Caffeine, but not paracetamol (acetaminophen), enhances muscular endurance, strength, and power.

BACKGROUND: Caffeine is one of the most popular ergogenic aids consumed by athletes. Caffeine's ergogenic effect has been generally explained by its ability to bind to adenosine receptors, thus modulating pain and reducing perceived exertion. Another pharmacological agent that may improve performance due to its analgesic proprieties is paracetamol. This study aimed to explore the effects of caffeine, paracetamol, and caffeine + paracetamol consumption on muscular endurance, strength, power, anaerobic endurance, and jumping performance. METHODS: In this randomized, crossover, double-blind study, 29 resistance-trained participants (11 men and 18 women) ingested either a placebo, caffeine (3 mg/kg), paracetamol (1500 mg) or caffeine + paracetamol 45 min before the testing sessions. The testing sessions included performing the bench press exercise with 75% of one-repetition maximum to momentary muscular failure, isokinetic knee extension and flexion at angular velocities of 60°/sec and 180°/sec, Wingate, and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests. RESULTS: Compared to placebo, isolated caffeine ingestion increased the number of repetitions performed in the bench press (p = 0.005; d = 0.42). Compared to placebo, isolated caffeine ingestion and/or caffeine + paracetamol consumption was ergogenic for strength (torque), muscular endurance (total work), or power in the isokinetic assessment, particularly at slower angular velocities (p = 0.027 to 0.002; d = 0.16 to 0.26). No significant differences between the conditions were observed for outcomes related to the Wingate and CMJ tests. CONCLUSION: This study provided novel evidence into the effectiveness of caffeine, paracetamol, and their combination on exercise performance. We found improvements in muscular endurance, strength, or power only when caffeine was consumed in isolation, or in combination with paracetamol. Isolated paracetamol consumption did not improve performance for any of the analyzed outcomes, thus calling into question its ergogenic potential.

Efficacy of local pain management strategies for patients undergoing anterior iliac crest bone harvesting: a systematic review.

Anterior Iliac crest bone harvesting (AICBH) is a common surgical procedure with applications in various medical specialties, but it is often accompanied by significant postoperative pain. Effective pain management is therefore essential for optimising patient outcomes. This systematic literature review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of local donor site pain management interventions in AICBH procedures. It followed the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions version 6.4 guidelines and adhered to the PRISMA 2020 statement for comprehensive and high-quality reporting. A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase to identify relevant studies. Inclusion criteria encompassed randomised controlled trials assessing pain management strategies in AICBH patients. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Jadad scale. Data extraction focused on medication types, administration modes, pain scores, and use of narcotics. Fourteen eligible studies were included. Methodological quality varied, with most studies demonstrating a low risk of bias. Medication types included amide and opioid groups, administered via single-shot injections or infusion systems. Results indicated that indwelling iliac crest catheters with bupivacaine showed significant postoperative reductions in pain scores and narcotics use compared with other techniques. The findings suggest that use of an indwelling catheter with bupivacaine is an effective pain management strategy for AICBH patients. However, heterogeneity among the studies and a lack of standardised methodologies pose limitations. Further homogeneous and standardised studies are therefore needed to strengthen the evidence base and inform clinical practice.

Comparison of the recovery profile of sufentanil and remifentanil in total intravenous anesthesia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: Remifentanil is a short-acting opioid and can be administered during surgery without the risk of delayed postoperative recovery but concerns about hyperalgesia and the shortages of remifentanil lead anesthetists to consider long-acting opioids for Total Intravenous Anesthesia (TIVA). Sufentanil is a more potent opioid with a longer context-sensitive half-life but can promote good postoperative analgesia due to its residual effect. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the recovery profile of remifentanil and sufentanil for TIVA. METHODS: The search strategy was performed in PubMed, CENTRAL, and Web of Science for RCTs comparing sufentanil and remifentanil as part of TIVA in adults undergoing noncardiac surgery. Risk of bias and the quality of evidence were performed using RoB2 and GRADEpro, respectively. The primary outcome was time to tracheal extubation. Secondary analyses included postoperative analgesia, respiratory depression, and Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV). RESULTS: Sufentanil increases the time to extubate, MD = 4.29 min; 95% CI: 2.33 to 6.26; p = 0.001. It also reduces the need for postoperative rescue analgesia, logOR = -1.07; 95% CI: -1.62 to -0.52; p = 0.005. There were no significant differences between both opioids for PONV, logOR = 0.50; 95% CI: -0.10 to 1.10; p = 0.10 and respiratory depression, logOR = 1.21; 95% CI: -0.42 to 2.84; p = 0.15. CONCLUSION: Sufentanil delays the time to tracheal extubation compared with remifentanil but is associated with a reduced need for postoperative rescue analgesia. No significant differences were observed between the two opioids in terms of postoperative respiratory depression or PONV.

Postoperative epidural analgesia and outcomes following pediatric bilateral lung and heart-lung transplantation: a retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: The value of epidural analgesia in pediatric patients having heart and lung transplant surgery is unknown. We aimed to characterize various quality outcomes in patients who did and did not have epidural analgesia. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively for 62 patients from 2006 to 2023 at a tertiary care transplant center. Patients were evaluated by epidural status. The primary outcome was a hospital stay in days. Other measures of morbidity and mortality were measured as secondary endpoints. RESULTS: The mean age was 12.7 (3) years; 54 (87%) received bilateral lung transplantation, and 8 (13%) received en bloc heart-lung transplantation. 41 (66%) were female. Epidural utilization rate was 74 %, n=45. On univariate analysis, epidural analgesia compared with no epidural was associated with a reduction in the median length of hospital stay from 26.5 to 20 days (p=0.02). After adjustment for age, sex and type of operation, there was no significant difference in LOS. Other findings following univariate analysis included reduced time of postoperative ventilation with a median reduction of 7-2 days (p=0.019), and a reduced 5-day postoperative opioid requirement; median of 2.94-1.21 mg/kg/24 hours (p=0.004) with epidural analgesia. Epidural analgesia was not associated with a change in overall survival (p=0.49). CONCLUSION: Despite a likely improvement in analgesia, we could not demonstrate a definitive impact of epidural analgesia on outcomes in this small cohort of patients. Larger datasets through registries and institutional collaboration will be needed to increase sample size to identify effect sizes and adjust for confounders.

Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors for Headache After Elective Cranial Neurosurgery: Results from a Systematic Review of Efficacy of Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors for Headache After Acute Brain Injury.

Headache management after acute brain injury (ABI) is challenging. Although opioids are commonly used, selective cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors (COXIBs) may be promising alternatives. However, concerns about cardiovascular effects and bleeding risk have limited their use. We aimed at summarizing available data on efficacy of COXIBs for headache management following ABI. A systematic review was conducted through MEDLINE and Embase for articles published through September 2023 (PROSPERO identifier: CRD42022320453). No language filters were applied to the initial searches. Interventional or observational studies and systematic reviews assessing efficacy of COXIBs for headache in adults with ABI were eligible. Article selection was performed by two independent reviewers using DistillerSR. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis, and meta-analysis was unfeasible because of study heterogeneity. Of 3190 articles identified, 6 studies met inclusion criteria: 4 randomized controlled trials and 2 retrospective cohort studies, all conducted in elective cranial neurosurgical patients (total N = 738) between 2006 and 2022. Five studies used COXIBs in the intervention group only. Of the six studies, four found a reduction in overall pain scores in the intervention group, whereas one showed improvement only at 6 h postoperatively, and one did not find significant differences. Pain scores decreased between 4 and 15%, the largest shift being from moderate to mild severity. Three studies found an overall opioid use reduction throughout hospitalization in the intervention group, whereas one reported a reduction at 12 h postoperatively only. Opioid consumption decreased between 9 and 90%. Two studies found a decrease in hospital length of stay by ~ 1 day in the intervention group. The one study reporting postoperative hemorrhage found a statistically nonsignificant 3% reduction in the intervention group. COXIBs may serve as opioid-sparing adjunctive analgesics for headache control after elective cranial surgery. Limited or no literature exists for other forms of ABI, and additional safety data remain to be elucidated.

Changes in analgesic prescriptions in Dutch general practice.

BACKGROUND: Increases in opioid prescriptions have been described; however, recent trends and prescribing patterns of analgesics in Dutch general practice are largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: To investigate recent changes in the number of analgesic prescriptions, and the indications for prescribing strong opioids. Furthermore, we aim to identify risk factors for chronic opioid use in Dutch general practice. DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective cohort study from 1 July 2013 to 31 June 2022, using a primary care practice based research network. SUBJECTS: Patients with ≥1 prescription for analgesics during the study period were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Changes in the number of prescriptions for paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids in Dutch general practice during the 9-year study period. Moreover, we analyzed indications for prescribing strong opioids by the general practitioner (GP). RESULTS: A total of 18,433 analgesic users were identified. Over time, prescriptions for paracetamol, NSAIDs and weak opioids decreased, while the number of strong opioid prescriptions increased. General practitioners prescribed more strong opioids for non-malignant pain, whereas prescriptions for malignant pain remained stable over time. Risk factors for chronic opioid use (≥90 days) included older age, lower educational level, smoking status and having a history of a musculoskeletal or psychological disorder, a malignancy or sexual, physical or psychological abuse. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the increase in strong opioid prescriptions for benign conditions, GPs need to be vigilant for patients who are at risk for chronic use. Regular monitoring and awareness for psychosocial factors in treatment of chronic pain may be key in preventing harms associated with persistent opioid use.

Evaluation of the strategies opioid manufacturers used to recruit health professionals and encourage overprescribing: an analysis of industry documents.

BACKGROUND: More than 263,000 individuals died due to prescription opioid misuse between 1999 and 2020. Between 2013 and 2015 alone, pharmaceutical companies spent over $39 million to market opioids to over 67,000 prescribers. However, there is still limited information about differences in provider responses to promotions for medications. In this study we investigated and evaluated strategies used by opioid manufacturers to encourage overprescribing, specifically focusing on oncology. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of opioid industry documents released in litigation between 1999 and 2021. We began with a preliminary search for business plans in a subset of collections that identified key terms and phrases. These search terms were then used to narrow the investigation, which ultimately focused on Insys Therapeutics, and how they targeted oncology providers as well as patients with cancer pain. RESULTS: We found that, overall, Insys sought to market to institutions with fewer resources, to less experienced and high-volume providers, and directly to cancer patients, with the goal of encouraging increased opioid prescribing and use. CONCLUSIONS: Our research revealed gaps in provider training that may make some providers more susceptible to pharmaceutical marketing. Developing and promoting continuing education courses for providers that are free from conflicts of interest, particularly at smaller institutions, may be one step towards reducing opioid overprescribing and its associated harms.

Predictors of persistent opioid use in Australian primary care: A retrospective cohort study, 2018-2022.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the predictors of persistent opioid use ('persistence') in people initiating opioids for non-cancer pain in Australian primary care. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Australian primary care. SUBJECTS: People prescribed opioid analgesics between 2018-2022, identified through the Population Level Analysis and Reporting (POLAR) database. METHODS: Persistence was defined as receiving opioid prescriptions for at least 90 days with a gap of less than 60 days between subsequent prescriptions. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the predictors of persistent opioid use. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 343,023 people initiating opioids for non-cancer pain; of these, 16,527 (4.8%) developed persistent opioid use. Predictors of persistence included older age (≥75 vs 15-44 years: Adjusted odds ratio: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.58-1.78), concessional beneficiary status (1.78, 1.71-1.86), diagnosis of substance use disorder (1.44, 1.22-1.71) and chronic pain (2.05, 1.85-2.27), initiation of opioid therapy with buprenorphine (1.95, 1.73-2.20) and long-acting opioids (2.07, 1.90-2.25), provision of higher quantity of opioids prescribed at initiation (total OME of ≥ 750mg vs < 100mg: 7.75, 6.89-8.72), provision of repeat/refill opioid prescriptions at initiation (2.94, 2.77-3.12), and prescription of gabapentinoids (1.59, 1.50-1.68), benzodiazepines (1.43, 1.38-1.50) and z-drugs (e.g., zopiclone, zolpidem; 1.61, 1.46-1.78). CONCLUSIONS: These findings add to the limited evidence of individual-level factors associated with persistent opioid use. Further research is needed to understand the clinical outcomes of persistent opioid use in people with these risk factors to support the safe and effective prescribing of opioids.

Study of PT1 Peptide Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Activity on a Local Inflammation Model in Mice CD-1.

PT1 peptide isolated from the venom of spider Geolycosa sp. is a modulator of P2X3 receptors that play a role in the development of inflammation and the transmission of pain impulses. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic efficacy of the PT1 peptide was studied in a model of complete Freund's adjuvant-induced paw inflammation in CD-1 mice. The analgesic activity of PT1 peptide was maximum after intramuscular injection at a dose of 0.01 mg/kg, which surpassed the analgesic effect of diclofenac at a dose of 1 mg/kg. The anti-inflammatory activity was maximum after intramuscular injection at a dose of 0.0001 mg/kg; a decrease in paw thickness was observed as soon as 2 h after the administration of the PT1 peptide against the background of inflammation development. All tested doses of PT1 peptide showed high anti-inflammatory activity 4 and 24 h after administration. PT1 peptide at a dose of 0.01 mg/kg when injected intramuscularly simultaneously produced high anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects compared to other doses of the peptide. Increasing the dose of PT1 peptide led to a gradual decrease in its analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity; increasing the dose of intramuscular injection to 0.1 and 1 mg/kg is inappropriate.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of transdermal buprenorphine patch to conventional analgesics after operative fixation of extra capsular fracture of proximal femur.

INTRODUCTION: Proximal femur fractures are common among older individuals and pose challenges in achieving effective post-operative analgesia. Age-related co-morbidities limit the selection of analgesics in this population. This study aimed to compare the safety and effectiveness of transdermal buprenorphine (TDB) patch with traditional analgesics after fixation of an extracapsular fracture of the proximal femur. METHODOLOGY: A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted over a 2-year period, involving 60 patients who underwent surgery for extra capsular intertrochanteric fracture fixation. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups by random envelope method. Group A received an intravenous formulation of paracetamol and tramadol for the initial 48 h, followed by an oral formulation. Group B received a transdermal buprenorphine (TDB) patch delivering 5 mcg/hour immediately after surgery, which continued for 2 weeks postoperatively. During the 14-day monitoring period, patients' pain scores were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at rest and during movement. The primary objective was to maintain a VAS score of 4 or lower. Rescue analgesics were administered if the VAS score reached 6. The secondary objectives included evaluating the quantity of rescue analgesics required and monitoring for any adverse effects or complications. RESULTS: Pain scores at rest and during movement were significantly lower in Group B at all-time points (p-value 0.0006 - ≤ 0.0001), and the requirement for rescue analgesia was also significantly lower in this group. The administration of the TDB patch did not result in any significant adverse effects. CONCLUSION: TDB patch is secure and offers better compliance and analgesia than other analgesics in the postoperative period whilst treating proximal femur extra capsular fracture.

Efficacy and safety of hydromorphone for cancer pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cancer pain significantly impacts individuals' quality of life, with opioids being employed as the primary means for pain relief. Nevertheless, concerns persist regarding the adverse reactions and effectiveness of opioids such as morphine. Hydromorphone, recognized as a potent opioid, is a viable alternative for managing cancer-related pain. The goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the effectiveness and safety characteristics of hydromorphone in comparison to other opioids, as well as different methods of administering this medication within the scope of cancer pain treatment. METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched on December 25th, 2023. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic investigation of databases was carried out, and suitable studies were chosen according to predetermined criteria (PICO framework). The meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model. RESULTS: This review included 18 RCTs with 2271 patients who compared hydromorphone with morphine, oxycodone, or fentanyl, as well as other types of hydromorphone. Hydromorphone demonstrated efficacy similar to that of morphine and oxycodone in reducing cancer pain intensity, decreasing additional analgesic consumption, and improving quality of life. However, morphine showed slight superiority over hydromorphone in reducing breakthrough pain. Adverse events were comparable between hydromorphone and morphine or oxycodone. Patient-controlled and clinician-controlled hydromorphone administration routes yielded similar outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of this study substantiate the efficacy of hydromorphone in the management of cancer-related pain, demonstrating similar levels of effectiveness and safety as morphine and oxycodone. These findings are consistent with prior comprehensive analyses, suggesting that hydromorphone is a feasible choice for alleviating cancer-associated pain. Additional investigations are warranted to determine its efficacy in distinct patient cohorts and for different modes of administration. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Prospero registration ID: CRD42024517513. Link: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#recordDetails .

Deprescribing NSAIDs: The Potential Role of Community Pharmacists.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are largely used for controlling various pain conditions and are widely available in community pharmacies, with and without prescription. Despite their effectiveness, NSAIDs can pose significant risks due to potential side effects and drug interactions, particularly in polypharmacy and comorbidity contexts and for vulnerable users. This study investigated whether and how NSAIDs deprescribing can be conducted at the community pharmacy level by assessing pharmacists' confidence, attitudes, and potential barriers and facilitators. Additionally, we aimed to identify any deprescribing guidelines that pharmacists could use. A literature search and a cross-sectional digital questionnaire targeting community pharmacists in Norway were conducted. Results showed that study participants (N = 73) feel confident in identifying needs for deprescribing NSAIDs but barriers such as time constraints, lack of financial compensation, and communication challenges were noted. Participants reported positive attitudes toward deprescribing but highlighted a need for better guidelines and training. This study highlights a gap in specific guidelines for deprescribing NSAIDs and a potential for enhancing pharmacists' roles in the deprescribing process, for example, through training and improved financial incentives. Further research is encouraged to develop concrete strategies for an effective implementation where community pharmacists can be involved in the deprescribing of NSAIDs.

Opioid prescription following radical orchiectomy associated with new persistent opioid use.

INTRODUCTION: Opioid dependence represents a public health crisis and can be observed after outpatient urologic procedures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk of persistent opioid usage after radical orchiectomy for testicular cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The TriNetX Research network database was queried for men between 15 and 45 years undergoing radical orchiectomy for a diagnosis of testicular cancer. All patients with N+ or M+ disease, prior opioid use, and patients who underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or retroperitoneal lymph node dissection were excluded. Patients were stratified whether they were prescribed opioids or not at time of orchiectomy. The incidence of new, persistent opioid use, defined as a prescription for opioids between 3 and 15 months after orchiectomy, was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 2,911 men underwent radical orchiectomy for testicular cancer, of which 89.8% were prescribed opioids at time of orchiectomy. After propensity score matching for age, race, and history of psychiatric diagnosis, 592 patients were included (296 received opioids, 296 did not). Overall, 0% of patients who did not receive postoperative opioids developed new persistent opioid use, whereas 10.5% of patients who received postoperative opioids developed new persistent opioid use. Patients prescribed postoperative opioids for orchiectomy had statistically higher risk difference of developing new persistent opioid use (Risk Difference: 10.5%; 95% CI: 7.0-14.0; Z: 5.7; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative opioid prescription following radical orchiectomy is significantly associated with developing new persistent opioid use, with 1 in 10 young men who received postoperative opioids obtaining a new prescription for opioids well beyond the postoperative period. Future efforts should emphasize nonopioid pathways for pain control following this generally minor procedure.

Analgesic efficacy and safety of erector spinae plane block in pediatric patients undergoing elective surgery: A systematic review and Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is commonly used for perioperative analgesia in adults; however, its analgesic efficacy and safety in pediatric patients remain uncertain. This review aimed to determine whether ultrasound-guided ESPB can improve analgesic efficacy and safety in pediatric surgery. DESIGN: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. SETTING: Perioperative setting. PATIENTS: Pediatric patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia. INTERVENTIONS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, KoreaMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases for eligible published randomized controlled studies (RCTs) comparing ESPB with controls (no block or other block) in pediatric patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was cumulative opioid consumption after surgery. Other outcomes included intraoperative opioid consumption, time to first request for rescue analgesia, number of patients requiring rescue analgesics, and pain scores after surgery. The safety outcomes were the incidences of bradycardia, hypotension, and postoperative vomiting. MAIN RESULTS: The analysis included 17 RCTs comprising 919 participants: 461 in the ESPB group, 269 in the no-block group (no block/sham block), and 189 in the other block group. Compared with the control group (no block and other blocks), ESPB significantly reduced the cumulative opioid consumption (intravenous morphine milligram equivalents) after surgery (standardized mean difference = -1.51; 95% confidence interval, -2.39 to -0.64; P = 0.0002; I2 = 92.9%) and intraoperative opioid consumption, and lowered average pain scores up to 24 h after surgery. ESPB extended the time to the first request for rescue analgesia and decreased the number of patients requiring rescue analgesics. Furthermore, ESPB lowered the pain score at most time points for 24 h after surgery, improved parental satisfaction, and reduced the incidence of postoperative vomiting compared with that in no block/sham block. CONCLUSIONS: ESPB provides effective and safe perioperative analgesia in pediatric patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia.

Prevalence of problematic pharmaceutical opioid use in patients with chronic non-cancer pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) is one of the most common causes of disability globally. Opioid prescribing to treat CNCP remains widespread, despite limited evidence of long-term clinical benefit and evidence of harm such as problematic pharmaceutical opioid use (POU) and overdose. The study aimed to measure the prevalence of POU in CNCP patients treated with opioid analgesics. METHOD: A comprehensive systematic literature review and meta-analysis was undertaken using MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO databases from inception to 27 January 2021. We included studies from all settings with participants aged ≥ 12 with non-cancer pain of ≥ 3 months duration, treated with opioid analgesics. We excluded case-control studies, as they cannot be used to generate prevalence estimates. POU was defined using four categories: dependence and opioid use disorder (D&OUD), signs and symptoms of D&OUD (S&S), aberrant behaviour (AB) and at risk of D&OUD. We used a random-effects multi-level meta-analytical model. We evaluated inconsistency using the I2 statistic and explored heterogeneity using subgroup analyses and meta-regressions. RESULTS: A total of 148 studies were included with > 4.3 million participants; 1% of studies were classified as high risk of bias. The pooled prevalence was 9.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 5.7-14.8%; I2 = 99.9%] for D&OUD, 29.6% (95% CI = 22.1-38.3%, I2 = 99.3%) for S&S and 22% (95% CI = 17.4-27.3%, I2 = 99.8%) for AB. The prevalence of those at risk of D&OUD was 12.4% (95% CI = 4.3-30.7%, I2 = 99.6%). Prevalence was affected by study setting, study design and diagnostic tool. Due to the high heterogeneity, the findings should be interpreted with caution. CONCLUSIONS: Problematic pharmaceutical opioid use appears to be common in chronic pain patients treated with opioid analgesics, with nearly one in 10 experiencing dependence and opioid use disorder, one in three showing signs and symptoms of dependence and opioid use disorder and one in five showing aberrant behaviour.

Risk Factors Related to Postoperative Dizziness Among Patients Who Underwent General Anesthesia and Intraoperative Analgesics: A Prospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: To describe postoperative dizziness for patients who received analgesics during general anesthesia and to investigate the factors related to the trend of dizziness within 3 days after surgery. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. METHODS: This is a longitudinal study. The severity of dizziness was assessed from the day of the surgery until the third day post surgery. Generalized estimation equation models were created to determine the predictive effect of each independent variable separately. FINDINGS: After surgery, the incidence of dizziness was 42.1%. Approximately 10% of participants experienced severe dizziness. Participants with postoperative nausea and vomiting were more likely to experience postoperative dizziness. In addition, age, education level, history of motion sickness, surgical specialties, laparoscopic surgery, and long-acting analgesic use had an impact on the trend of postoperative dizziness. More than 25% of participants who used long-acting analgesics experienced dizziness on the third postoperative day. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative dizziness was common among participants who received analgesics during general anesthesia. Monitoring for postoperative dizziness may need to be prolonged, especially in patients taking long-acting analgesics. For patients at high risk for postoperative dizziness, preventive measures such as adjusting analgesic and anesthetic medications may be necessary.

Exploring Analgesic Use Patterns Among Cancer Survivors With Chronic Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy.

OBJECTIVES: To explore cancer survivors' historical and current use of analgesics for chronic chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). SAMPLE & SETTING: 142 post-treatment cancer survivors who received neurotoxic chemotherapy and were experiencing moderate to severe CIPN. METHODS & VARIABLES: Participants completed the Treatment-Induced Neuropathy Assessment Scale at baseline and reported all analgesics used to manage CIPN. Frequency of historical or current prescription analgesic use for chronic CIPN was described and stratified by CIPN pain severity. RESULTS: At baseline, 31% of participants reported historical use of analgesics for CIPN and 46% of participants were currently using analgesics for CIPN. Gabapentin was the most frequently used analgesic, historically (20%) and currently (34%), and duloxetine was used less frequently (6% historical use, 10% current use). Many participants with severe pain (59%) reported using analgesics for CIPN. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Duloxetine, the first-line treatment for chronic CIPN pain, was used less frequently than gabapentin, a common prescription analgesic for neuropathic pain. Further research is needed to determine strategies to promote the implementation of evidence-based CIPN treatments in clinical practice.

NSAIDs, analgesics, antiplatelet drugs, and decline in renal function: a retrospective case-control study with SIDIAP database.

INTRODUCTION: We aim to explore the association between NSAIDs consumption, Symptomatic Slow Action Drugs for Osteoarthritis (SYSADOA), analgesics, and antiplatelet drugs, and decline in renal function by estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR). METHODS: We performed a case-control study using the SIDIAP database in Catalonia. We considered defined cases, patients with an eGFR value ≤ 45 ml/min/1.73 m2 in the period 2010-2015 with a previous eGFR value ≥ 60, and no eGFR ≥ 60 after this period. Controls had an eGFR ≥ 60 with no previous eGFR < 60. Five controls were selected for each case, matched by sex, age, index date, Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension. We estimated Odds Ratios (OR, 95% Confidence Intervals) of decline in renal function for drugs group adjusting with logistic regression models, by consumption measured in DDD. There were n = 18,905 cases and n = 94,456 controls. The mean age was 77 years, 59% were women. The multivariate adjusted model showed a low risk for eGFR decline for NSAIDs (0.92;0.88-0.97), SYSADOA (0.87;0.83-0.91) and acetaminophen (0.84;0.79-0.89), and an high risk for metamizole (1.07;1.03-1.12), and antiplatelet drugs (1.07;1.03-1.11). The low risk in NSAIDs was limited to propionic acid derivatives (0.92;0.88-0.96), whereas an high risk was observed for high doses in both acetic acid derivatives (1.09;1.03-1.15) and Coxibs (1.19;1.08-1.30). Medium and high use of major opioids shows a high risk (1.15;1.03-1.29). Triflusal showed high risk at medium (1.23;1.02-1.48) and high use (1.68;1.40-2.01). CONCLUSION: We observed a decline in renal function associated with metamizole and antiplatelet agent, especially triflusal, and with high use of acetic acid derivates, Coxibs, and major opioids. Further studies are necessary to confirm these results.

Evaluating potential unexpected adverse events and mortality after oral analgesics administration in fracture care-a cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Analgesic selection per individual's tolerance is essential to avoid risks. The study evaluated current oral analgesic prescription practice, analgesic adverse effects-related factors, unexpected events, and mortality post-fracture surgery. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The present prospective cohort study from June 2022 to July 2023 enrolled a total of 198 proximal femoral, ankle, and hindfoot trauma fracture patients. Stratification was done for oral analgesics prescribed at hospital discharge and 1 week with their accompanying toxicity assessed for 2 weeks. Analyzed Kaplan-Meier curve and the absolute risk for possible analgesics-related deaths. RESULTS: Following oral analgesic administration, 122 (62%) patients experienced adverse events. In seven expiries, five were possibly due to acetaminophen added tramadol combined with any of pregabalin, diclofenac, etoricoxib, or gabapentin (absolute risk 2.5%, 97.5% proportion 2 weeks survival). Three (2% of 122) patients taking acetaminophen added tramadol or diclofenac experienced unexpected serious adverse events. Elderly diabetic and hypertensive hip fracture patients expired or experienced unexpected events. CONCLUSION: Data suggest that oral acetaminophen added tramadol combined with any of pregabalin, diclofenac, etoricoxib, or gabapentin might increase the death risk or unexpected serious adverse events in elderly diabetic and hypertensives suffering from intertrochanteric/femoral neck fracture. Safe analgesic selection is necessitated for at-risk patients.

Attenuation of acute postoperative pain and opioid requirement with the use of magnesium sulfate in patients undergoing limb amputations.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of magnesium sulphate on the total dose of intravenous morphine consumption postoperatively following limb amputations along with rescue analgesia requirement, pain scores and side effects. METHODS: This prospective, triple-blinded, randomised controlled study was conducted from October 2021 to May 2022 at the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Lahore, Pakistan, and comprised of patients scheduled for limb amputations. They were randomised into 2 equal groups. The anaesthesia protocol was uniform for all patients. Intervention group A was administered 30mg/kg loading dose and 10mg/kg/hr maintenance dose of magnesium sulphate intravenously, while patients in control group B received the same amount of plain isotonic saline. Morphine consumption, including that used for rescue analgesia and patient-controlled analgesia, was measured for 24 hours postoperatively. Numeric rating scale was used for the evaluation of postoperative pain in both groups at 15min, 1h, 2h, at discharge from the post-anaesthesia care unit and at 12h and 24h in the ward. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. RESULTS: Of the 24 patients enrolled, the study was completed by 20(83.33%). There were 10(50%) patients in group A; 8(40%) males and 2(20%) females with mean age 24.8±14.14 years and mean surgery time 130.5±47.86 minutes. There were 10(50%) patients in group B; 8(40%) males and 2(20%) females with mean age 23.2±7.4 years and mean surgery time 117±23.85 minutes (p>0.05). Total morphine used over 24 hours in group A was 16±3.1 mg compared to 29.6±11.2 mg in group B (p<0.05). The time for first use of patient-controlled analgesia after arriving in the postanaesthesia care unit was significantly delayed in group A (72.2±24.95 minutes) compared to that in group B (25±26.68 minutes) (p<0.05). Pain scores were significantly higher in the group B at 15min compared to group A (p<0.05), but not at the rest of the time points (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous magnesium sulphate proved to be effective in lowering postoperative opioid requirement following limb amputations.