-
1.
GaPP2, a multicentre randomised controlled trial of the efficacy of gabapentin for the management of chronic pelvic pain in women: study protocol.
Vincent, K, Baranowski, A, Bhattacharya, S, Birch, J, Cheong, Y, Cregg, R, Daniels, J, Hewitt, CA, Macfarlane, GJ, Middleton, L, et al
BMJ open. 2018;(1):e014924
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) affects more than 1 million UK women with associated healthcare costs of £158 million annually. Current evidence supporting interventions when no underlying pathology is identified is very limited and treatment is frequently inadequate. Gabapentin (a GABA analogue) is efficacious and often well tolerated in other chronic pain conditions. We have completed a successful pilot randomised controlled trial Gabapentin for Pelvic Pain 1 (GaPP1) and here describe the protocol for our definitive multicentre trial to assess the efficacy of gabapentin in the management of CPP in women Gabapentin for Pelvic Pain 2 (GaPP2). METHODS AND ANALYSIS We plan to perform a double-blind placebo-controlled randomised multicentre clinical trial, recruiting 300 women with CPP from up to 40 National Health Service hospitals within the UK. After randomisation, women will titrate their medication (gabapentin or placebo) over a 4-week period to a maximum of 2700 mg or placebo equivalent and will then maintain a stable dose for a 12-week period. Response to treatment will be monitored with validated questionnaires and coprimary outcome measures of average and worst pain scores will be employed. The primary objective is to test the hypothesis that treatment with gabapentin has the potential to provide an effective oral treatment to alleviate pain in women with CPP in the absence of any obvious pelvic pathology. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval has been obtained from the Coventry and Warwick Research Ethics Committee (REC 15/WM/0036). Data will be presented at international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. We will make the information obtained from the study available to the public through national bodies and charities. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN77451762; Pre-results.
-
2.
Consensus recommendations for managing osteoarthritic pain with topical NSAIDs in Asia-Pacific.
Rafanan, BS, Valdecañas, BF, Lim, BP, Malairungsakul, A, Tassanawipas, W, Shiyi, C, Tse, LF, Luong, TK
Pain management. 2018;(2):115-128
Abstract
Osteoarthritis prevalence is expected to increase markedly in the Asia-Pacific region due to rapid population aging. Identifying effective and safe therapeutic options to manage osteoarthritic pain is viewed as a priority. The Asia-Pacific Experts on Topical Analgesics Advisory Board developed consensus statements for use of topical NSAIDs in musculoskeletal pain. Evidence supporting these statements in osteoarthritic pain was reviewed. Best available evidence indicates that topical NSAIDs have a moderate effect on relief of osteoarthritic pain, comparable to that of oral NSAIDs but with a better risk-to-benefit ratio. International clinical practice guidelines recommend topical NSAIDs on par with or ahead of oral NSAIDs for pain management in patients with knee and hand osteoarthritis, and as the first-line choice in persons aged ≥75 years.
-
3.
Effectiveness of Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile) extract on pain control of cyclic mastalgia: a double-blind randomised controlled trial.
Saghafi, N, Rhkhshandeh, H, Pourmoghadam, N, Pourali, L, Ghazanfarpour, M, Behrooznia, A, Vafisani, F
Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology : the journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2018;(1):81-84
Abstract
Breast pain (mastalgia) often precedes menstrual period, which is of mild to moderate severity. This study was performed to determine the effectiveness of chamomile on pain control of cyclic mastalgia. This double-blind randomised controlled clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients with mastalgia referred to the breast clinic of an academic hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. The patients were randomly allocated into two groups: chamomile (n = 30) and placebo (n = 30). Primary outcomes were: (1) assessment of the visual analogue scale (VAS) and (2) assessment of the breast pain chart (BPC) 8 weeks after initial intervention. All the participants were asked to take drops three times a day each time having five drops for two consecutive months. Significant decline was observed in both the groups (chamomile and placebo) after two months (p < .0001 and p = .048, respectively) compared to baseline and between two groups (p = .007). Chamomile was a well-tolerated, secure and effective drug for treating women with mild to moderate mastalgia. Impact statement What is already known on this subject: Breast pain (mastalgia) is a common chief complaint reported by many women. The 'cyclic' type, which usually occurs monthly prior to the onset of menstrual period, is of moderate severity. In 30% of the cases, mastalgia is severe and disturbs normal life, leading to sexual, physical, and social dysfunction as well as depression and anxiety. The cause of cyclical mastalgia is not known, but given the fact that it begins in the luteal phase, it can be caused by hormonal stimulation. A variety of therapies have been recommended. Such therapies include prescription of vitamin B2, B6, E and C, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), diuretics, thyroxin, progesterone, Tamoxifen, Danazol, Bromocriptine and plant extracts like vitexagnus castus, evening primrose oil (EPO). However, given the side effects of hormonal treatment, many women have developed a propensity towards the use of herbal medicine. What do the results of this study add: Chamomile presents a safe, well-tolerated and effective treatment for women with moderate mastalgia. What are the implications of these finding for clinical practice and/or further research: Considering that Danazol, Bromocriptine and Tamoxifen are standard treatments for mastalgia, it would be helpful to carry out a trial study to compare the effect of chamomile extract versus standard treatments. The physicians can prescribe chamomile as a safe alternative treatment for mastalgia.
-
4.
A critical overview of the current myofascial pain literature - January 2018.
Dommerholt, J, Hooks, T, Chou, LW, Finnegan, M
Journal of bodywork and movement therapies. 2018;(1):184-191
Abstract
The majority of papers included in the quarterly review discuss various aspects of dry needling (DN), which continues to be of interest to researchers and clinicians. A study by Liu et al. is the first paper to examine the effects of DN of acetylcholine, esterase and receptors. The study provides support for the integrated trigger point hypothesis and for DN. A paper by Hightower and colleagues found an intriguing link between low magnesium levels in the drink water supply, vitamin D, and myofascial pain, cancer, tendon ruptures, and colon polyps. Contributions originated in the Brazil, China, Germany, Iran, India, Poland, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, and the US.
-
5.
Multi-Modal Pain Control in Ambulatory Hand Surgery.
Harrison, RK, DiMeo, T, Klinefelter, RD, Ruff, ME, Awan, HM
American journal of orthopedics (Belle Mead, N.J.). 2018;(6)
Abstract
We evaluated postoperative pain control and narcotic usage after thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthroplasty or open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the distal radius in patients given opiates with or without other non-opiate medication using a specific dosing regimen. A prospective, randomized study of 79 patients undergoing elective CMC arthroplasty or ORIF of the distal radius evaluated postoperative pain in the first 5 postoperative days. Patients were divided into 4 groups: Group 1, oxycodone and acetaminophen PRN; Group 2, oxycodone and acetaminophen with specific dosing; Group 3, oxycodone, acetaminophen, and OxyContin with specific dosing; and Group 4, oxycodone, acetaminophen, and ketorolac with specific dosing. During the first 5 postoperative days, we recorded pain levels according to a numeric pain scale, opioid usage, and complications. Although differences in our data did not reach statistical significance, overall pain scores, opioid usage, and complication rates were less prevalent in the oxycodone, acetaminophen, and ketorolac group. Postoperative pain following ambulatory hand and wrist surgery under regional anesthesia was more effectively controlled with fewer complications using a combination of oxycodone, acetaminophen, and ketorolac with a specific dosing regimen.
-
6.
Continuous Infusion Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for Perioperative Pain Management.
Howard, ML, Isaacs, AN, Nisly, SA
Journal of pharmacy practice. 2018;(1):66-81
Abstract
PURPOSE To review the use of continuous infusion (CI) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as an alternative modality for pain control in surgical patient populations. METHODS A PubMed and MEDLINE search was conducted from 1964 through February 2016 using the following search terms alone or in combinations: continuous, infusion, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, ketorolac, and surgery. All English-language, prospective and retrospective, adult and pediatric studies evaluating intravenous or intramuscular CI NSAIDs for surgical pain were evaluated for inclusion in this review. RESULTS Twenty four prospective and retrospective publications evaluating CI NSAIDs were identified: 12 in abdominal surgery, 7 in orthopedic surgery, and 5 in pediatric surgery. Specific CI NSAIDs utilized included diclofenac, indomethacin, ketoprofen, and ketorolac. Most studies compared the CI NSAID to placebo or an alternative analgesic and evaluated pain control, supplemental opioid use, and related adverse effects. In these surgical populations, CI NSAIDs decreased opioid consumption, alongside provision of adequate pain control. While long-term adverse effects were rarely collected, a decrease in nausea and sedation was often seen with the CI NSAID groups. CONCLUSIONS In the abdominal, orthopedic, and pediatric surgical populations, CI NSAIDs represent a feasible alternative modality for perioperative pain control.
-
7.
New Advances in Acute Postoperative Pain Management.
Mitra, S, Carlyle, D, Kodumudi, G, Kodumudi, V, Vadivelu, N
Current pain and headache reports. 2018;(5):35
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Postoperative pain remains one of the most common challenges following inpatient and outpatient surgeries. With our advances in modern medicine, pain following surgical procedures still remains a challenge, though significant accomplishments have been made over the past few decades. This article highlights some of the promising new advances and approaches in postoperative pain management. RECENT FINDINGS Over the last decade, Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) pathways and protocols are becoming the benchmark standards for enhancing postoperative recovery. Multimodal analgesia (MMA) is an essential component of such care. Further, in the wake of serious and persistent concern on the opioid epidemic in the USA, there has been a recent renewal of interest in non-opioid alternatives or adjuncts in controlling postoperative pain, often in the context of MMA. Intravenous (IV) acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), magnesium, ketamine, dexmedetomidine, liposomal bupivacaine, and newer neuraxial and peripheral regional techniques as well as patient-controlled modalities are gaining importance. Gabapentinoids have become popular but recent meta-analytic reviews have cast doubt on their routine use in perioperative settings. Among opioids, sublingual sufentanil, IV oxycodone, and iontophoretic transdermal fentanyl hold promise. Acupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation may be useful as adjuncts in MMA packages. Genetic testing, derivatives of herbal preparations, and an extended role of acute pain services may emerge as potential areas of importance in the future. There are, however, critical gaps in good quality evidence in many of the practice guideline recommendations. In the era of opioid epidemic, several lines of evidence have emerged to support non-opioid-based drugs and approaches along with a few newer opioid formulations for postoperative pain management, although more research is needed to find the right balance of efficacy and safety.
-
8.
Effectiveness of a hospital-based postnatal parent education intervention about pain management during infant vaccination: a randomized controlled trial.
Taddio, A, Shah, V, Bucci, L, MacDonald, NE, Wong, H, Stephens, D
CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne. 2018;(42):E1245-E1252
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents have reported that they want to learn how to reduce pain in infants during vaccinations. Our objective was to compare different levels of intensity of postnatal education about pain mitigation on parental self-reported use of interventions at future infant vaccinations. METHODS We conducted a longitudinal, 3-group parallel, add-on, randomized controlled trial on the postnatal ward of a hospital. New mothers, unaware of the hypothesis, were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 intervention groups and 3 follow-up groups (i.e., 9 groups, 3 × 3). The 3 intervention groups were control (general immunization information), pain pamphlet (pain mitigation information), and pain pamphlet and pain video (pain mitigation information). Both pain mitigation education groups also received general immunization information. The 3 follow-up groups were 2-, 4- and 6-month infant vaccinations. Mothers reported use of breastfeeding, sucrose and topical anesthetics during infant vaccinations in a telephone survey. RESULTS Of 3420 participants, follow-up was available for 2549 (75%): 36.1%, 34.2% and 29.7% reported on pain mitigation practices at 2-, 4- and 6-month vaccinations, respectively (p = 0.9). Maternal characteristics did not differ (p > 0.05): mean age, 33.6 years; 58% were primipara. Utilization of any intervention (breastfeeding, sucrose or topical anesthetics) was 53.2%, 61.4% and 63.0% for control, pain pamphlet, and pain pamphlet and pain video groups, respectively (p < 0.001); both pain education groups had higher utilization than the control group, but did not differ from one another. Uptake differed among intervention groups at 2 and 4 months but not at 6 months. INTERPRETATION Hospital-based postnatal education increased parental use of pain interventions at infant vaccinations and can be added to existing education. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, no. NCT01937143.
-
9.
Pre-Emptive Effect of Dexamethasone and Diclofenac Sodium Associated With Codeine on Pain, Swelling, and Trismus After Third Molar Surgery: A Split-Mouth, Randomized, Triple-Blind, Controlled Clinical Trial.
Lima, TC, Bagordakis, E, Falci, SGM, Dos Santos, CRR, Pinheiro, MLP
Journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery : official journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. 2018;(1):60-66
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to compare the effect of dexamethasone, 8 mg, and diclofenac sodium, 50 mg, associated with codeine, 50 mg, on the control of pain, swelling, and trismus after extraction of impacted third molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifteen healthy patients with a mean age of 22.8 years (SD, 12.62 years) received a single oral dose of either drug 1 hour before each surgical procedure (left and right teeth). At 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgery, swelling was determined by use of linear measurements on the face and trismus was determined by maximal mouth opening. Postoperative pain was self-recorded by the patients using a numerical rating scale at 24-hour intervals for a period of 72 hours. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and Shapiro-Wilk, Wilcoxon, and paired t tests (P < .05). RESULTS Dexamethasone controlled pain (P = .016) and edema (P = .08) within 48 hours better than diclofenac sodium associated with codeine. No statistically significant differences were found between drugs regarding trismus and consumption of rescue analgesics (acetaminophen). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that pre-emptive administration of dexamethasone, 8 mg, showed better control of pain and swelling in bilateral extractions of third impacted mandibular molars.
-
10.
Celecoxib versus ketorolac following robotic hysterectomy for the management of postoperative pain: An open-label randomized control trial.
Ulm, MA, ElNaggar, AC, Tillmanns, TD
Gynecologic oncology. 2018;(1):124-128
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Compare postoperative pain scores following hysterectomy in patients receiving perioperative celecoxib versus postoperative ketorolac as part of a multimodal pain regimen. METHODS Patients undergoing hysterectomy were randomized to receive scheduled intravenous ketorolac in the immediate postoperative period or oral celecoxib prior to surgery and continued for a total seven days. All patients received a common multimodal pain protocol consisting of scheduled acetaminophen, gabapentin, and opioids as needed. Inpatient pain scores and postoperative opioid use were analyzed. A questionnaire regarding outpatient opioid use and return to normal activities of daily living (ADLs) was returned two weeks postoperatively. RESULTS 192 patients were assessed for eligibility and 170 patients were randomized. Enrollment of patients undergoing open hysterectomy was closed prematurely for poor accruement (n = 32). 138 patients undergoing robotic hysterectomy were included were analyzed. There were no differences for inpatient pain scores (2.7 ± 1.9 v. 2.4 ± 1.6, p = 0.21). Average length of stay was similar between the two arms (11.6 ± 8.1 h v. 11.9 ± 7.6 h, p = 0.41). Patients in the celecoxib arm used less prescription opioids (6.0 ± 3.6 v. 8.1 ± 4.0, p = 0.001) and stopped using oral opioids earlier (3.8 ± 2.6 days v. 5.7 ± 2.8 days, p < 0.001). No differences were seen in inpatient opioid or anti-emetic usage, perioperative complications, or days to return to ADLs. CONCLUSIONS There was no difference in inpatient pain scores between patients who received celecoxib or ketorolac as part of multimodal pain control following robotic hysterectomy. Patients who received scheduled celecoxib for seven days after surgery used less prescription narcotics.