The Usefulness of Dual Channel Elastomeric Pump for Intravenous Patient-Controlled Analgesia in Geriatrics: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Prospective Study

Background: Intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) is well applied in postoperative period. However, determining an appropriate opioid dose was difficult. A previous study suggested the usefulness of variable-rate feedback infusion. In this study, we used a dual-channel elastomeric infusion pump to provide changes in PCA infusion rate by pain feedback.Methods: 90 patients of ASA I-III and 65 to 79 years undergoing orthopedic surgery were participated in the study. All patients were applied a dual-chamber PCA. Patients were randomly allocated into treatment group (Group D; PCA drugs were divided into both chambers.) or control group (Group C; PCA drugs were contained only in the constant flow chamber, but normal saline was contained in the adjustable flow chamber.) The primary outcome was the amount of fentanyl consumption via PCA bolus. The secondary outcome variables were pain score, total fentanyl consumption, rescue analgesic use, patient satisfaction, recovery scores and adverse events including postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).Results: Group D showed decreased fentanyl consumption in PCA bolus. Moreover, group D showed in a decrease in rescue analgesic use and better patient satisfaction. The incidence of PONV was much higher in group C. There was no difference in other adverse events.Conclusions: We showed the usefulness of dual chamber IV-PCA to change the flow rate to the pain feedback without any complication. Our results suggested noble implications that may improve existing IV-PCA equipment.Clinical trial registration: The study registered at UMIN clinical trial registry (registered date: 05/03/2020, registration number: UMIN000039702).

Chronic Physical and Vicarious Psychosocial Stress Alter Fentanyl Consumption and Nucleus Accumbens Rho GTPases in Male and Female C57BL/6 Mice

Chronic stress can increase the risk of developing a substance use disorder in vulnerable individuals. Numerous models have been developed to probe the underlying neurobiological mechanisms, however most prior work has been restricted to male rodents, conducted only in rats, or introduces physical injury that can complicate opioid studies. Here we sought to establish how chronic psychosocial stress influences fentanyl consumption in male and female C57BL/6 mice. We used chronic social defeat stress (CSDS), or the modified vicarious chronic witness defeat stress (CWDS), and used social interaction to stratify mice as stress-susceptible or resilient. We then subjected mice to a 15 day fentanyl drinking paradigm in the home cage that consisted of alternating forced and choice periods with increasing fentanyl concentrations. Male mice susceptible to either CWDS or CSDS consumed more fentanyl relative to unstressed mice, and exhibited increased preference for fentanyl. CWDS-susceptible female mice did not differ from unstressed mice during the forced periods, but showed increased preference for fentanyl. We also found decreased expression of nucleus accumbens Rho GTPases in male, but not female mice following stress and fentanyl drinking. We also compare fentanyl drinking behavior in mice that had free access to plain water throughout. Our results indicate that stress-sensitized fentanyl consumption is dependent on both sex and behavioral outcomes to stress.

Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Thoracic Muscle Plane-Pectoral Nerve Block for Postoperative Analgesia After Modified Radical Mastectomy: A Comparison with the Thoracic Paravertebral Nerve Block

Background: Modified radical mastectomy (MRM) is a most effective and common type of invasive surgery for breast cancer. However, it causes moderate to severe acute pain even last for a long postoperative period. Transversus thoracic muscle plane-pectoral nerve block (TTP-PECS) is a novel and promising interfacial plane block which can provide analgesia for MRM while thoracic paravertebral nerve block (TPVB) is also widely used for this purpose. This study compared the postoperative analgesia between the ultrasound-guided TTP-PECS and TPVB in patients undergoing MRM.Methods: In this randomized controlled pilot trial, eighty female breast cancer patients were randomized to receive either ultrasound-guided TTP-PECS (TTP-PECS group, n=40) or TPVB (TPVB group, n=40). The primary outcome was 24 h postoperative fentanyl consumption. Secondary outcome measures included intraoperative fentanyl and postoperative flurbiprofen axetil consumption, duration of analgesia, pain intensity at rest and during activity, inflammatory response, and the quality of recovery 40 (QoR-40) score.Results: Intraoperative fentanyl requirement was similar between the two groups; Postoperative fentanyl consumption was decreased in the TTP-PECS group copmared with the TPVB group, as well as the rate of postoperative flurbiprofen axetil consumption, but the duration of analgesia was longer; Pain scores at rest and during activity were dramatically decreased at postoperative 12 h; Moreover, the levels of IL-6, MCP-1 and TNF-α, as well as the levels of PGE2, NPY and β-endorphins were decreased at 12 h after surgery; Finally, the total QoR-40 score, especially for the scores of pain, emotional state and patient support were increased.Conclusion: Both TTP-PECS and TPVB are effective for analgesia after MRM. However, TTP-PECS reduced postoperative fentanyl and flurbiprofen axetil consumption in the first 24 h after MRM, and prolonged the duration of analgesia. Furthermore, TTP-PECS reduced postoperative pain intensity at rest and during activity, and inflammatory response at 12 h postoperation. Finally, TTP-PECS improved QoR-40 scores on the postoperative day. Thus, TTP-PECS is an attractive alternative to TPVB for postoperative analgesia after MRM.

The Analgesic Efficacy of Ultrasound-guided Bilateral Transversus Thoracic MusclePlane Block after Open-Heart Surgeries: A Randomized Controlled Study

Background: We aimed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided bilateral Transversus Thoracic Muscle Plane Block after Open-Heart Surgeries. Methods: 70 patients aged above 18 years and scheduled for valve replacement or adult congenital via median sternotomy were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups, randomized by computer-generated random numbers: the block group, which had the ultrasound-guided bilateral transversus thoracic muscle plane block, and the control group, which had a sham block. The primary outcome was total fentanyl consumption in the first 24-hours. The secondary outcomes were pain score, time to the first analgesic request, time to extubation , ICU stays, and hospital stay. Results: The total fentanyl consumption in the first 24 hours was significantly lower in the block group, with a mean difference of -158.286 (95% CI = (-179.271 to -137.300; p=<0.0001). The time to the first analgesic request was statistically significantly shorter in the non-block group (median 3 hours) than the block group (median 14 hours). During the postoperative period (0.5-24 hours), at-rest pain scores were 1.86 units lower in the block group (the estimate was -1.80, 95% CI = -2.14 to -1.45, t = -10.323 with p <0.0001). Likewise, pain scores with cough were 3.29 units lower in the block group (the estimate was -3.29, 95% CI = -3.80 to -2.77, t = -12.703, p <0.0001).Conclusion: Bilateral Transversus Thoracic Muscle Plane Block is a promising and effective technique in reducing opioid consumption and controlling post-sternotomy pain after open-heart surgery via median sternotomy.Trial Registration: This study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04116554; principal investigator: Mohamed Ahmed Hamed; date of registration: October 4, 2019).

Success Rate and Perioperative Complications of Lumbosacral Extradural Anaesthesia in Dogs Undergoing Total Hip Replacement: A Double-Centre Retrospective Study

Objective The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the success rate and perioperative complications of lumbosacral extradural anaesthesia in dogs undergoing total hip replacement. Study Design Records of dogs undergoing total hip replacement in which lumbosacral extradural anaesthesia with 0.5% levo- or bupivacaine combined with either morphine or buprenorphine were retrieved. Success rate was defined as intraoperative fentanyl consumption <1 μg/kg/h with no intravenous infusion of other analgesic drugs and no additional morphine/methadone within the first 3 hours from premedication. Prevalence of intraoperative anaesthetic and postoperative surgical complications was calculated. Results Overall, 206 dogs were included in the study. Success rate was 88.7%. Hypercapnia (75.2%), hypotension (46.1%), hypothermia (27.7%) and regurgitation (6.3%) were recorded during anaesthesia. Within 24 hours post-surgery, urinary retention (17.8%), vomiting/regurgitation/diarrhea (8.2%) and sciatic neurapraxia of the operated limb (5.8%) were recorded. Luxation of the operated hip occurred at 48 and 72 hours after surgery in two dogs and one dog respectively. One dog had cardiopulmonary arrest at 52 hours after surgery. Conclusion While hypercapnia, hypotension and hypothermia might develop intraoperatively, the high success rate and the relatively low prevalence of postoperative surgical complications directly associated with lumbosacral extradural anaesthesia justify its use in dogs undergoing total hip replacement.

Monitored Anesthesia Care with Dexmedetomidine Supplemented by Midazolam/Fentanyl versus Midazolam/Fentanyl Alone in Patients Undergoing Pleuroscopy: Effect on Oxygenation and Respiratory Function

Although pleuroscopy is considered a safe and well tolerated procedure with a low complication rate, it requires the administration of procedural sedation and analgesia. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of dexmedetomidine administration on oxygenation and respiratory function in patients undergoing diagnostic or therapeutic pleuroscopy. Through a prospective, single center, cohort study, we studied 55 patients receiving either a dexmedetomidine intravenous infusion supplemented by midazolam/fentanyl (Group DEX + MZ/F) or a conventional sedation protocol with midazolam/fentanyl (Group MZ/F). Our primary outcome was the changes in lung gas exchange (PaO2/FiO2 ratio) obtained at baseline and at predetermined end points, while changes in respiratory mechanics (FEV1, FVC and the ratio FEV1/FVC) and PaCO2 levels, drug consumption, time to recover from sedation and adverse events were our secondary endpoints (NCT03597828). We found a lower postoperative decrease in FEV1 volumes in Group DEX + MZ/F compared to Group MZ/F (p = 0.039), while FVC, FEV1/FVC and gas exchange values did not differ between groups. We also found a significant reduction in midazolam (p < 0.001) and fentanyl consumption (p < 0.001), along with a more rapid recovery of alertness postprocedure in Group DEX + MZ/F compared to Group MZ/F (p = 0.003), while pain scores during the postoperative period, favored the Group DEX + MZ/F (p = 0.020). In conclusion, the use of intravenous dexmedetomidine during pleuroscopy is associated with a smaller decrease in FEV1, reduction of the consumption of supplementary sedatives and analgesics and quicker awakening of patients postoperatively, when compared to midazolam/fentanyl. Therefore, dexmedetomidine administration may provide clinically significant benefits in terms of lung mechanics and faster recovery of patients undergoing pleuroscopy.

QUADRATUS LUMBORUM BLOCK IN PATIENTS OF LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY FOR POSTOPERATIVE ANALGESIA

Background: Quadratus lumborum block is done ultrasonographically in thoracolumbar fascial plane at the level of quadratus lumborum muscle to decrease post-operative pain in patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy . Methods: A prospective, randomized and comparative study was conducted in Pt. B.D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak. After informed and written consent, patients were recruited in the study and assigned into 2 groups. A detailed history was taken and examination was carried out. Group 1 patients received Inj.. diclofenac IM (intramuscular) 75 mg and in group 2 Bilateral QL (quadratus lumborum) block was given using 15 ml of 0.25 percent levobupivacaine. The results were measured by VAS score and 24hrs fentanyl consumption. At the end of the study, data was compiled and analyzed using SPSS version 17. Results: In the present study, there was no statistical signicant difference between the two groups. We found that the patients who received quadratus lumborum block had lesser fentanyl consumption and the VAS scores were also better.

Effect of surgical pleth index-guided analgesia versus conventional analgesia techniques on fentanyl consumption under multimodal analgesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective, randomized and controlled study

Background The Surgical Pleth Index (SPI) is an objective tool that can reflect nociception-antinociception balance and guide the use of intraoperative analgesics. Multimodal analgesia has been neglected in many previous studies. The aim of this study was to compare fentanyl consumption using SPI-guided analgesia versus conventional analgesia techniques under multimodal analgesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods A total of 80 patients aged 18–65 years with American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade I-II and a body mass index (BMI) of 18.5 to 30 kg/m2 who were scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy under total intravenous anaesthesia from March 2020 to September 2020 were selected. Multimodal analgesia, including local infiltration of the surgical incision, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids, was adopted perioperatively. Fentanyl boluses of 1.0 µg/kg were administered to maintain the SPI value between 20 and 50 in the SPI group. By contrast, fentanyl boluses of 1.0 µg/kg were administered whenever the heart rate (HR) or mean arterial pressure (MAP) increased to 20 % above baseline or when the HR was greater than 90 beats per minute (bpm) in the control group. Preoperative and postoperative blood glucose, plasma cortisol and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were evaluated. Intraoperative haemodynamic events and propofol and fentanyl doses were noted. The extubation time, postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, use of remedial analgesics and opioid-related adverse reactions were recorded. Results In total, 18 of 80 patients withdrew for various reasons, and data from 62 patients were finally analysed. Intraoperative fentanyl consumption was significantly lower in the SPI group than in the control group (177.1 ± 65.9 vs. 213.5 ± 47.5, P = 0.016). The postoperative extubation time was shorter in the SPI group than in the control group (16.1 ± 5.2 vs. 22.1 ± 6.3, P < 0.001). Preoperative and postoperative blood glucose, plasma cortisol and IL-6 levels, intraoperative haemodynamic changes, postoperative VAS scores, remedial analgesic consumption and opioid-related adverse reactions were comparable in the two groups. Conclusions Lower doses of fentanyl are required intraoperatively with shorter extubation times when SPI is used to guide intraoperative analgesia compared to conventional analgesia techniques under multimodal analgesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Trial registration Chictr.org.cn ChiCTR2000030145. Retrospectively Registered (Date of registration: February 24, 2020).

MDR1 Genotypes and Haplotypes Are Closely Associated with Postoperative Fentanyl Consumption in Patients Undergoing Radical Gastrectomy

Fentanyl is a powerful opioid analgesic, and its analgesic effect is greatly different among individuals. This study was aimed at exploring the effects of multidrug resistance gene-1 (MDR1) genetic variation on postoperative fentanyl consumption. A total of 135 patients, who planned to undergo radical gastrectomy with general anesthesia, were studied. The subjects received patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) by intravenous fentanyl within 48 hours after operation and maintained a numerical rating scale (NRS) score ≤ 3 . The consumption and side effects of fentanyl were recorded within 24 hours and 48 hours after the operation. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of all patients with MDR1 1236C>T, 2677G>T/A, and 3435C>T were screened by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) or DNA sequence analysis after PCR. There was no difference in postoperative fentanyl consumption among patients having 2677G>T/A and 3435C>T polymorphisms (all P > 0.05 ). MDR1 1236C>T polymorphisms and haplotypes combined by three SNPs, however, significantly affected postoperative fentanyl consumption (all P < 0.05 ). Moreover, 1236TT genotype carriers consumed more fentanyl during 24 hours ( P = 0.038 ) and 48 hours ( P = 0.003 ) postoperatively. The MDR1 TTT haplotype carriers needed more fentanyl compared with the CGC haplotype carriers during the first 48 hours after surgery ( P = 0.017 ). Nausea, vomiting, and dizziness were not found to have significant differences among the above three SNPs and their haplotypes ( P > 0.05 ). MDR1 1236C>T polymorphism and haplotypes were factors contributing to the individual variability in postoperative fentanyl consumption.

Oral Pregabalin in Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background. Pregabalin has received wide clinical attention as a new type of analgesic. We undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of pregabalin on postoperative pain in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library (from inception to July 2020) for eligible studies. The primary outcomes were the total morphine consumption at 24 h. A secondary outcome was intraoperative fentanyl consumption, extubation time postoperative, and length of stay in hospital. We calculated pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) or odds ratio (OR) and 95% CIs using random- or fixed-effects models. Results. Seven trials involving 463 patients were listed. Meta-analysis showed that the total morphine consumption at 24 h in the pregabalin group was significantly less than the control group (WMD: -5.44, 95% CI: -10.42–0.46, P = 0.03 ). We found that there is no significant difference between the two groups in intraoperative fentanyl consumption. Compared with the control group, the length of stay in hospital in the pregabalin group was significantly shorter (WMD = -0.87, 95% CI: -1.42−0.32, P = 0.002 ). And we found that there were no significant differences between the two groups in extubation time (WMD: 17.24, 95% CI: -24.36−58.84, P = 0.42 ). Conclusions. Oral pregabalin for cardiac surgery patients can effectively reduce the patient’s 24-hour morphine consumption after surgery, shorten the patient’s hospital stay, and is more conducive to early postoperative recovery.