Verbal Rating Scale Pain Research Articles

Ketamine Compared With Morphine for Out-of-Hospital Analgesia for Patients With Traumatic Pain

Pain is a common out-of-hospital symptom among patients, and opioids are often prescribed. Research suggests that overprescribing for acute traumatic pain is still prevalent, even when limits restricting opioid prescriptions have been implemented. Ketamine hydrochloride is an alternative to opioids in adults with out-of-hospital traumatic pain. To assess the noninferiority of intravenous ketamine compared with intravenous morphine sulfate to provide pain relief in adults with out-of-hospital traumatic pain. The Intravenous Subdissociative-Dose Ketamine Versus Morphine for Prehospital Analgesia (KETAMORPH) study was a multicenter, single-blind, noninferiority randomized clinical trial comparing ketamine hydrochloride (20 mg, followed by 10 mg every 5 minutes) with morphine sulfate (2 or 3 mg every 5 minutes) in adult patients with out-of-hospital trauma and a verbal pain score equal to or greater than 5. Enrollment occurred from November 23, 2017, to November 26, 2022, in 11 French out-of-hospital emergency medical units. Patients were randomly assigned to ketamine (n = 128) or morphine (n = 123). The primary outcome was the between-group difference in mean change in verbal rating scale pain scores measured from the time before administration of the study drug to 30 minutes later. A noninferiority margin of 1.3 was chosen. A total of 251 patients were randomized (median age, 51 [IQR, 34-69] years; 111 women [44.9%] and 140 men [55.1%] among the 247 with data available) and were included in the intention-to-treat population. The mean pain score change was -3.7 (95% CI, -4.2 to -3.2) in the ketamine group compared with -3.8 (95% CI, -4.2 to -3.4) in the morphine group. The difference in mean pain score change was 0.1 (95% CI, -0.7 to 0.9) points. There were no clinically meaningful differences for vital signs between the 2 groups. The intravenous morphine group had 19 of 113 (16.8% [95% CI, 10.4%-25.0%]) adverse effects reported (most commonly nausea [12 of 113 (10.6%)]) compared with 49 of 120 (40.8% [95% CI, 32.0%-49.6%]) in the ketamine group (most commonly emergence phenomenon [24 of 120 (20.0%)]). No adverse events required intervention. In the KETAMORPH study of patients with out-of-hospital traumatic pain, the use of intravenous ketamine compared with morphine showed noninferiority for pain reduction. In the ongoing opioid crisis, ketamine administered alone is an alternative to opioids in adults with out-of-hospital traumatic pain. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03236805.

Migraine and its childhood equivalents

Migraine is one of the most common causes of primary headache in the pediatric population. In addition to pain manifestations, episodic syndromes are also found in children, which often lack cephalgic manifestations and are difficult to verify in clinical practice.Objective: to determine the characteristics of the migraine and episodic syndromes associated with migraine in children of different age groups.Material and methods. The study included 250 children complaining of headaches (166 girls and 84 boys aged 5 to 18 years, mean age 13 years). The patients were divided into groups: Group 1 – preschool age (5–6 years) and elementary school age (7–10 years) – 20.8% (n=52) of patients; Group 2 – middle school age (11–14 years) – 45.2% (n=113) of patients; Group 3 – high school age (15–18 years) – 34% (n=85) of patients. A structured diagnostic interview was conducted with all study participants (or their parents) and pain and anxiety were assessed using special scales and tests adapted for children (visual analog scale (VAS); Digital Pain Rating Scale (DPS); Verbal Rating Pain Scale (VRPS), Faces Pain Scale (FPS), MIDAS scales, Hands scale, depression scales adapted by T.I. Balashova, Spielberger-Khanin anxiety scale).Results. The average age at onset of headache in the general structure was 11 [9; 13] years. Migraine was diagnosed in 40.4% (n=21) of the patients in Group 1, in 31.9% (n=36) of the patients in Group 2 and in 29.4% (n=25) of the patients in Group 3. An increase in age by 1 year leads to a 1.17-fold decrease in complaints for headache in combination with vomiting. With an increase in the age of the patients by 1 year, excessive sleep is significantly less likely to be a factor provoking headaches. A statistically significant inverse association was found between age and FPS scores (ρ =-0.13, 95% CI: -0.25; -0.002; p=0.0457), VAS (ρ =-0.13, 95% CI: -0.25; -0.004, p=0.0425) and Balashova scale score (ρ =-0.14, 95% CI: -0.26; -0.01, p=0.0327). The mean values for the intensity and severity of headaches decrease with age. Analysis of the prevalence of episodic syndromes associated with migraine revealed that in the general group, intestinal colic in infancy was found in 49.6% (n=124) of cases, in Group 1 – in 51.9% (n=27), in Group 2 – in 47.8% (n=54) and in Group 3 – in 50.6% (n=43) of patients. In the general group, torticollis was found in 14.4% (n=36) of patients, which increased slightly with age. Intermittent abdominal pain was found in a total of 33.2% (n=83) and spontaneous vomiting in 18% of children, and its prevalence decreased with age.Conclusion. The prevalence of migraine in children of different age groups suffering from headache varies between 40.4% and 29.4% of cases. Frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms accompanying a headache attack and the provoking effect of sleep decrease continuously with increasing age. Episodic childhood syndromes associated with migraine may vary in their characteristics between different age groups of pediatric patients.

Peripheral Nerve Catheter Reduces Postoperative Opioid Consumption and Pain in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Patients undergoing revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) have historically received high doses of opioids during the perioperative period. As awareness of opioid use has heightened, opioid administration has continuously decreased. This study aimed to evaluate if peripheral nerve catheter (PNC) use in rTKA reduces opiate consumption while maintaining similar pain control and postoperative function levels. A retrospective review of 354 patients who underwent rTKA between July 2019 and January 2022 was conducted. Fifty total patients who received an adductor canal PNC were propensity-matched 1:1 to a control group of 50 patients that did not receive a PNC. To assess the primary outcome of opiate consumption, nursing documented opiate administration events were converted into morphine milligram equivalents per 24-hour interval. Postoperative pain and functional status were assessed using the verbal rating scale for pain and the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care scores, respectively. Compared to the control group, the PNC group demonstrated significantly lower overall inpatient opiate consumption (98.68 ± 117.03 vs 176.69 ± 203.47 morphine milligram equivalents; 44.15% decrease, P= .021) and lower verbal rating scale pain scores at 60 to 72 hours postoperatively (4.85 ± 1.24 vs 5.83 ± 1.35; 16.81% decrease, P= .038). There was no significant difference in Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care scores postoperatively (raw score: 19.41 ± 3.61 vs 19.46 ± 3.18; 0.26% decrease, P= .952). Finally, the PNC cohort was significantly less likely to be readmitted within 90 days after surgery (0.0% vs 12.0%; P= .012). In rTKA patients, PNC can significantly reduce inpatient opioid consumption while maintaining a comparable functional recovery and superior pain control. Retrospective Cohort Study.

Effects of Dexamethasone on Postoperative Glycemic Control in Diabetic Patients Following Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BackgroundConcerns regarding the effects of dexamethasone on diabetics' glucose control have stymied its use following total joint arthroplasty. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 2 intravenous (IV) perioperative doses of dexamethasone on glucose levels, pain scores, and inpatient opioid consumption following total joint arthroplasty in diabetic patients. MethodsA retrospective review of 523 diabetic patients who underwent primary elective THA and 953 diabetic patients who underwent primary elective total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between May 6, 2020, and December 17, 2021 was conducted. Patients who received 1 dose (1D) of perioperative dexamethasone 10 mg IV were compared to patients who received 2 doses (2D). Primary outcomes included postoperative glucose levels, opioid consumption as morphine milligram equivalences, postoperative pain as Verbal Rating Scale pain scores, and postoperative complications. ResultsThe 2D TKA cohort had significantly greater average and maximum blood glucose levels from 24 to 60 hours compared to the 1D TKA cohort. The 2D THA cohort had significantly greater average blood glucose levels at 24 to 36 hours compared to the 1D THA cohort. However, the 2D TKA group had significantly reduced opioid consumption from 24 to 72 hours and reduced total consumption compared to the 1D TKA group. Verbal Rating Scale pain scores did not differ between cohorts for both TKA and THA at any interval. ConclusionAdministration of a second perioperative dose of dexamethasone was associated with increased postoperative blood glucose levels. However, the observed effect on glucose control may not outweigh the clinical benefits of a second perioperative dose of glucocorticoids.

EFFECTIVENESS OF EXERCISE PROGRAM ON LOW BACK PAIN AMONG NURSES WORKING AT A MEDICAL COLLEGE HOSPITAL IN DHAKA, BANGLADESH

Background: Low Back pain (LBP) is one of the most thought-provoking health conditions among the health professionals, especially nurses and it is considered as a significant health problem around the world. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of exercise programs to reduce LBP among nurses working at Mugda Medical College Hospital in Dhaka. Methods: A Quasi Experimental one group pre-posttest study design with 5 weeks’ exercise program and one week follow up session was used. A total of 60 nurses were conveniently recruited from Mugda Medical College Hospital. Data collection period was from January to March 2020. Nurses’ characteristics were described by using Socio-Demographic Questionnaire (SDQ) and their LBP status was examined by Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and 11 points of Verbal Rating Scale for pain (VRSP) assessment. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation was used to describe the demographic characteristics and LBP of nurses. Inferential statistics such as matched paired t-test and independent sample t-test were used to examine the relationship between the variables. Results: Finding shows that the mean pre-test LBP score of nurses was 5.40 (SD = 0.74) and post-test LBP score was 1.51 (SD = 1.27). The mean differences were 3.89 (SD = 0.53) which indicates significant difference between pre and post-test score. In matched paired t-test, it was found that there was a significant mean difference between pre and post-test of LBP (p< 0.001). Conclusion: There was a significant mean difference after exercise program among the nurses with LBP. It indicates that exercise program was effective to reduce LBP. This finding can be recommended to develop educational modules for nurses to provide appropriate care to the patients.

Pain as a risk factor of depression and anxiety symptoms with multiple myeloma during maintenance therapy.

To investigate the prevalence of depression or anxiety in patient with multiple myeloma (MM) in China during maintenance treatment and its associated influencing factors. Patients with MM (n = 160) received maintenance therapy, and control subjects (without MM, n = 160) matched on age, sex, and BMI were recruited. Patients completed questionnaires, including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item Scale (GAD-7), and the Verbal Pain Rating Scale (VPRS). Data on the Clinical characteristics, biochemical indicators of de novo MM were from the database of the Hematology Department of Beijing Chao-yang Hospital. Multiple linear regression model analysis was used to compare the differences in PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scale scores between the control group and the case group after correction for relevant variables. Multiple logistic regression models were subsequently used to analyze the correlation between the presence or absence of anxiety and depression and clinical indicators in the MM groups. Depression symptoms was present in 33.33% and anxiety symptoms in 24.68% of first-episode MM in the maintenance phase of treatment, and depression symptoms in the index-corrected MM group was significantly different from that in the control group (t = 2.54, P < 0.05). Analyses of multiple logistic regressions: biochemical indicators and clinical typing were not significantly associated with anxiety and depression. Compared to the pain rating 1, the risk of depressive mood was greater in the case group with the pain rating 2 (OR = 2.38) and the pain rating ≥ 3 (OR = 4.32). The risk of anxiety was greater in the case group with the pain rating ≥ 3 than the pain rating 1 (OR = 2.89). Despite being in clinical remission, depressive mood problems in patients with MM remain prominent. Clinicians should enhance mood assessment and management in patients with concomitant pain.

Systematic evaluation and meta-analysis of Chinese medicine in the treatment of centrally mediated abdominal pain syndrome.

Background:This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Chinese medicine for the treatment of centrally mediated abdominal pain syndrome (CAPS) using a meta-analysis system.Methods:Six databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Vendor Information Pages, Chinese Biomedical Database, Wanfang, PubMed, and Embase were searched for randomized controlled trials related to the treatment of CAPS with traditional Chinese medicine. The bias risk assessment tool and RevMan5.3 software (Copenhagen, The Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration) were used to conduct quality assessment and meta-analysis, and the GRADE grading system was used to evaluate the quality of evidence for outcome indicators.Results:Fifteen articles were included in this study. Meta-analysis results showed that the treatment group was more effective in terms of the total effective rate (relative risk = 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19–1.34; P < .00001), Behavioral Rating Scale-6 pain score (mean difference [MD] = −0.79; 95% CI, −0.99 to −0.59; P < .00001), and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom score (MD = −1.74; 95% CI, −2.23 to −1.26; P < .00001) than the control group (P < .05). However, in terms of numerical rating scale pain score (MD = 0.79; 95% CI, −1.70 to 0.12; P = .09), the efficacy was comparable between the 2 groups, and the difference was not statistically significant (P > .05). In terms of verbal rating scale pain, depression, and anxiety scores, the data could not be combined due to inconsistent scoring criteria, and only descriptive analysis was performed. The results showed that the treatment group was slightly better than the control group in terms of relieving verbal rating scale pain and improving anxiety and depression (P < .05).Conclusion:Chinese medicine can effectively improve the pain and TCM clinical symptoms of patients with CAPS and relieve patients’ anxiety and depression with fewer adverse effects, which has certain therapeutic advantages. However, because of the low methodological quality assessment of the included literature, the quality of GRADE evidence for outcome indicators is of mostly low and very low quality, the strength of recommendation is weak, and the credibility of the conclusion is average. More rigorous, larger sample, and higher-quality clinical trials are required to provide a higher level of evidence-based medicine for the development of TCM treatment standards for CAPS.

Ultrasound-Guided Quadratus Lumborum Block Enhances the Quality of Recovery after Gastrointestinal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Quadratus lumborum block (QLB) has been used to reduce postoperative acute pain and opioid consumption. However, the efficacy of QLB on the quality of recovery (QoR) after gastrointestinal surgery has not been established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of QLB to enhance the postoperative QoR in patients undergoing open gastrointestinal surgery. Methods Eighty-four patients undergoing open gastrointestinal surgery were randomized to receive ultrasound-guided QLB with either 20 ml of 0.375% ropivacaine or saline. The primary outcome was the QoR-15 score at 24 h after surgery. The secondary outcomes were the postoperative pain intensity, opioid consumption, the incidence of nausea, vomiting, and chronic pain. Results The global QoR-15 score at 24 h postoperatively was significantly higher in the QLB group than in the control group (mean difference: 16.9; 95% CI: 11.9–21.9). Additionally, the QoR-15 scores for five dimensions were significantly higher in the QLB group than in the control group. The cumulative oxycodone consumption was significantly lower in the QLB group during 0–6, 6–24, 0–24, 24–48, and 0–48 h postoperatively than in the control group. At rest or during coughing, the pain verbal rating scale scores were significantly lower at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h after surgery in the QLB group than in the control group. The incidence of postoperative nausea was significantly different between the groups, but postoperative vomiting was not. Conclusion Single-injection posteromedial QLB with ropivacaine enhanced the QoR at 48 h after surgery and improved analgesia during the early postoperative period in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery.

Abstract No. : ABS0107 : Ultrasound guided lower thoracic erector spinae plane block for postoperative analgesia following gynaecologic oncology surgery - A randomised controlled trial

Background and Aims:Erector spinae plane (ESP) block is a relatively novel block which provides local and visceral analgesia for abdominal surgery. The present study is aimed to assess the efficacy of ESP block for postoperative analgesia following major open gynaecologic oncology surgery.Methods:Sixty female patients posted for elective open gynaecologic oncology surgeries were enroled in this prospective, double blind study and randomised to B and C group. Group B patients received general anaesthesia plus ultrasound guided bilateral ESP block at T9 level at the end of surgery while group C patients received general anaesthesia only. Primary outcome was postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. Secondary outcomes were time to first rescue analgesic, 24 hours tramadol consumption, and side effects. Chi square and student t tests were used and P < 0.05 was considered significant.Results:Postoperative pain scores were lower in B group compared to C group at rest and on movement . Time to first rescue analgesic was prolonged in B group (8.10 ± 1.48 hours) as compared to C group (0.7 ± 0.38 hours) [P < 0.0001]. Total 24 hours tramadol consumption was less in B group (68 ± 48.55 mg) than C group (210 ± 52.65 mg)(table 1) [P < 0.0001].Conclusion:Ultrasound guided ESP block with general anaesthesia provides superior postoperative analgesia compared to general anaesthesia alone following major gynaecologic oncology surgeries without any side effects. It can be used as an alternative to epidural analgesia.Table 1Comparison of variables in different routes of ketamine administrationVariableGroup intravenous-ketamineGroup nebulised-ketamine P Age mean (years)7.56±1.277.41±1.14>0.05Weight mean (kg)25.34±4.7125.09±2.97>0.05Parental Separation scores (median)11>0.05Sedation (median) 5-point sedation score22>0.05Verbal rating scale pain score (median) Immediate00>0.05 1 h- post-operatively210.04Time for 1st rescue analgesic (min)237.19±34.38 min300±26.396 minP<0.001

Abstract No.: ABS2768: Comparison of pre-emptive ketamine nebulisation with intravenous ketamine for post-operative analgesia in children undergoing tonsillectomy: A randomised controlled trial

Background and Aims:Nebulised ketamine is a painless route of drug administration in children.This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of ketamine nebulisation as opposed to intravenous ketamine as premedication in childrenMethods:64 children aged 5-10 years, undergoing tonsillectomy were randomly allocated into 2 groups.Both groups received glycopyrrolate 5mcg/kg. First group received ketamine nebulisation (1mg/kg) 20minutes prior to the surgery and other group received intravenous ketamine (1mg/kg) just before shifting to operating room. Children were anaesthetised by standard technique using fentanyl 1 µg/kg, propofol 2mg/kg, atracurium 0.5mg/kg and sevoflurane. Postoperatively, pain score using verbal rating scale(VRS) was assessed immediately after shifting to post anaesthesia care unit (PACU)and after one hour and the time of first rescue analgesic requirement was noted. Children were also assessed for parental separation scores and levels of sedation using 5-point sedation scale preoperatively.Results:There was no difference in VRS pain score immediately after shifting to PACU but there was significant difference in the VRS pain score at one hour postoperatively (p<0.05).The mean time for rescue analgesia was significantly prolonged in ketamine nebulisation group (300±26.40min) in contrast to intravenous ketamine group (237.19±34.38min) (p<0.05). Nebulised and intravenous ketamine produced similar levels of sedation (score-2) and acceptable parental separation scores (score1,2) (table 1).Conclusion:Ketamine nebulisation (1mg/kg) administered before tonsillectomy significantly prolonged postoperative analgesia as opposed to intravenous ketamine with similar parental separation scores and sedation scores. Hence nebulisation can be used as an alternative route for administering ketamine.

A Comparative Study to Evaluate the Effect of Honey and Zinc Oxide Eugenol Dressing for the Treatment of Dry Socket: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Dry socket is a common postoperative complication secondary to any tooth extraction but is more commonly associated with mandibular third molars. Dry socket has been treated with various treatment modalities with different success rates. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of using honey and zinc oxide eugenol as an intra-socket medicament for the treatment of dry sockets. Ninety patients were divided into three groups as follows: Group 1 “honey”: 30 patients; Group 2 “zinc oxide eugenol”: 30 patients; and Group 3 “control”: 30 patients. Pre-medication and post-medication pain scores at different time intervals were measured on a verbal rating scale. The mean ages of the patients in each of the groups were as follows: Group 1: 44.26 ± 14.14; Group 2: 45.30 ± 18.08; and Group 3: 51.93 ± 9.75. As regards verbal rating scale pain scores, a significant difference was noted in patients that belonged to Groups 1 and 2, with an immediate reduction in post-medication pain scores. However, patients belonging to Group 3 reported pain and discomfort for over a week. The use of honey and zinc oxide eugenol resulted in significant immediate post-medication pain scores in patients as compared to the control group. Therefore, both honey and zinc oxide eugenol can be used as treatment options for dry socket patients.

Reliability and Validity of the Spanish Version of the Medical Outcomes Study Pain Severity Scale in Mexican Patients With Rheumatic Diseases.

To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the Medical Outcomes Study Pain Severity Scale (MOS-PSS) in patients with rheumatic diseases. A cross-sectional study was carried out from January 2019 to March 2020 using a nonprobabilistic sampling of consecutive cases. The internal consistency of the scale was evaluated through the Cronbach α coefficient and by the item response theory reliability coefficient. Construct validity was evaluated by factor analysis; relationships between MOS-PSS and visual numeric scale for pain, numeric rating scale for pain, and verbal rating scale for pain; and differences between relevant groups. Item response theory-based methods were used to assess item performance. A clinical sample of 796 outpatients was recruited. Most patients presented moderate to severe pain. Two subscale solutions showed a good model fit in confirmatory factor analysis. The overall model fit of multidimensional generalized partial credit model showed to be adequate. The most discriminating item was "average pain intensity." Evidence revealed disordered thresholds in 2 items. Collapsing categories resulted in ordered thresholds for all items and significantly improving the overall model fit. The MOS-PSS and modified MOS-PSS yielded high reliability. Both scales were very strongly correlated with numeric rating scale for pain, visual numeric scale for pain, and verbal rating scale for pain (ρ ≥ 0.85). All hypotheses related to subgroups comparison were fulfilled. Overall, the Spanish version of the MOS-PSS showed good reliability and construct validity. Nevertheless, the statistical evidence from this study would suggest the modified MOS-PSS should be the version of choice for measuring pain in Mexican patients with rheumatic diseases.

Fentanyl versus dexamethasone or both as adjuvants to bupivacaine in an ultrasound-guided paravertebral block in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy: a randomized double-blind clinical study.

This study aimed to compare the effect of dexamethasone added to fentanyl and bupivacaine with the effect of either dexamethasone or fentanyl alone when combined with bupivacaine in the thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB). Sixty female patients (aged 18-60 years), scheduled for modified radical mastectomy were enrolled. Patients received preoperative unilateral paravertebral block using 0.3 mL/kg of 0.5% bupivacaine combined with 8 mg dexamethasone (group 1), 1 μg/kg fentanyl (group 2), or 8 mg dexamethasone + 1 μg/kg fentanyl (group 3). The study drugs were diluted with normal saline 0.9% up to 25 mL volume. The primary outcome was the time to first postoperative analgesics request, Secondary outcomes were total analgesic consumption, verbal rating pain scale (VRS) over the first 24 hours postoperatively, hemodynamic parameters, and adverse effects. The time to first analgesic request for intravenous (IV) nalbuphine was longer in group 2 (15.75±0.9 h, P<0.001) than group 1 (10.45±1.1 h, P<0.001), while no patients requested it in group 3 (P<0.001). The total analgesic consumption of IV nalbuphine was lower in group 2 (8.6±3.5mg, P=0.04) than group 1 (11.3±2.1 mg), with a significant difference between group 2 and 3 (P<0.001). From the 8th till the 24th hours postoperatively, patients in group 3 showed the significantly lowest median VAS scores, followed by patients in group 2 (P<0.001) and lastly patients in group 1. There were no significant adverse effects. Dexamethasone and fentanyl combination enhances the analgesic effect of bupivacaine in TPVB.

Intralesional pentoxifylline, triamcinolone acetonide, and their combination for treatment of keloid scars.

Keloids are common fibroproliferative tumors, and their treatment still represents a dilemma. Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) injection is effective, but frequently associated with side effects. Pentoxifyllin (PTX) is a vasodilator, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic agent. Its intralesional injection in keloids has not been evaluated yet. Evaluating the efficacy and safety of intralesional PTX versus intralesional TAC and their combination for treatment of keloids. Thirty patients with keloids were divided into three equal groups and treated by intralesional injection of TAC, PTX, or their combination (admixed in 1:1 ratio). Injections were repeated every 3weeks until lesional flattening or for maximum of 5sessions. The evaluation was done using the Vancouver Scar Scale and the Verbal Rating Scale for pain and itching. A significant improvement in VSS was detected in all groups. Significantly better improvements in keloid height, pliability, pain, and itching were detected in the TAC and combination groups than in the PTX group. There was a significantly higher incidence of side effects (atrophy, hypopigmentation, telangiectasia, and precipitation of TAC) in the TAC group than in the combination group, while no side effects were reported in the PTX group. A statistically significant reduction in the number of treatment sessions (required to achieve best results) was detected in patients in the combination group. Intralesional injection of PTX is a potentially helpful, safe, and well-tolerated therapeutic tool for keloids, but with lower efficacy than intralesional TAC when used solely. Combining PTX and TAC produces significantly better results for keloid treatment and lowers the risk of TAC-induced side effects.

Discontinuation of the liposomal delivery of bupivacaine has no effect on pain management after primary total knee arthroplasty : no effect on pain scores, opioid consumption, or functional status.

Liposomal bupivacaine (LB) as part of a periarticular injection protocol continues to be a highly debated topic in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We evaluated the effect of discontinuing the use of LB in a periarticular protocol on immediate postoperative pain scores, opioid consumption, and objective functional outcomes. On 1 July 2019, we discontinued the use of intraoperative LB as part of a periarticular injection protocol. A consecutive group of patients who received LB as part of the protocol (Protocol 1) and a subsequent group who did not (Protocol 2) were compared. All patients received the same opioid-sparing protocol. Verbal rating scale (VRS) pain scores were collected from our electronic data warehouse and averaged per patient per 12-hour interval. Events relating to the opiate administration were derived as morphine milligram equivalences (MMEs) per patient per 24-hour interval. The Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) tool was used to assess the immediate postoperative function. A total of 888 patients received Protocol 1 and while 789 received Protocol 2. The mean age of the patients was significantly higher in those who did not receive LB (66.80 vs 65.57 years, p = 0.006). The sex, BMI, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status score, race, smoking status, marital status, operating time, length of stay, and discharge disposition were similar in the two groups. Compared with the LB group, discontinuing LB showed no significant difference in postoperative VRS pain scores up to 72 hours (p > 0.05), opioid administration up to 96 hours (p > 0.05), or AM-PAC scores within the first 24 hours (p > 0.05). The control of pain after TKA with a multimodal management protocol is not improved by the addition of LB compared with traditional bupivacaine. Cite this article: Bone Joint J2021;103-B(6 Supple A):102-107.

Longitudinal cohort study on preoperative pain as a risk factor for chronic postoperative inguinal pain after groin hernia repair at 2-year follow-up.

To assess the rate of late chronic postoperative inguinal pain (CPIP) after groin hernia repair in patients with different categories of preoperative VRS (Verbal Rating Scale) pain and to make a pragmatic evaluation of the rates of potentially surgery-related CPIP vs. postoperative continuation of preexisting preoperative pain. Groin pain of patients operated from 01/11/2011 to 01/04/2014 was assessed preoperatively, postoperatively and at 2-year follow-up using a VRS-4 in 5670 consecutive groin hernia repairs. A PROM (Patient Related Outcomes Measurement) questionnaire studied the impact of CPIP on the patients' daily life. Relevant (moderate or severe VRS) pain was registered preoperatively in 1639 of 5670 (29%) cases vs. 197 of 4704 (4.2%) cases at the 2-year follow-up. Among the latter, 125 (3.7%) cases were found in 3353 cases with no-relevant preoperative pain and 72 (5.3%) in 1351 cases with relevant preoperative pain. Relevant CPIP consisted of 179 (3.8%) cases of moderate pain and 18 (0.4%) cases of severe pain. The rate of severe CPIP was independent of the preoperative VRS-pain category while the rate of moderate CPIP (3.1%, 3.4%, 4.1%, 6.8%) increased in line with the preoperative (none, mild, moderate, and severe) VRS-pain categories. The VRS probably overestimated pain since 71.6% of the relevant CPIP patients assessed their pain as less bothersome than the hernia. At the 2-year follow-up, relevant CPIP was registered in 4.2% cases, of which 63.5% were potentially surgery-related (no-relevant preoperative pain) and 36.5% possibly due to the postoperative persistence of preoperative pain. The rate of severe CPIP was constant around 0.4%.

Randomised controlled trial of a microneedle patch with a topical anaesthetic for relieving the pain of dental injections

ObjectivesTo determine whether a microneedle patch combined with 5% topical lidocaine reduces dental injection pain more than a patch without microneedles combined with 5% topical lidocaine. MethodsThis proof of principle randomised, two-treatment, double-blind, crossover split-unit design study in 16 healthy participants investigated levels of perceived pain from 3 increasing pain provoking challenges, when topical 5% lidocaine dental gel was applied to the oral mucosa with a microneedle patch and a patch with no microneedles, prior to infiltration with local anaesthesia on 2 visits. Pain was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) and 4-point verbal rating scale (VRS). Results15 participants completed the study. Mean pain scores, lower at buccal sites, increased in both groups across challenges 1−3: Test palatal 5.1, 11.9, 26.8; buccal 0.7, 2.8, 18.3; Control palatal 12.3, 18.7, 39.5; buccal 4.0, 6.9, 30.6. The microneedle patch plus lidocaine significantly lowered VAS pain scores at both sites for all challenges, the biggest mean difference seen palatally after challenge 3 (12.7, p < 0.001). VRS pain scores were also significantly reduced for test compared to control for all 3 challenges (p = 0.014). Buccal scores favoured the microneedle patch, significantly for pain challenge 3 (p = 0.025). No adverse events occurred. ConclusionsPrior oral application of a microneedle patch combined with 5% topical lidocaine gel reduced the pain experienced from dental infiltration. Microneedle patch use in the dental setting offers the prospect of improving degree and depth of anaesthesia from topically applied anaesthetic gel, without itself causing any pain. Clinical SignificanceDental injections are associated with fear and anxiety. Application of a microneedle patch, combined with topical anaesthetic, to the oral mucosa prior to delivery of the injection reduces the pain from this dental procedure. This novel technique may allay patients’ apprehension of local anaesthesia and improve quality of life outcomes.

Adductor Canal Blocks Reduce Inpatient Opioid Consumption While Maintaining Noninferior Pain Control and Functional Outcomes After Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundThe use of perioperative adductor canal blocks (PABs) continues to be a highly debated topic for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Here, we evaluate the effect of PABs on immediate postoperative subjective pain scores, opioid consumption, and objective functional outcomes. MethodsOn December 1, 2019, an institution-wide policy change was begun to use PABs in primary elective TKAs. Patient demographics, immediate postoperative nursing documented pain scores, opioid administration events, and validated physical therapy functional scores were prospectively collected as part of the standard of care and retrospectively queried through our electronic data warehouse. A historical comparison cohort was derived from consecutive patients undergoing TKA between July 1, 2019 and November 30, 2019. Results405 primary TKAs received PABs, while 789 patients were in the control cohort. Compared with controls, average verbal rating scale pain scores were lower among PAB recipients from 0-12 hours (2.42 ± 1.60 vs 2.05 ± 1.60; <.001) and 24-36 hours (4.92 ± 2.00 vs 4.47 ± 2.27; <.01). PAB recipients demonstrated significantly lower opioid consumption within the first 24 hours (44.34 ± 40.98 vs 36.83 ± 48.13; P < .01) and during their total inpatient stay (92.27 ± 109.81 vs 77.52 ± 123.11; <.05). AM-PAC scores within the first 24 hours were also higher for PABs (total scores: 20.28 ± 3.06 vs 20.71 ± 3.12; <.05). ConclusionWhile the minimal clinically important differences in pain scores and functional status were comparable between both cohorts, patients demonstrated a significant reduction in overall inpatient opiate consumption after the introduction of PABs. Surgeons should consider these findings when evaluating for perioperative pain management, opioid-sparing, and rapid discharge protocols.

Discontinuation of Intraoperative Liposomal Bupivacaine in Primary THA Does Not Clinically Change Postoperative Subjective Pain, Opioid Consumption, or Objective Functional Status

BackgroundThere is debate regarding the benefit of liposomal bupivacaine (LB) as part of a periarticular injection (PAI) in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Here, we evaluate the effect of discontinuing intraoperative LB PAI on immediate postoperative subjective pain, opioid consumption, and objective functional outcomes. MethodsOn July 1, 2019, an institutional policy discontinued the use of intraoperative LB PAI. A consecutive cohort that received LB PAI and a subsequent cohort that did not were compared. All patients received the same opioid-sparing protocol. Nursing documented verbal rating scale pain scores were averaged per patient per 12-hour interval. Opiate administration events were converted into morphine milligram equivalences per patient per 24-hour interval. The validated Activity Measure for Postacute Care (AM-PAC) tool was used to evaluate functional outcomes. ResultsSix hundred thirty eight primary THAs received LB followed by 939 that did not. In the non-LB THAs, BMI was higher (30.06 vs 29.43; P < .05). Besides marital status, the remaining baseline demographics were similar between the two cohorts (P > .05). The non-LB THA cohort demonstrated a marginal increase in verbal rating scale pain scores between 12 to 24 hours (4.42 ± 1.70 vs 4.20 ± 1.87; P < .05) and 36 to 48 hours (4.49 ± 1.72 vs 4.21 ± 1.83; P < .05). There was no difference in inpatient opioid administration up to 96 hours postoperatively (P > .05) or AM-PAC functional scores within the first 24 hours (P > .05). ConclusionA small statistical, but not clinically meaningful, difference was observed in subjective pain scores with LB PAI discontinuation. Opioid consumption and postoperative AM-PAC functional scores were unchanged after LB PAI discontinuation.

The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug salsalate provides safe and effective control of mucositis-unrelated pain during autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Pain is a serious adverse event which frequently accompanies hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The safety and efficacy of NSAIDS during HSCT is currently unknown. Salsalate is a platelet-sparing NSAID with a favorable toxicity profile compared with other NSAIDS. We report the safety and efficacy of salsalate for different types of pain during SCT. We conducted a retrospective study of SCT recipients empirically treated with salsalate for > 48h. Pain scores were assessed using the verbal rating scale for pain. A subset analysis of patients who received > 7days of salsalate during periods of pancytopenia, mucositis, and other end-organ toxicities is included. Sixty-four patients, 42 auto- and 22 allografts, were identified. Reason for use: vertebral-related pain (30%), musculoskeletal (30%), and cytokine inflammatory pain syndromes (24%). Median dose 1500mg/day, number of treatment days = 5, started on day+5 post-HSCT. Pain resolved/improved to pain score < 4 in 76% and stable in 15%. Forty-four patients (28-auto and 16 allografts) received > 7-day salsalate. Median WBC and platelet nadir were < 0.1 and 10,000 cells/ml respectively. pain was improved or eradicated in 64% and stable in 32%. LFT elevation (n = 2), elevated serum creatinine (n = 2), and minor bleed (n = 5-nose, gums, and urine). Salsalate discontinuation (n = 6): ineffective (n = 1), the liver (n = 1), the kidney (n = 1), > 5 platelet transfusions (n = 1), and vomiting (n = 2). There was no treatment related mortality. Salsalate was well tolerated, safe, and beneficial for several different types of pain during HSCT.