Preoperatıve Diclofenac Sodium and Tramadol for Pain Relief After Bimaxillary Osteotomy

Perioperative care in orthognathic surgery - A systematic review and meta-analysis for enhanced recovery after surgery

The aim of this study was to determine whether implementing ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) elements/protocols improves outcomes in orthognathic surgery (OGS) compared to conventional care. To achieve this, ERAS-specific perioperative elements were identified and literature on ERAS for OGS was systematically reviewed. Using PRISMA methodology and GRADE approach, 44 studies with 49 perioperative care elements (13 pre-, 15 intra-, 21 postoperative) were analyzed. While 39 studies focused on single elements, only five presented multimodal protocols, with three related to ERAS. Preoperative elements included antimicrobial and steroid prophylaxis and prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Intraoperative aspects, especially anesthesiological, showed high evidence. Outcome parameters were heterogeneous: complications and postoperative pain were well-investigated with high evidence, while length of stay (LOS) and patient satisfaction received low to medium evidence. ICU LOS, healthcare costs, and readmission rates were underreported. The meta-analysis revealed significant results for pain reduction and trends towards fewer complications and shorter LOS in the ERAS group. Overall, ERAS protocols are not established in OMFS, particularly OGS. Further research is needed in pre- and postoperative care and standardized multimodal analgesia. The next step should be developing a comprehensive OGS protocol through a consensus conference and implementing it in clinical practice.

Comparative Analysis of Temperature-Responsive Hydrogel (PF 72) for Postoperative Pain After Bimaxillary Surgery: A Retro-spective Study

Bimaxillary surgery is a painful invasive procedure in plastic surgery. Pain control is typically achieved using intravenous analgesics. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of a novel temperature-responsive hydrogel, PF72, mixed with ropivacaine, as a local pain management solution when applied directly to the surgical site following orthognathic surgery. The study was conducted from October 2022 to July 2023 and included a cohort of 40 candidates for orthognathic surgery, encompassing LeFort I maxillary ostectomy and sagittal split ramus osteotomy. The participants were divided into an Injection group (n = 20), where PF72 was administered at the surgical site before the orthognathic surgery, and a Control group (n = 20), which relied solely on intravenous analgesics. Pain was evaluated at 3, 6, 24, 48, and 72 h after surgery using a numerical rating scale (NRS). The mean NRS scores at 24 h were 6.35 and 4 for the Control and Injection groups, respectively. The mean NRS scores at 72 h were 3.4 and 2.55 for the Control and Injection groups, respectively. Patients who received PF72 experienced less pain than those who received intravenous analgesics. These findings underscore the potential of PF72 as an effective alternative for enhancing pain management in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery.Level of Evidence III Therapeutic study. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Optimizing drug regimens and supplementation in orthognathic surgery: A comprehensive and practical guide

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to comprehensively review the literature and provide a practical guide for optimizing drug regimens and supplementation related to orthognathic surgery.

METHODS

The authors conducted a thorough review of the existing literature, following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Various types of studies except case reports and reviews were included. The study applied specific inclusion criteria, focusing on perioperative and/or postoperative drugs, medications, or supplementation related to orthognathic surgery.

RESULTS

This guide included 78 studies on various medications in orthognathic surgery. It encompasses clinical trials, cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, prospective and retrospective studies. The topics covered include antibiotics, analgesics, corticosteroids, antiemetics, hemostatic agents, local anesthetics, herbal medicine, and botulinum toxin. Pain and edema control involved specific medications, while local anesthesia utilized ropivacaine and bupivacaine. The guide also discusses mineral and vitamin supplementation. The effectiveness of hemostatic agents and antiemetics was highlighted.

CONCLUSION

Pain management, reduced swelling, enhanced wound healing, and faster recovery are among the advantages. In addition to the standard drugs and medications, the inclusion of vitamin and mineral supplements, tranexamic acid, postoperative anesthetic blocks, and preemptive antiemetics is anticipated to offer various benefits in orthognathic surgery, despite the limited available evidence.

Systematic mapping review of orthognathic surgery

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic mapping review AIM AND SCOPE: The objective of this mapping review was to identify, describe, and organize clinical research currently available from systematic reviews and primary studies regarding co-interventions and different surgical modalities used in orthognathic surgery (OS) and their outcomes.

METHODS

Systematic reviews (SRs), randomized controlled trials, and observational studies that evaluated perioperative OS co-interventions and surgical modalities were identified in an exhaustive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Epistemonikos, Lilacs, Web of Science, and CENTRAL. Grey literature was also screened.

RESULTS

Included were 35 SRs and 253 primary studies, 103 from SRs, and another 150 identified in our search. Overall, SR quality was rated as critically low, with only two SRs rated as of high quality. 19 questions on population, interventions, comparisons, and outcomes (PICO) extracted from the SRs focused on osteosynthesis methods, surgical cutting devices, and use of antibiotics, corticosteroids, and induced hypotension. Also identified were 15 research gaps. Evidence bubble maps were created to graphically depict the available evidence.

CONCLUSION

Future high-quality research, both primary and secondary, is needed to address the knowledge gaps identified in this systematic mapping review.

Elsayed H. Effect of preemptive intramuscular diclofenac on minimal effective-dose bupivacaine saddle block for minor perianal surgeries

Background:

Preemptive analgesics are commonly used to increase analgesic efficacy and patient satisfaction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the preemptive analgesic effect of intramuscular diclofenac on minimal effective dose spinal anesthesia for perianal surgeries.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty patients ASA I&II were divided randomly into two groups, control group (GC N = 25) and Diclofenac group (GD N = 25), both groups received saddle block with 5% hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5 mL (2.5 mg). Thirty minutes before the saddle block, patients in GD received 75 mg (3 mL) diclofenac intramuscularly, whereas patients in GC received 3 mL saline intramuscularly. The differences in the time for the first analgesic request, postoperative analgesic consumption as well as, visual analog scale, were our primary outcomes.

Results:

Fifty patients (25 in each group) undergoing perianal surgery completed the study successfully. The time to the first request of analgesia was significantly longer in GD 511.8 (108.07) min. compared to the GC 179.56 (49.24) min with P = 0.00001, as well as the total consumption of rescue analgesic (tramadol hydrochloride) was significantly less in GD 66 (23.8) mg compared to 104 (28.5) mg in the GC with P = 0.00001.

Conclusion:

Preemptive intramuscular diclofenac sodium with minimal dose bupivacaine saddle block significantly minimized the postoperative analgesic consumption and delayed the first analgesia request after perianal surgery.

Decreasing Inpatient Opioid Use Following Orthognathic Surgery

PURPOSE

Strategies to decrease postoperative opioid use are important for mitigating the immediate and long-term risks associated with their use. We aimed to investigate the impact of perioperative various factors on inpatient opioid needs for patients undergoing orthognathic surgery.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent orthognathic surgery performed by the senior author from 2012 to 2018. Patients were grouped into intravenous (IV) acetaminophen and no-IV acetaminophen cohorts. Opioid medications received by patients during hospital stay were converted to mean morphine equivalents (MME) for comparison. Additional factors that influenced opioid consumption, such as transexamic acid (TXA) and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), were identified using univariate analysis. Factors found to have statistical significance were added to a multivariate linear regression model.

RESULTS

319 patients were included. Those who received IV acetaminophen had lower rates of total opioid use (57.3 versus 74.8 MME; P = 0.002) and postoperative opioid use (24.0 versus 37.7 MME; P < 0.001). Perioperative prothrombotic agents, such as TXA, were associated with lower total and postoperative MME (P = 0.005, P = 0.002). Multivariate regression analysis showed that increased PONV resulted in increased postoperative opioid use, whereas perioperative acetaminophen lowered total and postoperative quantities.

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative IV acetaminophen is an effective method for decreasing inpatient opioid analgesia after orthognathic surgery. Intravenous TXA and PONV control may provide additional benefit to decreasing inpatient opioid consumption. More research as to the mechanisms and ideal clinical applications for both IV acetaminophen and TXA are warranted.

Postoperative Pain Management Using Supplemental Bupivacaine After Mandibular Orthognathic Surgery: A Triple-Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

PURPOSE

The objective of this triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was to assess the clinical analgesic efficacy of 0.5% bupivacaine in acute postoperative pain management after bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSO).

METHODS

Patients were randomly allocated into the experimental (0.5% bupivacaine with 1:200000 epinephrine) or control group (normal saline - placebo) using block randomization. The interventions were administered at the inferior alveolar nerve block and buccal nerve block sites bilaterally after the BSSO surgery. Analgesic efficacy was assessed in terms of the patient's pain perception measured by a numerical rating scale (0 to 10), rescue drug requirement, and duration of analgesia for 24 hours after the surgery. The statistical analysis was blinded to the allocation groups, and P-value of <.05 was considered as a significant difference for all tests.

RESULTS

In total, 28 patients underwent BSSO (ie, 14 in each group). There was no significant difference in pain perception of patients injected with 0.5% bupivacaine and those administered with placebo during the 24 hours after the surgery (P > .05). Three patients in the bupivacaine group took the rescue drug after the surgery (mean duration - 268 minutes) and 1 patient in the placebo group took the rescue drug after 27 minutes.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative use of bupivacaine did not show a superior analgesic efficacy when compared with normal saline in controlling acute postoperative pain after BSSO.

Does the use of low-level light therapy postoperatively reduce pain, oedema, and neurosensory disorders following orthognathic surgery? A systematic review

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of low-level light therapy (LLLT) in improving pain, oedema, and neurosensory disorders of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) after orthognathic surgery. This systematic review was performed in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Searches were conducted in the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published up to September 2020. After evaluating eligibility, 15 RCTs were selected. None of the studies reported an evaluation of all of the outcomes within the same publication. It was possible to determine the effect of LLLT in controlling pain following orthognathic surgery. Of the three studies evaluating this outcome, all observed a positive effect. Of the four studies that evaluated oedema, two found a positive effect. Of the 11 studies that evaluated neurosensory disorders of the IAN, all of them observed a positive effect, at least in one of the sensory evaluation tests. A meta-analysis was not possible due to the heterogeneity across studies. Considering the limitations of this review, but given the fact that LLLT is a minimally invasive intervention, its use merits consideration in immediate postoperative orthognathic surgery.

Pain in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Implant Dentistry: Types and Management

Over the years, the pain has been defined numerous times in several ways. In oral and maxillofacial surgery, the occurrence of pain, especially postoperatively, is anticipated. Pain arises as a combination of various processes after tissue damage. Distinct pain experiences in oral surgery were depicted in several previous studies, adding knowledge to the field. The management of these encounters has been suggested over time, improving treatment approaches in the clinical setting. This review aims to understand the pain and its types and intervention in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Tramadol versus ketorolac for pain management after third molar surgery

Objectives:

To compare the analgesic efficacy of preoperative intravenous (IV) ketorolac versus tramadol in preventing postoperative pain after mandibular third molar surgery.

Methodology:

Two hundred patients in the age group of 18–40 years with asymptomatic impacted mandibular molars were randomly allocated into one of the two groups (100 in each group) and underwent third molar surgery under local anesthesia. Group I received IV ketorolac 30 mg and Group II received IV tramadol 50 mg preoperatively. The difference in postoperative pain was assessed by five primary end points: pain intensity being measured hourly by Wong-Baker pain assessment scale for 6 h, onset of analgesia, duration of action, total number of analgesics consumed, and patient's global assessment.

Results:

Throughout the 6 h investigation period, patients reported significantly lower pain intensity scores, longer duration of action, lesser postoperative analgesic consumption, and better global assessment in ketorolac when compared to tramadol group. Patients in the ketorolac group significantly performed better than the tramadol group in terms of all parameters except onset of analgesia. All the drug-related complications were mild and did not require any investigation.

Conclusion:

The result of the present study shows that preoperative IV ketorolac 30 mg is more effective than tramadol 50 mg for postoperative pain following third molar surgery.

Using Intravenous Ibuprofen for Preventive Analgesia in Orthognathic Surgery

PURPOSE

Preventive analgesia aims to manage postoperative pain caused by nociceptive and central stimulation. The purpose of this study was to research the effect of a single-dose intravenous (IV) ibuprofen administration for preventive analgesia on postoperative pain management in orthognathic surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective, double blind, and randomized study was performed on a total of 40 adult patients who planned to undergo bimaxillary osteotomy, between 2018 and 2019. Thirty minutes before the surgery, 800 mg of IV ibuprofen and 100 mL of saline were applied to group 1 (ibuprofen; n = 20) and group 2 (placebo; n = 20), respectively. Postoperative analgesia was maintained with tramadol infusion via a patient-controlled analgesia pump. Postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 hours after surgery, rescue analgesic requirement, total tramadol dose, and adverse effects were recorded.

RESULTS

VAS scores between the groups at 1, 6, 9, and 24 hours and also the average of 24-hour VAS scores were similar (P > .05). However, VAS scores at 3 hours were significantly higher in group 2 (P = 0.06). Also, rescue analgesic intake of paracetamol was significantly higher in group 2 in the third hour (P = .08). Rescue analgesic intake of paracetamol and tramadol consumption during the postoperative 24 hours were similar (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Using single-dose IV ibuprofen administration just before orthognathic surgery for preventive analgesia reduced VAS scores and postoperative opioid consumption in patients. However, further studies in a large population are needed to estimate the preventive analgesia effect of ibuprofen in orthognathic surgery.

Intravenous lidocaine for effective pain relief after bimaxillary surgery

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of intravenous lidocaine on postoperative pain in bimaxillary surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between July 2015 and November 2015, 52 consecutive patients that underwent bimaxillary surgery were recruited to the present study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: group L (1.5 mg/kg bolus and 2 mg/kg/h continuous infusion during the operation) and group C (normal saline). To measure pain intensity, a visual analog scale (VAS) was used at 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 h after surgery. Rescue ketorolac use was measured in the first 4, 4-8, 8-24, and 24-48 h after surgery. Total ketorolac consumption (the sum of rescue and eight-hourly fixed schedule ketorolac injection), WBC count, neutrophil count, and postoperative swelling were recorded.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to demographics. VAS pain scores were significantly lower in group L compared with group C up to 8 h after surgery. Rescue ketorolac use up to 8 h after surgery and total ketorolac consumption were significantly lower in group L than in group C. Postoperative WBC and neutrophil counts were significantly decreased in group L. Compared with group C, the amount of calibrated postoperative swelling was lower in group L.

CONCLUSIONS

Systemic lidocaine infusion during bimaxillary surgery reduces postoperative pain, analgesic consumption, and facial swelling.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Systemic lidocaine is simple, economic, and a safe procedure reducing pain and soft tissue swelling after bimaxillary surgery.

Analgesic effects of nefopam in patients undergoing bimaxillary osteotomy: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study

PURPOSE

Many studies have examined the postoperative analgesic effects of nefopam in various settings. However, although nefopam is expected to be useful in bimaxillary osteotomy, no published data are available.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We divided 42 patients into nefopam [n = 21, nefopam 20 mg intravenous (i.v.) 30 min before surgery, followed by an i.v. infusion (5 mg/h) beginning immediately postoperatively for 24 h] and control [n = 21, normal saline] groups. Then we compared the analgesic efficacy, side effects, and degree of patient satisfaction with postoperative analgesia.

RESULTS

Pain was lower in the nefopam group than in the controls in the recovery room [4.6 (3.0-6.0) vs. 6.0 (5.5-7.0), median (interquartile range), P = 0.002] and on the ward. Fewer patients in the nefopam group required rescue analgesics, and the degree of patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the nefopam group (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in other side effects between the groups. However, the control group showed more sedation 1 h postoperatively (P = 0.009).

CONCLUSION

Nefopam is an effective analgesic in bimaxillary osteotomy in that it can reduce the use of opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, thereby reducing the side effects of conventional analgesics. (

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT 01461031)).

WITHDRAWN: Diclofenac for acute pain in children

At December 2014, this review has been withdrawn from the Cochrane Library. This review is out of date, although it is correct at the date of publication. The review may be misleading as new studies could alter the original conclusions. All previous versions of the review can be found in the ‘Other versions’ tab. We are seeking additional authors to support the updating of this review. For further information, please contact PaPaS Managing Editor, Anna Hobson [Contact Person].

The editorial group responsible for this previously published document have withdrawn it from publication.

Comparing the effects of morphine sulfate and diclofenac suppositories on postoperative pain in coronary artery bypass graft patients

Background:

Simple and efficient way of pain management after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery is an important aspect of patients' care.

Objectives:

This study aimed to compare the effects of morphine and diclofenac suppositories on postoperative pain management.

Patients and Methods:

In this double-blinded clinical trial study, 120 patients aged 30-65 years old, undergone CABG, were equally divided into two groups of A (morphine) and B (diclofenac). All patients were anesthetized with intravenous fentanyl 10 μg/kg, etomidate 0.2 mg/kg and cisatracurium 0.2 mg/kg. Anesthesia was maintained with oxygen 50% and air 50%, propofol 50 μg/kg/min, fentanyl 1-2 μg/kg/h and atracurium 0.6 mg/kg/h. Analgesics were administered after the operation at intensive care unit (ICU) and Visual Analogue Score (VAS) was evaluated in both groups in 4-hour intervals after extubation for 24 hours. After extubation in case of VAS > 3, morphine suppository 10 mg (group A) or diclofenac suppository 50 mg (group B) was administered for patients.

Results:

No significant statistical relationship was found between the two groups regarding gender, age, BMI, paracetamol consumption, length of operation time, cardiopulmonary bypass pump (CPB) time, and stay time at ICU (P Value ≥ 0.05). Total dosage of used morphine was 22 ± 8.3 mg in each patient and total dosage of used diclofenac was 94 ± 32.01 mg. Average variation of VAS at measured intervals was significant (P Value ≤ 0.0001), but these variations were not significantly different when comparing the two groups (P Value = 0.023).

Conclusions:

Both morphine and diclofenac suppositories reduced pain significantly and similarly after CABG surgery.

Postoperative gastrointestinal bleeding in orthognathic surgery patients: its estimated prevalence and possible association to known risk factors

PURPOSE

To assess the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in patients after orthognathic surgery and its relation to known risk factors.

PATIENT AND METHODS

With institutional review board approval, a single-center case series was conducted with data collected retrospectively from orthognathic surgical patients' medical records from 1990 to 2010. All patients were treated by 1 primary surgeon, were limited to 21 years or younger at the time of surgery, and had no coagulopathy. The authors' hypothesis was that patients concurrently exposed to mechanical ventilation and dual anti-inflammatory drugs in the postoperative period would be at a greater risk for clinically significant GI bleeding according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists guideline compared with those exposed to fewer risk factors. Its prevalence and relation to known risk factors were analyzed.

RESULTS

In total 498 orthognathic cases consisting of 220 male patients (median age, 17 yr; age range, 3 to 21 yr) and 262 female patients (median age, 17 yr; age range, 10 to 21 yr) were reviewed. Of 17 patients admitted to intensive care unit level of care postoperatively, 4 patients were exposed to concomitant administration of ketorolac and steroids while being mechanically ventilated. Two of these 4 patients developed esophagogastroduodenoscopy-confirmed upper GI bleeding (UGIB). There was no incidence of UGIB in patients not exposed to all 3 risk factors concurrently.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative GI bleeding complication is rare in orthognathic surgical patients, with an estimated prevalence of 0.4%. Based on these observations, orthognathic surgical patients who require mechanical ventilation and are receiving anti-inflammatory medications may have an increased risk of GI bleeding. In the absence of active bleeding from the surgical site, persistent decrease in hemoglobin concentration should alert one to consider the possibility of UGIB.

Preemptive analgesic effects of midazolam and diclofenac in rat model

The aim of the present study was to investigate the preemptive analgesic effects of intraperitoneally administrated midazolam and diclofenac, before acute and inflammatory induced pain in rat model. One hundred twenty-eight (n=8 in each group) male Sprague Dawley rats were included in the study. Paw movements in response to thermal stimulation or paw flinching in response to formalin injection were compared after midazolam (0.1, 1, 5 and 10 mg/kg) and diclofenac (10 mg/kg), intraperitoneal administration. Saline was used as a control. Preemptive analgesic effect was significant in both tests when diclofenac and midazolam was administrated before the pain stimuli (p<0.01 and p<0.001). Intraperitoneal injection of midazolam in doses 5 and 10 mg/kg, increase the response time in hot plate test and decrease the number of flinches in formalin test (p<0.01 vs. p<0.001). ED50 of midazolam (with diclofenac) in hot plate test was 2.02 mg/kg (CI95% =-3.47-5.03 mg); and, 0.9 mg/kg (CI95% =-0.87-4.09 mg) in phase I and 0.7 mg/kg (CI95% = 0.48-6.63 mg) in phase II, in formalin test.Intraperitoneally administered midazolam and diclofenac had preemptive analgesic effects on acute thermal, and inflammatory induced pain in rats.

Postoperative analgesia in impacted third molar surgery: the role of preoperative diclofenac sodium, paracetamol and lornoxicam

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative analgesic effects of preoperative intravenous (i.v.) paracetamol, diclofenac sodium and lornoxicam (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Sixty patients with impacted third molar who underwent surgical removal were randomly allocated into three groups: group P (n = 20), group D (n = 20) and group L (n = 20). Group P received preoperatively 1 g paracetamol i.v., group D 75 mg diclofenac sodium i.m. and group L 8 mg lornoxicam i.v. Postoperative pain intensity, additional consumption of analgesics postoperatively and postoperative complications were compared among groups.

RESULTS

The groups were comparable for pain scores (p > 0.05). Maximum pain scores were recorded in postoperative 4th h in all groups (group L 22, 14-44 mm; group P 24, 13-43 mm; group D 14, 10-24 mm, p = 0.117). Patients experienced high satisfaction scores which were comparable among groups (group L 85, 75-100 mm; group P 87, 70-95 mm; group D 84, 77-98 mm, p = 0.457).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative intramuscular diclofenac, intravenous paracetamol and lornoxicam effectively decreased the pain scores. The patients were satisfied with the three postoperative pain management regimens.

Effect of preoperative rectal indomethacin on postoperative pain reduction after open cholecystectomy

The preoperative administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has been shown to have a positive impact on postoperative pain, but there is little research regarding the use of rectal NSAIDs given before surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of rectally administered indomethacin on postoperative pain in patients undergoing open cholecystectomy. A randomized controlled design was used to compare rectally administered indomethacin with placebo. Pain intensity, total opioid dose, and postoperative time to first request for analgesic were evaluated. The indomethacin group experienced significantly less postoperative pain and required less total opioid dose compared with the placebo group. Preoperative rectal administration of indomethacin reduces postoperative pain in open cholecystectomy when compared with placebo.

Diclofenac for acute pain in children

BACKGROUND

Diclofenac is commonly used for acute pain in children, but is not licensed for this indication in all age groups.

OBJECTIVES

1) Assess the efficacy of diclofenac for acute pain in children. 2) Assess the safety of diclofenac for short-term use in children. 3) Identify gaps in the evidence to direct future research.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Seventeen databases indexing clinical trial reports were searched in February 2005 (with an update search as part of this first review in May 2008). A hand search of Paediatric Anaesthesia was undertaken and summaries obtained of adverse reaction reports from the UK Yellow Card Scheme and World Health Organization (WHO) Monitoring Centre. The reference lists of included studies were also searched.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Any published report, in any language, involving the administration of diclofenac to a patient aged 18 years or younger for acute pain and detailing either monitoring of efficacy or safety.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed study quality and extracted the data. Authors were contacted where necessary. Review Manager version 5 was used for analysis.

MAIN RESULTS

1) EFFICACY: randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing diclofenac with placebo/any other treatment by using pain scores (assessed or reported), or need for rescue analgesia.2) SAFETY: any type of study seeking adverse events (regardless of cause). An adverse event was defined as any reported adverse or untoward happening to a patient being treated with diclofenac for acute pain.Seven publications on diclofenac efficacy and 79 on safety (74 studies plus five case reports) were included in the final analysis. Compared with placebo/no treatment, diclofenac significantly reduced need for post-operative rescue analgesia (relative risk [RR] 0.6; number needed to treat to benefit [NNT] 3.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.5 to 6.3).Compared with any other non-NSAID, patients receiving diclofenac suffered less nausea or vomiting, or both (RR 0.6; NNT 7.7 [5.3 to 14.3]). There appeared to be no increase in bleeding requiring surgical intervention in patients receiving diclofenac in the peri-operative period. Serious diclofenac adverse reactions occurred in fewer than 0.24% of children treated for acute pain. The types of serious adverse reactions were similar to those reported in adults.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Diclofenac is an effective analgesic for perioperative acute pain in children. It causes similar types of serious adverse reactions in children as in adults, but these are rare. More research on optimum dosing and safety in asthmatic children is required.

Capsicum plaster at the Hegu point reduces postoperative analgesic requirement after orthognathic surgery

BACKGROUND

Capsicum plaster at classical Chinese acupoints is an alternative to acupuncture, which has been used as an effective method for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting, sore throat, and pain. In this study, we investigated the postoperative analgesic efficacy of capsicum plaster at Hegu (LI 4) acupoints in patients after bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy.

METHODS

A double-blind, sham-controlled study was conducted with 84 patients undergoing orthognathic surgery, and who were randomly assigned to three treatment regimens (n = 28 each): Hegu group = capsicum plaster at Hegu acupoints and placebo tape on the shoulders as a nonacupoint; sham group = capsicum plaster on the shoulders and placebo tape at Hegu acupoints; and control group = placebo tape at Hegu acupoints and on the shoulders. The capsicum plaster was applied before induction of anesthesia and maintained for 8 h per day for 3 postoperative days.

RESULTS

The total amount of patient-controlled analgesia, containing 6.5 microg/mL fentanyl and 1.2 mg/mL ketorolac, administered in the first 24 h after the operation was decreased in the Hegu group (26.8 +/- 3.4 mL) compared with the control (44.2 +/- 7.3 mL) and sham (42.1 +/- 6.9 mL) groups (P < 0.01). The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting and the need for rescue medication were reduced, and the overall satisfaction score was greater in the Hegu group compared with other groups (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The capsicum plaster at the Hegu acupoints decreased the postoperative opioid requirements and opioid-related side effects in patients after orthognathic surgery.