study group required additional analgesia 54/224 (24%) versus 88/214 (41%) (RR 0.58; 95% CI 0.44–0.78). There was no significant difference between groups with regards to pain at 24 h post-procedure or return to activity. Conclusion Intrauterine instillation of levobupivacaine reduced post-procedure pain and need for additional pain relief.

Aspirin (single dose) for perineal pain in the early postpartum period.

Aspirin (single dose) for perineal pain in the early postpartum period.

Femoral nerve block versus intravenous fentanyl in adult patients with hip fractures - a systematic review

Hip fractures configure an important public health issue and are associated with high mortality taxes and lose of functionality. Hip fractures refer to a fracture occurring between the edge of the femoral head and 5cm below the lesser trochanter. They are common in orthopedic emergencies. The number of proximal femoral fractures is likely to increase as the population ages. The average cost of care during the initial hospitalization for hip fracture can be estimated about US$ 7,000 per patient. Femoral fractures are painful and need immediate adequate analgesia. Treating pain femoral fractures is difficult because there are limited numbers of analgesics available, many of which have side effects that can limit their use. Opiates are the most used drugs, but they can bring some complications. In this context, femoral nerve blocks can be a safe alternative. It is a specific regional anesthetic technique used by doctors in emergency medicine to provide anesthesia and analgesia of the affected leg. To compare the analgesic efficacy of intravenous fentanyl versus femoral nerve block before positioning to perform spinal anesthesia in patients with femoral fractures assessed by Pain Scales. A systematic review of scientific literature was conducted. Studies described as randomized controlled trials comparing femoral nerve block and traditional fentanyl are included. Two reviewers (MR and FH) independently assessed potentially eligible trials for inclusion. The methodology assessment was based on the tool developed by the Cochrane Collaboration for assessment of bias for randomized controlled trials. The Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Medline and Lilacs were searched for all articles published, without restriction of language or time. Two studies were included in this review. Nerve blockade seemed to be more effective than intravenous fentanyl for preventing pain in patients suffering from a femoral fracture. It also reduced the use of additional analgesia and made lower the risk for systemic complications. Femoral nerve block reduced the time to perform spinal anesthesia to the patient who will be subjected to surgery and facilitate the sitting position for this. The use of femoral nerve block can reduce the level of pain and the need for additional analgesia. There are less adverse systemic events associated with this and the procedure itself does not offer greater risks. More studies are required for further conclusions.

Tramadol versus hyoscine-N-butylbromide as intrapartum analgesics during the first stage of labor

Objective The aim was to evaluate and compare the analgesic efficacy of tramadol versus hyoscine-N-butylbromide intramuscularly given during the active phase of the first stage of labor. Materials and methods This prospective study included 140, American Society of Anesthesiologists I, laboring primigravidae, who were divided into two equal groups: group I (group B) received hyoscine-N-butylbromide (Buscopan) 40 mg intramuscular and group II (group T) received tramadol 100 mg intramuscular. Labor pain was assessed by visual analog scale before and at 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, and 3 h after drug administration. Maternal and neonatal adverse effects, drug-delivery interval, mode of delivery, need for additional analgesia, and postpartum maternal satisfaction were assessed too. Results Baseline visual analog scale scores were comparable between the groups (P>0.05). Pain scores at 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, and 3 h were significantly higher (P 0.05). A total of 56 (80%) women in group B had adverse effects versus 54 (77.1%) women in group T (P>0.05). Adverse effects were generally mild (well tolerated). Cesarean delivery percentages were comparable between the groups (P>0.05). Postpartum maternal satisfaction was significantly higher (P Conclusion Although Buscopan is cheap and safe, it is a less effective intrapartum analgesic than tramadol. It offers shorter duration of labor, so it is better recommended for primiparous women.