Koning MV, Klimek M, Rijs K, Stolker RJ, Heesen MA. Intrathecal hydrophilic opioids for abdominal surgery: a meta-analysis, meta-regression, and trial sequential analysis.
Br J Anaesth 2020;
125:358-372. [PMID:
32660719 PMCID:
PMC7497029 DOI:
10.1016/j.bja.2020.05.061]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background
Intrathecal hydrophilic opioids decrease systemic opioid consumption after abdominal surgery and potentially facilitate enhanced recovery. A meta-analysis is needed to quantify associated risks and benefits.
Methods
A systematic search was performed to find RCTs investigating intrathecal hydrophilic opioids in abdominal surgery. Caesarean section and continuous regional or neuraxial techniques were excluded. Several subgroup analyses were prespecified. A conventional meta-analysis, meta-regression, trial sequential analysis, and provision of GRADE scores were planned.
Results
The search yielded 40 trials consisting of 2500 patients. A difference was detected in ‘i.v. morphine consumption’ at Day 1 {mean difference [MD] −18.4 mg, (95% confidence interval [CI]: −22.3 to −14.4)} and Day 2 (MD −25.5 mg [95% CI: −30.2 to −20.8]), pain scores at Day 1 in rest (MD −0.9 [95% CI: −1.1 to −0.7]) and during movement (MD −1.2 [95% CI: −1.6 to −0.8]), length of stay (MD −0.2 days [95% CI: −0.4 to −0.1]) and pruritus (relative risk 4.3 [95% CI: 2.5–7.5]) but not in nausea or sedation. A difference was detected for respiratory depression (odds ratio 5.5 [95% CI: 2.1–14.2]) but not when two small outlying studies were excluded (odds ratio 1.4 [95% CI: 0.4–5.2]). The level of evidence was graded as high for morphine consumption, in part because the required information size was reached.
Conclusions
This study showed important opioid-sparing effects of intrathecal hydrophilic opioids. Our data suggest a dose-dependent relationship between the risk of respiratory depression and the dose of intrathecal opioids. Excluding two high-dose studies, intrathecal opioids have a comparable incidence of respiratory depression as the control group.
Clinical trial registration
PROSPERO-registry: CRD42018090682.
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