Efficacy of dexmedetomidine as an adjunct to ropivacaine in bilateral dual-transversus abdominis plane blocks in patients with ovarian cancer who underwent cytoreductive surgery

Objective We sought to evaluate the postoperative control of pain and recovery in patients with ovarian cancer who underwent cytoreductive surgery by adding dexmedetomidine to ropivacaine in bilateral dual-transversus abdominis plane (Bd-TAP) blocks. Methods We enrolled 90 patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I to III undergoing open abdominal cytoreductive surgery in this study. Patients were randomized and assigned into three groups (TAP-R, TAP-DR, or CON) of 30 participants each. All of the patients received standardized general anesthesia, and postoperative Bd-TAP blocks were performed. The TAP-R, TAP-DR, and CON groups received Bd-TAP blocks with 0.3% ropivacaine, 0.3% ropivacaine and 0.5 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine, and 0.9% normal saline, respectively. All of the patients received patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) (formula, 100 μg of sufentanil and 16 mg of ondansetron diluted with normal saline to 100 mL). Flurbiprofen axetil was used as a rescue drug if the visual analog scale (VAS) score was more than four points. The first request time for PCA bolus; the VAS scores at 0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after operation; and the cumulative sufentanil consumption within 24 and 48 h, respectively, were compared. Pulmonary function was evaluated preoperatively and at 24 h after the operation. The use of the rescue drug was recorded. Postoperative functional recovery, including time to stand, time to walk, time to return of bowel function, time to readiness for discharge, and postoperative complications, were recorded. Results Median values of the first request time for PCA of the TAP-R group was significantly prolonged compared to that of the CON group (median [interquartile range], 7.3 [6.5–8.0] hours vs. 3.0 [2.3–3.5] hours) (P < .001), while the TAP-DR group has the longest request time among the three groups (median [interquartile range], 13.5 [12.4–14.5] hours) (P < .001). The VAS scores at rest and upon coughing of the TAP-R group in the first 12 h were significantly lower than those of the CON group (P < 0.05), but showed no significant difference compared to those of the TAP-DR group. The VAS scores at rest and upon coughing were lower in the TAP-DR group at each time point compared to those of the CON group (P < .05). The cumulative sufentanil consumption in the TAP-DR group was significantly lower at 48 h (P = .04) after surgery than in the CON group, while there was no significant difference compared to that in the TAP-R group (P > .05). Less rescue analgesic was required by patients in the TAP-DR group than in the CON group (P < .05). Postoperative mean measured forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and FEV1/forced vital capacity values in the TAP-DR group were significantly higher than those of the CON group (P = .009), while there was no significant difference compared to those of the TAP-R group (P = .10). There was no significantly difference in postoperative functional recovery between TAP-DR and CON group (P > 0.05). Conclusion TAP blocks can provide effective pain relief up to 12 h postoperatively without a significant improvement in postoperative pulmonary function. The addition of dexmedetomidine to ropivacaine for Bd-TAP block prolonged the first bolus time of PCA when compared to that in the TAP-R group and decreased sufentanil consumption and the need of rescue analgesia relative to in the CON group at 48 h postoperative. The procedure provided better postoperative analgesia and improved postoperative pulmonary function relative to the CON group. Our results indicate that dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant of Bd-TAP can provide effective pain relief up to 48 h.

Intravenous ketamine as an analgesia in prehospital adult trauma patients

Background: Prehospital traumatic pain is common, but the quality of pain management in these patients is poor. Current practice recommends morphine as the first-line analgesia in major trauma but this carries high risks and is often contraindicated. Alternative paramedic-administered analgesia does not provide adequate pain relief or may be contraindicated. As a result, many patients remain in pain. Analgesic ketamine is used safely and effectively in international civilian and military settings and by paramedics with additional training, education and qualifications. Aim: The study had two aims. Namely, these were to find out whether intravenous ketamine: provides effective relief of prehospital traumatic pain in adults; and is safe for prehospital administration by non-specialist paramedics. Method: Three databases, CINAHL, MEDLINE and AMED, were searched to identify articles published between 2009 and 2021. Exclusion criteria were applied and results subjected to critical appraisal and evaluation. Findings: Four studies were included in the review. Two themes were identified for thematic analysis: therapeutic effectiveness; and the safety of IV ketamine administration by paramedics. The evidence drew predominantly homogenous conclusions, but was substandard regarding external validity, which limited the quality of these conclusions. Conclusion: Ketamine provides effective pain relief in line with morphine and is safe for paramedics to administer. However, clear gaps in the evidence mean the research questions are not fully answered, so changes to current paramedic practice cannot be recommended.

Unprecedented emergencies during radiofrequency ablation procedure: a case series

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of nerves is an upcoming intervention for relieving chronic musculoskeletal pain. However, being relatively new not much publications are available on emergencies during the procedure. 66 years old male, a case of Osteoarthritis knee, underwent RFA genicular nerve of right knee. Conventional RFA of Superolateral, Inferomedial, Superomedial genicular nerves were done under C- arm guidance. Thirty minutes after the procedure, we found a boggy swelling developing over his right knee. It was a hematoma developing on the superomedial aspect of the right kneecap most likely due to injury to Superomedial genicular vessels accompanying the nerve. 67 years old female planned for RFA genicular nerves of both knees under C arm guidance. During the intervention, she complained of numbness around face, and suddenly went into disoriented state with muscle twitching and bluish discoloration of lips. Medicine consultation diagnosed the incident as LA associated systemic toxicity. 57 years old female with chief complaints of pain in left hemiplegic shoulder pain for 6 months duration admitted for suprascapular nerve block. During the procedure patient goes into hypotensive bradycardic episode. 65 years old female admitted for Medial calcaneal block for right heel pain. 24 hours after the procedure she has aggravated pain of foot. RFA is considered as a non-invasive, OPD based procedure for effective pain relief but it is also important to understand such unprecedented emergencies that can happen.

Can platelet-rich plasma injections provide better pain relief and functional outcomes in persons with common shoulder diseases: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background: To evaluate the efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in the treatment of common shoulder diseases.Methods: The PubMed, Medline, and Central databases and trial registries were searched from their inception to July 2020 for randomized controlled trials of autologous PRP injections for shoulder diseases versus placebo or any control intervention. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed in the selection, analysis, and reporting of findings. The primary outcome was pain intensity (visual analog scale), and secondary outcomes were changes in function and quality of life (QoL). Results: A total of 17 randomized controlled trials of PRP versus control were analyzed. From 8–12 weeks to ≥1 year, PRP injections were associated with better pain relief and functional outcomes than control interventions. PRP injections were also associated with greater QoL, with an effect size of 2.61 (95% confidence interval, 2.01–14.17) at medium-term follow-up. Compared with placebo and corticosteroid injections, PRP injections provide better pain relief and functional improvement. In subgroup analyses, trials in which PRP was prepared by the double centrifugation technique, the platelet concentration in the PRP was enriched ≥5 times, leucocyte-rich PRP was used, or an activating agent was used before application reported the most effective pain relief at 6–7 months. Conclusions: PRP injections could provide better pain relief and functional outcomes than other treatments for persons presenting with common shoulder diseases. PRP injections have a greater capacity to improve shoulder-related QoL than other interventions.

Real-World Outcomes Using a Spinal Cord Stimulation Device Capable of Combination Therapy for Chronic Pain: A European, Multicenter Experience

Given the differing mechanisms thought to underlie therapeutic sub- and supra-perception-based neurostimulative modalities, Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) systems designed for combined delivery of these approaches may help improve analgesic outcomes and quality of life, and reduce treatment failures. This multicenter, observational case-series evaluated 188 patients with chronic back and/or leg pain implanted with an SCS device capable of sequential or simultaneous delivery of sub-perception and supra-perception stimulation programming (i.e., combination therapy) at 16 sites in Europe. Following implantation, patients were provided with an array of advanced supra-perception programs (e.g., paresthesia-based SCS using multiple independent current sources), and a custom set of sub-perception programs optimized with specific waveforms and/or field shapes. A mean overall pain score of 7.9 ± 1.7 (Standard Deviation (SD)) was reported pre-trial (Baseline). Overall pain was reduced by 4.4 ± 2.8 points (NRS) at 3-months (n = 117) and at 12 months post-implant (n = 90), respectively (p < 0.0001). Substantial quality-of-life (EQ-5D-5L) improvement as assessed at last follow-up was also observed (n = 60). These results suggest that an implanted SCS device capable of combination therapy, while also enabled with patient-specific waveform optimization and stimulation field targeting capabilities, can enable highly effective pain relief and improve quality of life in patients suffering with chronic pain.

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in the treatment of neuropathic pain: a case study

Background: Neuropathic pain is a condition caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system. It may present as debilitating pain with a sensation of burning and electric-like symptoms and is often difficult to manage effectively. Although pharmacological medications are the first line of treatment, multidisciplinary teams are sometimes required to provide appropriate treatment to improve quality of life and overall wellbeing. Aim: The aim of this study is to present a case of post herpetic neuralgia relieved successfully by the compound palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) – a natural alternative to pharmacological pain relief. Methods: We present the case of a 67 year-old male with ongoing post-herpetic neuralgia, over a 3-year period, as a result of complications from shingles (herpes zoster). Previous studies on the relationship between PEA and neuropathy were reviewed, with an attempt to discuss the possible underlying mechanism of PEA on neuropathic pain. Results: PEA demonstrated effective pain relief within 48 hours at an administered daily dose of 900 mg (10 mg/kg). Conclusions: PEA may offer a valid nutraceutical treatment for practitioners.

Modified PDL anesthetic injection technique in the pediatric dental practice

Relevance. Effective pain relief is required for high-quality outpatient dental treatment in children. Infiltration and PDL local anesthetic injection techniques are easier and safer for young patients. Purpose – to determine the effectiveness and safety of the modified PDL anesthetic injection technique in the pediatric dental practice. Materials and methods. The study involved 100 children aged 4 to 7 years, in need of caries and pulpitis treatment in the primary dentition. 4% articaine solutions with 1: 200000 and 1: 400000 epinephrine were administered as a local anesthetic. The effectiveness of the treatment was determined by the visual analogue scale.Results. The study determined the high effectiveness and safety of the modified technique of PDL anesthetic injection of 4% articaine solution with epinephrine ratio 1:200 000 and 1:400 000 for the treatment of caries and pulpitis in 100 children aged 4-7 years.Conclusions. The conducted studies have demonstrated the high ffectiveness and safety of the modified PDL anesthetic injection technique of a 4% solution of articaine with epinephrine both at a concentration of 1:200 000 and 1:400 000.

The combination of diclofenac and B vitamins – effectiveness and safety in clinical practice

Diclofenac is one of the most commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the World, eagerly chosen for the therapy of skeletal, joint and muscle pain. However, the use of diclofenac is associated with side effects common for the entire class of drugs, including enhancement of cardiovascular risk. It has been shown that B vitamins are involved in many processes essential for the nervous system activity, as well as in the mechanism of initiating and transmitting pain stimuli. Besides, they have a synergistic analgesic effect when combined with diclofenac. Application of both drugs in analgesic therapy resulted in more effective pain relief, but also allowed for the reduction of diclofenac doses, leading to minimize the risk of side effects. The combination of B vitamins has a positive effect on the efficacy and safety of the therapy, which is important especially for low cardiovascular risk patients.

Treatment strategies for generator pocket pain

Objective Generator site pain is a relatively common phenomenon in patients undergoing spinal cord stimulation (SCS) that complicates management and effective pain relief. This pain may be managed conservatively, with repositioning of the battery and in some cases with explant. Here we explore our experience with management of generator site pain (‘pocket pain’) in a large single-center study. Methods All SCS permanent implants and implantable pulse generator (IPG) placements over 9 years were reviewed. Of 785 cases, we identified 43 patients with pocket pain (5.5%). Demographics and treatments of the pocket pain cohort were analyzed. Results The mean age (± SEM) of the pocket pain cohort was 46.86 ± 1.06 and there were 10/33 males/females. Females were overrepresented in pocket pain cohort (76.7%) when compared to the total SCS cohort (59.0%) (X2 = 5.93, p = 0.015). Diagnosis included failed back surgery syndrome (51.2%), complex regional pain syndrome (23.3%), and chronic neuropathic pain (25.5%). No patients improved with conservative therapy. All patients either went on to revision (n = 23) or explant (n = 20). Time from initial surgery to development of pocket pain was 7.5 months (range: 0.3-88) and from pocket pain to revision surgery was 4.5 months (range: 0.4-26). In addition, significantly more pocket pain patients (65.1%) had workers’ compensation (WC) insurance compared to patients without pocket pain (24.9%) (X2 = 33.3, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion In our institutional experience, pocket pain was inadequately managed with conservative treatments. Being female and having SCS filed under WC increased risk of pocket pain. Future work will explore the nuances in device placement based on body shape and manual activity responsibilities.