Reduction In Analgesic Consumption Research Articles

The potential of a multimodal digital care program in addressing healthcare inequities in musculoskeletal pain management

Digital interventions have emerged as a solution for time and geographical barriers, however, their potential to target other social determinants of health is largely unexplored. In this post-hoc analysis, we report the impact of social deprivation on engagement and clinical outcomes after a completely remote multimodal musculoskeletal (MSK) digital care program managed by a culturally-sensitive clinical team. Patients were stratified in five categories according to their social deprivation index, and cross-referenced with their race/ethnicity, rurality and distance to healthcare facilities. From a total of 12,062 patients from all U.S. states, 8569 completed the program. Higher social deprivation was associated with greater baseline disease burden. We observed that all categories reported pain improvements (ranging from −2.0 95%CI −2.1, −1.9 to −2.1 95%CI −2.3, −1.9, p < 0.001) without intergroup differences in mean changes or responder rates (from 59.9% (420/701) to 66.6% (780/1172), p = 0.067), alongside reduction in analgesic consumption. We observed significant improvements in mental health and productivity across all categories, with productivity and non-work-related functional recovery being greater within the most deprived group. Engagement was high but varied slightly across categories. Together these findings highlight the importance of a patient-centered digital care program as a tool to address health inequities in musculoskeletal pain management. The idea of investigating social deprivation within a digital program provides a foundation for future work in this field to identify areas of improvement.

Bicentre, randomized, parallel-arm, sham-controlled trial of transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) in the treatment of palliative care patients with refractory cancer pain

BackgroundPain is a common symptom in palliative care cancer patients and is often insufficiently relieved. In recent years, transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) of the motor cortex has been shown to be effective to treat chronic pain, essentially neuropathic pain. We propose to test the efficacy of tDCS in patients experiencing cancer pain in the palliative care setting.Method/designThis article describes the protocol of a bicentre, randomized, parallel-arm, sham-controlled clinical trial evaluating tDCS in the treatment of palliative care patients with refractory cancer pain. Seventy patients between the ages of 18 and 80 years experiencing refractory pain with a pain score of 4/10 on a numerical rating scale (NRS) ranging from 0 to 10 will be enrolled in this trial. The main exclusion criteria are patients unable to fill in the various rating scales and life expectancy less than 3 weeks. Treatment consists of 5 consecutive tDCS sessions targeting the motor cortex (one daily session for 5 days) on the contralateral side to the pain. After randomization (1:1 ratio), 35 patients will receive active stimulation and 35 patients will receive sham stimulation. The primary endpoint is the NRS score and the primary objective is a significant improvement of this score between the baseline score recorded between D-3 and D-1 and the score recorded 4 days after stopping treatment (D8). The secondary objectives are to evaluate whether this improvement is maintained 16 days after stopping treatment (D21) and whether the following scores are improved on D14 and D21: Brief Pain Inventory, Edmonton Symptom Assessment System, Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Medication Quantification Scale.DiscussionPositive results of this trial would indicate that tDCS can improve pain and quality of life of cancer patients in the palliative care setting. Reduction of analgesic consumption and improvement of activities of daily living should allow many patients to return home with a decreased workload for caregivers.

Analgesic benefits of the quadratus lumborum block in total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

The quadratus lumborum block (QLB) is reported to reduce pain and improve function following total hip arthroplasty; however, randomised controlled trials evaluating the benefits of adding this block to general or spinal anaesthesia in this population are conflicting. We performed a systematic review seeking randomised controlled trials investigating QLB benefits for total hip arthroplasty, stratifying comparisons regarding the addition of QLB to either general or spinal anaesthesia. The primary outcome was 24-h area under the curve (AUC) pain score. Pain scores were interpreted in the context of a population-specific minimal clinically important difference of 1.86 cm on a 10-cm visual analogue scale, or an AUC pain score of 5.58 cm.h. Secondary outcomes included analgesic consumption, functional recovery and opioid-related side-effects. In all, 18 trials (1318 patients) were included. Adding QLB to general or spinal anaesthesia improved 24-h AUC rest pain scores by a mean difference (95%CI) of -3.56 cm.h (-6.70 to -0.42; p = 0.034) and - 4.19 cm.h (-7.20 to -1.18; p = 0.014), respectively. These improvements failed to reach the pre-determined minimal clinically important difference, as did the reduction in analgesic consumption. Quadratus lumborum block improved functional recovery for general, but not spinal, anaesthesia. Opioid-related side-effects were reduced with QLB regardless of anaesthetic modality. Low-to-moderate quality evidence suggests that the extent to which adding QLB to either general or spinal anaesthesia reduces postoperative pain and opioid consumption after total hip arthroplasty is statistically significant but may be clinically unimportant for most patients. However, adding QLB to general anaesthesia might enhance functional recovery. Taken together, our findings do not support the routine use of QLB as part of multimodal analgesic regimens for total hip arthroplasty.

Efficacy and safety of intrathecal morphine for pain control after spinal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of intrathecal (IT) morphine for postoperative pain control in adults undergoing spinal surgeries. We searched the electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL up to 1st January 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled clinical trials (CCTs) comparing IT morphine with placebo or other analgesics. Twelve studies were included. Eleven were RCTs and one was a CCT. Our meta-analysis indicated a statistically significant reduction of pain scores with IT morphine at 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours; but no significant difference at 48 hours. Meta-analysis indicated a statistically significant reduction in analgesic consumption with IT morphine as compared to control. Pooled analysis indicated that IT morphine had no statistically significant effect on length of hospital stay. Our analysis indicated no statistically significant difference in the risk of nausea, vomiting, sedation, respiratory depression, headache, and urinary retention between IT morphine and control groups. The incidence of pruritis was significantly increased in the IT morphine group. The certainty of the evidence was judged to be "moderate" for pain scores at 12 hours, 24 hours, and analgesic consumption. To conclude, our review indicates that IT morphine results in significantly better pain control in the first 24 hours after spinal surgery. The risk of pruritis is significantly increased with the use of IT morphine but not for other opioid-related adverse events. Future RCTs should focus on finding the most optimal dose of IT morphine for spinal surgeries.

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Compare Analgesia and Functional Improvement After Continuous Neuroablative and Pulsed Neuromodulative Radiofrequency Treatment of the Genicular Nerves in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis up to One Year After the Intervention.

To compare the analgesic and functional outcomes of continuous neuroablative radiofrequency (CNARF) and pulsed neuromodulative radiofrequency (PNMRF) treatment of genicular nerves up to 1 year after the intervention and to identify predictors associated with a successful outcome (defined as an at least 50% reduction in the pre-interventional visual analog scale [VAS] rating) after genicular radiofrequency treatment. A prospective randomized controlled trial. The Pain Department of the Jerez de la Frontera University Hospital, Cadíz, Spain, from January 2018 until May 2019. Patients with grade 3-4 gonarthritis suffering from knee pain, with a VAS score ≥5 for >6 months. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to receive either CNARF or PNMRF of the superior medial, superior lateral, and inferior medial genicular nerves. The VAS and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) scores were assessed before and at 1, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Medication use was quantified before and at 6 months after the intervention. Potential characteristics associated with the efficacy of radiofrequency intervention were explored by using multivariable statistical models. A total of 188 participants were included. The magnitude and duration of beneficial effect and reduction in analgesic use were significantly greater in the CNARF group. Success at 6 months after radiofrequency treatment decreased with grade 4 gonarthritis; higher pre-interventional VAS score; and concomitant depression, anxiety disorder, and diabetes mellitus. Therapeutic efficacy and reduction in analgesic consumption were superior after CNARF. Treatment success at 6 months after radiofrequency intervention decreased with more severe gonarthritis; higher pre-interventional pain intensity; and concomitant depression, anxiety disorder, and diabetes mellitus.

Evaluation of postoperative analgesic efficacy and perioperative hemodynamic changes with low dose intravenous dexmedetomidine infusion in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy – A randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial

Background and Aim:Dexmedetomidine is a α2-agonist with sedative, sympatholytic and analgesic properties and hence, it can be a very useful adjuvant in anesthesia as stress response buster, sedative and analgesic. We aimed to evaluate the effects of low dose dexmedetomidine infusion (0.5 mcg/kg/h) on postoperative analgesic efficacy along with the perioperative hemodynamic changes in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Material and Methods:Eighty patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical grades I and II undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly allocated into two groups of 40 patients each. Group I (Normal Saline group) patients received normal saline and group II (Dexmedetomidine group) patients received dexmedetomidine infusion at 0.5 mcg/kg/h respectively, starting 15 min before induction and continued till the end of surgery. Parameters noted were heart rate, mean arterial pressure, oxygen saturation, post-operative pain was evaluated using VAS and analgesic requirement. Statistical tests such as ANOVA test for continuous variables, post-hoc test for intergroup comparison, and Chi-square test for discrete values were applied.Results:Post-operative efficacy was found to be limited in the dexmedetomidine group in terms of VAS score. The analgesic requirement in 24-hour was observed to be reduced in dexmedetomidine group when compared to the NS group; however, not statistically significant. In group NS, significant hemodynamic stress response was seen following laryngoscopy, tracheal intubation, creation of pneumoperitoneum and extubation. On intergroup comparison, the hemodynamic response was significantly attenuated in the dexmedetomidine group when compared to the NS group. No significant side effects were noted.Conclusion:Dexmedetomidine IV in an infusion dose of 0.5 μg/kg/hr is effective in providing postoperative analgesia in terms of significant reduction in analgesic consumption in 24 hours and in addition to the effective obtundation of the pneumoperitoneum-induced hemodynamic changes.

The Analgesic and Emotional Response to Intravenous Lidocaine Infusion in the Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-controlled Study.

This study evaluated the analgesic efficacy and emotional response to intravenous lidocaine infusion compared with placebo in patients with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). In this randomized, double-blinded study, patients with PHN received 5 mg/kg intravenous lidocaine infusion or placebo. The primary outcome was pain measured by Visual Analogue Scale, Von Frey, and area of allodynia. Moreover, emotional status of anxiety and depression were evaluated by Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS). Quality of life was assessed by Short Form Health Survey 36. In total, 197 patients were enrolled and eligible data were collected from 183 of those patients. The Visual Analogue Scale scores were reduced to a minimum at 2 weeks (2.74, 2.99) after infusion, but no significant difference was found between the lidocaine and placebo groups. Similar changes were also found in mechanical pain threshold and area of allodynia. However, the lidocaine group was associated with a statistically significant reduction in consumption of analgesics with a relative risk of 6.2 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.24-17.16). Lidocaine infusion also significantly improved the anxiety and depression status; the values of mean change in anxiety and depression were 3.89 (95% CI, 1.43-6.35) and 4.3 (95% CI, 0.63-7.98), respectively, at 2 weeks. Moreover, improvement was exhibited in Short Form Health Survey 36 health status, with the mean change of 49.81 (95% CI, 28.17-71.46) at 1 week, in particular scores on vitality, physical and emotional role functioning, and mental health. The analgesic response of 5 mg/kg lidocaine intravenous infusion is comparable to placebo in patients with PHN, but intravenous lidocaine infusion significantly reduced total analgesic consumption, and improved the overall emotional and health status.

Perioperative use of pregabalin for acute pain-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Evidence supporting postoperative pain management using pregabalin as an adjunct intervention across various surgical pain models is lacking. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate "model-specific" comparative effectiveness and harms of pregabalin following a previously published systematic review protocol. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception through August 2013. Data were screened and single extraction with independent verification and dual risk of bias assessment was performed. Quality of evidence (QoE) was rated using the GRADE approach. Primary outcomes were pain relief at rest and on movement and reduction in postoperative analgesic consumption. A total of 1423 records were screened, and 43 studies were included. Perioperative pregabalin resulted in: 16% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9%-21%) reduction in analgesic consumption (moderate QoE, 24 trials) and a small reduction in the magnitude of pain in surgeries associated with pronociceptive pain. Per 1000 patients, 10 more will experience blurred vision (95% CI, 5-20 more; moderate QoE, 17 trials) and 41 more sedation (95% CI, 13-77 more, 17 trials). To prevent 1 case of perioperative nausea and vomiting, the number needed to treat is 11 (95% CI: 7-28, 25 trials). Inadequate evidence addressed outcomes of enhanced recovery and serious harms. Pregabalin analgesic effectiveness is largely restricted to surgical procedures associated with pronociceptive mechanisms. The clinical significance of observed pregabalin benefits must be weighed against the uncertainties about serious harms and enhanced recovery to inform the careful selection of surgical patients. Recommendations for future research are proposed.

Guidelines for laparoscopic (TAPP) and endoscopic (TEP) treatment of inguinal hernia

I congratulate Bittner and colleagues for presenting this most valuable document on reviewed guidelines for laparoscopic (TAPP) and endoscopic (TEP) treatment of inguinal hernia [1]. However, two closely related topics on the handling of a large direct sac and the risk of seroma formation need further explanation. I believe that part of their statements and recommendations lacks precision and therefore could be misleading. Page 2,793 of their article states: ‘‘level 2B: In large direct hernias, inversion and fixation of the extended fascia transversalis to Cooper’s ligament may reduce the frequency of occurrence of serohematoma.’’ The following page also has this recommendation: ‘‘Level 1B: The use of fibrin sealant (FS) for mesh fixation during bilateral TEP leads to a significant reduction of analgesic consumption but is associated with an increased incidence of postoperative seroma.’’ Although findings have shown that FS significantly reduces the incidence and volume of seroma formation after axillary dissection [2], the main reason for using it in TEP repair of inguinal hernia is that it offers an alternative to stapled fixation due to its adhesive property [3], thus avoiding tacker-related complications. These complications comprise not only potential vascular or nerve injury but also chronic pubalgia when the staple is placed in Cooper’s ligament [4]. Moreover, by offering the unique possibility of gluing the mesh inferiorly at the level of the triangles of doom and pain, FS reduces even further the risk of recurrence in expert hands [5]. In a personal series of[650 TEP inguinal hernia repairs using FS, only six early hernia recurrences were recorded, all in the initial phase of the study and most likely related to technical imperfection. Preliminary results of this approach have already been published elsewhere [6]. The authors mentioned the famous prospective study of Lau [7], which demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of seroma in the FS group than in the mechanical stapling group. I must clarify that the vast majority of his patients presented with a direct defect, and as clearly explained in his article, ‘‘FS was used to affix the mesh onto the Cooper’s ligament and pelvic floor, instead of applying it for sealing the potential space of the hernial cavity.’’ Yes, inversion and staple fixation of the lax fascia transversalis to Cooper’s ligament reduces the incidence of seroma formation, but this procedure can be favorably replaced by a much cheaper, safer, and more reliable alternative using a simple pre-tied suture (Endoloop Ligature of PDS II; Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., CA), as initially presented at the 2010 Annual Scientific Congress of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in Perth [8]. The technique consists of inverting the extended fascia transversalis with a forceps while tying up an Endoloop at its base to leave a completely ‘‘flattened’’ fascia (Fig. 1). A prospective series of 250 patients had 76 repairs of direct inguinal hernias performed using the aforementioned technique, and only one patient (1.3 %) experienced a symptomatic groin seroma. In this case, the direct hernia defect was quite complex, multiloculated, and associated with an incisional hernia from a previous lower midline C. R. Berney (&) Department of Surgery, Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital, University of New South Wales, 68 Eldridge Road, Bankstown, NSW 2200, Australia e-mail: berneycr@hotmail.com

Comparative Evaluation of Oxygen‐Ozone Therapy and Combined Use of Oxygen‐Ozone Therapy with Percutaneous Intradiscal Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation for the Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation

To compare the efficacy of oxygen-ozone therapy and the combined use of oxygen-ozone therapy with percutaneous intradiscal radiofrequency thermocoagulation (PIRFT) for the treatment of contained lumbar disc herniation. Ninety-one adult patients with low back pain secondary to contained lumbar disc herniation were randomly assigned into two groups. Ozone group received intradiscal oxygen-ozone therapy (4 to 7 mL of oxygen ozone mixture); ozone-PIRFT group received a combination of oxygen-ozone therapy with PIRFT (radiofrequency lesioning at 80°C for 360 s). Primary outcome measures included a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the Oswestry disability index (ODI). Secondary outcome measures included pain relief, reduction of analgesic consumption, and patient's satisfaction. Clinical assessment of these outcome measures was performed at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after the procedure. VAS scores and ODI were significantly decreased by both ozone and ozone-PIRFT when compared with the baseline values at all points of follow-up; however, ozone-PIRFT produced a significant reduction in the VAS scores and ODI when compared to ozone at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year follow-up. Ozone-PIRFT also resulted in a significant change in all secondary measures at all points of follow-up, as compared with the ozone group. Ozone-PIRFT is more efficacious than ozone alone in reducing pain scores, analgesic consumption, improving functional outcome, and satisfaction of patients with contained lumbar disc herniation.

Ensayo no aleatorizado del tratamiento con acupuntura de la cefalea resistente a terapias convencionales

Objectives To evaluate the overall effectiveness of acupuncture as a complementary therapy in relieving chronic pain in paired groups (before-after) of patients with headache refractory to conventional therapies in a real life clinical setting. To determine the extent to which analgesic consumption is reduced in these patients after an acupuncture cycle. To determine the adverse reactions due to acupuncture. Material and methods We performed a quasi-experimental study in 56 outpatients with headache refractory to conventional pharmacological treatment. Pain was measured using a multiple-item pain scale before the acupuncture cycle was started, after the traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis was made, and when the treatment cycle was complete. Results Significant differences ( p<001) before and after acupuncture treatment were obtained for the overall pain score and for each of its variables (intensity, frequency, analgesic consumption, disability, and sleep). After the acupuncture cycle, the total pain score decreased by 50.8%, intensity by 48.3%, frequency by 45%, analgesic consumption by 48.5%, disability by 47%, and sleep improved by 66.8%. No adverse effects of acupuncture were observed. Fifty-six percent were migraine. Fourteen percent of the patients showed drug intolerance. Conclusions Acupuncture consumes few resources and is highly effective in the complementary treatment of chronic refractory headache. The reduction in analgesic consumption in patients with pain increases quality of life and patient satisfaction, and reduces adverse effects and healthcare costs in patients with chronic refractory headache.

Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery Using Nucleoplasty and the Dekompressor Tool: A Comparison of two Methods in a One Year Follow-Up

The Disc Dekompressor and Nucleoplasty are 2 different, minimally invasive, percutaneous methods in the therapy for chronic discogenic low back pain. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of both methods concerning the outcome one year after surgery. We included patients with MRI-proven disc protrusion suffering from low back pain and/or radiating pain in the lower extremities. The pain perception of the patients was documented using the visual analogue pain scale (VAS). Furthermore, the patients were queried about analgesic consumption, disability in daily life and ability to work. Percutaneous minimally invasive nucleotomy using the Nucleoplasty or the Disc Dekompressor was carried out under fluoroscopic and CT-guidance. We carried out a follow-up examination at 6 and 12 months after the operation. From April 2005 to November 2007 a total of 126 patients underwent percutaneous minimally invasive nucleotomy using Nucleoplasty (April 2005 - December 2006) or the Disk Dekompressor (February 2006 - November 2007) and were followed up after 6 and 12 months. In the Nucleoplasty group the mean age of the 27 females (39%) and 42 males (61%) was 42 years (range: 18-74). In the Disc Dekompressor group the mean age of the 22 females (39%) and 35 males (61%) was 44 years (range: 16-76). The mean duration of symptoms in the Nucleoplasty group was 30.5 months (range: 1-120), and in the Disc Dekompressor group 16.3 months (range: 1-72). Statistically significant postoperative improvement concerning the VAS score was evident in both groups. Whereas the VAS score slightly increased in the Nucleoplasty group comparing the early postoperative score and the score after 12 months, the VAS score stayed on a low level in the Disc Dekompressor group. A statistically significant reduction in analgesic consumption, disability and occupational incapacitation was observed in the Nuceloplasty group and the Disc Dekompressor group. Both Nucleoplasty and Disc Dekompressor are effective therapies for chronic, discogenic back pain. Regardless of the different mechanism no significant differences in the outcomes were found. Both techniques result in significant reductions in levels of disability and incapacity for work as well as decreased analgesic consumption.

Comparison of short- and medium-term results between laparoscopically assisted and totally laparoscopic right hemicolectomy: a case-control study

This study aimed to compare the short- and medium-term results obtained by totally laparoscopic right colectomy (TL) with those obtained by laparoscopically assisted right colectomy (LAC) for the treatment of right colon cancer. A retrospective study compared two nonstatistically different groups (50 TL and 50 LAC cases) managed for nonmetastatic malignant tumors. The study outcomes included operative time, length of minilaparotomy, intraoperative complications, postoperative pain, time to resumption of the gastrointestinal functions, permanence of abdominal drain, analgesic therapy duration, postoperative complications, hospitalization time, number of harvested lymph nodes, and distant metastases onset. The mean operative times were 78 ± 25 min (TL group) and 92 ± 22 min (LAC group) (p < 0.05). The findings showed a lower postoperative pain level associated with a reduction in analgesic consumption (p > 0.05) and earlier restoration of digestive function in the TL group than in the LAC group. The mean hospital stays were approximately 5 days (TL) and 7 days (LAC) (p < 0.05). No complications occurred either intra- or postoperatively, and similarly, the TL group experienced no mortality. In comparison, the LAC group had a 30% complication rate (p < 0.05). The complications included one case of intraoperative small bowel lesion, three cases of postoperative respiratory infections, three cases of anastomotic leakage, two cases of intestinal occlusion, three cases of minilaparotomy infection, one case of postoperative femoral neurosis, one case of postoperative heart attack, and one case of postoperative pancreatitis. The mortality rate was 0%. Neither group had a recurrence of the neoplastic disease during a 4-year follow-up period. The findings seem to demonstrate that TL right colectomy is feasible and safe, yielding results comparable with those of the open approach but offering improved postoperative patient comfort. The limits of this retrospective comparative study do not allow definitive conclusions to be drawn despite the encouraging data for the next prospective randomized studies.

Efectividad de la acupuntura en el alivio del dolor refractario al tratamiento farmacológico convencional

Objectives To evaluate the overall effectiveness of acupuncture as a complementary therapy in relieving chronic pain in paired groups (before-after) of patients in a real life clinical setting. To determine the extent to which analgesic consumption is reduced in these patients after an acupuncture cycle. To determine the adverse reactions due to acupuncture. To evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in reducing pain in distinct clinical entities in order to identify those in which this therapeutic modality is most effective. Material and methods We performed a quasi-experimental study in 225 outpatients with pain refractory to conventional pharmacological therapy. Pain was measured with a multiple-item pain scale before the acupuncture cycle was started, after the traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis was made, and when the treatment cycle was complete. Results Significant differences (p < 0.001) before and after acupuncture treatment were obtained for the overall pain score and for each of its variables (intensity, frequency, analgesic consumption, disability, and sleep). After the acupuncture cycle, the total pain score decreased by 60.6%, intensity by 55.5%, frequency by 51.2%, analgesic consumption by 68.2%, disability by 59.9%, and sleep improved by 74.1%. The most frequent disorders were low back pain, fibromyalgia, and headache. No adverse effects of acupuncture were observed. Eleven percent of the patients showed drug intolerance. Conclusions Acupuncture consumes few resources and is highly effective in the complementary treatment of chronic pain. The reduction in analgesic consumption in patients with pain increases quality of life and patient satisfaction and reduces adverse effects and healthcare costs. Larger studies are required to identify the disorders in which acupuncture should be considered a first-line option.

Minimally invasive spinal surgery using nucleoplasty: a 1-year follow-up study

Nucleoplasty is a minimally invasive percutaneous intradiscal coblation therapy option in patients with chronic discogenic low back pain. The purpose of this prospective study was to assess the effectiveness of nucleoplasty in our patients up to 1 year after treatment. All patients included in this study suffered from established back pain and/or radiating pain in the lower extremities. Age, gender, weight, body mass index (BMI) and smoking status were recorded and the clinical status of the patient documented using a visual analogue pain scale (VAS). Additionally, patients were asked to provide details regarding analgesic consumption, disability and ability to work. Nucleoplasty was carried out under fluoroscopic and CT-guidance. All treated patients were reviewed at 6 and 12 months. Between April 2005 and December 2006, 96 patients underwent nucleoplasty in our department. The 69 patients reported here were followed-up to 12 months while data for eight others is available only up to 6 months. Seven patients were lost to follow-up, while eleven were excluded due to a secondary disc sequestration, either at the treated segment or elsewhere. The mean age of the 27 females (39%) and 42 males in this study was 42 years (range 18-74). The mean duration of symptoms was 30.5 months (range 1-120). Forty-two percent of patients were smokers and the mean BMI was 26.3 (17.4-42.4). 73% of treated patients experienced an improvement of more than 50% in their symptoms in the early post-operative VAS score. This was reduced to 61% at 6 months post-operatively and 58% after 1 year. A statistically significant reduction in analgesic consumption, disability and occupational incapacitation resulted from treatment with nucleoplasty. Nucleoplasty is an effective therapy for chronic, discogenic back pain which results in significant reductions in levels of disability and incapacity for work as well as decreased analgesic consumption.

Gemcitabine for previously treated AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma: The Western Kenya experience

10566 Background: The Academic Model for the Prevention and Treatment of HIV (AMPATH) Oncology Program in collaboration with Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital provides treatment for patients (pts) with AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma (AR-KS) and other AIDS- related malignancies in Western Kenya. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the activity of gemcitabine (GEM) in previously treated pts with AR-KS and assess the feasibility of chemotherapy administration in a developing country. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted for 23 consecutive pts receiving GEM from Aug 2006 to Oct 2007. All pts were on HAART and failed prior doxorubicin, bleomycin, and vincristine-based therapy. Responses were evaluated 4 wks after the last dose of GEM and at the last follow-up visit. Pts free of all lesions were considered to have a complete response (CR). A partial response (PR) was defined as a >50% reduction in lesions. Clinical benefit response (CBR) was defined as ≥50% reduction in pain intensity, ≥ 50% reduction in analgesic consumption, ≥20 point increase in KPS, and/or a weight gain of ≥7%. Results: The population consisted of 19 males (82.6%) and 4 females (17.4%); the mean age was 38 yrs (range: 20–57). Average BSA was 1.73 m2 (range: 1.5–2.1). Pts were on HAART for an average of 13.4 mos (range: 4 - 41) before starting GEM. According to the AIDS Clinical Trials Group Oncology Committee classification of AR- KS, all pts were poor-risk based on tumor extent, CD4 cell count < 200 cells/mm3, systemic illness or KPS <70%. GEM dosing was: 1 g (n=19), 1 g/m2 (n=3), or both (n=1). Pts received a mean of 7.4 doses (range: 3–15). Average time between doses was 18.6 days. Objective response was seen in 11 pts (CR-3, PR-8; CR+PR= 48%); 11 were classified with stable disease (SD) and 1 with progressive disease (PD). CBR occurred in 15 pts (65%). Mean progression-free survival was 3.8 mos. With a median follow-up of 5.1 mos, 2 pts were still receiving chemotherapy, 3 were lost to follow-up, and 18 completed chemotherapy; 5 pts progressed and one died from hepatoma. Conclusions: Despite modest dosages, GEM may have activity in previously treated AR-KS. While barriers to treatment exist in Kenya, it is feasible to successfully administer GEM on a modified schedule. Further studies are warranted to confirm activity. Author Disclosure Employment or Leadership Consultant or Advisory Role Stock Ownership Honoraria Research Expert Testimony Other Remuneration Eli Lilly

WARM SITZ BATH DOES NOT REDUCE SYMPTOMS IN POSTHAEMORRHOIDECTOMY PERIOD: A RANDOMIZED, CONTROLLED STUDY

Warm water sitz bath is routinely recommended after anal surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of sitz bath with regards to pain scores, analgesic requirements and patient satisfaction ratings after haemorrhoidectomy. Fifty patients were randomly assigned to receive antibiotics and analgesics alone (control patients) or a twice-daily sitz bath along with identical antibiotics and analgesics (sitz bath group). Weekly pain score and patient satisfaction score were evaluated on visual analogue scores. The number of analgesic tablets consumed in each week was also assessed. There was no significant difference in age, gender distribution and the number of excised haemorrhoid piles between the two groups. No significant difference in postoperative mean pain score between groups (P = 0.234) was noticed. Likewise, no relevant differences in analgesic requirements between sitz bath and no sitz bath group (P = 0.435) were seen. The satisfaction score was higher in the sitz bath group when compared with the control group; however, it did not reach a statistically significant level. This study shows that sitz bath does not offer pain relief, wound healing or reduction in consumption of analgesics and thus there is no evidence to prescribe sitz bath in the post-haemorrhoidectomy period.

The preemptive analgesic effect of lornoxicam in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery: A randomised controlled study

Introduction The aim of this study was to examine the effect of lornoxicam used in preemptive analgesia on the intensity of pain and requirement for analgesics in the perioperative period for major abdominal surgery. Methods Sixty patients scheduled for elective major abdominal surgery were randomly assigned to three groups after ethics committee approval. Patients in Group PRE ( n = 20) received lornoxicam i.v. 8 mg 20 min before incision and saline i.v. after skin closure; patients in Group POST ( n = 20) received saline i.v. 20 mins before incision and lornoxicam i.v. 8 mg after skin closure; patients in Group C ( n = 20) received saline i.v. 5 min before incision and after skin closure. A standardized general anesthetic was used. All patients were started on i.v. tramadol patient-controlled analgesia during the postoperative period. Pain intensity was measured using the visual analog scale (VAS), and tramadol consumption. In addition, the incidences of side effects were recorded at the end of the study period. Results There were no significant differences among the three groups of the demographic data. Groups PRE and POST demonstrated significantly reduced pain scores compared to Group C at various points in time. Group PRE also demonstrated a weakly significant reduction in analgesic consumption of tramadol postoperatively compared to Groups POST and C. Conclusion Lornoxicam administered preemptively appears to improve the quality of postoperative analgesia and leads to reduced consumption of tramadol postoperatively in patients undergoing major abdominal operations.

The symptomatic benefit (the clinical benefit response) from the second-line chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma

There are few reports on use of symptomatic benefits as an alternative or adjunctive for the assessment of objective response in chemotherapy of the advanced cancer. This study is performed to assess the symptomatic benefits (the clinical benefit response), in addition to the efficacy and toxicity of cisplatin plus infusional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) combination as second-line therapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer. Fifty-eight advanced gastric cancer patients with previous chemotherapy were enrolled into the study. Cisplatin 20 mg/m(2) was given for 5 days, and 5-FU was given 1000 mg/m(2) as 20 h continuous infusion for 5 days, repeated every 28 days. The overall objective response rate was 11.3%, and overall tumour control rate was 33.9%. The clinical benefit response, in terms of weight gain, reduction in analgesic consumption and the improvement in performance status observed in 12 patients [six patients with partial response (PR) and six patients with stable disease (SD)] (22.6%), while the rates of the clinical benefit response in patients with PR and with SD were 100% and 50% respectively. Cisplatin plus infusional 5-FU combination seems to improve disease-related symptoms (clinical benefit response) of patients with advanced gastric cancer, even in patients without objective response.

Traitement antalgique des métastases osseuses douloureuses par radiothérapie interne vectorisée

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of Quadramet ® and Metastron ® in 76 patients with painful bone metastases. The analgesic response was evaluated at six weeks, three months and six months. Blood counts performed every week allowed an assessment of the toxicity. The internal radiotherapy reduced the pain in 60% of patients with a complete pain disappearance in 26% and a reduction of analgesic consumption in 67% of them. This study did not show any statistically significant difference between the two treatments. However, we demonstrated that patients with a relatively long survival (≥4 months) had a better analgesic response (73 against 29%, p = 0.0004). The patients with a less than four months survival and those with CIVD and liver metastasis had a higher risk of thrombopenia. This retrospective study suggests that these treatments should be given preferably to treat patients with a relatively long life expectancy and that the detection of subclinic CIVD and liver metastasis could help to avoid severe thrombopenia.