Oral Acetaminophen Research Articles

Comparison of Therapeutic Effect and Safety of Oral and Rectal Use of Acetaminophen on Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Infants: Clinical Randomized Trial.

The prevalence of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants is high. There is little information about the therapeutic effect and safety of rectal acetaminophen in the treatment of PDA. We aimed to compare the therapeutic effect and safety of oral and rectal acetaminophen on PDA in preterm infants. This study was a single-blind randomized clinical trial using 40 preterm infants. The cases were hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit of Mohammad Kermanshahi and Imam Reza hospitals of Kermanshah. Subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups, the first group was treated with oral acetaminophen and the second group was treated with rectal acetaminophen. The presence of PDA and response to treatment was assessed based on pre- and post-treatment echocardiographic criteria. The likelihood of complications or prohibition of acetaminophen use was assessed with paraclinical tests before and after treatment. The neonates were in the age range of 30 to 35 weeks. Twenty-one cases (52.5%) were boys and 19 cases (47.5%) were girls. Two cases in the oral-acetaminophen group and 1 case in the rectal-acetaminophen group needed the second round of treatment. There was no difference between the success of treatment and the type of treatment. The study showed that there was no difference between PDA treatment of preterm infants with oral and rectal acetaminophen. Also, no side effects were observed in treatment with any of the treatments. Therefore, it could be suggested that in infants who are intolerant to oral acetaminophen, the rectal form can be used.

Opioid-Sparing Multimodal Analgesia Efficacy in Hispanic Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty.

An institutional review board-approved, randomized controlled trial evaluated postoperative pain control after TKA in a Hispanic population. The experimental opioid-sparing group received 30-mg ketorolac intravenously every 6 hours and 1-g acetaminophen orally every 6 hours as the patient requested. The experimental group had the option to use morphine and oxycodone combined with acetaminophen as a rescue therapy. The control group received opioids in the form of 0.1-mg/kg morphine intravenously every 6 hours and/or oxycodone combined with acetaminophen (2.5 and 325 mg), 2 tablets orally every 6 hours, as the patient requested. Sociodemographic, operative, and immediate postoperative data and pain intensity measurements according to the numerical rating scale (NRS) were compared between groups. Analgesic efficacy was assessed according to the NRS scores at 12, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively. Eighty-one Hispanic patients met inclusion criteria: 42 patients in the experimental group and 39 patients in the control group. None of the patients in the experimental group requested oxycodone combined with acetaminophen as a rescue therapy. Only 2 patients in the experimental group used a mean of 3.0 ± 1.4 mg of rescue morphine; in comparison, the control group consumed a mean of 28.0 ± 7.9 mg of morphine and 64.8 ± 26.0 mg of oxycodone per patient. A pain intensity decrease was observed in the experimental and control groups, with no postoperative evaluation differences at 12 hours (6.7 ± 2.9 compared with 5.9 ± 2.8; p = 0.209), 24 hours (6.2 ± 2.0 compared with 6.1 ± 2.2; p = 0.813), and 48 hours (4.7 ± 2.1 compared with 4.6 ± 1.7; p = 0.835). The use of a multimodal analgesic regimen based on intravenous ketorolac and oral acetaminophen was adequate in reducing postoperative pain and opioid consumption in Hispanic patients undergoing TKA. Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Ocular penetration of oral acetaminophen in horses.

Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is increasingly used to treat painful conditions in horses but its ocular penetration has not been studied. To determine whether orally administered acetaminophen penetrates the aqueous humour of the normal equine eye and report an aqueous humour:serum acetaminophen concentration ratio in horses. In vivo experiment. Six privately owned horses with normal ophthalmic examinations weighing 568 ± 65 kg (mean ± standard deviation) and aged 11 ± 4 years were given 20 mg/kg acetaminophen orally every 12 h for a total of six doses. Physical exam parameters were recorded prior to, during, and after the dosing period. One hour after the final dose, horses were sedated and simultaneous aqueous humour and serum samples were collected and analysed for acetaminophen concentrations and selected eicosanoids. An aqueous humour:serum acetaminophen concentration ratio was calculated. A second aqueous humour sample was taken and analysed for eicosanoid concentrations 3 months after acetaminophen dosing. Physical exam data were compared between time points using a mixed model analysis (significance p < 0.05). Acetaminophen was detected in both serum and aqueous humour of all horses and mean ± standard deviation aqueous humour:serum acetaminophen concentration ratio was 44.9 ± 15.9%. No significant changes in physical exam parameters occurred during or after dosing. Eicosanoids were not detected in aqueous humour at any sampling point. Presence of acetaminophen in the aqueous humour may not relate to clinical effect. A therapeutic level of acetaminophen has not been determined in horses, and the absence of ocular inflammation does not reflect conditions in which acetaminophen may be used. Acetaminophen readily penetrates the aqueous humour of the normal equine eye after consecutive oral dosing. Further study is required to determine whether acetaminophen is useful in the treatment of ocular pain and inflammation.

A Network Meta-Analysis of Intravenous Versus Oral Acetaminophen for Patent Ductus Arteriosus.

The use of acetaminophen to close a PDA in preterm infants is increasing; however, the most effective route of administration is not yet known. This network meta-analysis compares the efficacy of IV versus PO routes of acetaminophen administration on clinical outcomes related to the presence of a PDA in preterm neonates. Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched from inception to October 2020. A total 21 randomized controlled trials in neonates less than 37weeks at birth, comparing oral or intravenously administered acetaminophen to close a PDA based on study criteria were included. Two authors extracted data independently and in duplicate. All outcomes were binary, and a frequentist network meta-analysis was performed. After one or two courses, both PO and IV acetaminophen were efficacious in closing a PDA with oral ranking higher than IV (low confidence). Neither medication was better than no treatment for secondary outcomes of NEC or BPD (moderate and low confidence respectively). We did not test the rectal route of acetaminophen administration and cannot make generalized statements. This study suggests oral acetaminophen increases the odds of being able to close a PDA in preterm neonates when compared to IV acetaminophen.

A RARE CASE OF PROTRACTED ANAPHYLAXIS CAUSED BY ACETAMINOPHEN

<h3>Introduction</h3> Acetaminophen is a rare but recognized etiology of anaphylaxis. We present an unusual case of protracted anaphylaxis requiring intensive care unit (ICU) monitoring following intravenous (IV) acetaminophen. <h3>Case Description</h3> A 49-year-old female with a history of ovarian cancer presented to the emergency department with pruritic urticarial rash, fevers, tachycardia, and relative hypotension. A sepsis workup was initiated. Hemodynamics improved with broad-spectrum antibiotics and fluids. Due to symptomatic high-grade fevers, IV acetaminophen was administered. Her rash, tachycardia, and relative hypotension worsened one hour following infusion. Despite resuscitation with diphenhydramine and fluids, she remained tachycardic and febrile, prompting treatment for suspected anaphylaxis with intramuscular epinephrine, corticosteroids, and additional diphenhydramine. Her rash and hemodynamics improved moderately. She was subsequently started on norepinephrine and transferred to the medical ICU, where she had two days of persistent tachycardia and fluctuating urticarial rash responsive to antihistamines. Infectious workup was unrevealing. She later revealed a prior history of urticaria following home oral acetaminophen. Tryptase drawn one hour after decompensation was elevated to 23.8 mcg/L (baseline 3.2 mcg/L). The diagnosis was made of IgE-mediated reaction to acetaminophen causing protracted anaphylaxis. <h3>Discussion</h3> Anaphylaxis secondary to acetaminophen is an uncommon but recognized phenomenon. An initial differential included pseudoallergic reaction, given acetaminophen can be a weak cyclooxygenase-1 inhibitor causing direct mast cell activation and urticaria; however, this does not classically cause hypotension. Overall, this presentation may represent a mixed picture of sepsis of unclear etiology with superimposed IgE-mediated reaction. It is important to recognize anaphylaxis can co-exist with sepsis and manifest with overlapping symptoms.

This Month in Anesthesiology

This Month in Anesthesiology

Use of Scheduled Nonopioid Analgesia to Decrease Inpatient Opioid Consumption After Scheduled Cesarean Birth

ObjectiveTo compare opioid use and pain scores in women who had scheduled cesarean birth before and after implementing a scheduled nonopioid analgesia practice guideline. DesignQuality improvement project with a comparison of pre-/postintervention. Setting/Local ProblemA 170-bed community hospital where the administration of postcesarean pain medications was unstandardized. ParticipantsConvenience sample of 175 individuals who were scheduled for cesarean birth (106 in preintervention group and 69 in postimplementation group). Intervention/MeasurementsAll participants had received a dose of 150 mcg of intrathecal morphine intraoperatively. Care of participants in the postimplementation group included a new practice guideline using preoperative oral acetaminophen 1 g and postoperative intravenous ketorolac 30 mg that transitioned to ibuprofen 600 mg orally every 6 hours until discharge. Acetaminophen 1 g every 6 hours also continued until discharge. For breakthrough pain, oxycodone 5 mg to 10 mg was available. ResultsResults were analyzed using the chi-square and t test. There was a statistical difference in the mean milligram morphine equivalent consumed after scheduled cesarean birth (preintervention = 21.15 vs. postintervention = 3.91, p < .001). Postimplementation, 84.1% of participants did not consume any opioids beyond the intrathecal dose compared to 47.2% of participants preintervention. Mean pain scores decreased from 2.49 to 1.62 (p < .001), and there was an observed decrease of the highest reported pain score from 5.39 to 4.03 (p < .001). ConclusionThe results of this project support the current literature indicating that the administration of a scheduled nonopioid multimodal analgesia regimen to individuals with scheduled cesarean birth is an effective postoperative pain management strategy. This approach to managing surgical birth pain can decrease subjective reports of pain and overall opioid consumption during the hospital stay.

P142. Single center, randomized controlled trial of intravenous vs oral acetaminophen administration in perioperative care of 1 and 2 level LLIFs with instrumented posterior lumbar fusion: a comparative effectiveness study

P142. Single center, randomized controlled trial of intravenous vs oral acetaminophen administration in perioperative care of 1 and 2 level LLIFs with instrumented posterior lumbar fusion: a comparative effectiveness study

Efficacy of PECS block in addition to multimodal analgesia for postoperative pain management in patients undergoing outpatient elective breast surgery: A retrospective study.

BackgroundPectoralis nerve blocks (PECS) have been shown in numerous studies to be a safe and effective method to treat postoperative pain and reduce postoperative opioid consumption after breast surgery. However, there are few publications evaluating the PECS block effectiveness in conjunction with multimodal analgesia (MMA) in outpatient breast surgery. This retrospective study aims to evaluate the efficacy of PECS's blocks on perioperative pain management and opioid consumption.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study to assess the efficacy of preoperative PECS block in addition to preoperative MMA (oral acetaminophen and/or gabapentin) in reducing opioid consumption in adult female subjects undergoing outpatient elective breast surgery between 2015 and 2020. A total of 228 subjects were included in the study and divided in two groups: PECS block group (received PECS block + MMA) and control Group (received only MMA). The primary outcome was to compare postoperative opioid consumption between both groups. The secondary outcome was intergroup comparisons of the following: postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), incidence of rescue antiemetic medication, PACU non-opioid analgesic medication required, length of PACU stay and the incidence of 30-day postoperative complications between both groups.ResultsTwo hundred and twenty-eight subjects (n = 228) were included in the study. A total of 174 subjects were allocated in the control group and 54 subjects were allocated in the PECS block group. Breast reduction and mastectomy/lumpectomy surgeries were the most commonly performed procedures (48% and 28%, respectively). The total amount of perioperative (intraoperative and PACU) MME was 27 [19, 38] in the control group and 28.5 [22, 38] in the PECS groups (p = 0.21). PACU opioid consumption was 14.3 [7, 24.5] MME for the control group and 17 [8, 23] MME (p = 0.732) for the PECS group. Lastly, the mean overall incidence of postsurgical complications at 30 days was 3% (N = 5), being wound infection, the only complication observed in the PECS groups (N = 2), and hematoma (N = 2) and wound dehiscence (N = 1) in the control group.ConclusionPECS block combined with MMA may not reduce intraoperative and/or PACU opioid consumption in patients undergoing outpatient elective breast surgery.

EFFICACY OF SCHEDULED INTRAVENOUS OR ORAL ACETAMINOPHEN ADMINISTRATION AFTER ROBOTIC-ASSISTED LAPAROSCOPIC RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY

(Purpose) To determine the efficacy of scheduled intravenous or oral acetaminophen administration after robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) in our hospital. (Subjects and methods) We retrospectively analyzed 173 patients who underwent RARP at our hospital between April 2019 and December 2020. The patients were divided into three groups (A, B, and C) according to the use of postoperative analgesia. Group A patients were administered acetaminophen only when needed. Group B patients were administered intravenous acetaminophen every 6 h from the day of surgery to postoperative day 2. Group C patients were prescribed oral acetaminophen from 3 to 7 days postoperatively in addition to being administered intravenous acetaminophen (similar to group B). Multivariate analysis was performed to determine whether scheduled intravenous or oral acetaminophen administration reduced unscheduled analgesic use. (Results) There were 110, 33, and 30 patients in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Significant differences in lymph node dissection rates were observed between groups A and B (70.9% vs 36.4%; P=0.001) and groups A and C (70.9% vs 33.3%; P< 0.001); furthermore, significant differences in the frequency of preoperative androgen blockade therapy were observed between groups A and C (20% vs 3.3%; P=0.029). Logistic regression analysis showed that only scheduled intravenous and oral administration of acetaminophen on postoperative days 0 to 2 was an independent factor for postoperative pain (group A vs group B: OR=0.127; 0.046-0.355; P< 0.001 and group A vs group C: OR=0.133; 0.046-0.390; P< 0.001). On postoperative days 3 to 7, there was no significant difference in the unscheduled use of analgesics between groups A and B. Only 1 of the 30 group C patients received unscheduled analgesia. (Conclusions) Scheduled intravenous or oral administration of acetaminophen may reduce unscheduled analgesic use after RARP.

A Case Illustrating the Practical Application of the AAOS Clinical Practice Guideline: Pharmacologic, Physical, and Cognitive Pain Alleviation for Musculoskeletal Extremity/Pelvis Surgery.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Clinical Practice Guideline "Pharmacologic, Physical, and Cognitive Pain Alleviation for Musculoskeletal Extremity/Pelvis Surgery" is a summary of the available literature designed to help guide surgeons provide a safe and effective means of pain alleviation for orthopaedic surgery patients. The following case study demonstrates these guidelines at work in a patient undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty. The recommendations listed in the following sentences are from the Clinical Practice Guideline. Preoperative patient education regarding the effects of opioids and benefits of early termination may help patients discontinue opioids earlier in their postoperative course. Perioperative use of intravenous ketamine and regional anesthesia continuous peripheral nerve catheters help reduce pain scores and decrease opioid use. Postoperative cryotherapy may provide a modest benefit in reducing pain scores. Postoperative cyclooxygenase-2 selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and oral acetaminophen improve pain and decrease opioid use. Combination opioid/NSAIDs may provide a modest improvement in pain scores at the expense of NSAID dose optimization in the postoperative period. Gabapentin has not been shown to improve patient outcomes; however, pregabalin may decrease pain and opioid use after total joint arthroplasty.

Increasing Alprostadil Requirements in a Neonate With Cardiac Anomalies and Co-administration of Rectal and Oral Acetaminophen.

A patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) results from the failure of the ductus arteriosus to close within 72 hours after birth. In most neonates, a PDA can lead to significant morbidities and often warrants pharmacologic intervention for closure. Common pharmacologic interventions include indomethacin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen. In cases of ductal-dependent congenital heart defects (CHDs), such as hypoplastic left heart syndrome, it is imperative to keep the ductus arteriosus patent to maintain adequate pulmonary or systemic circulation until surgical intervention can be performed. The only proven pharmacologic agent used for this indication is prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) commonly in the form of intravenous alprostadil. This case report describes a neonate with multiple cardiac and genetic anomalies that required increased alprostadil infusion after exposure to rectal and oral acetaminophen. The patient initially presented with a large PDA on echocardiogram (ECHO); however, after an incidental finding of a small PDA on ECHO, the administration of as needed rectal acetaminophen was discontinued out of concern for its effects on patency. After a few days of increased prostaglandin therapy and 2 reassuring ECHO results, the patient was given oral acetaminophen on an as needed basis. Within 24 hours of restarting the acetaminophen, the repeated ECHO showed a reduction in PDA and flow. In patients with ductal-dependent cardiac lesions, it is important to maintain PDA patency and, therefore, introducing a medication with antiprostaglandin properties should be avoided.

Quadratus Lumborum Block for Upper Tract Urological Surgery in Pediatric Patients

Abstract Objective Among regional blocks, the quadratus lumborum fascial plane block (QLB) has been well described, but the description of its use and efficacy for pediatric patients undergoing upper abdominal urologic surgery is limited. We present a case series examining the use of the QLB for postoperative pain management in children undergoing upper tract surgery. Methods From August 2019 to August 2020, through a chart review, we identified 5 patients who had undergone a QLB for upper urinary tract surgery via a flank incision. Posterior QLB was performed after induction of general anesthesia. A single injection of 0.5mL/kg of either 0.25% or 0.5% ropivacaine with 1mcg/kg of clonidine was administered. Patients received fentanyl IV (1 mcg/kg), and acetaminophen IV (15mg/kg) as adjuvants during the operation. Postoperative pain was managed with oral acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Results The average postoperative pain score during the entire admission was 1, with the lowest being 0 and highest, 3. No administration of rescue narcotics was required in the postanesthesia care unit or on the floor. The average length of stay ranged from 0 to 1 day. No complications associated with the regional QLB were identified. Conclusions Our series suggests the QLB may be considered as a regional anesthetic option to minimize narcotic requirements for children undergoing upper abdominal urological surgery via flank incision. Additional studies are needed to compare the efficacy of the QLB versus alternate regional anesthetic blocks for upper tract urological surgery via flank incision in children and to determine effective dosing and use of adjuvants.

Antipyretic Effectiveness of Oral Acetaminophen Versus Rectal Acetaminophen in Pediatric Patients With Fever.

Acetaminophen, one of the routine medicines used for temperature reduction in febrile children, is available in multiple routes of administration, including oral and rectal routes. Our objective is to compare the antipyretic effectiveness of oral acetaminophen versus rectal acetaminophen in pediatric patients with fever in terms of temperature reduction. Medline and Embase databases were searched from inception to August 2021. Cohort studies, case-control studies, experimental studies, and randomized controlled trial studies comparing oral and rectal administered acetaminophen in pediatric patients were included. Two reviewers independently extracted data. A total of 5 randomized studies (n = 362) were included in the meta-analysis. No significant difference was found between oral and rectal acetaminophen in temperature reduction at 1 hour (weighted mean difference [WMD], 0.04°C; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.10°C to 0.19°C; P = .501) or 3 hours (WMD, -0.14°C; 95% CI, -0.37°C to 0.10°C; P = .212) after administration (WMD, -0.14°C; 95% CI, -0.37°C to 0.10°C; P = .212). Oral and rectal acetaminophen have no significant difference in antipyretic effectiveness at 1 and 3 hours after administration. If both options are available, oral acetaminophen would be preferred because of a more predictable drug level after administration. However, for febrile children with specific circumstances for whom oral acetaminophen could not be administered, rectal acetaminophen may be an alternative option for a short period of time (<48 hours).

Effect of intravenous acetaminophen on postoperative outcomes in hip fracture patients: a systematic review and narrative synthesis.

Hip fractures are debilitating in older adults because of their impact on quality of life. Opioids are associated with adverse effects in this population, so oral acetaminophen is commonly prescribed to minimize opioid use. Intravenous (iv) acetaminophen has been reported to have superior efficacy and bioavailability than oral acetaminophen. Nevertheless, its effect on postoperative outcomes in emergency hip fractures is unclear. This systematic review assessed the effect of iv acetaminophen on postoperative outcomes in older hip fracture patients. We searched multiple databases from inception to June 2021 for studies on adults > 50 yr of age undergoing emergency hip fracture surgery who received iv acetaminophen (or paracetamol) and that reported postoperative outcomes. Relevant titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened based on the eligibility criteria. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the quality of the selected papers. Of 3,510 initial studies, four met the inclusion criteria. One was a prospective cohort study and three were retrospective cohort studies. All four studies used historical control groups. Three studies reported a significantly lower mean opioid dose with iv acetaminophen than with oral acetaminophen. Three studies also reported a significantly shorter hospital stay. One study each reported a significant decrease in the number of missed physical therapy sessions, the need for one-to-one supervision, and episodes of delirium. There is very limited low-level evidence that iv acetaminophen improves preoperative and postoperative analgesia and shortens hospital stay in older hip fracture patients. Nevertheless, our results should be interpreted with caution since there are no prospective randomized trials investigating whether iv acetaminophen improves postoperative outcomes in this patient population. PROSPERO (CRD42021198174); registered 15 August 2021.

Sheppard Siegal Syndrome (Familial Mediterranean fever): The Value of Serum Amyloid a in the Diagnosis and Treatment Decision

Background: Sheppard Siegal syndrome was first described in 1945 by Sheppard Siegal. He described in details an extraordinary syndrome that was often undiagnosed because it was not clearly understood. The syndrome described by Siegal is characterized by recurrent attacks of fever, and commonly begins during childhood, and may begin as early as seven months. Attacks of the syndrome usually last two to three days and, often recur every few weeks. Siegal emphasized that progressive renal disease in the form of amyloidosis or chronic glomerulonephritis is the most serious organ involvement. Four mutations in the MEFV gene have been reported to account for 86% of the mutations causing Sheppard Siegal syndrome. Colchicine has been used for the treatment and prevention amyloidosis. Patients and methods: The father of a 3.5-year Iraqi boy (Born on the 19th of March, 2018) of Kurdish origin living in Dubai consulted us during September, 2021 about the appropriate treatment of his son who was experiencing recurrent attacks of high fever over about one year. He consulted us after consulting few physicians in Dubai who were prescribing oral and injectable acetaminophen for the symptomatic control of fever during the attacks. The case was studied and an evidenced-based recommendation is presented in this paper. Results: The attacks of fever were persisting for few days and were not generally associated with mo other significant symptoms other than the general ill health and tiredness that can be associate with fevers of various etiologies. Between the attacks, the boy was in good health and had normal activity. The father was unaware of a similar illness in their relatives. Serum amyloid A (EIA) was performed during the last attack of fever during August, 2021, and was very high (517mg/L), as the normal level is less than 6.40517mg/L. Analysis of regions of the MEFV gene showed no pathogenic variants were detected. Conclusion: We have recommended monitoring serum amyloid A during attack free periods, and initiate colchicine therapy if serum amyloid A was found high to prevent the development of amyloidosis according to the evidence provided by Berkun et al (2007).

Design, synthesis and preclinical evaluation of bio-conjugated amylinomimetic peptides as long-acting amylin receptor agonists

Pramlintide is an equipotent amylin analogue that reduces food intake and body weight in obese subjects and has been clinically approved as an adjunctive therapy for the treatment of adult diabetic patients. However, due to its extremely short half-life in vivo, a regimen of multiple daily administrations is required for achieving clinical effectiveness. Herein is described the development of prototypical long-acting pramlintide bioconjugates, in which pramlintide's disulfide-linked macrocycle was replaced by a cyclic thioether motif. This modification enabled stable chemical conjugation to a half-life extending antibody. In contrast to pramlintide (t1/2 < 0.75 h), bioconjugates 35 and 38 have terminal half-lives of ∼2 days in mice and attain significant exposure levels that are maintained up to 7 days. Single dose subcutaneous administration of 35 in lean mice, given 18–20 h prior to oral acetaminophen (AAP) administration, significantly reduced gastric emptying (as determined by plasma AAP levels). In a separate study, similar administration of 35 in fasted lean mice effected a reduction in food intake for up to 48 h. These data are consistent with durable amylinomimetic responses and provide the basis for further development of such long-acting amylinomimetic conjugates for the potential treatment of obesity and associated pathologies.

A Review of Current Literature of Interest to the Office-Based Anesthesiologist.

A Review of Current Literature of Interest to the Office-Based Anesthesiologist.

Minimal effective dose of ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block to reduce oral analgesic requirement after ambulatory laparoscopic tubal resection: a randomized controlled superiority trial

BackgroundThe effective dose during ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block (URSB) for reducing pain after laparoscopic tubal ligation is reported to be 100 mg of 0.25% bupivacaine. We examined the minimal effective dose of 0.25% bupivacaine for URSB on oral analgesic requirement after ambulatory single-port laparoscopic tubal resection.MethodsA prospective, randomized controlled, superiority trial was conducted among patients who had been scheduled for ambulatory laparoscopic tubal resection between September 2015 and January 2019 at a tertiary care hospital in southern Thailand. Anesthesia was induced following protocol. The intervention group was allocated to receive a bilateral URSB using 10 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine on either side after intubation (total 50 mg) while the control group did not receive the sham block. Patients and assessors were blinded to the study intervention. All patients received a multimodal analgesia regimen as follows: fentanyl and ketorolac intraoperatively and fentanyl and oral acetaminophen at the post-anesthetic care unit. Postoperative oral analgesic requirement (acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen) at home was the primary outcome. Postoperative time to first analgesic requirement, oral analgesia (acetaminophen/ibuprofen), and pain score at 6 and 24 h were accessed via telephone interviews. Percentage, effect size (ES), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were presented.ResultsA total of 66 out of 79 eligible patients were analyzed (32 intervention, 34 control). Intraoperative fentanyl consumption was significantly lower in the intervention group (ES [95% CI]: 0.58 [0.08, 1.07] mcg, p = 0.022). Time to first oral analgesia in the intervention group was significantly longer than that of the control group (ES [95% CI]: 0.66 [0.14, 1.16] h, p = 0.012). The proportion of oral analgesia requirement at 24 h after surgery in the control group was significantly higher than that in the intervention group (97% vs 75%, p = 0.012). Pain scores at 6 and 24 h were similar in both groups although slightly lower in the intervention group (ES [95% CI]: 0.22 [−0.26, 0.71], p = 0.368 and 0.33 [−0.16, 0.81], p = 0.184, respectively).ConclusionA dose of 0.25% bupivacaine 50 mg for URSB reduced the oral analgesic requirement at 24 h and prolonged the time to first analgesic requirement after ambulatory laparoscopic tubal resection.Trial registrationThaiclinicaltrials.orgTCTR20150921002. Registered on 18 September 2015

The impact of postoperative pain and pain management following sacrospinous ligament fixation on trial of void failure

Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) and the need to be discharged with a urinary catheter after trial of void (TOV) failure are significant sources of distress for patients. These patients may also be at higher risk of postoperative urinary tract infections. Concomitant midurethral sling, anterior repair, and intraoperative blood loss have been shown to increase the risk of TOV failure following surgery for pelvic organ prolapse. Postoperative pain has not been previously investigated as it relates to TOV failure. This study assessed whether pain and pain management affected TOV failure in patients who underwent sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF). We hypothesized that patients with greater postoperative pain are more likely to have POUR. This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent SSLF from January 2014 to September 2021 at five hospitals within a health system. Patients were identified using CPT code 57282. They were included if they were over the age of 18 and underwent SSLF; and were excluded if they did not undergo a trial of void on postoperative day 1 and did not have pain scores or pain medications recorded electronically. Demographics and intraoperative characteristics were collected based on previous studies. Our primary outcome was the impact of mean and highest verbal pain score on TOV failure. Secondary outcomes were the impact of oral morphine equivalents, acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) per hour, time from last pain medication, and whether pain medication was scheduled on TOV failure. Statistical significance was set at a p-value of 0.05. Statistical analyses were completed using Mann-Whitney U and Fisher’s Exact tests. Two hundred and eighteen (218) patients were identified. Of those, 29 were duplicates and 47 met exclusion criteria. One hundred and forty-two (142) patients were included in the analysis, of which 26.8% failed TOV on postoperative day 1. Age and concomitant hysterectomy were associated with TOV failure (p=0.05 and p=0.003). Other demographic and intraoperative factors were not significantly different. Mean and highest verbal pain scores were not significantly different (mean: 3.00 vs. 2.70, p=0.24; highest: 6.00 vs. 6.00, p=0.36). NSAID use per hour was higher in patients who passed their TOV (60.15 vs. 0.0, p=0.03), and patients whose NSAIDs were scheduled were more likely to pass their TOV versus those whose NSAIDs were given as needed or were not given at all (p=0.02). All other secondary outcomes were not significantly different. In patients who underwent SSLF, there was no difference in pain scores between the two groups. Scheduled NSAID administration and NSAIDs consumed per hour postoperatively were significantly associated with higher TOV pass rates. This suggests that the anti-inflammatory properties of NSAIDs may help decrease POUR.