Oral morphine versus transmucosal diamorphine for breakthrough pain in children: methods and outcomes: UK (DIPPER study) consensus

ObjectivesNo randomised controlled trials have been conducted for breakthrough pain in paediatric palliative care and there are currently no standardised outcome measures. The DIPPER study aims to establish the feasibility of conducting a prospective randomised controlled trial comparing oral and transmucosal administration of opioids for breakthrough pain. The aim of the current study was to achieve consensus on design aspects for a small-scale prospective study to inform a future randomised controlled trial of oral morphine, the current first-line treatment, versus transmucosal diamorphine.MethodsThe nominal group technique was used to achieve consensus on best practice for mode of administration, dose regimen and a range of suitable pain intensity outcome measures for transmucosal diamorphine in children and young people with breakthrough pain. An expert panel of ten clinicians in paediatric palliative care and three parent representatives participated. Consensus was achieved when agreement was reached and no further comments from participants were forthcoming.ResultsThe panel favoured the buccal route of administration, with dosing according to the recommendations in the Association for Paediatric Palliative Medicine formulary (fifth Edition, 2020). The verbal Numerical Rating Scale was selected to measure pain in children 8 years old and older, the Faces Pain Scale-Revised for children between 4 and 8 years old, and Face, Legs, Activity, Cry and Consolability (FLACC)/FLACC-Revised as the observational tools.ConclusionsThe nominal group technique allowed consensus to be reached for a small-scale, prospective, cohort study and provided information to inform the design of a randomised controlled trial.

Analgesic efficacy of single-shot adductor canal block versus adductor canal block combined with intra-articular ropivacaine infusion after total knee arthroplasty

Aims Single-shot adductor canal block (ACB) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for postoperative analgesia is a common modality. Patients can experience breakthrough pain when the effect of ACB wears off. Local anaesthetic infusion through an intra-articular catheter (IAC) can help manage breakthrough pain after TKA. We hypothesized that combined ACB with ropivacaine infusion through IAC is associated with better pain relief compared to ACB used alone. Methods This study was a prospective double-blinded placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial to compare the efficacy of combined ACB+ IAC-ropivacaine infusion (study group, n = 68) versus single-shot ACB+ intra-articular normal saline placebo (control group, n = 66) after primary TKA. The primary outcome was assessment of pain, using the visual analogue scale (VAS) recorded at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes included active knee ROM 48 hours after surgery and additional requirement of analgesia for breakthrough pain. Results The study group (mean visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score of 5.5 (SD 0.889)) experienced significant reduction in pain 12 hours after surgery compared to the control group (mean VAS 6.62 (SD 1.356); mean difference = 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.46 to 0.67; p < 0.001), and pain scores on postoperative day (POD) 1 and POD-2 were lower in the study group compared to the control group (mean difference in VAS pain = 1.04 (-1.39 to -0.68, 95% CI, p < 0.001). Fewer patients in the study group (0 vs 3 in the control group) required additional analgesia for breakthrough pain, but this was not statistically significant. The study group had significantly increased active knee flexion (mean flexion 86.4° (SD 7.22°)), compared to the control group (mean 73.86° (SD 7.88°), mean difference = 12.54, 95% CI 9.97 to 15.1; p < 0.014). Conclusion Combined ACB+ ropivacaine infusion via IAC is a safe, reproducible analgesic modality after primary TKA, with superior analgesia compared to ACB alone. Further large volume trials are warranted to generate evidence on clinical significance on analgesia after TKA. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(12):1082–1088.

Intrathecal Analgesia Via a Percutaneous Port For the Management of Movement-Evoked Breakthrough Cancer Pain of Refractory Lower Extremity Cancer Pain: A Retrospective Review and Commentary

Background and Objectives: Intrathecal analgesia (ITA) is a trusty treatment option for refractory and intractable cancer pain. However, there is still no general consensus on the analgesic effect of movement-evoked breakthrough pain (MEBTP) in the ITA setting. This study examined the effect of patient-controlled intrathecal analgesia (PCIA) on analgesic efficacy, emphasizing movement evoked breakthrough pain (MEBTP) in patients with refractory lower extremity cancer pain. Methods: A retrospective chart review included all patients with refractory lower extremity cancer pain who received Intrathecal morphine infusion therapy via percutaneous port (IMITPP) at our hospital between January 2017 and December 2020. Data on the numerical pain rating scales (NRS) scores, opioid doses, and complications were collected from medical records prior to IMITPP and at a one-month postimplant visit.Results: A total of 16 patients were included in the study group. Mean SRPI (spontaneous resting pain intensity) decreased from 8.75 pre- IMITPP to 3.75 post- IMITPP, (P < 0.001); mean MEPI (movement-evoked breakthrough pain intensity) fell from 8.83 pre- IMITPP to 4.25 post- IMITPP (P < 0.001); mean daily morphine equivalent dosing decreased from 360 mg/d to 48mg/d (P< 0.001); mean daily morphine equivalent dosing for MEBTP decreased from 87 mg/d to 6 mg/d (P< 0.001). Both total and breakthrough dosing of conventional opioid medications significantly decreased following the initiation of ITT with PCIA. The mean perceived time to onset with conventional movement evoked breakthrough medications was 38 minutes, and the mean perceived time to onset with PCIA was 8 minutes (P < 0.001). Conclusions: IMITPP was associated with improved pain control in patients with refractory lower extremity cancer pain. Compared with conventional MEBTP medication, appropriate PCIA provided superior analgesia and a much faster onset of action.

The Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Bilateral Transversus Abdominal Plane (TAP) Block in Decreasing the Pain After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction: Pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy is complex in nature and several methods are performed to control it. Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block has been used for postoperative pain for some abdominal surgeries. This study was designed to determine the analgesic efficacy of bilateral TAP block for patients undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. Methods: Forty-two patients were randomized into 2 groups. Group 1 received TAP block using bupivacaine 0.25% (n=21), and group 2 received TAP block using saline. Before extubation, blocks were performed bilaterally. Tramadol IV was given for breakthrough pain for the first 24 hours. Pain scores using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 0, 1, 2, 4 ,8 ,12, 24 hour-intervals, number of patient demand for Tramadol and patient satisfaction were collected. Results: Patients in the control group have higher VAS scores both during rest and on movement. However, pain was significantly reduced only on the 2nd hour at rest and on the 1st to 4th hours on movement among patients who received Bupivacaine 0.25% on TAP block. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the requirement for rescue analgesics (p=0.1160) and the satisfaction rate (p=0.2849) between the two groups. Conclusion: TAP block is safe and improved postoperative analgesia in patients receiving laparoscopic cholecystectomy. But its additional analgesic effect in the presence of a dynamic multimodal pain-control regimen is probably rather small and need further investigation in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

The Current Consideration, Approach, and Management in Postcesarean Delivery Pain Control: A Narrative Review

Optimal postoperative analgesia has a significant impact on patient recovery and outcomes after cesarean delivery. Multimodal analgesia is the core principle for cesarean delivery and pain management. For a standard analgesic regimen, the use of long-acting neuraxial opioids (e.g., morphine) and adjunct drugs, such as scheduled acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, is recommended unless contraindicated. Oral or intravenous opioids should be reserved for breakthrough pain. In addition to the aforementioned use of multimodal analgesia, preoperative evaluation is critical to individualize the analgesic regimen according to the patient requirements. Risk factors for severe postoperative pain or analgesia-related adverse effects will require modifications to the standard analgesic regimen (e.g., the use of ketamine, gabapentinoids, or regional anesthetic techniques). Further investigation is required to determine analgesic drugs or dose alterations based on preoperative predictions for patients at risk of severe pain. Outcomes beyond pain and analgesic use, such as functional recovery, should be determined to evaluate analgesic treatment protocols.

Conceptualizing breakthrough pain

The concept of breakthrough pain (BTP) is examined through the development of a conceptual model with a long-term goal of positively impacting the management of chronic pain patients who experience BTP when hospitalized. The model is based on a 2008 Health Economic Model of Breakthrough Pain developed by Abernethy, Wheeler, and Fortner, which will be referred to as the parent model. The conceptual model of BTP, titled, Novel Conceptual Model of Breakthrough Pain (NCMBP) shares a similar structure in regards to the relationships of major constructs. Like the parent model, the NCMBP is based on three major constructs which are analyzed and explained further with associated concepts. The NCMBP is primarily concerned with the importance of a pain management plan and the endpoint result of patient-perceived analgesia. The NCMBP is viewed as a necessary foundation for continuing safe and effective pain management in the setting of a current opioid overdose epidemic in the United States. The structure and conceptual relationships of the NCMBP are preliminary and will continue to undergo revision as conduction of research is attempted to test the model.

Assessment and Management of Pain

The management of pain associated with serious chronic illness is a core objective of palliative care. Successful therapy depends on individualization of the therapy. Management begins with a comprehensive assessment that characterizes the pain and describes it in terms of the biopsychosocial context, which includes the etiology, pathophysiology, and condition or syndrome. Nonpharmacological approaches should be considered, many of which are implemented by other interdisciplinary team members. In some cases, disease-modifying therapies may be used for analgesic purposes. The nonopioids, particularly the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are often adequate for initial pain management. Patients with moderate or severe pain usually are also offered an opioid, and widely accepted guidelines are available to inform safe and effective prescribing. Dose titration is usually necessary, and breakthrough pain may warrant concurrent use of fixed-schedule and “as-needed” therapy. Side effects must be anticipated and managed, and a “universal precautions” approach is prudent to mitigate the risk of abuse and addiction. If a favorable balance between analgesia and adverse effects is not realized, the patient may be poorly responsive and requires reevaluation. Opioid rotation is commonly used in this situation, as is cotreatment with one or more adjuvant analgesics, such as a glucocorticoid, antidepressant, or gabapentinoid. With guideline-based pharmacotherapy and other readily available integrative medical approaches, most patients with pain associated with serious chronic illness can obtain satisfactory relief throughout the course of their illness.

Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Percutaneous Chevron-Akin Osteotomies for the Correction of Hallux Valgus Deformity

Background: Hallux valgus is a common cause of pain and dysfunction of the foot, sometimes requiring surgical correction when conservative measures fail. Although there are many methods of correction, one of the newer techniques is minimally invasive chevron-Akin (MICA). The aim of the current study is to evaluate clinical and radiographic effectiveness of MICA and narcotic use in a large patient cohort. Methods: All patients in this retrospective study were treated by a single fellowship-trained foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon. Patient demographics were collected for all cases. Preoperative and postoperative intermetatarsal angle (IMA) and hallux valgus angle (HVA) were measured in all patients on weightbearing 3-views radiographs. The Foot Function Index (FFI) was obtained pre- and postoperatively at each visit. All patients were prescribed regular use of ibuprofen for 3 days with acetaminophen and oxycodone reserved for breakthrough pain. Use of narcotic pain medication was recorded. Results: A total of 274 feet in 248 patients were included in the study. Overall, 87.9% were female and 12.1% were male. The mean preoperative IMA and HVA were 13.4 and 29.1 degrees, respectively. The postoperative IMA and HVA were 4.9 and 8.9 degrees, respectively. The mean FFI score part A was 92 preoperatively and 43 postoperatively. Patient satisfaction was 91.6%. The mean postoperative 5 mg oxycodone pill consumption was 2.2. Conclusion: MICA is good method to correct hallux valgus deformity with low postoperative narcotic use. Level of Evidence: Level III, this is a restrospective cohort study of a single surgeon practice.