scholarly journals Efficacy of interrupted cyclic treatment with prednisolone on cancer pain: a randomized crossover study

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed A. Ghanem

Abstract Background Interrupted cyclic treatment with a low oral dose of prednisolone combined with stepladder analgesics would reduce the pain scores in cancer patients with reported less side effects. Following ethical approval, 39 cancer patients were randomized to receive prednisolone 10 mg every other day or every 4th day for 4 successive weeks followed with tapering prednisolone by 2.5 mg every 4 days over 2 weeks after each interval, primary outcome visual analog score (VAS), and other secondary outcomes such as (A) patient demographics; (B) pain scores; brief pain inventory score (BPI), pain severity score (PSS), pain interference score (PIS), analgesia level score, pain level score (PLS), and pain management index (PMI)); and (C) patient safety (adverse effects) with interrupted cyclic treatment with low-dose prednisolone. Results Compared with baseline values, patients had statistically significant lower VAS and PSS pain scores at 14 and 28 days after starting the 2 days cyclic treatment with prednisolone. Patients had comparative VAS and PSS pain scores during the 4-day cyclic treatment with prednisolone. Compared with the 4-day cyclic treatment, patients in the 2-day cyclic treatment had significant statistically lower VAS pain scores at 28 days. Adverse effects showed no significant statistical differences during both study sequences. Conclusion Interrupted cyclic prednisolone 10 mg combined with stepladder analgesic regimen is effective and safe in terms on improved quality of analgesia for 28 days in cancer patients more when used every 2nd day than every 4th day with appetite improvement during both. Trial registration The study protocol was approved by the local Institutional Board Review Committee on 8-11-2019. The study was prospectively registered with the www.clinicaltrials.gov

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e044168
Author(s):  
Prahlad Adhikari ◽  
Asish Subedi ◽  
Birendra Prasad Sah ◽  
Krishna Pokharel

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine if low dose intravenous ketamine is effective in reducing opioid use and pain after non-elective caesarean delivery.DesignProspective, randomised, double-blind.SettingTertiary hospital, Bisheshwar Prasad Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, NepalParticipants80 patients undergoing non-elective caesarean section with spinal anaesthesia.InterventionsPatients were allocated in 1:1 ratio to receive either intravenous ketamine 0.25 mg/kg or normal saline before the skin incision.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome was the total amount of morphine equivalents needed up to postoperative 24 hours. Secondary outcome measures were postoperative pain scores, time to the first perception of pain, maternal adverse effects (nausea, vomiting, hypotension, shivering, diplopia, nystagmus, hallucination) and neonatal Apgar score at 1 and 5 min, neonatal respiratory depression and neonatal intensive-care referral.ResultsThe median (range) cumulative morphine consumption during the first 24 hours of surgery was 0 (0–4.67) mg in ketamine group and 1 (0–6) mg in saline group (p=0.003). The median (range) time to the first perception of pain was 6 (1–12) hours and 2 (0.5–6) hours in ketamine and saline group, respectively (p<0.001). A significant reduction in postoperative pain scores was observed only at 2 hours and 6 hours in the ketamine group compared with placebo group (p<0.05). Maternal adverse effects and neonatal outcomes were comparable between the two groups.ConclusionsIntravenous administration of low dose ketamine before surgical incision significantly reduced the opioid requirement in the first 24 hours in patients undergoing non-elective caesarean delivery.Trial registration numberNCT03450499.


2010 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuichi Michikawa ◽  
Tomo Suga ◽  
Atsuko Ishikawa ◽  
Hideki Hayashi ◽  
Akira Oka ◽  
...  

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (25) ◽  
pp. 3859-3865 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas M. Suter ◽  
Marion Procter ◽  
Dirk J. van Veldhuisen ◽  
Michael Muscholl ◽  
Jonas Bergh ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this analysis was to investigate trastuzumab-associated cardiac adverse effects in breast cancer patients after completion of (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy. Patients and Methods The Herceptin Adjuvant (HERA) trial is a three-group, multicenter, open-label randomized trial that compared 1 or 2 years of trastuzumab given once every 3 weeks with observation in patients with HER-2–positive breast cancer. Only patients who after completion of (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy had normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≥ 55%) were eligible. A repeat LVEF assessment was performed in case of cardiac dysfunction. Results Data were available for 1,693 patients randomly assigned to 1 year trastuzumab and 1,693 patients randomly assigned to observation. The incidence of trastuzumab discontinuation due to cardiac disorders was low (4.3%). The incidence of cardiac end points was higher in the trastuzumab group compared with observation (severe congestive heart failure [CHF], 0.60% v 0.00%; symptomatic CHF, 2.15% v 0.12%; confirmed significant LVEF drops, 3.04% v 0.53%). Most patients with cardiac dysfunction recovered in fewer than 6 months. Patients with trastuzumab-associated cardiac dysfunction were treated with higher cumulative doses of doxorubicin (287 mg/m2 v 257 mg/m2) or epirubicin (480 mg/m2 v 422 mg/m2) and had a lower screening LVEF and a higher body mass index. Conclusion Given the clear benefit in disease-free survival, the low incidence of cardiac adverse events, and the suggestion that cardiac dysfunction might be reversible, adjuvant trastuzumab should be considered for treatment of breast cancer patients who fulfill the HERA trial eligibility criteria.


Author(s):  
Darren M. Brenner ◽  
Neal E. Slatkin ◽  
Nancy Stambler ◽  
Robert J. Israel ◽  
Paul H. Coluzzi

Abstract Purpose Peripherally acting μ-opioid receptor antagonists such as methylnaltrexone (MNTX, Relistor®) are indicated for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation (OIC). The structural properties unique to MNTX restrict it from traversing the blood-brain barrier (BBB); however, the BBB may become more permeable in patients with brain metastases. We investigated whether the presence of brain metastases in cancer patients compromises the central effects of opioids among patients receiving MNTX for OIC. Methods This post hoc analysis of pooled data from 3 randomized, placebo-controlled trials included cancer patients with OIC who received MNTX or placebo. Endpoints included changes from baseline in pain scores, rescue-free laxation (RFL) within 4 or 24 h of the first dose, and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), including those potentially related to opioid withdrawal symptoms. Results Among 356 cancer patients in the pooled population, 47 (MNTX n = 27; placebo n = 20) had brain metastases and 309 (MNTX n = 172; placebo n = 137) did not have brain metastases. No significant differences in current pain, worst pain, or change in pain scores from baseline were observed between patients treated with MNTX or placebo. Among patients with brain metastases, a significantly greater proportion of patients who received MNTX versus placebo achieved an RFL within 4 h after the first dose (70.4% vs 15.0%, respectively, p = 0.0002). TEAEs were similar between treatment groups and were generally gastrointestinal in nature and not related to opioid withdrawal. Conclusion Focal disruptions of the BBB caused by brain metastases did not appear to alter central nervous system penetrance of MNTX.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenji Maeda ◽  
Masayuki Amano ◽  
Yukari Uemura ◽  
Kiyoto Tsuchiya ◽  
Tomoko Matsushima ◽  
...  

Abstract While mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are exceedingly effective in preventing symptomatic infection, their immune response features remain to be clarified. In the present prospective study, 225 healthy individuals in Japan, who received two BNT162b2 doses, were enrolled. Correlates of BNT162b2-elicited SARS-CoV-2-neutralizing activity (50% neutralization titer: NT50; assessed using infectious virions) with various determinants were examined and the potency of serums against variants of concerns was determined. Significant rise in NT50s was seen in serums on day 28 post-1st dose. A moderate inverse correlation was seen between NT50s and ages, but no correlation seen between NT50s and adverse effects. NT50s and SARS-CoV-2-S1-binding-IgG levels on day 28 post-1st dose and pain scores following the 2nd shot were greater in women than in men. The average half-life of NT50s was ~ 68 days and the estimated average time length till the total disappearance of neutralizing activity was ~ 198 days. While serums from elite-responders (NT50s > 1,500-fold: the top 4% among the participants) potently to moderately blocked all variants of concerns examined, some serums with low NT50s failed to block the B.1.351-beta strain. Since BNT162b2-elicited immunity against SARS-CoV-2 is short, an additional vaccine or other protective measures are needed.


2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel A. Karlnoski ◽  
Collin Sprenker B.S ◽  
Suvikram Puri ◽  
Ren Chen ◽  
Devanand Mangar ◽  
...  

Background: There are considerable implications for pain management in morbidly obese patients undergoing weight loss operations. The purpose of this study was to determine if a modified postoperative analgesic regimen and a dedicated postoperative bariatric team reduced pain scores, length of stay and postoperative complications. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of morbidly obese patients admitted to our medical center for laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). Our previous postoperative pain regimen was ketorolac (30 mg IV plus 15 mg q6h) and patient controlled analgesia (PCA) morphine and was converted to ketorolac (30 mg IV and 30 mg i.m, plus 15 mg q6h), and IV PCA hydromorphone. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores from the post-operative care unit were collected retrospectively. The bariatric team was led by a nurse practitioner consisted of a psychologist, exercise physiologist, and nutritionist. Results: Eighty-five patients underwent bariatric operations in the year prior to implementation of the revised postoperative pain management regimen and 372 patients underwent bariatric surgery in the 2 years following implementation. Patient age, gender and BMI were evenly distributed for both groups. Mean VAS scores on postoperative days 1 through 5 were significantly lower after implanting our modified pain regimen (p<0.0001). Pain scores were significantly higher for patients that underwent LRYGB compared to LAGB (p<0.0001). Overall, length of hospital stay was unaffected by the new pain regimen, however a significant reduction was found in patients that underwent LAGB (0.8 days less; p=0.0001). Conclusion: Use of our modified pain regimen resulted in a more effective analgesic protocol and a reduction of hospital stay, without added complications or side effects.


Author(s):  
Mohammed Ziauddin Sarkhil ◽  
Hemant Kumar Dutt ◽  
Rajaram S.

Background: Preemptive analgesia, involves the introduction of an analgesic regimen before the onset of noxious stimuli, with the goal of preventing sensitization of the nervous system to subsequent stimuli that could amplify pain.Methods: To determine the efficacy and safety of Lornoxicam when administered preemptively by using Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating scale. The patients undergoing abdominal surgery were randomly categorized into group A and B of 25 each. Group A- Received Lornoxicam 8mg (1ml) one hour before surgery. Group B- Not received any analgesic before surgery. Primary measurement of the efficacy was done by using Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale at 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hour. All parameters were analyzed by using student t test.Results: Surgeries which were included in the study are hernia repair, open appendectomy, laparoscopic (appendectomy, cholecystectomy). Reduction in pain scores at 12th hourly and 24th hourly pain scores (<0.05) was significant. Tramadol usage decreased significantly with laparoscopic surgeries.Conclusions: In this study we could demonstrate that lornoxicam when used preemptively reduces the pain score slightly and reduces the requirement of post-operative analgesics significantly.


Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 214
Author(s):  
David Hui ◽  
Eman Abdelghani ◽  
Joseph Chen ◽  
Shiva Dibaj ◽  
Donna Zhukovsky ◽  
...  

Palliative care is seeing cancer patients earlier in the disease trajectory with a multitude of chronic issues. Chronic non-malignant pain (CNMP) in cancer patients is under-studied. In this prospective study, we examined the prevalence and management of CNMP in cancer patients seen at our supportive care clinic for consultation. We systematically characterized each pain type with the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and documented current treatments. The attending physician made the pain diagnoses according to the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) task force classification. Among 200 patients (mean age 60 years, 69% metastatic disease, 1-year survival of 77%), the median number of pain diagnosis was 2 (IQR 1–2); 67 (34%, 95% CI 28–41%) had a diagnosis of CNMP; 133 (67%) had cancer-related pain; and 52 (26%) had treatment-related pain. In total, 12/31 (39%) patients with only CNMP and 21/36 (58%) patients with CNMP and other pain diagnoses were on opioids. There was a total of 94 CNMP diagnoses among 67 patients, including 37 (39%) osteoarthritis and 20 (21%) lower back pain; 30 (32%) were treated with opioids. In summary, CNMP was common in the timely palliative care setting and many patients were on opioids. Our findings highlight the need to develop clinical guidelines for CNMP in cancer patients to standardize its management.


2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (13) ◽  
pp. 1284-1290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Fallon ◽  
Jane Walker ◽  
Lesley Colvin ◽  
Aryelly Rodriguez ◽  
Gordon Murray ◽  
...  

Purpose Pain is suboptimally managed in patients with cancer. We aimed to compare the effect of a policy of adding a clinician-delivered bedside pain assessment and management tool (Edinburgh Pain Assessment and management Tool [EPAT]) to usual care (UC) versus UC alone on pain outcomes. Patients and Methods In a two-arm, parallel group, cluster randomized (1:1) trial, we observed pain outcomes in 19 cancer centers in the United Kingdom and then randomly assigned the centers to either implement EPAT or to continue UC. The primary outcome was change in the percentage of study participants in each center with a clinically significant (≥ 2 point) improvement in worst pain (using the Brief Pain Inventory Short Form) from admission to 3 to 5 days after admission. Secondary outcomes included quality of analgesic prescribing and opioid-related adverse effects. Results Ten centers were randomly assigned to EPAT, and nine were assigned to UC. We enrolled 1,921 patients and obtained outcome data from 93% (n = 1,795). Participants (mean age, 60 years; 49% women) had a variety of cancer types. For centers randomly assigned to EPAT, the percentage of participants with a clinically significant improvement in worst pain increased from 47.7% to 54.1%, and for those randomly assigned to continue UC, this percentage decreased from 50.6% to 46.4%. The absolute difference was 10.7% (95% CI, 0.2% to 21.1%; P = .046) and it increased to 15.4% (95% CI, 5.8% to 25.0%; P = .004) when two centers that failed to implement EPAT were excluded. EPAT centers had greater improvements in prescribing practice and in the Brief Pain Inventory Short Form pain subscale score. Other pain and distress outcomes and opioid adverse effects did not differ between EPAT and UC. Conclusion A systematic integrated approach improves pain outcomes for inpatients in cancer centers without increasing opioid adverse effects.


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