Pain Regimen Research Articles

Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of Pain Reduction by Gabapentin for Acute Headache and Meningismus After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Pilot Study

Introduction: Severe, often sudden-onset headache is the principal presenting symptoms of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). We hypothesized that gabapentin would be safe and tolerable for aSAH-induced headaches and would reduce concurrent opioid use.Methods: We performed a single-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (registered at ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT02330094) from November 24, 2014, to June 24, 2017, where aSAH patients received either dose-escalating gabapentin or oral placebo, both alongside a standard of care pain regimen. After 7 days, patients had the option to continue in an open-label period until 14 days after enrollment or until discharge from the intensive care unit. Our primary endpoint was the efficacy of gabapentin in reducing headache numeric pain scores and opioid usage in patients with aSAH compared to the placebo group. We identified 63 potential patients with aSAH for the study. After applying stringent exclusion criteria, 16 eligible patients were enrolled into one of two arms.Results: The study ended prematurely after reaching a pre-specified funding period and an unexpected drop in aSAH cases. There was a trend toward lower headache numeric pain scores and opioid use in the gabapentin treated arm; however this was not significantly different. Gabapentin was well tolerated by participants and no adverse effects were reported.Conclusions: While there was a trend toward lower pain scores and opioid requirement in the gabapentin group, the study was underpowered to detect a difference. Larger multicenter trials are required to evaluate the efficacy of gabapentin to reduce opioid requirements after aSAH.

Hemorrhage Rates in Pediatric Patients Receiving Postoperative Steroids After Tonsillectomy.

Importance. Developing a safe postoperative pain regimen after tonsillectomy is important. While postoperative steroids may provide an analgesic benefit, it is not known whether steroids increase the bleeding risk after tonsillectomy. Objective. To determine whether postoperative steroids increase the risk of hemorrhage after tonsillectomy in children. Design. Retrospective cohort study. Setting. Tertiary referral academic medical center. Participants. An age- and indication-matched cohort was randomly selected from tonsillectomy patients ≤12 years old from 2012 to 2017. Intervention. Prednisolone, 0.5 mg/kg (maximum dose 20 mg/day) qAM × 3 days postoperatively. Main Outcome. Postoperative hemorrhage requiring operative intervention. Results. A total of 1358 patients were included in this study, 679 of which received postoperative steroids. The steroid group had a similar of operative intervention for post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage of 1.8% versus 2.2% in the nonsteroid group (P = .560). Conclusion and Relevance. Post-tonsillectomy steroid use is not associated with an increase in operative intervention for postoperative hemorrhage.

The Impact of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs on Older Adult Trauma Patients With Hip Fractures

BackgroundNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use is frequently recommended for multimodal analgesia to reduce opioid use. We hypothesized that increased NSAID utilization will decrease opioid requirements without leading to significant complications in older adult trauma patients undergoing hip fracture repair. MethodsAn observational cross-sectional cohort study of 190,057 adult trauma patients over a 6-y period (2008-2014) in the national Premier Healthcare Database was performed. Patients aged 65 or older undergoing femur repair and hip arthroplasty following fractures due to falls were analyzed. Primary outcome was opioid use, and secondary outcomes included transfusion requirements, length of stay (LOS), and organ system dysfunction. Continuous outcomes were analyzed using mixed-effect linear regression models to assess the effect of NSAIDs on the day of surgery. Fixed effects were included for patient and hospital characteristics, comorbidities, co-treatments, and surgery. Random intercepts for each hospital were included to control for clustering. Categorical outcomes were similarly analyzed using mixed-effect logistic regression models. ResultsNSAIDs decreased opioids prescribed (12.01 versus 11.43 morphine milligram equivalents) (odds ratio [OR], −0.23; confidence interval [CI] = −0.41, −0.06) without overall increased bleeding (40.83% versus 43.18%; OR, 1.02; CI = 0.99, 1.05). NSAIDs were associated with reduced LOS (5.61 versus 5.96 d; CI = −0.24, −0.12), intensive care unit admissions (9.73% versus 10.59%; OR, 0.91; CI = 0.86, 0.96), and pulmonary complications (OR, 0.88; CI = 0.83, 0.93). Additionally, there was a 21% prescribing variability based solely on hospital. ConclusionsNSAIDs were associated with decreased opioid requirements, hospital LOS, and intensive care unit admissions in older adult trauma patients without overall increase in bleeding. NSAIDs should be considered in multimodal pain regimens, moreover, given prescribing variability guidelines are needed. Level of EvidenceLevel III, Prognostic.

Role of intravenous acetaminophen in pediatric anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

BackgroundIntravenous acetaminophen is used as part of a multimodal analgesia regimen for a variety of surgical procedures. In 2015, we implemented a standardized clinical management guideline for patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. In this study we investigate the clinical impact of intravenous acetaminophen in pediatric patients undergoing arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction managed with and without intravenous acetaminophen. The primary hypothesis of this study was that patients managed with intraoperative intravenous acetaminophen would require less total in-hospital opioid medications. MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, we compared all patients aged 10 to 21 years of age who underwent arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction at any of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia locations between December 1, 2015 and November 30, 2017. The patients were grouped based on the administration of an intraoperative dose of intravenous acetaminophen (Group A) or those managed without intraoperative intravenous acetaminophen (Group B). ResultsWe identified 318 patients who underwent an arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Patients were similar in age, gender, weight, and duration of surgery. When we grouped the patients based on location of surgery (main hospital vs. ambulatory surgery center), we found that the dose of total in-hospital opioid was not significantly different between the Group A and Group B at the main hospital [difference of mean (95% CI) 0.013 (-0.005, 0.032), p = 0.16); and at the ambulatory surgery center [difference of mean (95% CI) 0.002 (-0.008, 0.011), p = 0.99). ConclusionsIn this cohort, we found that the addition of intravenous acetaminophen to a multimodal pain regimen for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery is not associated with a reduction in total in-hospital opioid use. This finding may be related to the concomitant use of peripheral nerve blocks and intravenous ketorolac.

Multimodal Pain Management Following Total Knee And Hip Arthroplasty: Impact On Functional Outcomes

PURPOSE: To investigate if multimodal pain medication management improves functional status and decreases opioid consumption in the inpatient subacute rehabilitation setting following total hip and knee arthroplasty. METHODS: Retrospective cohort electronic medical record analysis over a three-year period. Patients divided into 3 groups based on pain regimens: Opioid Only (O), Opioid and NSAIDS (NS), Opioid and Neuromodulators (ON). Morphine milligram equivalent (MME) doses were calculated for all opioids. Charts were evaluated for Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores in walking, wheelchair, bathing, toilet transfer, bed transfer, and walking distance. RESULTS: A total of 161 patients were included in the study: 99 O, 43 ON, and 19 NS. The mean age of the study population was 65 years old, with 70% of patients being female, African American, and having received unilateral knee replacement surgery. There were no significant inter-group demographic differences. The ON group showed the greatest improvement in FIM scores for Walking, Wheelchair mobility, Bathing, and Bed transfers (See FIM Score table). All patients treated with multimodal pain regimens improved from walking 50-149 feet on admission to greater than 150 feet on discharge, whereas 3/17 patients treated with opiates only did not improve to walking greater than 150 feet. At discharge, the O group was using ~59 morphine milligram equivalent (MME) doses per day, whereas the ON group was using 50 MME, and the NS group was using 41.5 MME. Differences in FIM scores and MME dosing did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with multimodal pain regimens achieved CDC recommended guidelines of <50 MME per day on discharge. Patients treated with opiates and neuromodulators showed the greatest functional outcome gains in 4/5 categories.

Effectiveness of Multimodal Pain Therapy on Reducing Opioid Use in Surgical Geriatric Hip Fracture Patients.

There is a need for appropriate pain control in the geriatric hip fracture population to prevent diminished function, increased mortality, and opioid dependence. Multimodal pain therapy is one method for reducing pain postoperatively while also decreasing opioid use in the geriatric hip fracture patient. This study aimed to determine whether multimodal pain therapy could decrease opioid use without increasing pain scores in surgical geriatric hip fracture patients. This was a before-and-after cohort study. The hospital implemented multimodal pain control order sets with a standardized pain regimen and performed retrospective chart review pre- and postorder set implementation for analysis. A total of 248 patients were enrolled in the study: 131 in the preorder set group and 117 in the postorder set group. The mean postoperative oral morphine equivalent (OME) was significantly lower in the postorder set group than in the preorder set group (45.1 mg vs. 63.4 mg, respectively, p = .03). Compared with the preorder set group, total OME and postoperative OME were decreased by 22.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] -44.9, -3.8), 1-tailed p < .01, and 53.6% (95% CI -103.4, -16.1), 1-tailed p <.01 respectively, in the postorder set group. There was not a statistically significant difference in mean pain scores at 6, 24, and 48 hr postoperatively (p = .53, .10, and .99), respectively. Implementing a multimodal approach to pain management may help reduce opioid use and may be a critical maneuver in averting the national opioid epidemic.

Community hospital decreases narcotic usage in postoperative bariatric patients.

Opioids have long been used as an effective form of analgesia for pain in the postoperative setting; however, their addictive potential and associated complications have become a detriment. There has been an increasing movement to decrease opioid prescribing. The aim of this study was to look at common bariatric surgery procedures at a single institution and compare opioid usage before and after the implementation of a multimodal pain regimen. Community program, hospital-employed, and private practice, United States. Six hundred twelve laparoscopic gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy patients were included in this single-institution retrospective cohort study. Data were obtained from chart review. Comparison was made between patients from 2016 and patients from a 3-month period in 2017 when the new pain management protocol had been instituted. The postoperative opioid usage of 516 patients from 2016 was compared with that of 96 patients from a 3-month period in 2017 after initiating the new pain management protocol. The mean intravenous hydromorphone usage of the control group, 16.0 ± 14.6 morphine milligram equivalent (or 4.0 mg ± .2), over the postoperative inpatient stay decreased to 7.3 ± 6.7 morphine milligram equivalent (or 1.8 mg ± .2) in the study group. This represents a 55% decrease. The study group did show less 30-day postoperative complications compared with the control, 1.04% and 2.13%, respectively, although this was not statistically significant. A multimodal pain regimen is an effective way to cut opioid usage with no statisticaldifference in overall 30-day complications.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in the Overhead Athlete: Diagnosis and Treatment Recommendations.

Neurovascular compression in the upper extremity is rare but can affect even those participating in high-level competitive athletics. To assess optimal approaches to treatment, in this review, we evaluate the current literature on neurovascular compressive syndromes affecting the upper extremity, with a special focus on the thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Neurovascular compression at the thoracic outlet can involve the brachial plexus, subclavian artery, or subclavian vein, each with distinct clinical manifestations. Neurogenic TOS is best treated with surgical decompression, if physical therapy has not improved symptoms. Venous TOS results in acute thrombosis superimposed on chronic venous compression. Treatment is best directed at early anticoagulation, catheter-directed thrombolysis, and surgical decompression, with most patients able to discontinue anticoagulation and return to high-level athletic activity. Arterial TOS is related to aneurysmal degeneration of the subclavian artery with distal embolization, leading to limb-threatening ischemia. This should be aggressively treated with surgery. Similar degenerative changes can occur in the axillary artery and its branches, leading to distal embolization. Prompt recognition of these potential sources of limb-threatening ischemia is critical to limb preservation. TOS includes rare but important conditions in the overhead athlete. Recent advances in physical therapy and image-guided diagnostic techniques have facilitated more accurate diagnosis. Surgical treatment remains the gold standard to maximize function or for limb preservation, and future research is needed to clarify optimal pain and physiotherapy regimens, as well as to examine novel approaches to neurovascular decompression.

Multimodal Analgesia and Discharge Opioid Requirements in Burn Patients.

Analgesia in burn patients is challenging given the complexity of burn pain and prolonged need beyond hospital admission. Given the risks of opioids, the impact of multimodal analgesia postdischarge needs to be further elucidated in this population. This retrospective, single-center cohort study evaluated adult burn patients who were consecutively admitted to the burn service with at least 10% total body surface area burned and subsequently followed in the burn clinic between February 2015 and September 2018. Subjects were separated into two cohorts based on discharge pain regimens: multimodal and nonmultimodal. The primary outcome was the change in opioid requirements (measured in oral morphine equivalents) between discharge and first follow-up interval. Secondary outcomes included the classes of multimodal agents utilized and a comparison of opioid requirements between the last 24 hours of admission and discharge. A total of 152 patients were included for analysis, 76 in the multimodal cohort and 76 in the nonmultimodal cohort. The multimodal cohort was noted to have increased total body surface area burned and prolonged number of days spent in the intensive care unit at baseline; however, the multimodal cohort exhibited a more significant decrease in opioid requirements from discharge to first follow-up interval when compared with the nonmultimodal cohort (106.6 vs 75.4 mg, P = .039).

Using pharmacogenetics to structure individual pain management protocols in total knee arthroplasty

The purpose of this study was to use pharmacogenetics to determine the frequency of genetic variants in our total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients that could affect postoperative pain medications. Pharmacogenetic testing evaluates patient DNA to determine if a drug is expected to have a normal clinical effect, heightened effect, or no effect at all on the patient. It also predicts whether patients are likely to experience side effects from medicine. We further sought to determine if changing the multimodal programme based on these results would improve pain control or reduce side effects. In this pilot study, buccal samples were collected from 31 primary TKA patients. Pharmacogenetics testing examined genetic variants in genes OPRM1, CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C19, CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP2D6. These genes affect the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids. We examined the frequency of genetic variants to any of the medications we prescribed including celecoxib, hydrocodone, and tramadol. Patients were randomized to one of two groups: the control group received the standard postoperative pain regimen, and the study group received a customized regimen based on the pharmacogenetic results. For the first ten postoperative days, patients recorded pain scores, medication, and side effects. Genetic variants involving one or more medications in the multimodal pain protocol occurred in 13 of the 31 patients (42%). In total, eight patients (26%) had variants affecting more than one of the medications. For the 25 patients who recorded pain and medication logs, the mean pain levels and morphine equivalents (MEQs) consumed in the first ten days were higher in the control group than in the custom-guided group (p = 0.019 for pain and p = 0.655 for MEQ). Overall, 42% of patients had a variant involving one of the pain medications prescribed in our perioperative pain program for TKA. Ongoing research will help determine if using these data to modify a patient's medication will improve outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6 Supple A):73-78.

Reassessing Opioid Use in Breast Surgery

BackgroundThis study aims to assess multimodal pain management and opioid prescribing practices in patients undergoing breast surgery. MethodsA retrospective review of patients undergoing breast surgery at an academic medical center between April 1, 2018 and September 30, 2019, was performed. Patients with a history of recent opioid use or conditions precluding use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen (APAP) were excluded. Opioid-sparing pain regimens were assessed. Opioids prescribed on discharge were recorded as oral morphine equivalents (OMEs) and concordance with the Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network (OPEN) determined. ResultsThe total study population consisted of 518 patients. 358 patients underwent minor outpatient procedures (sentinel lymph node biopsy, lumpectomy, and excisional biopsy), 10-40% of whom were appropriately prescribed as per the OPEN. Perioperatively, 53.9% of patients received APAP, 24.6% NSAIDs, 20.4% gabapentin, and 0.3% blocks; intraoperatively, 95.8% received local anesthetic and 25.7% ketorolac. For mastectomy without reconstruction, 63-88% of prescriptions were concordant with the OPEN. For mastectomy with reconstruction, discharge opioids ranged from 25 to 400 OMEs with a mean of 134.4 OMEs; 25% of patients received a refill. Of all patients undergoing mastectomy ± reconstruction, 62.5% received APAP, 18.8% NSAIDs, 38.8% pregabalin, and 20.6% locoregional block perioperatively; 37.5% received local anesthetic and 15.6% ketorolac intraoperatively. Of 143 inpatient stays, 89% received APAP, 38% NSAID, and 29% benzodiazepines; 29 patients received no opioids inpatient but were still prescribed 25-200 OMEs on discharge. ConclusionsThere is need for a multidisciplinary approach to pain management with the use of enhanced recovery after surgery protocols as potential means to standardize perioperative regimens and mitigate opioid overprescription.

The Efficacy and Safety of Acetaminophen in Total Joint Arthroplasty: Systematic Review and Direct Meta-Analysis

BackgroundOral and intravenous (IV) acetaminophen has become widely used perioperatively as part of a multi-modal pain management protocol for primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The purpose of our study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acetaminophen in support of the combined clinical practice guidelines of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Hip Society, Knee Society, and American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Management. MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies published prior to September 2019 on acetaminophen in primary TJA. All included studies underwent qualitative and quantitative homogeneity testing followed by a systematic review and direct comparison meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of acetaminophen. ResultsIn total, 1287 publications were critically appraised yielding 17 publications representing the best available evidence for analysis. Oral and IV acetaminophen demonstrates the ability to safely reduce postoperative pain and opioid consumption during the inpatient hospital stay. No evidence was available to assess the efficacy and safety of oral acetaminophen after discharge. ConclusionModerate evidence supports the use of oral and IV acetaminophen as a non-opioid adjunct for pain management during the inpatient hospitalization. Strong evidence supports the safety of oral and IV acetaminophen when appropriately administered to patients undergoing primary TJA. Although there is lack of robust evidence for use of acetaminophen following discharge, it remains a low-cost and low-risk option as part of a multimodal pain regimen.

Are narcotic pain medications necessary after discharge following thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy?

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine whether patients undergoing thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy have similar postoperative pain if managed with an opioid-sparing regimen versus an opioid-containing regimen. We hypothesized that an opioid-sparing regimen would provide equivalent analgesia. MethodsWe performed a prospective, randomized trial (clinicaltrials.govNCT03640247) comparing non-narcotic and narcotic postoperative pain regimens after discharge. Patients ≥18 y undergoing thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy were eligible for inclusion. Patients were excluded if they were taking a narcotic. Patients in the nonnarcotic arm of the study received acetaminophen, alternating with ibuprofen, and patients in the narcotic arm received the same medications plus a narcotic. ResultsOf 126 patients, 64 patients were in the nonnarcotic group and 62 were in the narcotic group. The mean age was 54 ± 14 y, and 108 (86%) patients were female. Median pain scores were similar on postoperative day #0 (narcotic group 7 versus nonnarcotic group 7.5), postoperative day #1 (narcotic group 6 versus nonnarcotic group 6), postoperative day #2 (narcotic group 5 versus nonnarcotic group 5), postoperative day #3 (narcotic group 4 versus nonnarcotic group 4), postoperative day #4 (narcotic group 3 versus nonnarcotic 3) and postoperative day #5 (narcotic group 2.5 versus nonnarcotic group 2, all P > .1). A total of 31 (50%) patients in the narcotic group did not take a narcotic. A total of 8 (12.5%) patients in the nonnarcotic group and of 31 (50%) patients in the narcotic group took a median total of 2 narcotic tablets. ConclusionAn opioid-sparing pain medication regimen provides effective analgesia for most patients after thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy.

A comprehensive model for pain management in patients undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery: a prospective clinical practice study

Postoperative opioid prescription patterns play a key role in driving the opioid epidemic. A comprehensive system toward pain management in surgical patients is necessary to minimize overall opioid consumption. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a pain management model in patients undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery by measuring postdischarge narcotic use in morphine milligram equivalents. This is a prospective clinical practice study that included women undergoing inpatient pelvic reconstructive surgery from December 2018 to June 2019 with overnight stay after surgery. As a routine protocol, all the patients followed an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol that included a preoperative multimodal pain regimen. Brief Pain Inventory surveys were collected preoperatively and on postoperative day 1. Brief pain inventory and activities assessment scale scores were collected at postoperative week 1 and postoperative weeks 4-6 after surgery. Patients were discharged with 15 tablets of an oral narcotic using an electronic prescription for controlled substances software platform, which is mandated in the state of Connecticut for all controlled substances, prescriptions, and refills. Patients were called at postoperative week 1 and postoperative weeks 4-6 to answer questions regarding their pain, the number of remaining narcotic tablets, and patient satisfaction regarding pain management. Patient electronic medical records and the Connecticut Prescription Monitoring and Reporting System were reviewed to determine whether patients received narcotic refills. Primary outcome was postdischarge narcotic use measured in morphine milligram equivalents. Secondary outcomes evaluated refill rate, brief pain inventory and activities assessment scale scores, and patient satisfaction with pain management. Descriptive statistics were described as mean and standard deviation and median and interquartile range. Bivariate comparisons used Spearman's rho (ρ) with α=0.05. A total 113 patients were enrolled; the median (interquartile range) morphine milligram equivalent prescribed (including refills) was 112.5 (112.5-112.5). The median postdischarge narcotic use was 24.0 (0-82.5) morphine milligram equivalent, which is equivalent to fewer than 4 oxycodone (5 mg) tablets. About 75% of our participants required fewer than 11 oxycodone tablets. The median unused morphine milligram equivalent was 90.0 (45-112.5). 81.4% (92/113), and 83.2% (94/113) of patients at postoperative week 1 and postoperative weeks 4-6, respectively, reported being satisfied or extremely satisfied with their postdischarge pain control. About 88.5% (100/113) of patients felt that the number of opioids they were discharged with was sufficient for their pain needs at the postoperative 1 and postoperative weeks 4-6 time points. At postoperative weeks 4-6, 19.5% of patients said that they filled the narcotic prescription but did not use any of the pills. The overall refill rate was 10.6% (12/113). All patients who needed a refill described the refill process as easy. In-hospital narcotic use was not predictive of postdischarge narcotic use (ρ0.065, P=.495). Patients reported median brief pain inventory scores for "average pain" of 0 (no pain) at postoperative week 1 and postoperative weeks 4-6; however, the scores did not clinically correlate with postdischarge narcotic use. Activities assessment scale scores were not correlated with postdischarge narcotic use. Most patients after pelvic reconstructive surgery used fewer than 11 oxycodone (5 mg) tablets, averaging less than 4 tablets, with a third of patients not requiring any opioids. Pain and activities scores did not correlate with narcotic use. A minimal number of opioids can be prescribed because the secure electronic prescribing system allows for convenient electronic refill if required. Our practical and comprehensive pre- and postoperative protocol for pain management minimizes opioid consumption in addition to maximizing patient satisfaction.

SAT-LB45 Chronic Opioid Use as a Cause of Severe Hypothyroidism: A Case Report

Background: Hypogonadism and hypocortisolism are present in a sizeable proportion of chronic opioid users. (1) An association with hypothyroidism, however, has not been demonstrated. Clinical Case: A 56-year old woman with chronic pain syndrome on opioids presented from a nursing home with decreased level of consciousness and was found to be hypotensive requiring ICU admission. Several weeks prior to her presentation, she was hospitalized for progressive weakness and was found to have evidence of panhypopituitarism: low TSH (0.209 uIU/mL, nl 0.400 – 4.200), low free T4 (0.76 ng/dL, nl 0.80 – 1.50), low LH (<0.12 mIU/mL, nl 10.9 – 58.6), low FSH (1.7 mIU/mL, nl 16.7 – 113.6), and abnormal ACTH stim test (ACTH 6.4 pg/mL, nl 7.2 – 63; cortisol 0-min 3.8 mcg/dL, nl 6.7 – 22.6; 60-min 13.10). She was discharged on levothyroxine 25 mcg daily and prednisone 7.5 mg daily. On admission, her exam was notable for symmetric, non-pitting edema of the lower extremities to the knees with peau d’orange appearance. Initial tests revealed profound hypothyroidism with low TSH (0.381 uIU/mL), low free T4 (0.60 ng/dL), undetectable total T4 (<0.9 mcg/dL, nl 5 – 12.2), and undetectable free T3 (<1.00 pg/mL, nl 2.5 – 3.9). Thyroglobulin and TPO antibodies were within normal limits. Thyroxine binding globulin was low (6 mcg/mL, nl 13 -39). Additional biochemical studies re-demonstrated panhypopituitarism with low LH (<0.12 mIU/mL) and FSH (0.9 mIU/mL). Cortisol was elevated (73.2 mcg/dL) as she had received hydrocortisone. Despite fluid resuscitation and use of vasopressors, her hypotension persisted and she remained in critical condition. She was treated as a case of myxedema coma and started on full replacement dose thyroid hormone with 120 mcg IV levothyroxine daily and liothyronine 5 mcg every 8 hours. Over the next several days, the patient’s hemodynamics and mental status improved dramatically. A contrast-enhanced pituitary-protocoled MRI was notable for a moderately flattened sella (pituitary 3.5 mm in height) and absence of usual T1 bright signal in the posterior lobe. A work-up for causes of panhypopituitarism was mostly unremarkable: low IgG 4 (0.82, neg <1.50), indeterminate quant gold, negative HIV, low serum iron (35 mcg/dL, nl 50 – 200). Urine toxicology was positive only for opioids, reflective of the patient’s chronic pain regimen consisting of MS-Contin 60 mg twice daily and methadone 10 mg twice daily. Conclusion: This case demonstrates the potential for chronic opioid use to suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis and highlights the importance of maintaining an index of suspicion for hypothyroidism in this population. Reference: (1) de Vries, F., Bruin, M., Lobatto, DJ., Dekkers, OM., Schoones, JW., van Furth, WR., Pereira, AM., Karavitaki, N., Biermasz, NR., Najafabadi, AHZ. Opioids and their endocrine effects: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JCEM. 2019. Doi: 10.1210/clinem/dgz022

Multimodal perioperative pain protocol for gynecologic oncology laparotomy is associated with reduced hospital length of stay and improved patient pain scores

The primary objective was to evaluate the impact of a multimodal perioperative pain regimen on length of hospital stay for patients undergoing laparotomy with a gynecologic oncologist.

A Multimodal Protocol to Diminish Pain Following Common Orthopedic Sports Procedures: Can We Eliminate Postoperative Opioids?

To determine whether postsurgical pain, measured by the visual analog scale (VAS), following common orthopaedic sports procedures could be managed effectively with a nonopioid multimodal analgesic protocol. This prospective study evaluated a custom multimodal nonopioid pain protocol in patients undergoing common orthopaedic sports procedures by a single fellowship-trained orthopaedic sports surgeon from May 2018 to December 2018. Procedures included anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, and labrum repair. The nonopioid pain protocol consisted of preoperative analgesics, intraoperative local infiltration analgesia, and a postoperative pain regimen. Patient pain was immediately reported after surgery and 1 week postoperatively using the VAS, whereas rescue opioids (oxycodone 5 mg) used were recorded using a prescription opioid journal. Statistical analysis of patient VAS scores, demographic correlations, and comparison between opioid rescue users versus nonusers was performed. A total of 141 patients were included. One week following surgery, patients reported a mean VAS level of 3.2 ± 2.3 and required on average 2.6 ± 3.6 breakthrough oxycodone pills (8.6 ± 12.0 morphine equivalents). Forty-five percent of patients did not require any breakthrough prescription opioids and reported satisfaction with pain management. Patients who required opioids were more likely to have a history of anxiety/depression (44.2% vs 23.8%, P= .012) and reported greater pain scores as compared with nonusers (3.94 ± 2.5 vs 2.41 ± 1.75, P= .016). The most common side effect of the pain protocol was feeling drowsy (23.5%). All patients were satisfied with their pain management postoperatively. A multimodal, nonopioid pain protocol was found to be effective in managing postoperative pain following common orthopedic sports procedures. Patients were found to have low levels of pain, require minimal rescue opioids, and had no severe side effects related to the protocol. These results suggest a nonopioid alternative to pain management following common orthopedic sports procedures. Level IV, prospective case series.

Identifying Core Principles of Palliative Care Consultation in Surgical Patients and Potential Knowledge Gaps for Surgeons

Palliative medicine is an important component of care for patients with advanced cancer. Previous studies demonstrated that surgeons tend to underuse palliative care in comparison with medical services. In addition, little is known about the specific use of palliative care services among surgical oncology practices. Therefore, we designed and performed this study to evaluate the use of palliative care in medical and surgical oncology patients. A single-institution retrospective review of consecutive palliative care consultations within a large National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in 2016 to 2017 was conducted. We analyzed 120 patients (60 surgical and 60 medical). Patient demographics in the 2 groups were similar. The surgical oncology patients were more likely to undergo consultation for advanced care planning (32% vs 13%; p= 0.02). Medical oncology patients were more likely to undergo consultation for pain management (97% vs 62%; p < 0.001). Symptom assessment scores for medical patients more frequently demonstrated dyspnea and malignancy-related pain than in surgical patients. Also, palliative care recommendations and interventions for surgical patients more frequently included end-of-life discussions and transfer to the inpatient palliative care unit. For medical oncology patients, recommendations more often included changes in pain and bowel regimen medication. In addition, despite more frequent consults for advanced care planning in the surgical patients, code status was changed to DNR more frequently in the medical patient cohort. Surgical patients were less likely to undergo palliative care consultation for assistance with symptom management and more likely to undergo consultation for assistance with end-of-life discussions than were medical oncology patients. Advanced care planning and end-of-life discussions should be an area of focus in palliative care education for surgeons.

Delirium Reduced With Intravenous Acetaminophen in Geriatric Hip Fracture Patients.

Postoperative delirium is associated with opioid use in the elderly and is a common complication of geriatric hip fractures, with reported incidences from 16% to 70%. Intravenous (IV) acetaminophen is a safe and efficacious medication in elderly patients and has been shown to reduce use of opioids after hip fracture. At our institution, IV acetaminophen was implemented for the first 24 hours postoperatively as part of a multimodal pain control regimen for geriatric hip fracture patients. A retrospective review of 123 hip fragility fracture patients older than 60 years from January 2016 to December 2016 was performed. Delirium was identified using a validated chart-based review tool. The rate of delirium, as well as length of stay, pain scores, opioid administration, need for one-to-one supervision, and readmissions were analyzed. Sixty-five patients (52.8%) received IV acetaminophen during this period. No notable differences were found in baseline characteristics between groups. Ten of 65 patients receiving IV acetaminophen postoperatively experienced delirium compared with 19 of 58 who did not receive the medication (15.4% versus 32.8%, P = 0.024). The IV acetaminophen group also required fewer doses of IV opioids on postoperative day 1 (0.37 versus 1.19 doses, P = 0.008), were less likely to require one-to-one supervision (9.2% versus 24.1%, P = 0.025), and had shorter lengths of hospital stay (6.37 versus 8.47 days, P = 0.037). Readmission rates and discharge dispositions did not vary with significance between the two groups. The inclusion of IV acetaminophen as part of a multimodal pain regimen led to fewer episodes of delirium in this study. The reduced use of opioids immediately after surgery may have been a large factor in this outcome. Lower delirium rates may reduce the utilization of inpatient resources for direct patient supervision and provide for shorter hospital stays.

Parental assessment of pain control following pediatric adenotonsillectomy: Do opioids make a difference?

IntroductionPostoperative prescribing of opioids following pediatric adenotonsillectomy can have negative consequences including unnecessary opioid exposure and potential for respiratory depression. While guidelines from The American Academy of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery recommend treatment of post adenotonsillectomy pain using acetaminophen and ibuprofen, many providers continue to prescribe opioids and may do so, in part with concern for parental dissatisfaction with post-operative analgesia. Our aim was to determine whether a post-operative prescription for opioids affects parental assessment of pain control following pediatric adenotonsillectomy. MethodsThis post-operative survey assessed the parental assessment of pain control in 324 patients, ages 1–17 years undergoing adenotonsillectomy. This study was conducted at a quaternary care children's hospital in Houston, Texas from December 1, 2018 through March 31, 2019. Post-operative pain regimens included acetaminophen and ibuprofen or combination hydrocodone/acetaminophen in addition to ibuprofen for post-operative analgesia based on the attending surgeons prescribing preferences. The primary study outcome was identification of the proportion of parents rating their child's analgesia following pediatric adenotonsillectomy as poor or inadequate based on the post-operative analgesic regimen including opioids. ResultsOf the 798 surveys sent, the response rate was 42% (324/775) of those who received the survey email, and 69% (324/470) for those who opened the email. Between the opioid and non-opioid groups, there was no difference in gender (male; 48% vs. 51.3%; p = 0.58), race/ethnicity (white; 53% vs. 46%; p = 0.35) or insurance status (insured; 62% vs. 50.9%; p = 0.06). The proportion of parents who rated their child's pain as poor or inadequately controlled following adenotonsillectomy was relatively rare: 9% and 5% in the non-opioid and opioid groups, respectively. Parents rating their child's pain as excellent with regards to pain control following adenotonsillectomy were 58% and 50% in the non-opioids and opioid groups respectively. ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that non-opioid analgesic regimens following pediatric adenotonsillectomy were not associated with decreased parental satisfaction or an increasing assessment of poor or inadequately controlled pain. Limiting opioid exposure following pediatric adenotonsillectomy is feasible and does not result in worse parental satisfaction with the analgesic plan.