Anaesthetists’ risk assessment of placebo nerve block studies using the SHAM (Serious Harm and Morbidity) scale

Efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block compared to sham procedure in adult patients with rib fractures presenting to the emergency department: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective was to compare the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) with a sham procedure in adult patients presenting with rib fractures to the emergency department (ED).

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted at an academic ED over a 17-month period. Forty-six adults with confirmed rib fractures and numeric rating score (NRS) greater than 4 were randomized to one of two treatment arms: ultrasound-guided ESPB group or placebo (sham procedure). Intravenous opioids were prescribed as rescue analgesia when self-reported pain scores were ≥4. The primary outcome measure, pain intensity reduction, was derived using the 11-point NRS at six time points over 12 h. Secondary outcome measures included the amount of rescue analgesia, in morphine equivalents, and the occurrence of adverse events. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA was used to compare the trend in NRSs across the two arms. The association between the complications and intervention was explored using the Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients (23 in each arm) completed the study. There was no difference between treatment groups with respect to age, sex, vital signs, preenrollment analgesia, or baseline pain intensity. In comparing pain intensity during the study period, NRS scores at 30, 60, and 120 min were significantly lower in the ESPB group (p < 0.001) during rest and deep inspiration. Moreover, patients in the ESPB group received lesser rescue analgesia than those in the sham group (10 mg, IQR 2.5 vs. 20 mg, IQR 5 mg; p ≤ 0.01). There was no difference in adverse events between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided ESPB resulted in significantly reduced pain intensity over the study period and reduced amount of rescue analgesia and had no discernible difference in adverse events when compared with a sham.

Comparison of continuous and single interscalene block for quality of recovery score following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

BACKGROUND

Continuous interscalene brachial plexus block (CISB) is well known to reduce postoperative pain and to improve patient satisfaction. However, the effect of CISB on the quality of postoperative recovery is unknown. We Compared the quality of recovery from arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in patients who received CISB or single interscalene brachial plexus block (SISB).

METHODS

This prospective non-randomized controlled trial with propensity score matching enrolled 134 patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery for rotator cuff repair. Each patient received an interscalene block before surgery. One group had a catheter insertion 30 min after the end of surgery and started patient-controlled regional analgesia (PCRA, n = 49). The other group received intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA, n = 85). The primary outcome was the quality of recovery (QoR-40) score. Also, postoperative analgesia, sleep quality, and postoperative complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

The two groups had similar QoR-40 score on postoperative day-1 (POD1), but the PCRA group had a significantly greater QoR-40 score on POD2 (156.0, IQR: 143.0, 169.0 vs. 171.0, IQR: 159.0, 178.0; p < 0.001). The IV-PCA group received more analgesics during the 2 days after surgery, especially during night-time, and had a higher prevalence of sleep disturbances. The time to first additional analgesics request was significantly longer in PCRA group (14 hours, 95% CI: 13-16 vs. 44 hours, 95% CI: 28-not applicable). The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting significantly lower in the PCRA group (16.3% vs 46.9%, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

CISB showed a higher quality of recovery score than SISB with IV-PCA in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, probably related to the effective analgesia, improved sleep quality, and reduced opioid-related complications.

Invasive placebos in research on peripheral nerve blocks: a follow-up study

INTRODUCTION

The Serious Harm and Morbidity "SHAM" grading system has previously been proposed to categorize the risks associated with the use of invasive placebos in peripheral nerve block research. SHAM grades range from 0 (no potential complications, eg, using standard analgesia techniques as a comparator) through to 4 (risk of major complications, eg, performing a sub-Tenon's block and injecting normal saline). A study in 2011 found that 52% of studies of peripheral nerve blocks had SHAM grades of 3 or more.

METHODS

We repeated the original study by allocating SHAM grades to randomized controlled studies of peripheral nerve blocks published in English over a 22-month period. Documentation was made of the number of study participants, age, number of controls, body region, adverse events due to invasive placebos and any discussion regarding the ethics of using invasive placebos. We compared the proportion of studies with SHAM grades of 3 or more with the original study.

RESULTS

In this current study, 114 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 5 pediatric and 109 adult. The SHAM grade was ≥3 in 38 studies (33.3%), with 1494 patients in these control groups collectively. Several studies discussed their reasons for choosing a non-invasive placebo. No pediatric studies had a SHAM grade of ≥3.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of invasive placebos that may be associated with serious risks in peripheral nerve block research has decreased in contemporary peripheral nerve block research.

Transversus Abdominis Plane Block Appears to Be Effective and Safe as a Part of Multimodal Analgesia in Bariatric Surgery: a Meta-analysis and Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Purpose

Pain after bariatric surgery can prolong recovery. This patient group is highly susceptible to opioid-related side effects. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery guidelines strongly recommend the administration of multimodal medications to reduce narcotic consumption. However, the role of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (USG-TAP) block in multimodal analgesia of weight loss surgeries remains controversial.

Materials and Methods

A systematic search was performed in four databases for studies published up to September 2019. We considered randomized controlled trials that assessed the efficacy of perioperative USG-TAP block as a part of multimodal analgesia in patients with laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

Results

Eight studies (525 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled analysis showed lower pain scores with USG-TAP block at every evaluated time point and lower opioid requirement in the USG-TAP block group (weighted mean difference (WMD) = − 7.59 mg; 95% CI − 9.86, − 5.39; p < 0.001). Time to ambulate was shorter with USG-TAP block (WMD = − 2.22 h; 95% CI − 3.89, − 0.56; p = 0.009). This intervention also seemed to be safe: only three non-severe complications with USG-TAP block were reported in the included studies.

Conclusion

Our results may support the incorporation of USG-TAP block into multimodal analgesia regimens of ERAS protocols for bariatric surgery.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s11695-020-04973-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Bilateral ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block in patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion: A randomized controlled trial

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Spinal fusion surgery is associated with severe postoperative pain. We examined whether bilateral ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block could alleviate postoperative pain in patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion.

DESIGN

Blinded, randomized, controlled study.

SETTING

Tertiary university hospital, operating room, postoperative recovery room and ward.

PATIENTS

Sixty patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I or II scheduled for lumbar spinal fusion surgery were randomized into the erector spinae plane block group (ESPB group) and the control group in a 1:1 ratio.

INTERVENTIONS

Pre-operative ultrasound-guided bilateral erector spinae plane block was performed in the ESPB group, while sham subcutaneous infiltration was performed in the control group.

MEASUREMENTS

The primary outcome was pain intensity at rest within 12 h postoperatively using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Secondary outcomes included NRS pain scores at rest and on movement, postoperative opioid consumption and proportions of patients requiring opioid during the first 48 h after surgery.

MAIN RESULTS

The ESPB group (n = 30) showed significantly lower pain scores at rest at 4 h after surgery (estimated mean difference - 1.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] -2.4 to -0.8, p < 0.001), at 8 h (-1.3, 95% CI -1.9 to -0.6, p < 0.001), and at 12 h (-0.7, 95% CI -1.3 to -0.1, p = 0.023). The two groups showed similar pain scores at rest at 24 h after surgery (estimated mean difference - 0.2, 95% CI -0.8 to 0.5) and 48 h (-0.3, 95% CI -0.8 to 0.2). The ESPB group also showed significantly lower pain score on movement at 4 h after surgery (-1.5, 95% CI -2.5 to -0.6). The ESPB group showed a significantly smaller proportion of patients requiring sufentanil within 12 h after surgery (p = 0.020), and the group consumed significantly less sufentanil during that period (p = 0.042).

CONCLUSIONS

Bilateral ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block improves postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion.

Subomohyoid Anterior Suprascapular Block versus Interscalene Block for Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

Background

Interscalene brachial plexus block, the pain relief standard for shoulder surgery, is an invasive technique associated with important complications. The subomohyoid anterior suprascapular block is a potential alternative, but evidence of its comparative analgesic effect is sparse. The authors tested the hypothesis that anterior suprascapular block is noninferior to interscalene block for improving pain control after shoulder surgery. As a secondary objective, the authors evaluated the success of superior trunk (C5–C6 dermatomes) block with suprascapular block.

Methods

In this multicenter double-blind noninferiority randomized trial, 140 patients undergoing shoulder surgery were randomized to either interscalene or anterior suprascapular block with 15 ml of ropivacaine 0.5% and epinephrine. The primary outcome was area under the curve of postoperative visual analog scale pain scores during the first 24 h postoperatively. The 90% CI for the difference (interscalene-suprascapular) was compared against a –4.4-U noninferiority margin. Secondary outcomes included presence of superior trunk blockade, pain scores at individual time points, opioid consumption, time to first analgesic request, opioid-related side-effects, and quality of recovery.

Results

A total of 136 patients were included in the analysis. The mean difference (90% CI) in area under the curve of pain scores for the (interscalene-suprascapular) comparison was –0.3 U (–0.8 to 0.12), exceeding the noninferiority margin of –4.4 U and demonstrating noninferiority of suprascapular block. The risk ratio (95% CI) of combined superior trunk (C5–C6 dermatomes) blockade was 0.98 (0.92 to 1.01), excluding any meaningful difference in superior trunk block success rates between the two groups. When differences in other analgesic outcomes existed, they were not clinically important.

Conclusions

The suprascapular block was noninferior to interscalene block with respect to improvement of postoperative pain control, and also for blockade of the superior trunk. These findings suggest that the suprascapular block consistently blocks the superior trunk and qualify it as an effective interscalene block alternative.

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Bilateral sternal infusion of ropivacaine and length of stay in ICU after cardiac surgery with increased respiratory risk: A randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The continuous bilateral infusion of a local anaesthetic solution around the sternotomy wound (bilateral sternal) is an innovative technique for reducing pain after sternotomy.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of the technique on the need for intensive care in cardiac patients at increased risk of respiratory complications.

DESIGN

Randomised, observer-blind controlled trial.

SETTING

Single centre, French University Hospital.

PATIENTS

In total, 120 adults scheduled for open-heart surgery, with one of the following conditions: age more than 75 years, BMI >30 kg m, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, active smoking habit.

INTERVENTION

Either a bilateral sternal infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine (3 ml h through each catheter; 'intervention' group), or standardised care only ('control' group). Analgesia was provided with paracetamol and self-administered intravenous morphine.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The length of time to readiness for discharge from ICU, blindly assessed by a committee of experts.

RESULTS

No effect was found between groups for the primary outcome (P = 0.680, intention to treat); the median values were 42.4 and 37.7 h, respectively for the control and intervention groups (P = 0.873). Similar nonsignificant trends were noted for other postoperative delays. Significant effects favouring the intervention were noted for dynamic pain, patient satisfaction, occurrence of nausea and vomiting, occurrence of delirium or mental confusion and occurrence of pulmonary complications. In 12 patients, although no symptoms actually occurred, the total ropivacaine plasma level exceeded the lowest value for which neurological symptoms have been observed in healthy volunteers.

CONCLUSION

Because of a small size effect, and despite significant analgesic effects, this strategy failed to reduce the time spent in ICU.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

EudraCT (N°: 2012-005225-69); ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01828788).

Adding a PECS II block for proximal arm arteriovenous access - a randomised study

BACKGROUND

Brachial plexus block is often utilised for proximal arm arteriovenous access creation. However, the medial upper arm and axilla are often inadequately anaesthetised, requiring repeated, intraoperative local anaesthetic supplementation, or conversion into general anaesthesia. We hypothesised that the addition of a PECS II block would improve anaesthesia and analgesia for proximal arm arteriovenous access surgery.

METHODS

In this prospective, double-blinded, randomised proof-of-concept study, 36 consenting adults with end-stage renal disease aged between 21 and 90 years received either a combined supraclavicular and PECS II block (Group PECS, n = 18), or combined supraclavicular and sham block (Group SCB, n = 18) for proximal arm arteriovenous access surgery. Primary outcome was whether patients required intraoperative local anaesthetic supplementation by the surgeon.

RESULTS

In Group PECS, 33.3% (6/18) needed local anaesthetic supplementation vs. 100% (18/18) in Group SCB. Group SCB had three times (RR 3.0, 95% CI 1.6-5.8; P < 0.001) the risk of requiring intraoperative local anaesthetic supplementation. Group PECS required lower volume of supplemental local anaesthetic compared to Group SCB (0.0 ml, IQR 0.0-6.3 ml vs. 15.0 ml, IQR 7.4-17.8 ml; P < 0.001). Group SCB had twice [RR 2.2, 95% CI 1.1-4.4; (P = 0.019)] the risk of needing additional sedation or analgesia. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to postoperative visual analogue scale pain scores, time to first rescue analgesia or patient satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that adding a PECS II block to a supraclavicular block improves regional anaesthesia for patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing proximal arm arteriovenous access surgery.

Ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block for laparoscopic gastric-bypass surgery: a prospective randomized controlled double-blinded trial

BACKGROUND

Despite the laparoscopic approach, patients can suffer moderate to severe pain following bariatric surgery. This randomized controlled double-blinded trial investigated the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks for laparoscopic gastric-bypass surgery.

METHODS

Seventy patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric-bypass surgery were randomized to receive either bilateral ultrasound-guided subcostal TAP block injections after induction of general anesthesia or none. All patients received trocar insertion site local anesthetic infiltration and systemic analgesia. The primary outcome was cumulative opioid consumption (IV morphine equivalent) during the first 24 h postoperatively. Interval opioid consumption, pain severity scores, rates of nausea or vomiting, and rates of pruritus were measured during phase I recovery, and at 24 and 48 h postoperatively.

RESULTS

There was no difference in cumulative opioid consumption during the first 24 h postoperatively between the TAP (32.2 mg [95% CI, 27.6-36.7]) and control (35.6 mg [95% CI, 28.6-42.5]; P = 0.41) groups. Postoperative opioid consumptions during phase I recovery and the 24-48-h interval were similar between groups, as were pain scores at rest and with movement during all measured intervals. The rates of nausea or vomiting and pruritus were equivalent.

CONCLUSIONS

Bilateral TAP blocks do not provide additional analgesic benefit when added to trocar insertion site local anesthetic infiltration and systemic analgesia for laparoscopic gastric-bypass surgery.

Anatomical investigations for appropriate needle positioning for thoracic paravertebral blockade in children

OBJECTIVE

Clinicians hesitate to perform thoracic paravertebral blockade (TPVB) in children due to the potential high risk of adverse effects. No paediatric anatomical guidelines for TPVB exist. This study aimed to estimate the appropriate depth and distance for safe needle positioning in children.

METHODS

The depth (D) from the skin to the paravertebral space and the distance (A) from the spinous process to the needle entry point on the skin were measured using chest computed tomography (CT) in children aged between 1 and 9 years. Correlations between age, gender, weight, height, body mass index (BMI) and each of the anatomical measurements were analysed.

RESULTS

Each measurement correlated significantly with age, weight and height, but not with BMI (n = 373 children). Measurements A and D could be calculated by: A = 13.56 + (0.33 × age [years]) + (0.06 × weight [kg]) + 0.47 × (gender [female = 0, male = 1]); and D = 17.49 - (0.35 × age [years]) + (0.55 × weight [kg]).

CONCLUSION

These anatomical guidelines for TPVB are recommended to help prevent anaesthetic complications such as pneumothorax, when ultrasonography and CT are unavailable.

Transversus abdominis plane block for postoperative analgesia after Caesarean delivery performed under spinal anaesthesia? A systematic review and meta-analysis

The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a field block that provides postoperative analgesia for abdominal surgery. Its analgesic utility after Caesarean delivery (CD) remains controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis examines whether TAP block can reduce i.v. morphine consumption in the first 24 h after CD. The authors retrieved randomized controlled trials comparing TAP block with placebo in CD. Postoperative i.v. morphine consumption during the first 24 h was selected as a primary outcome. Pain scores and both maternal and neonatal opioid-related side-effects were secondary outcomes. Where possible, meta-analytic techniques and random effects modelling were used to combine data. Trials were stratified based on whether or not spinal morphine was used as part of the analgesic regimen. Five trials including 312 patients were identified. TAP block reduced the mean 24 h i.v. morphine consumption by 24 mg [95% confidence interval (CI) -39.65 to -7.78] when spinal morphine was not used. TAP block also reduced visual analogue scale pain scores (10 cm line where 0 cm, no pain, and 10 cm, worst pain) by 0.8 cm (95% CI -1.53 to -0.05, P=0.01), and decreased the incidence of opioid-related side-effects. The differences in primary and secondary outcomes were not significant when spinal morphine was used. TAP block provides superior analgesia compared with placebo and can reduce the first 24 h morphine consumption in the setting of a multimodal analgesic regimen that excludes spinal morphine. TAP block can provide effective analgesia when spinal morphine is contraindicated or not used.