Tramadol/dexketoprofen (TRAM/DKP) compared with tramadol/paracetamol in moderate to severe acute pain: results of a randomised, double-blind, placebo and active-controlled, parallel group trial in the impacted third molar extraction pain model (DAVID study)

Dexketoprofen Trometamol and Tramadol Hydrochloride Fixed-Dose Combination in Moderate to Severe Acute Low Back Pain: A Phase IV, Randomized, Parallel Group, Placebo, Active-Controlled Study (DANTE)

INTRODUCTION

Dexketoprofen/tramadol 25/75 mg (DKP/TRAM) is a fixed-dose combination of a cyclooxygenase inhibitor and opioid receptor agonist. To better understand the efficacy and safety of DKP/TRAM in the treatment of moderate to severe acute lower back pain (LBP) with or without radiculopathy, we carried out a large explorative phase IV international, multicenter, prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled study (DANTE).

METHODS

A total of 538 patients with or without a history of LBP and experiencing acute LPB of moderate to severe intensity [Numerical Rating Scale-Pain Intensity (NRS-PI) score > 5] were randomized 4:4:1:1 to DKP/TRAM 25/75 mg every 8 h (n = 211), tramadol (TRAM) 100 mg (n = 207), placebo-matched DKP/TRAM (n = 59), or placebo-matched TRAM (n = 61).

RESULTS

The proportion of patients achieving the primary endpoint, defined as the time to first achieve NRS-PI score < 4 or pain intensity reduction ≥ 30% from drug intake up to 8 h after the first dose, was higher in the DKP/TRAM arm than in the placebo group, but the difference was not statistically significant (46.1% vs. 42.6%, respectively; hazard ratio 1.11; 95% confidence interval 0.775, 1.595; p = 0.566). DKP/TRAM achieved superiority over TRAM in total pain relief at 4, 6, and 8 h (p < 0.05). Conversely, in relation to the secondary endpoints, a significantly greater reduction in NRS-PI score was seen with DKP/TRAM versus placebo starting from 1 h, and this reduction remained numerically lower throughout 8 h. Summed pain intensity difference values were also significantly lower at 4, 6, and 8 h with DKP/TRAM compared to TRAM (p < 0.05). Overall, DKP/TRAM was well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

Although the primary endpoint was not met, secondary efficacy analyses suggest the superiority of DKP/TRAM over placebo and TRAM alone in terms of total pain relief. DKP/TRAM can be considered to be an effective and safe option for the treatment of moderate to severe acute LBP.

DANTE STUDY REGISTRATION

EudraCT number: 2019-003656-37; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05170841.

Pain management after total hip arthroplasty: comparative study of analgesic efficacy and tolerability between oral tramadol/dexketoprofen and injectable paracetamol + tramadol

BACKGROUND

Multimodal analgesia for total hip arthroplasty (THA) is increasingly employed to reduce early postoperative pain and promote fast patient discharge. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability of tramadol/dexketoprofen (TRAM/DKP, Group A) versus paracetamol + tramadol (PARA+TRAM, Group B) in patients undergoing THA using minimally invasive direct anterior approach (DAA).

METHODS

A single-centre, randomised, single-blind, parallel, interventional study conducted in 323 patients undergoing primary THA with DAA was performed. Group A consisted of 188 patients and Group B of 135. The primary endpoints were the change from baseline (measured 2 hours postoperatively) in pain intensity (PI) during the treatment period (48 hours), assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) at pre-specified postoperative time-points (2, 8, 24, 48 hours) and the total rescue medication (RM) use during the first 24 hours postoperatively.

RESULTS

As early as 2 hours after baseline, Group A showed a greater PI reduction from baseline compared to Group B (-26.24% vs. -6.87%; p < 0.001). A lower mean PI (VAS) score was consistently found over the entire observation period following treatment with TRAM/DKP than with PARA+TRAM as well as more than 2-fold higher proportion of responders at the end of treatment period. More patients in Group B required RM in comparison to those in Group A (15.6% vs. 3.7%, p < 0.001). Both treatments were well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

After THA, oral TRAM/DKP provides faster and greater pain relief when compared to intravenous PARA+TRAM with limited consumption of RM and favourable tolerability profile. Our study expands the use of TRAM/DKP in the setting of major orthopaedic surgeries.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04178109).

REKOVER study protocol: a pRospective patient treatment rEgistry of tramadol and dexKetoprofen trometamol oral fixed-dose combination (SKUDEXA) in mOderate to seVere acutE pain in Real-world setting in Asia

INTRODUCTION

Satisfactory management of acute pain remains a major medical challenge despite the availability of multiple therapeutic options including the fixed-dose combination (FDC) drugs. Tramadol and dexketoprofen trometamol (TRAM/DKP) 75/25 mg FDC was launched in 2018 in Asia and is widely used in the management of moderate to severe acute pain. There are limited data on its effectiveness and safety in Asian patients, and therefore, a need to better understand its usage patterns in clinical practice. We aim to understand the usage pattern of TRAM/DKP FDC, its effectiveness and tolerability in patients with moderate to severe acute pain in Asia.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

REKOVER is a phase-IV, multicountry, multicentre, prospective, real-world observational study. A total of 750 postsurgical and non-surgical patients (male and female, aged 18-80 years) will be recruited from 13 tertiary-care hospitals (15 sites) in Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Malaysia. All patients prescribed with TRAM/DKP FDC and willing to participate in the study will be enrolled. The recruitment duration for each site will be 6 months. The severity of pain will be collected using Numeric Pain Rating Scale through the treatment period from day 1 to day 5, while satisfaction with the treatment will be evaluated using Patient Global Evaluation Scale at the end of treatment. Any adverse event reported during the study duration will be recorded for safety analysis (up to day 6). The study data will be entered into the ClaimIt portal and mobile application (app) (ObvioHealth, USA). All the inpatient data will be entered into the portal by the study site and for outpatient it will be done by patients through an app.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study has been approved by the local ethics committee from each study sites in Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Malaysia. Findings will be disseminated through local and global conference presentations, publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals and continuing medical education.

Co-crystal of Tramadol-Celecoxib Versus Tramadol or Placebo for Acute Moderate-to-Severe Pain After Oral Surgery: Randomized, Double-Blind, Phase 3 Trial (STARDOM1)

INTRODUCTION

Co-crystal of tramadol-celecoxib (CTC) is the first analgesic co-crystal for acute pain. This completed phase 3 multicenter, double-blind trial assessed the efficacy and safety/tolerability of CTC in comparison with that of tramadol in the setting of moderate-to-severe pain up to 72 h after elective third molar extraction requiring bone removal.

METHODS

Adults (n = 726) were assigned randomly to five groups (2:2:2:2:1): orally administered twice-daily CTC 100 mg (44 mg rac-tramadol hydrochloride/56 mg celecoxib; n = 164), 150 mg (66/84 mg; n = 160) or 200 mg (88/112 mg; n = 160); tramadol 100 mg four times daily (n = 159); or placebo four times daily (n = 83). Participants in CTC groups also received twice-daily placebo. The full analysis set included all participants who underwent randomization. The primary endpoint was the sum of pain intensity differences over 0 to 4 h (SPID0-4; visual analog scale). Key secondary endpoints included 4-h 50% responder and rescue medication use rates. Safety endpoints included adverse events (AEs), laboratory measures, and Opioid-Related Symptom Distress Scale (OR-SDS) score.

RESULTS

All CTC doses were superior to placebo (P < 0.001) for primary and key secondary endpoints. All were superior to tramadol for SPID0-4 (analysis of covariance least squares mean differences [95% confidence interval]: - 37.1 [- 56.5, - 17.6], - 40.2 [- 59.7, - 20.6], and - 41.7 [- 61.2, - 22.2] for 100, 150, and 200 mg CTC, respectively; P < 0.001) and 4-h 50% responder rate. Four-hour 50% responder rates were 32.9% (CTC 100 mg), 33.8% (CTC 150 mg), 40.6% (CTC 200 mg), 20.1% (tramadol), and 7.2% (placebo). Rescue medication use was lower in the 100-mg (P = 0.013) and 200-mg (P = 0.003) CTC groups versus tramadol group. AE incidence and OR-SDS scores were highest for tramadol alone.

CONCLUSIONS

CTC demonstrated superior pain relief compared with tramadol or placebo, as well as an improved benefit/risk profile versus tramadol.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT02982161; EudraCT number, 2016-000592-24.

The Efficacy of the Combination of Continuous Femoral Nerve Block and Intravenous Parecoxib on Rehabilitation in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The optimal strategy for the management of postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains challenging, while its treatment is crucial to increase patients' outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of parecoxib as add-on therapy, in a standard postoperative pain management protocol, represented by the continuous femoral nervous block. We studied its influence on rehabilitation indices and pain scores in patients undergoing TKA.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a single-center, prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. All patients were operated with the use of subarachnoid anesthesia, and divided into two groups for postoperative analgesia. Both groups received a continuous femoral nerve block. One of the groups received intravenous parecoxib, while the other received a placebo. The primary investigated outcome was the range of motion (ROM). Recordings were noted at different times postoperatively. Bromage score (BS), visual analog scale (VAS), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were also studied.

RESULTS

A total of 90 patients were included and analyzed. ROM was significantly better (p<0.001) and pain scores were significantly lower (p=0.007) in the parecoxib group. No statistically significant difference was found with regard to BS between the two groups. A significant correlation was found between ROM and VAS pain scores at 12 hours (p=0.02), while ROM was inversely correlated with STAI postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of intravenous parecoxib is effective in improving rehabilitation indices and provides decreased postoperative pain scores after TKA.

Assessment of Preferences in Taking Painkillers among Students of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy: A Pilot Study

Students of pharmacy, medicine, and dentistry are important for shaping drug policy. The aim of this study is to assess and compare students preferences in taking painkillers. The study group consists of 382 students of pharmacy (28.8%), medicine (40.0%), and dentistry (30.1%). An anonymous questionnaire consisting of 17 questions was prepared using the Google Forms platform and distributed through social media. Ibuprofen was the most frequently preferred, regardless of the study major (57.8%). Pharmacy students expressed the least concern about the possible side effects of analgesics (17.5%). The fast onset of painkillers was more important for dental students (59.1%) and pharmacy students (44.7%), compared to medical students (39.22%). Medicine and pharmacy students indicated their studies to be their main source of information about painkillers compared to dentistry students (p = 0.001). There are no differences in pain severity regarding which analgesics are used among student groups (p = 0.547). Dental students experienced odontogenic pain less frequently (57.3%) than medical (79.7%) and pharmacy students (79.8%), (p = 0.000). Ketoprofen was the most frequently chosen prescription painkiller for odontogenic pain in all groups (49.4%). Gastrointestinal complaints were the most often reported side effects, regardless of the study major (87.1%). Choice of studies, gender, and year of study were the most important determinants of the choice of painkillers.

The association of hemodynamic parameters and clinical demographic variables with acute postoperative pain in female oncological breast surgery patients: A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Appropriate administration of intraoperative analgesia is an essential factor in care and reasonable recovery times. Inappropriate intraoperative analgesia puts the patient at risk of acute postoperative pain (APOP). The absence of an objective standard for intraoperative nociceptive monitoring complicates pain care. Heart rate (HR) and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) have been suggested as useful parameters during general anesthesia for nociceptive monitoring. However, studies focusing on whether intraoperative heart rate variability (HRv) and mean arterial blood pressure variability (MABPv) during general anesthesia can accurately monitor nociception in patients have remained inconclusive. The current study aimed to (1) identify the association of intraoperative heart rate and blood pressure variability in patients undergoing low-risk surgery with the incidence of APOP in the immediate postoperative setting and (2) evaluate the associations of clinical demographic factors with the incidence of APOP.

METHODS

A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted. The outcome was moderate-to-severe APOP, defined as a numeric rating scale score of ≥ 4. HRv, MABPv, and potential confounders, such as age, body mass index, duration of surgery, smoking, depression, preoperative use of analgesics, and type of surgery, were used as independent variables.

RESULTS

Data from 764 female oncological breast surgery patients were analyzed. No statistically significant association of HRv and MABPv with APOP was found. Lower age was associated with higher odds of APOP (odds ratio [OR] 0.978, p = 0.001). Increased length of surgery (OR 1.013, p = 0.022) and a history of depression were associated with increased odds of APOP (OR 2.327, p = 0.010). The subtype of surgery was statistically significantly associated with APOP (p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that heart rate and blood pressure variability intraoperatively, in female patients undergoing low-risk surgery, are not associated with, and thus not predictive of, APOP in the immediate postoperative setting.

Advances in the Management of Acute Postsurgical Pain: A Review

Despite the millions of surgeries performed every year around the world, postoperative pain remains prevalent and is often addressed with inadequate or suboptimal treatments. Chronic postsurgical pain is surprisingly prevalent, and its rate varies with the type of surgery, as well as with certain patient characteristics. Thus, better clinical training is needed as well as patient education. As pain can be caused by more than one mechanism, multimodal or balanced postsurgical analgesia is appropriate. Pharmacological agents such as opioid and nonopioid pain relievers, as well as adjuvants and nonpharmacologic approaches, can be combined to provide better and opioid-sparing pain relief. Many specialty societies have guidelines for postoperative pain management that emphasize multimodal postoperative analgesia. These guidelines are particularly helpful when dealing with special populations such as pregnant patients or infants and children. Pediatric pain control, in particular, can be challenging as patients may be unable to communicate their pain levels. A variety of validated assessment tools are available for diagnosis. Related to therapy, most guidelines agree on the fact that codeine should be used with extreme caution in pediatric patients as some may be "rapid metabolizers" and its use may be life-threatening. Prehabilitation is a preoperative approach that prepares patients in advance of elective surgery with conditioning exercises and other interventions to optimize their health. Prehabilitation may have aerobic, strength-training, nutritional, and counseling components. Logistical considerations and degree of patient adherence represent barriers to effective prehabilitation programs. Notwithstanding all this, acute postoperative pain represents a clinical challenge that has not yet been well addressed.

Critical Appraisal of Current Acute LBP Management and the Role of a Multimodal Analgesia: A Narrative Review

Acute low back pain (LBP) stands as a leading cause of activity limitation and work absenteeism, and its associated healthcare expenditures are expected to become substantial when acute LBP develops into a chronic and even refractory condition. Therefore, early intervention is crucial to prevent progression to chronic pain, for which the management is particularly challenging and the most effective pharmacological therapy is still controversial. Current guideline treatment recommendations vary and are mostly driven by expertise with opinion differing across different interventions. Thus, it is difficult to formulate evidence-based guidance when the relatively few randomized clinical trials have explored the diagnosis and management of LBP while employing different selection criteria, statistical analyses, and outcome measurements. This narrative review aims to provide a critical appraisal of current acute LBP management by discussing the unmet needs and areas of improvement from bench-to-bedside, and proposes multimodal analgesia as the way forward to attain an effective and prolonged pain relief and functional recovery in patients with acute LBP.

Nocebo response in dentistry: A systematic review and meta-analysis of adverse events in analgesic trials of third molar removal

BACKGROUND

The nocebo response refers to the phenomenon where non-specific factors, including negative verbal suggestion and treatment expectations, cause adverse events (AE) following a placebo treatment. Non-specific factors are also likely to influence AE occurrence following administration of active pharmacological treatments.

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis aimed to estimate the nocebo response in dentistry by assessing the AEs prevalence in placebo- and active arms of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing analgesic treatment following third molar (M3) surgery.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Eligible studies had to report the number of patients experiencing at least one drug-related AE (patients with AE ≥ 1) separately for the active and placebo arms. The proportion of patients with AE ≥ 1 and drug-related dropouts were pooled, and risk differences (RDs) between patients in the placebo- and active arm were calculated.

RESULTS

In 50 independent RCTs of 47 identified articles, the pooled rates of patients with AE ≥ 1 were 22.8% in the placebo arm and 20.6% in the active arm. The pooled rates of drug-related dropout were 0.24% in the placebo arm and 0.08% in the active arm. There were no significant RDs in patients with AE ≥ 1 and drug-related dropouts.

CONCLUSION

These results show that patients in the placebo arm reported AEs to the same extent as patients receiving active treatment, suggesting that most AEs in analgesic medication following M3 surgery may be attributed to the nocebo phenomenon.

Management of Acute Cancer Pain in Asia: An Expert Opinion on the Role of Tramadol/Dexketoprofen Fixed-Dose Combination

Most patients experience acute cancer pain at some stage throughout their cancer journey. When inadequately managed, cancer pain has devastating consequences for the patient's quality of life. The suboptimal management of cancer pain in Asia is mainly driven by over-regulation and limited access to opioids. Concerns about adverse events and addiction have resulted in a negative perception of this group of drugs among physicians, as well as patients. There is a need to optimize the management of cancer pain across the region, through the provision of an alternative treatment option that is simple to prescribe, convenient to administer and well tolerated by patients, which will increase patients' compliance and good results. As recommended in many international guidelines, starting by the WHO analgesic ladder, cancer pain can be effectively managed with multimodal analgesia. Fixed-dose combinations (FDCs), in which two or more analgesic agents act synergistically to deliver a broad spectrum of pain relief, represent an effective and convenient option for delivering multimodal analgesia to patients with cancer pain. This is extremely well accepted by patients for several reasons. Any multimodal pharmacological approach to pain management should be based on the potentiality to block pain at different levels and to reduce the dosages of single analgesics, reducing their side effects. Hence, the use of NSAIDs, combined with other analgesics, is the general basis of multimodal pain management. If NSAIDs are combined with tramadol, a weak opioid that has per se a multimodal analgesic efficacy, it may be ideal. The tramadol/dexketoprofen FDC combines the centrally acting weak opioid with a peripherally acting NSAID to deliver rapid-onset, long-lasting analgesia, which has been proven efficacious and safe in the management of moderate-to-severe acute pain in the postoperative setting. This expert opinion explores the role of tramadol/dexketoprofen FDC in the management of patients with moderate-to-severe acute cancer pain. It is essentially based on the incredibly high amount of existing data on the use of the drug, and on the long-lasting experience of the experts in pain management of cancer patients participating in the advisory panel.

Current and emerging COX inhibitors for treating postoperative pain following oral surgery

INTRODUCTION

The numerous drugs in the NSAID class are often used to treat acute postoperative pain associated with oral surgery such as impacted third-molar extractions. These drugs are effective in this setting and dental pain studies often serve as models for acute pain relief and for registration of analgesics. With numerous cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors available as monotherapy, for use in combination with analgesic regimens, and in different doses and formulations, it was our aim to determine if there were clear-cut distinctions among these products and dosing regimens.

AREAS COVERED

This is a literature review of recent randomized controlled clinical trials evaluating NSAIDs for use in postoperative pain management following oral surgery. Of particular interest were head-to-head studies, which might offer some insight into comparative effectiveness.

EXPERT OPINION

Postoperative oral surgery pain is largely managed in real-world clinical practice using NSAIDs, either alone or in combination, and there is good evidence supporting their use especially in multimodal therapy. Head-to-head and comparative studies do not show a clear-cut 'optimal NSAID' in this setting, although ibuprofen, ketoprofen, dexketoprofen, and naproxen have gained most acceptance. Combination therapy with other analgesics or adjuvants is largely accepted.

Fixed Dose Versus Loose Dose: Analgesic Combinations

Combinations of drugs may be fixed (two or more entities in a single product) or loose (two or more agents taken together but as individual agents) to help address multimechanistic pain. The use of opioids plus nonopioids can result in lower opioid consumption without sacrificing analgesic benefits. Drug combinations may offer additive or synergistic benefits. A variety of fixed-dose combination products are available on the market such as diclofenac plus thiocolchicoside, acetaminophen and caffeine, acetaminophen and opioid, ibuprofen and acetaminophen, tramadol and acetaminophen, and others. Fixed-dose combination products offer predictable pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, known adverse events, and can reduce the pill burden. However, they are limited to certain drug combinations and doses; loose dosing allows prescribers the versatility to meet individual patient requirements as well as the ability to titrate as needed. Not all drug combinations offer synergistic benefits, which depend on the drugs and their doses. Certain drugs offer dual mechanisms of action in a single molecule, such as tapentadol, and these may further be used in combination with other analgesics. New technology allows for co-crystal productions of analgesic agents which may further improve drug characteristics, such as bioavailability. Combination analgesics are important additions to the analgesic armamentarium and may offer important benefits at lower doses than monotherapy.

Analgesia and Side Effects of Codeine Phosphate Associated with Paracetamol Versus Oxycodone After the Extraction of Mandibular Third Molars: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial Using the Split-Mouth Model

Purpose

To assess the analgesia and side effects of 10 mg oxycodone as compared to 30 mg of codeine phosphate associated with 500 mg of paracetamol after bilateral lower third molar extraction.

Methods

This is a prospective, randomized, double-blind study applied to a sample of 16 patients. They were evaluated for seven days postoperatively, and the mean score of the visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain between test and control medications was assessed by the Wilcoxon distribution. The side effects of these medications were assessed by the Q Cochran test. A p value of < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The mean score of the VAS of pain was higher in the oxycodone side, where few patients reported the use of rescue analgesic. There was no report of rescue medication in codeine phosphate associated with paracetamol side. The most common side effects reported in both groups, predominantly in patients using the oxycodone, were drowsiness, dizziness, and headache.

Conclusion

The use of codeine phosphate associated with paracetamol after the extraction of impacted mandibular third molars is a better choice than oxycodone for controlling postoperative pain.

Trial Registration Number and Date of Registration

RBR-8ntwmyq 07/07/2021.

DANTE Study: The First Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo and Active-Controlled, Parallel Arm Group Study Evaluating the Analgesic Efficacy and Safety of Dexketoprofen TrometAmol aNd Tramadol Hydrochloride Oral FixEd Dose Combination on Moderate to Severe Acute Pain in Patients with Acute Low Back Pain-Rationale and Design

INTRODUCTION

Despite a wide range of treatment approaches and the availability of treatment recommendations or guidelines, no consensus on the most effective pharmacological therapy of low back pain (LBP) has been reached yet. Therefore, additional clinical evidence, particularly if built upon a rigorous clinical trial design, an evidence-based medication choice, and broader inclusion criteria better acknowledging the heterogeneity and intrinsic variability of LBP is needed. The DANTE study has been designed to comprehensively assess the analgesic efficacy and tolerability of dexketoprofen/tramadol (DKP/TRAM) 75/25 mg in a large cohort of patients with moderate to severe acute LBP.

METHODS

The DANTE study is a phase IV, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy parallel group, placebo, and active controlled study. The DANTE study encompasses a single-dose phase (day 1, t0-t8h) and a multiple-dose phase (from t8h to 8 h after intake of last dose at day 5). The DANTE study population includes patients naïve to LBP or patients with previous history of LBP experiencing a new episode of moderate to severe intensity with or without radiculopathy. The clinical phase of the DANTE study started in September 2020 and the anticipated completion date is April 2022.

PLANNED OUTCOMES

The primary endpoint is the time to first achieve a numeric rating scale-pain intensity (NRS-PI) score of < 4 or a pain intensity reduction ≥ 30% from drug intake up to 8 h after the first dose (t8h). Secondary objectives aim are: (1) to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of TRAM/DKP 75/25 mg versus TRAM 100 mg after the first dose; (2) to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of TRAM/DKP 75/25 mg versus TRAM 100 mg after the multiple doses (from t8h until day 5, multiple dose); and (3) to assess the safety and tolerability of the TRAM/DKP 75/25 mg fixed combination after single and multiple doses.

DANTE STUDY REGISTRATION

EudraCT number: 2019-003656-37.

Effect of preoperative tramadol, ibuprofen, ibuprofen/acetaminophen on the anaesthetic efficacy of inferior alveolar nerve block in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis

The purpose of this double-blind clinical trial was to compare the effect of preoperative tramadol 50 mg, tramadol 100 mg, ibuprofen 600 mg, ibuprofen 600 mg/acetaminophen 1000 mg or placebo 60 min before the administration of inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANB) of mandibular teeth in patients experiencing symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP). Two hundred and fifty emergency patients diagnosed with SIP were randomly divided into five groups and received medications. Endodontic access was begun 15 min after completion of the IANB, and all patients had profound lip numbness. The Heft-Parker visual analogue scale was used to evaluate pain. Premedication with tramadol 100 mg significantly increased the success rate to 62% than the other groups (p < 0.05). The success rates of ibuprofen, ibuprofen/acetaminophen and tramadol 50 mg groups were not significantly different (p > 0.05). Premedication with tramadol 100 mg enhanced the anaesthetic success of IANB in mandibular molars with SIP.

The comparison of dexketoprofen and other painkilling medications (review from 2018 to 2021)

Dexketoprofen is an enantiomer of ketoprofen (S+) that belongs to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. Dexketoprofen has a stronger effect than ketoprofen, which makes it a readily used preparation. The review aims to find in recent original publications data about dexketoprofen and its comparison with other painkilling medications. The systematic literature review was conducted in November 2021 (2018 onwards). We selected 12 articles from PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline Complete databases. In the last 4 years, there have been many publications that shed a new light on dexketoprofen. The article is a comparative analysis of dexketoprofen's action vs other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the combination of dexketoprofen with tramadol vs paracetamol with tramadol. The findings of the review confirm that dexketoprofen is a very good pain reliever more potent than paracetamol. Dexketoprofen produces similar effects to lidocaine and dexmedetomidine. Complex preparations containing dexketoprofen and tramadol are very effective painkilling tandem and are more effective than tramadol and paracetamol therapy in the treatment of acute pain.

Treatment of Mandibular Hypomobility by Injections into the Temporomandibular Joints: A Systematic Review of the Substances Used

INTRODUCTION

Hyaluronic acid, steroids and blood products are popularly injected into the temporomandibular joint (TMJs) to relieve pain and increase the extent of mandibular abduction. The purpose of this review is to identify other injectable substances and to evaluate them in the above-mentioned domains.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The review included articles describing clinical trials of patients treated with intra-articular injections with or without arthrocentesis.

RESULTS

The following emerging substances were initially evaluated to be effective in treating TMJ pain and increasing the amplitude of mandibular abduction: analgesics, dextrose with lidocaine, adipose tissue, nucleated bone marrow cells and ozone gas.

DISCUSSION

Better effects of intra-articular administration are achieved by preceding the injection with arthrocentesis.

CONCLUSIONS

The most promising substances appear to be bone marrow and adipose tissue.

A Randomized Double-Blind Comparative Study of Efficacy and Safety Between Low-Dose Etoricoxib and Ibuprofen Coadministered with Low-Dose Paracetamol for Dental Pain

Objective:

To study the safety and efficacy of low-dose etoricoxib and low-dose paracetamol versus ibuprofen and low-dose paracetamol treatments in patients who experienced acute pain after tooth extraction.

Methods:

A total of 80 patients were recruited and randomized to two study groups, i.e., EP and IP. Group EP received etoricoxib 30 mg once a day and add-on paracetamol 325 mg eight-hourly, and Group IP received ibuprofen 400 mg and paracetamol 325 mg eight-hourly for three days. The analgesic efficacy was assessed by a visual analog scale, pain relief score, and global evaluation score. Patients were assessed at 0, 6, 24, 48, and 72 h. Safety was assessed by the patient’s estimation of the severity of adverse drug reactions using a 3-point scale and the type of adverse drug reactions reported by the patients after 72 h.

Results:

Mean pain intensity reduction, mean pain relief score, and global evaluation score all showed better analgesic efficacy results in Group EP as compared to Group IP but were not significant ( P > 0.05) at 6, 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. No patient had reported any serious adverse drug reaction in both the groups. Mild to moderate adverse reactions were reported in 20% cases in the IP group and 10% cases in the EP group; however, the incidence of GIT intolerance was seen in 17.5% of the cases in the IP group and none in the EP group.

Conclusion:

Low-dose etoricoxib with low-dose paracetamol has comparable analgesic efficacy with better safety than therapeutic dose ibuprofen and low-dose paracetamol.

New Insights Into the Pharmacological Management of Postoperative Pain: A Narrative Review

Postoperative pain is prevalent and often undertreated. There is a risk that untreated or suboptimally treated postoperative pain may transition into chronic postoperative pain, which can be challenging to treat. Clinical guidelines recommend the use of multimodal analgesia, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, and, in some cases, opioids. NSAIDs are a broad class of drugs with different attributes such as cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-1 or COX-2 selectivity, onset of action, and analgesic potency. NSAIDs are associated with gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects and should be administered at the lowest effective dose for the shortest effective duration but can be effective in postoperative pain. The role of opioids in postoperative analgesia is long-standing but has recently come under scrutiny. Opioids are often used in multimodal analgesic combinations in such a way as to minimize the total consumption of opioids without sacrificing analgesic benefit. Special clinical considerations are required for surgical patients already on opioid regimens or with opioid use disorder. A particularly useful fixed-dose combination product for postoperative analgesia is dexketoprofen-tramadol, which confers safe and effective postoperative pain control and reduces the risk of persistent postoperative pain.

Delivery of Multimodal Analgesia to Effectively Treat Acute Pain: A Review From Roma Pain Days

It is crucial that acute pain be promptly and adequately treated in order to prevent it from transitioning to chronic pain, a devastating and sometimes permanent condition that is challenging to treat and associated with disability, reduced quality of life, and depression. Guidelines for the treatment of acute low-back pain (LBP) are predicated on assumptions that all acute LBP is benign, temporary, and traditionally treated with a “wait and see” approach. LBP is far from a monolithic condition: etiology, the presence of underlying conditions, mental health status, social situation, patient’s age and occupation, and comorbidities all present different risk factors for chronic LBP that should be considered in treating acute LBP or other forms of acute pain. A multimodal approach to acute pain has been shown to be safe and effective. In particular, the combination product of oral dexketoprofen and tramadol has been shown effective in controlling acute pain, which spares the use of opioids and is well tolerated. Chronic pain must be viewed as a global health crisis, and the timely and adequate control of acute painful conditions is a good strategy to reduce its prevalence. Experts at Roma Pain Days discussed this important topic which is the foundation of this review.

Avoid Postoperative Pain To Prevent Its Chronification: A Narrative Review

Acute postoperative pain is a normal and expected part of the patient’s postsurgical trajectory, and its intensity, severity, and duration vary with surgery-related and patient factors. In a subset of patients, postoperative pain does not resolve as the tissue heals but instead transitions to chronic postoperative pain, a challenging condition to treat and one associated with decreased quality of life, sleep and mood disorders, and neuropathy. Promptly and adequately treating acute postoperative pain can reduce the risk that it will transition into chronic postoperative pain. Numerous agents are available that may help treat postoperative pain, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and others. In this connection, it is also important to consider patient factors, such as mental health status and comorbidities, as well as the type and duration of surgery. A multimodal approach is recommended, which uses two or more agents with complementary mechanisms of action, working at different targets. Multimodal analgesia may also reduce adverse events and lessen opioid consumption after surgery. A particularly useful fixed-dose combination product is dexketoprofen/tramadol (DEX-TRA), which is safe and effective in numerous clinical trials. This review is based on a presentation from the Roma Pain Days scientific sessions of 2021.

ANALGESIC EFFICACY OF TRAMADOL/DEXKETOPROFEN VS IBUPROFEN AFTER IMPACTED LOWER THIRD MOLAR EXTRACTION: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIAL

OBJECTIVE

Impacted third molar extraction is associated with acute moderate-to-severe pain for up to 48 hours post-surgery. This trial was designed to compare the analgesic effectiveness, swelling, and adverse events after impacted third molar surgery following multimodal therapy with 75 mg tramadol hydrochloride plus 25 mg dexketoprofen or monotherapy with 400 mg ibuprofen.

METHODS

Seventy-two patients were randomly assigned to receiving ibuprofen (n = 36) or tramadol-dexketoprofen (n = 36). Postoperative pain intensity and swelling were measured using a visual analog scale (VAS); pain relief experienced was reported using a 4-point verbal rating scale; the rescue medication requirement, adverse effects, and global impression of the medication were recorded.

RESULTS

No statistically significant between-group difference in pain intensity was observed at any time point; however, pain relief was significantly higher in the tramadol-dexketoprofen treated-group at 6 and 36 hours. Self-reported verbal rating scale assessments showed significantly lower swelling in the tramadol-dexketoprofen group at 24 hours post-surgery but not at 48 or 72 hours, and VAS-swelling scores showed no significant between-group difference. The frequency of postoperative nausea and dizziness was significantly higher in the tramadol-dexketoprofen group.

CONCLUSIONS

Multimodal therapy proved more effective to manage moderate-severe pain after impacted third molar surgery in comparison to monotherapy. However, the improvement in relief must be balanced against the increased risk of adverse effects when considering this multimodal approach.

The Expanding Role of the COX Inhibitor/Opioid Receptor Agonist Combination in the Management of Pain

Pain management in both outpatient and inpatient settings demands a multidisciplinary approach entailing medical, physical and psychological therapies. Among these, multimodal analgesic regimens stand out as a promising treatment options. Cyclo-oxygenase (COX) inhibitor/opioid receptor agonist combinations hold great potential as effective pillars in the multimodal pain management by providing adequate analgesia with fewer safety risks due to COX inhibitors’ opioid-sparing effect. Thus, these combinations, either freely or in fixed-dose formulation, offer a feasible option for the prescribing clinicians who seek to maximise therapeutic effect while simultaneously minimise adverse effects. The selection of the appropriate non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and opioid agent at optimal doses is essential. It should be tailored to the patients’ analgesic necessities, and his/her gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risk, and potential concurrent aspirin use. Moreover, it should allow for addiction risk and the potential opioid-induced bowel dysfunction and constipation. To ensure an optimal match between the characteristics of the patient and the properties of the chosen medication, and to guide adequate and well-tolerated treatment decisions, it is of paramount importance to expand clinicians’ knowledge of the currently available COX inhibitor/opioid receptor agonist combinations. This invited narrative review deals with the literature evidence covering the components of multimodal opioid-sparing analgesic regimens. Also, it provides insights into the clinically relevant choice criteria to ensure a patient-tailored analgesia.

Tramadol/Dexketoprofen Analgesic Efficacy Compared with Tramadol/Paracetamol in Moderate to Severe Postoperative Acute Pain: Subgroup Analysis of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel Group Trial-DAVID Study

INTRODUCTION

Recently the DAVID study demonstrated the better analgesic efficacy of tramadol hydrochloride/dexketoprofen 75/25 mg (TRAM/DKP) over tramadol hydrochloride/paracetamol 75/650 mg (TRAM/paracetamol) in a model of moderate to severe acute pain following surgical removal of an impacted third molar. The aim of this subpopulation analysis was to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between baseline pain intensity (PI) level and the effectiveness in pain control of the TRAM/DKP combination in comparison with the TRAM/paracetamol combination. This will further improve and facilitate the accurate design of future acute pain studies for the use of the TRAM/DKP combination.

METHODS

Patients experiencing at least moderate pain, defined as a PI score ≥ 4 in an 11-point numerical rating scale (NRS) were stratified according to NRS-PI at baseline (NRS ≥ 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8) or aggregated in two groups: (i) moderate pain, NRS-PI ≥ 4 to ≤ 6; (ii) severe pain, NRS-PI > 6. Analgesic efficacy was assessed at pre-specified time points by using pain relief (PAR) on a 5-point verbal rating scale (VRS) and PI on an 11-point NRS. The primary endpoint was total PAR over 6 h post-dose (TOTPAR6); secondary endpoints included, among others, the time course of mean PAR and PI scores over 8 h, TOTPAR over 2, 4, and 8 h post-dose, and the sum of PI difference (SPID) over 2, 4, 6, and 8 h. Safety evaluation was based on the incidence, seriousness, intensity, and causal relationship of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs).

RESULTS

The analgesic efficacy evaluated by TOTPAR6 (primary endpoint) remained steady across increasing baseline PI-NRS cutoff groups with TRAM/DKP, but not with TRAM/paracetamol. The study also demonstrated the superiority of TRAM/DKP combination over TRAM/paracetamol in terms of TOTPAR over 2, 4, and 8 h post-dose and SPID at 2, 4, 6, and 8 h post-dose in both baseline PI groups (moderate or severe); similarly, the time course of PAR and PI indicated better efficacy with TRAM/DKP as soon as 30 min and up to 4-6 h. The incidence of adverse drug reactions was not increased in the severe baseline PI group.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the results of this subgroup analysis of the DAVID study confirmed the superiority of the analgesic efficacy of TRAM/DKP vs TRAM/paracetamol, irrespective of the baseline PI.

Anesthetic Considerations for Cesarean Delivery After Uterine Transplant

Infertility has many etiologies and can have devastating consequences for young couples attempting to bring children into the world. Uterine factor for infertility is related to either uterine agenesis (Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser [MRKH] syndrome), unexpected hysterectomy, or presence of a nonfunctioning uterus. In this review, a patient with MRKH syndrome underwent donor uterus transplantation at the Cleveland Clinic, conceived, and delivered the first healthy baby in the United States and the second worldwide. Additionally, we review the pertinent literature on anesthesia problems. Donor-related uterine transplant is a recent medical innovation requiring multidisciplinary expertise. In patients who deliver successfully, according to the current literature, the transplanted uterus can be used for one more pregnancy only if the mother so desires, otherwise cesarean hysterectomy (C-Hyst) should be performed. In the observed case, C-Hyst was performed because the patient developed placenta accreta and the couple desired no further pregnancy. In summary, with our limited data, careful management of these patients is required to ensure the best outcome for the mother and the newborn fetus.

Efficacy and tolerability of orally administered tramadol/dexketoprofen fixed-dose combination compared to diclofenac/thiocolchicoside in acute low back pain: experience from an Italian, single-centre, observational study

OBJECTIVES

To compare the analgesic efficacy and tolerability of tramadol/dexketoprofen 75/25 mg (TRAM/DKP) versus diclofenac/thiocolchicoside 75/4 mg (DIC/THIO) in patients with moderate-to-severe acute low back pain (LBP).

METHODS

Single-centre, observational study in 82 adult outpatients with LBP due to disc herniation (≥4 Numerical Rating scale, NRS) who received either oral TRAM/DKP (n = 44) or intramuscular DIC/THIO (n = 38), both given every 12 h for 5 days. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in pain intensity (PI) at pre-specified post-dose time points (t day1, t day3, t day7) and compared between the two treatments. Additional endpoints, all evaluated at day 7, included: the sum of PI difference (SPID), percentage of responders in terms of PI reduction versus baseline and change from baseline in Douleur Neuropathique (DN4) score. Tolerability and safety were also assessed.

RESULTS

Both treatment groups were comparable for demographic characteristics and comorbidities. Over the 5-day treatment period and up to day 7, compared to DIC/THIO, TRAM/DKP provided a significantly greater and sustained analgesia at day 3 and day 7 (p < .0001), with a higher proportion of responders at each time point [75% versus 71.1% (p = 0.687) at day 1, 93.2% versus 73.7% at day 3 (p = .016) and 95.5% versus 71.1% at day 7 (p = .003)], higher values of SPID (770.9 ± 23.5 vs. 507.1 ± 22.6; p < .0001) and significantly greater reduction in DN4 score [-62.7 ± 25.6 vs. -39.7 ± 31.2 (p < .0001)]. Both treatments were well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

Orally administered TRAM/DKP 75/25 mg can be a valuable and effective option in patients with acute LBP.

Ibuprofen Safety at the Golden Anniversary: Are all NSAIDs the Same? A Narrative Review

Ibuprofen first came to market about 50 years ago and rapidly moved to over-the-counter (OTC) sales. In April 2019, the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) of France issued a warning for NSAID uses by patients with infectious diseases based on an analysis of 20 years of real-world safety data on ibuprofen and ketoprofen. Nevertheless, ibuprofen remains a mainstay in the analgesic armamentarium and with numerous randomized clinical trials, head-to-head studies, and decades of clinical experience. The authors offer a review of the safety of ibuprofen and how it may differ from other NSAIDs. Ibuprofen is associated with certain well-known gastrointestinal adverse effects that are related to dose and patient population. Among nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), ibuprofen has a comparatively low risk of cardiovascular adverse effects. It has been associated with renal and hepatic adverse effects, which appear to depend on dose, concomitant medications, and patient population. The association of ibuprofen with infections is more complex in that it confers risk in some situations but benefits in others, the latter in cystic fibrosis. Emerging interest in the literature is providing evidence of the role of ibuprofen as a possible endocrine disrupter as well as its potential antiproliferative effects for cancer cells. Taken altogether, ibuprofen has a favorable safety profile and is an effective analgesic for many acute and chronic pain conditions, although it-like other NSAIDs-is not without risk. After 50 years, evidence is still emerging about ibuprofen and its unique safety profile among NSAIDs. FUNDING: The Rapid Service Fee was funded by Abbott Established Pharmaceuticals Division (EPD).

Expert Consensus on Clinical Use of an Orally Administered Dexketoprofen Plus Tramadol Fixed-Dose Combination in Moderate-To-Severe Acute Pain: A Delphi Study

INTRODUCTION

In 2016, the orally administered fixed-dose combination of dexketoprofen 25 mg and tramadol 75 mg (DKP/TRAM FDC) was approved in Europe for short-term treatment of moderate-to-severe acute pain, an indication that encompasses a wide range of post-operative and non-surgical painful conditions. This has suggested the necessity to have a clearer indication on its clinical use, with the support of expert pain clinicians, working in different medical specialities, and reinforced by the data present in the literature.

METHODS

With the aim of assisting clinicians in the use of DKP/TRAM FDC in daily practice, two rounds of a modified Delphi process were conducted. In the first round, a board of nine experts developed a series of consensus statements based on available evidence, and their clinical experience, with DKP/TRAM FDC. In the second round, 75 clinicians with extensive experience in pain management expressed individually their agreement with the statements, using a dedicated online platform. Consensus was defined as at least 70% agreement.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight statements were developed. Of these, 19 reached the defined level of consensus.

CONCLUSION

The agreed consensus statements may assist clinicians in applying the results of clinical studies and clinical experience to routine care settings, providing guidance for use of this new analgesic combination in moderate-to-severe post-operative and non-surgical acute pain.

FUNDING

Menarini Group.

Towards an Effective and Safe Treatment of Inflammatory Pain: A Delphi-Guided Expert Consensus

OBJECTIVE

The clinical management of inflammatory pain requires an optimal balance between effective analgesia and associated safety risks. To date, mechanisms associated with inflammatory pain are not completely understood because of their complex nature and the involvement of both peripheral and central mechanisms. This Expert Consensus document is intended to update clinicians about evolving areas of clinical practice and/or available treatment options for the management of patients with inflammatory pain.

METHOD

An international group of experts in pain management covering the pharmacology, neurology and rheumatology fields carried out an independent qualitative systematic literature search using MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.

RESULTS

Existing guidelines for pain management provide recommendations that do not satisfactorily address the complex nature of pain. To achieve optimal outcomes, drug choices should be individualized to guarantee the best match between the characteristics of the patient and the properties of the medication. NSAIDs represent an important prescribing choice in the management of inflammatory pain, and the recent results on paracetamol question its appropriate use in clinical practice, raising the need for re-evaluation of the recommendations in the clinical practice guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing clinicians' knowledge of the available pharmacologic options to treat different pain mechanisms offers the potential for safe, individualized treatment decisions. We hope that it will help implement the needed changes in the management of inflammatory pain by providing the best strategies and new insights to achieve the ultimate goal of managing the disease and obtaining optimal benefits for patients.

FUNDING

Dompé Farmaceutici SPA and Paolo Procacci Foundation.