Challenges of acute pain management in older patients.

Adequate management of acute pain in the older population is crucial. However, it is inherently complex because of multiple physiological changes that significantly impact both the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of medications. Current guidelines promote paracetamol as the first-line analgesic for acute pain in older adults, whereas opioids are advised cautiously for moderate to severe acute pain. However, opioids come with a significant array of side effects, which can be more pronounced in older individuals. Ketamine administered via intranasal (IN) and nebulised inhalation in the emergency department for managing acute pain in older patients shows promising potential for improving pain management and reducing opioid reliance Kampan, Thong-on, Sri-on (2024, Age Ageing, 53, afad255). Nebulised ketamine appears superior in terms of adverse event incidence. However, the adoption of IN or nebulised ketamine in older adult acute pain management remains unclear because of the lack of definitive conclusions and clear guidelines. Nevertheless, these modalities can be valuable options for patients where opioid analgesics are contraindicated or when intravenous morphine titration is impractical or contraindicated. Here, we review these concepts, the latest evidence and propose avenues for research.

Combined rectus sheath block with transverse abdominis plane block by one puncture for analgesia after laparoscopic upper abdominal surgery: a randomized controlled prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Rectus sheath block (RSB) and transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) have been shown to reduce opioid consumption and decrease postoperative pain scores in abdominal surgeries. However, there are no reports about the one-puncture technique of RSB combined with TAPB for perioperative pain management during laparoscopic upper abdominal surgery. METHODS: A total of 58 patients were randomly assigned to the control group (C), the TAP group (T), and the one-puncture technique of RSB combined with TAPB group (RT). The patients in group C did not receive any regional block. The patients in group T received ultrasound-guided subcostal TAPB with 30 mL of 0.33% ropivacaine on each side. The patients in the RT group received a combination of RSB and TAPB with 15 mL of 0.33% ropivacaine in each plane by one puncture technique. All patients received postoperative patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) after surgeries. The range of blocks was recorded 20 min after the completion of the regional block. The postoperative opioid consumption, pain scores, and recovery data were recorded, including the incidence of emergence agitation (EA), the times of first exhaust and off-bed activity, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, dizziness. RESULTS: The range of the one-puncture technique in group RT covered all areas of surgical incisions. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score of the RT group is significantly lower at rest and during coughing compared to groups T and C at 4, 8, 12, and 24 h after surgery, respectively (P < 0.05). The consumption of sufentanil and the number of postoperative compressions of the analgesic pumps at 24 and 48 h in the RT group are significantly lower than those in groups T and C (P < 0.05). The incidence of EA in the RT group is significantly lower than that in groups T and C (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The one-puncture technique of RSB combined with TAPB provides effective postoperative analgesia for laparoscopic upper abdominal surgery, reduces the incidence of EA during PACU, and promotes early recovery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR, ChiCTR2300067271. Registered 3 Jan 2023, http://www.chictr.org.cn .

The potentiating effect of intravenous dexamethasone upon preemptive pudendal block analgesia for hypospadias surgery in children managed with Snodgrass technique: a randomized controlled study : Dexamethasone for pain management in children.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence regarding the potentiating effects of intravenous dexamethasone on peripheral regional anesthesia in children is sparse. The objective of the current study was to investigate the potentiating effect of intravenous dexamethasone upon pudendal block during surgical correction of hypospadias using Snodgrass technique. METHODS: The study consisted of a monocentric, randomized controlled, double-blinded study. Patients were randomized to receive either intravenous dexamethasone 0.15 mg.kg- 1 (D group) or a control solution (C group). Both groups received standardized anesthesia including a preemptive pudendal block performed after the induction of anesthesia. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients needing rescue analgesia. Secondary outcomes were other pain outcomes over the first 24 postoperative hours. RESULTS: Overall, 70 patients were included in the study. Age were 24 [24; 36] and 26 [24; 38] months in the D and C groups, respectively (p = 0.4). Durations of surgery were similar in both groups (60 [30; 60], p = 1). The proportion of patients requiring rescue analgesia was decreased in the D group (23% versus 49%, in D and C groups respectively, p = 0.02). The first administration of rescue analgesia was significantly delayed in the D group. Postoperative pain was improved in the D group between 6 and 24 h after surgery. Opioid requirements and the incidence of vomiting did not significantly differ between groups. CONCLUSION: Associating intravenous dexamethasone (0.15 mg.kg- 1) to pudendal block during hypospadias surgery improves pain control over the first postoperative day. Further studies are needed in order to confirm these results. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT03902249. A. WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN: dexamethasone has been found to potentiate analgesia obtained with regional anesthesia in children. B. WHAT THIS ARTICLE ADDS: intravenous dexamethasone was found to improve analgesia with a preemptive pudendal block during hypospadias surgery. C. IMPLICATIONS FOR TRANSLATION: results of this study indicate that intravenous dexamethasone could be used as an adjunct to pudendal block.

The effect of the simulated intrauterine sound on behavioral and physiological indices of pain during capillary blood sampling for screening preterm infants: a randomized clinical trial study.

INTRODUCTION: Due to medical procedures, preterm infants are at high risk for side effects of pain. In this regard, heel lancing for capillary blood sampling is a common painful procedure. The present study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of a simulated intrauterine sound on behavioral and physiological indices of pain due to heel-prick blood sampling in preterm infants. METHODS: A double­blind randomized clinical trial (RCT) was conducted. The data were collected from September 23 to December 22, 2019. We measured the effect of a simulated intrauterine sound on changes in the behavioral and physiological parameters of pain (heart rate, SPO2) caused by heel lance that was measured 5 min before the intervention, during the sampling, and 5 min after the procedure. We measured behavioral pain by video recording the infants' faces and then the scoring neonatal infant pain scale (NIPS). Heart rate and SPO2 were measured using a pulse oximeter device. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent t­test in SPSS software version 20.0. RESULTS: Eighty infants were randomized (40 in each group). Mean scores NIPS during and after intervention were in the intervention group (3.55 ± 0.84, 95% CI: 3.30-3.80(, and (1.15 ± 0.84, 95%: 0.95-1.35) and in the control group (5.57 ± 0.95, 95% CI:5.30-5.85) and (3.00 ± 0.98) respectively. There were significant differences in scores of NIPS between the two study groups during (p < 0.001) and five min after heel lancing (p < 0.001). Mean scores of heart rate in the three phases of before, during, and five min after the intervention were respectively in the intervention group (127.57 ± 4.45, 95% CI:126.27-128.99), (131.07 ± 6.54, 95% CI:129.20-133.22), (128.45 ± 5.15, 95% CI:127.02-130.07) and in the control group (128.67 ± 4.57, 95% CI:127.32-130.07), (136.07 ± 7.24, 95% CI:133.90-138.37), and (132.42 ± 6.47, 95% CI:130.37-134.49). There were significant differences in heart rate between the intervention and the control group during (p = 0.002) and five min after the heel lance (p = 0.003). Mean scores of SPO2 in the three phases of baseline, during, and five min after the intervention were respectively in the intervention group (96.72 ± 0.93, 95% CI:96.42-97.00), (91.47 ± 1.46, 95% CI:91.05-91.92), (94.17 ± 1.03, 95% CI:93.22-94.00) and in the control group (96.6 ± 0.84, 95% CI:96.35-96.85), (91.5 ± 1.24, 95% CI:91.12-91.87), and (93.60 ± 1.27, 95% CI:93.85-94.50). CONCLUSION: This study showed that the simulated intrauterine sound reduces the behavioral pain and heart rate in the intervention group during and after heel lance. These results suggest using the method during the painful heel lancing to reduce pain parameters in preterm infants.

Perioperative pain optimization in the age of the opioid epidemic.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The opioid epidemic remains a constant and increasing threat to our society with overdoses and overdose deaths rising significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Growing evidence suggests a link between perioperative opioid use, postoperative opioid prescribing, and the development of opioid use disorder (OUD). As a result, strategies to better optimize pain management during the perioperative period are urgently needed. The purpose of this review is to summarize the most recent multimodal analgesia (MMA) recommendations, summarize evidence for efficacy surrounding the increased utilization of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, and discuss the implications for rising use of buprenorphine for OUD patients who present for surgery. In addition, this review will explore opportunities to expand our treatment of complex patients via transitional pain services. RECENT FINDINGS: There is ample evidence to support the benefits of MMA. However, optimal drug combinations remain understudied, presenting a target area for future research. ERAS protocols provide a more systematic and targeted approach for implementing MMA. ERAS protocols also allow for a more comprehensive approach to perioperative pain management by necessitating the involvement of surgical specialists. Increasingly, OUD patients taking buprenorphine are presenting for surgery. Recent guidance from a multisociety OUD working group recommends that buprenorphine not be routinely discontinued or tapered perioperatively. Lastly, there is emerging evidence to justify the use of transitional pain services for more comprehensive treatment of complex patients, like those with chronic pain, preoperative opioid tolerance, or substance use disorder. SUMMARY: Perioperative physicians must be aware of the impact of the opioid epidemic and explore methods like MMA techniques, ERAS protocols, and transitional pain services to improve the perioperative pain experience and decrease the risks of opioid-related harm.

Brain network hypersensitivity underlies pain crises in sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder causing painful and unpredictable Vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) through blood vessel blockages. In this study, we propose explosive synchronization (ES) as a novel approach to comprehend the hypersensitivity and occurrence of VOCs in the SCD brain network. We hypothesized that the accumulated disruptions in the brain network induced by SCD might lead to strengthened ES and hypersensitivity. We explored ES's relationship with patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) as well as VOCs by analyzing EEG data from 25 SCD patients and 18 matched controls. SCD patients exhibited lower alpha frequency than controls. SCD patients showed correlation between frequency disassortativity (FDA), an ES condition, and three important PROMs. Furthermore, stronger FDA was observed in SCD patients with a higher frequency of VOCs and EEG recording near VOC. We also conducted computational modeling on SCD brain network to study FDA's role in network sensitivity. Our model demonstrated that a stronger FDA could be linked to increased sensitivity and frequency of VOCs. This study establishes connections between SCD pain and the universal network mechanism, ES, offering a strong theoretical foundation. This understanding will aid predicting VOCs and refining pain management for SCD patients.

The acute pain crisis in sickle cell disease: What can be done to improve outcomes?

The acute pain crisis (APC) is the commonest complication of sickle cell disease (SCD). Severe episodes may require treatment in hospital with strong opioid analgesic drugs, combined with additional supportive care measures. Guidelines for APC management have been produced over the past two decades gathering evidence from published studies, expert opinion, and patient perspective. Unfortunately, reports from multiple sources indicate that guidelines are often not followed, and that acute care in emergency departments and on acute medical wards is suboptimal. It is important to understand what leads to this breakdown in health care, and to identify evidence-based interventions which could be implemented to improve care. This review focuses on recently published articles as well as information about on-going clinical trials. Aspects of care which could potentially make a difference to patient experience include availability and accessibility of individual care plans agreed between patient and treating specialist, innovative means of delivering initial opioids to reduce time to first analgesia, and availability of a specialist unit away from the ED, where expert care can be delivered in a more compassionate environment. The current evidence of improved outcomes and health economic advantage with these interventions is inadequate, and this is hampering their implementation into health care systems.

Evaluation of thermal shock therapy for reducing pain during intense pulsed light therapy: An intrapatient randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Intense pulsed light (IPL) is used for the treatment and improvement of various skin issues. However, patients often experience local skin burning and pain after IPL treatment. Cooling and analgesic measures are indispensable. AIMS: To investigate the clinical effect of thermal shock therapy on pain relief and reduction of adverse reactions during IPL therapy. PATIENTS/METHODS: A total of 60 female patients with facial photoaging who received IPL therapy were enrolled in the study. As a comparative split-face study, one side of the face was randomly selected as the control side. The other side was given thermal shock therapy before and after the IPL treatment immediately as analgesic side. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the pain degree of the patients. The telephone follow-ups regarding the occurrence of adverse reactions were conducted respectively on the 2nd day, 7th day, and 1 month after treatment. RESULTS: The VAS score and skin temperature of analgesia side was lower than that of control side at different stages of treatment. In terms of adverse reactions, the incidence of transient facial redness on the analgesic side was lower than that on the control side. Two patients showed slight secondary pigmentation on the control side, and the other patients showed no other adverse reactions on both sides. CONCLUSIONS: Thermal shock therapy assisted IPL therapy can reduce skin temperature during treatment, effectively relieve patients' pain, reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions caused by heat injury, and improve patients' comfort level.

Using Surgicel-wrapped Merocel to reduce pain during the removal of nasal packing.

BACKGROUND: Merocel is a commonly used material for nasal packing; nevertheless, the majority of patients experience pain when the nasal packing is removed.Aims/Objectives: This study aims to introduce a novel technique for nasal packing using Surgicel-wrapped Merocel. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients who underwent septoplasty received either Merocel or Surgicel-wrapped Merocel as nasal packing. Clinical complications related to bleeding and subjective symptoms associated with the packing materials were assessed. RESULTS: Between 2018 and 2021, a total of thirty-three patients with a deviated nasal septum underwent septoplasty. Among them, eight patients received Merocel nasal packing, while twenty-five patients were treated with the new nasal packing technique involving Surgicel-wrapped Merocel. We observed a significant reduction in pain during removal in the Surgicel-wrapped Merocel group compared to the Merocel group (p = .008). However, no significant differences were noted in other discomforts related to packing or bleeding after removal between these two groups.Conclusions and Significance:Using Surgicel-wrapped Merocel as nasal packing following septoplasty is an effective method to alleviate pain during removal.

Procedimentos dolorosos agudos no recém-nascido pré-termo em uma unidade neonatal / Acute painful procedures pain in the preterm newborn in a neonatal unit / Procedimientos dolorosos agudos en el recién nacido pre-término en una unidad neonatal

Objetivo: analisar o número de procedimentos dolorosos agudos e manejo da dor em recém-nascidos pré-termo em uma unidade neonatal. Método: estudo descritivo, transversal. Teve como campo uma unidade neonatal de uma instituição pública de saúde. Os participantes da pesquisa foram recém-nascidos abaixo de 35 semanas. Resultados: foram incluídos 17 recémnascidos. Foi quantificado um total de 729 procedimentos dolorosos. Em média foram realizados 42,9 procedimentos por recém-nascido durante os primeiros 14 dias de vida, sendo aproximadamente três procedimentos realizados por bebê no serviço diurno. Dentre os procedimentos, o mais frequente foi a punção de calcâneo (23,9%). O manejo predominante foi a contenção facilitada (32,7%). A (re)inserção de pronga foi o segundo procedimento mais realizado. Conclusões: O estudo permitiu apreender que o manejo da dor no recém-nascido pré-termo internado em uma unidade neonatal ainda é um desafio

Objective: to analyze the number of acute painful procedures and pain management in preterm infants in a neonatal unit. Method: a cross-sectional and descriptive study. It was conducted in a neonatal unit of a public health institution. The newborns younger than 35 weeks were the participants in the survey. Results: seventeen preterm newborns were included. A total of 729 painful procedures were quantified. On average, 42.9 procedures per newborn were performed during the first 14 days of birth, and approximately three procedures performed per day service by child. The most common procedure was the hell-stick (23.9%). The predominant management was facilitated tucking (32.7%). The CPAP prongs insertion/reinsertion was the second most performed procedure. Conclusions: The present study showed that the management of pain in the preterm newborns in a neonatal unit is strongly neglected by the professionals

Objetivo: analizar el número de procedimientos dolorosos agudos y manejo del dolor en recién nacidos prematuros en una unidad neonatal. Método: estudio descriptivo, transversal. Tuvo como campo una unidad neonatal de una institución pública de salud. Los participantes de la investigación fueron recién nacidos por debajo de 35 semanas. Resultados: se incluyeron 17 recién nacidos. Se cuantificó un total de 729 procedimientos dolorosos. En promedio se realizaron 42,9 procedimientos por recién nacido durante los primeros 14 días de vida, siendo acerca de tres procedimientos realizados por bebé en el servicio diurno. Entre los procedimientos, el más frecuente fue la punción de calcáneo (23,9%). El manejo predominante fue la contención facilitada (32,7%). La (re) inserción de prong fue el segundo procedimiento más realizado. Conclusiones: El estudio permitió aprehender que el manejo del dolor en el recién nacidos prematuros internado en una unidad neonatal se muestra fuertemente descuidado por el equipo.

Sexo y dolor: la satisfacción sexual y la función sexual en una muestra de pacientes con dolor crónico benigno no pélvico / Sex and pain: sexual satisfaction and sexual function in a sample of patients with non-pelvic benign chronic pain

Introducción: La mayoría de los estudios son concluyentes al trazar la relación entre dolor crónico y disminución significativa de la calidad de vida. No obstante, no suele analizarse el factor sexual de una forma específica. Material y método: El objetivo de este estudio consiste en realizar una revisión bibliográfica pormenorizada por grupos analgésicos para determinar de modo concreto la influencia del fármaco sobre la respuesta sexual y, en segundo lugar, describir la asociación entre dolor y respuesta sexual en pacientes con dolor crónico no oncológico. Resultados: Los resultados reflejan que hay una alta prevalencia de dificultades sexuales en pacientes de las Unidades de Dolor. Estas dificultades están relacionadas con alteraciones psicológicas, con la tipología del dolor, con la edad y con el sexo de los pacientes. Conclusiones: Estos resultados sugieren que desde las Unidades de Dolor se podría realizar una intervención multidisciplinar centrada en la valoración exhaustiva de esta problemática, educación sanitaria y asesoramiento en materia sexual, que contribuyese a la mejora de la calidad de vida de nuestros pacientes

Introduction: Most of research are conclusive when stating chronic pain and decreased life's quality relationship. However, sexual factor is not usually analysed in a specific path. Desing and methods: The aim of this study is to undertake a bibliographic review divided by analgesic groups in order to determine in a certain way the painkiller influence over the sexual response, and in a second place, to describe the connection between pain and sexual response in not-oncological chronic pain patients. Results: Results show that there is a high prevalence of sexual difficulties in patients of the Pain Units. These difficulties are related to psychological alterations, patients' type of pain and age. Conclusions: These results suggest that a multidisciplinary intervention, centred on the exhaustive evaluation of this problem, health education and sexual counselling, could contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of our patients

Postoperative local incision analgesia for acute pain treatment in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Summary Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the analgesic effect and safety of using local incision analgesia to treat acute postoperative pain in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Method: A cohort of 60 patients undergoing liver cancer resection was randomly divided into three groups (n=20 per group): local incision analgesia (LIA) group, which received local infiltration with ropivacaine combined with a postoperative analgesia pump; intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) group, which received fentanyl intravenous analgesia postoperatively; and the control group, which received tramadol hydrochloride injection postoperatively according to the NRS scoring system. The postoperative analgesic effect in each group was compared and tumor recurrence (survival) was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: NRS scores, rate of analgesic usage, ambulation time (h) and intestinal function recovery time (h) were significantly reduced in LIA group compared with the control group at each postoperative time point (6, 12, 24 and 48 hours; p<0.05). Additionally, the NRS scores of LIA patients at 12 hours post-surgery was significantly reduced compared with PCA group (p<0.05), and the occurrence of postoperative adverse events in LIA group was significantly lower than that in PCA group (p<0.05). Survival analysis demonstrated that the mean survival time (tumor recurrence) was significantly increased in LIA group compared with the control group (χ2=4.749; p=0.029). Conclusion: Local incision analgesia improves the analgesic effect, causes fewer adverse reactions and increases postoperative survival time. Our study demonstrated that local incision analgesia is a safe and effective method of postoperative pain management following hepatectomy.

Atención del dolor en el paciente politraumatizado en el Hospital Militar Central "Dr. Carlos J. Finlay" / Pain management in the multi-trauma patient in ¨Dr Carlos J. Finlay¨ central military hospital

INTRODUCCIÓN: los traumatismos se han relacionado siempre con el dolor como síntoma acompañante que influye negativamente en la evolución del paciente. OBJETIVO: valorar la atención a los pacientes politraumatizados en lo referente a la evaluación y tratamiento del dolor. MÉTODO: se realizó un estudio observacional, retrospectivo, de corte transversal, de enero a diciembre de 2013, en una muestra de 60 pacientes que ingresaron con diagnóstico de politrauma, en el Hospital Militar Central "Dr. Carlos J. Finlay". Se emplearon como descriptores estadísticos medidas de resumen de los datos cualitativos (razones y proporciones). RESULTADOS: el 83,3 % de los pacientes refirió dolor al menos una vez durante el ingreso; en 51,7 % se le evaluó el síntoma, utilizando la escala verbal simple en el 26,7 %; en el resto no se usó ninguna escala. Los antinflamatorios no esteroideos se indicaron en todos los casos, con gran variabilidad en relación a las dosificaciones e intervalos de administración. Fue escasa el uso de opioides (6,7 %), ketamina (3,4 %), anestésicos locales (3,4 %) y coadyuvantes (1,7 %). Prevaleció la indicación a demanda, administrándose la analgesia en este grupo en el 46,7 %. No se evaluó la reducción del dolor en el 50 % de los casos en que se administró la analgesia, constatándose su reducción solo en el 42,9 %. En el 91,7 % de la muestra se valoró el tratamiento como inadecuado. CONCLUSIONES: la evaluación y el tratamiento analgésico son inadecuados, confirmando la necesidad de implementar estrategias para mejorar el control del dolor en el trauma.

INTRODUCTION: trauma has been related always with pain as an accompanist symptom that affects negatively the evolution of the patient. This work aspire to value the attention to polytrauma patient refers to evaluation and treatment of the pain. METHODS: an observational, retrospective, transversal study was made, since January until December of 2013. The sample was 60 patients received in "Dr. Carlos J. Finlay" Military Central Hospital with polytrauma. Stadistics measures descriptors were employed (reasons and proportions). RESULTS: the 83.3 % of the patients reports pain, at least one time during the intern; only 56.0 % of these were evaluated; in 51.7 % of the sample were evaluated the symptom; in 26.7 % of the sample was used a verbal scale; the rest of the patients were no evaluated. In all of cases were used non-steroids anti-inflammatory drugs, with doses and administration intervals vary. The use of opioids (6.7 %), ketamina (3.4 %), local anesthesics (3.4 %) and support drugs (1.7 %) were poor. Prevail the demand indication (88.3 %), using indicate analgesia in 46.7 % of the sample. The reduction of pain was evaluated in 50.0 % of cases that received analgesia; verify it only in 42.9 % of patients. In 91.7 % of the sample was valued the treatment as inadecuated. CONCLUTIONS: the evaluation and treatment of pain is deficient, confirm the necessity of implement strategies of properties actuations.

Complicaciones de la analgesia continua invasiva para el control del dolor agudo postoperatorio en un hospital de tercer nivel. Incidencia de complicaciones técnicas y uso de métodos de analgesia alternativos / Complications of continuous catheter analgesia for postoperative pain management in a tertiary care hospital. Incidence of technical complications and alternative analgesia methods used

Antecedentes: La analgesia continua invasiva es el método de referencia para el manejo del dolor postoperatorio en cirugía mayor pero no está exenta de posibles complicaciones. Existe poca información sobre las complicaciones de las técnicas analgésicas continuas con catéter (TACC) y su impacto en el control del dolor. Material y métodos: Diseñamos un estudio prospectivo longitudinal incluyendo a pacientes tratados mediante cirugía que recibieron una TACC postoperatoria. Se registraron el tipo de analgesia, la intensidad del dolor mediante escala NRS, las características de las TACC, sus complicaciones técnicas y la satisfacción de los pacientes. Se aplicó estadística descriptiva y análisis comparativo mediante t de Student. Resultados: Se registraron datos de 106 pacientes. La duración de las TACC fue 47,52 ± 21,23 h; 52 pacientes (49,1%) fueron controlados en hospitalización convencional y 54 (50,9%) en unidades de críticos o alta dependencia. La tasa global de complicaciones técnicas fue del 9,43%. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron desplazamiento del catéter (2,38%), inflamación en el punto de inserción del catéter IV (2,38%) y dosificación excesiva de analgésicos (2,38%). El valor medio de NRS fue ≤ 3 durante la permanencia de la TACC. La intensidad máxima de dolor fue mayor en los pacientes con complicaciones técnicas (media ± desviación estándar [x̅ ± DE]: 4,4 ± 2,8 vs. 2,9 ± 1,9; p < 0,05). La satisfacción con la comodidad de la técnica y la satisfacción global con el tratamiento del dolor se redujeron significativamente en presencia de complicaciones. Conclusiones: La incidencia de complicaciones técnicas de las TACC fue del 9,43% y tuvieron un impacto negativo en el control del dolor postoperatorio y en la satisfacción de los pacientes

Background: Continuous invasive analgesia remains the gold-standard method for managing acute post-operative pain after major surgery. However, this procedure is not exempt from complications that may have detrimental effects on the patient and affect the post-operative recovery process. Data of the complications of continuous catheter analgesic techniques (CCATs) and their impact on pain relief are scarce in the literature. Material and methods: We conducted a prospective longitudinal study and patients who underwent a surgical procedure and received continuous invasive analgesia after surgery were included. Post-operative analgesic strategy, pain scores (NRS), CCAT's characteristics and technical complications were recorded. Patient satisfaction was determined. Descriptive statistics and Student's t-tests were applied for the comparative analyses. Results: We collected data from 106 patients. Mean duration of the CCAT was 47.52±21.23hours and 52 patients (49.1%) were controlled in conventional hospitalisation units whereas 54 patients (50.9%) were controlled on intensive or high-dependency care units. The overall incidence of technical complications was 9.43%. The most common complications were catheter displacement (2.38%), inflammation at the IV catheter insertion point (2.38%) and excessive dosing of analgesic drugs (2.38%). Mean NRS scores were ≤3 during the permanence of CCATs. Maximum pain intensity was significantly higher in patients who suffered technical complications (mean±standard deviation [x̅ ± SD]: 4.4 ± 2.8 vs. 2.9 ± 1.9; P<0.05). Satisfaction levels with the technique and overall satisfaction with the pain management strategy were negatively impacted by the occurrence of complications. Conclusions: The incidence of technical complications of CCATs was 9.43% and had a negative impact in pain control and patient's satisfaction

Examining the side effects of sucrose for pain relief in preterm infants: a case-control study

Sucrose solution is recommended as relevant pain relief management in neonates during acute painful procedures; however, only a few studies have analyzed the potentially adverse effects of sucrose administration to preterm neonates. The goal of this study was to examine the potential side effects of sucrose for pain relief in preterm infants, assessing feeding and weight gain during hospitalization and their feeding patterns postdischarge. The study sample consisted of 43 preterm neonates divided into two groups: a sucrose group (SG, n=18) and a control group (CG, n=25) in which no sucrose was administered. The SG received 0.5 mL/kg 25% oral sucrose for 2 min prior to all acute painful procedures during three consecutive days. A prospective review of medical charts was performed for all samples. The study was done prior to implementation of the institutional sucrose guidelines as a routine service, and followed all ethical requirements. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of weight gain, length of stay with orogastric tubes, and parenteral feeding. Postdischarge, infant nutritional intake included feeding human milk to 67% of the SG and 74% of the CG. There were no statistically significant differences between groups regarding human milk feeding patterns postdischarge. Neonate feeding patterns and weight gain were unaffected following the short-term use of sucrose for pain relief.

Uso de hidroterapia durante el parto: evaluación del dolor, uso de analgesia y seguridad neonatal / Use of hydrotherapy during labour: Assessment of pain, use of analgesia and neonatal safety

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la efectividad del uso de la hidroterapia en la percepción del dolor y solicitud de analgesia en las mujeres que la usen durante el parto e identificar posibles efectos adversos en aquellos neonatos nacidos dentro del agua. MÉTODO: Se ha diseñado un estudio multicéntrico de cohortes prospectivo llevado a cabo entre septiembre de 2014 y abril de 2016. Se incluyeron 200 gestantes, asignadas al grupo hidroterapia (GH) o grupo control (GC) según deseo y disponibilidad de uso, marcando el inicio de la recogida de datos a partir de los 5cm de dilatación. Los instrumentos utilizados han sido: la escala de valoración numérica (EVN), el uso de analgesia, el test de Apgar, el pH de cordón umbilical y el ingreso en UCIN. Los participantes se distribuyeron en: GH (n=111; 50 expulsivo en agua) y GC (n=89). RESULTADOS: La media de dolor a los 30 y 90min de la aplicación de hidroterapia fue menor en el GH que en el GC (EVN 30min 6,7; [DE 1,6] vs.7,8 [DE 1,2] [p < 0,001] y EVN 90min 7,7 [DE 1,2] vs.8,9 [DE 1,1] [p < 0,001]). Durante el expulsivo el dolor fue menor en las gestantes de parto en el agua (EVN GH 8,2 [DE 1,2], n=50; EVN GC 9,5 [DE 0,5], n=89 [p < 0,001]). Relativo a la analgesia, 30 gestantes del GC (33,7%) solicitaron analgesia epidural vs.24 gestantes (21,1%) del GH (p = 0,09). No se modificaron los parámetros neonatales tras el nacimiento en el agua. CONCLUSIÓN: El uso de hidroterapia disminuye el dolor durante el trabajo de parto y durante el expulsivo en aquellas mujeres que realizan un parto en el agua, y la petición de analgesia disminuye en las gestantes multíparas. No se objetivaron efectos adversos en los neonatos nacidos bajo el agua

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of the use of hydrotherapy in pain perception and requesting analgesia in women who use hydrotherapy during childbirth and to identify possible adverse effects in infants born in water. METHOD: A multicentre prospective cohort study was performed between September 2014 and April 2016. A total of 200 pregnant women were selected and assigned to the hydrotherapy group (HG) or the control group (CG) according to desire and availability of use, data collection started at 5cm dilatation. The instruments used were the numerical rating scale (NRS), use of analgesia, Apgar Test, umbilical cord pH and NICU admission. Participants were distributed into: HG (n=111; 50 water birth) and CG (n=89). RESULTS: Pain at 30 and 90min was lower in the HG than in the CG (NRS 30min 6.7 [SD 1.6] vs 7.8 [SD 1.2] [P<.001] and NRS 90min 7.7 [SD 1.2] vs.8.9 [SD 1.1] [P<.001]). During the second stage of labour, pain was lower in pregnant women undergoing a water birth (NRS HG 8.2 [SD 1.2], n=50; NRS CG 9.5 [SD 0.5], n=89 [P<.001]). Relative to the use of analgesia, in the CG 30 (33.7%) pregnant women requested epidural analgesia vs.24 (21.1%) pregnant women in HG (P=.09). The neonatal parameters after water birth were not modified compared to those born out of water. CONCLUSIONS: The use of hydrotherapy reduces pain during labour, and during second stage in women who undergo a water birth and the demand for analgesia decreases in multiparous pregnant women. No adverse effects were seen in infants born under water

Prevención de eventos adversos para la seguridad del paciente en las unidades de tratamiento del dolor crónico / Prevention of adverse events for patient safety in chronic pain treatment units

Objetivos. Identificar acciones preventivas que minimicen el riesgo para la seguridad de los pacientes atendidos en las unidades de tratamiento del dolor, y agrupar en lotes las acciones preventivas que presenten características homogéneas. El trabajo es una parte de un proyecto de mejora de la seguridad de pacientes atendidos en dichas unidades, cuyo propósito global ha sido la identificación, priorización y prevención de riesgos. Material y métodos. Se seleccionó un grupo de expertos formado por profesionales con formación clínica específica y experiencia en programas y servicios de atención al dolor. Se les proporcionó formación en seguridad de pacientes e información sobre los eventos adversos identificados, los fallos y las causas asociados. Mediante la técnica de tormenta de ideas los participantes respondieron a la pregunta: ¿qué modificaciones o mejoras habría que hacer al proceso asistencial para evitar absolutamente la aparición de cada uno de los eventos adversos? Las propuestas generadas se consensuaron y agruparon en lotes en función de su homogeneidad. Resultados. Se identificaron 456 acciones preventivas. El apartado más numeroso fue el de las modificaciones en la organización del proceso asistencial, seguido de los de las mejoras en la práctica clínica, las actividades formativas, la protocolización y la comunicación con el paciente. Conclusiones. Según el consenso de los expertos, son los cambios organizativos y las mejoras en la práctica asistencial, las intervenciones que más podrían reducir el riesgo para los pacientes en las unidades de tratamiento del dolor(AU)

Objectives. To identify preventive actions that minimise risk of patients safety in pain treatment units, and to cluster preventive actions into homogeneous groups. The current study is part of a project intended to improve patient safety in pain treatment units, and is aimed at identifying, prioritising and preventing patient safety risk. Material and methods. A group of experts was selected from professionals with a specific clinical background and experience in pain treatment units. This group was provided with information on patient safety and on known adverse events, errors and related causes. Through a brainstorming method the participants were asked: What changes or improvements would need to be undertaken to absolutely prevent the occurrence of each adverse event? The participant's proposals were analysed and grouped according to their homogeneity. Results. A total of 456 preventive actions were identified. The group that received the highest number of suggestions was the one including changes in the management of healthcare processes, followed by the group that considered improvements in clinical practice, training activities, protocols and policies, and patient communication. Conclusions. According to the consensus of the experts, management of healthcare processes and improvements in health care practices are the 2 interventions that are most likely to reduce patient safety risk in pain treatment units(AU)

Identificación y priorización de episodios adversos y fallos relacionados con la seguridad del paciente en las Unidades de Tratamiento del Dolor / Identifying and prioritising adverse episodes and failures related to patient safety in Pain Treatment Units

Objetivos. Un grupo de expertos coordinado por la Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública identificó los episodios adversos (EA) más graves y frecuentes en las Unidades de Tratamiento del Dolor (UTD), así como los fallos y las causas subyacentes, como paso previo a la elaboración de acciones preventivas. Los objetivos del proyecto fueron identificar los episodios adversos potenciales en las UTD, identificar sus fallos y las causas que pueden originarlos y, priorizar dichos fallos según la herramienta análisis de modos de fallos y de sus efectos (AMFE). Material y métodos. La metodología empleada consistió en realizar una búsqueda bibliográfica, selección de un grupo de expertos con experiencia en UTD, creación de un catálogo de episodios adversos mediante la técnica de generación de ideas y, puesta en práctica de las herramientas AMFE e índice de prioridad de riesgo. Resultados. Se identificaron hasta 66 tipos de episodios adversos relacionados con medicación (30), técnicas invasivas (15), proceso asistencial (10), información y educación del paciente (6), práctica clínica (5). Se localizó que hasta 101 fallos pueden desencadenar esos EA y, que 242 causas pueden provocar esos fallos. Conclusiones. Los resultados indican la necesidad de trabajar principalmente en 2 sentidos: la mejora del proceso asistencial en las UTD (la organización de la asistencia), y el trabajo profesional; este último en 2 aspectos, mejora de la práctica clínica y aumento de las competencias profesionales mediante formación específica. La comunicación, ya sea interprofesional o interservicios o con el paciente y su familia, se identifica como un aspecto clave para la mejora(AU)

Objectives. An expert group coordinated by the Andalusian School of Public Health identified the most serious and frequent adverse events in Pain Treatment Units (PTU), as well the failures and underlying causes, as a prior step to preparing preventive actions. The aims of the project were to identify potential adverse events in Pain Treatment Units, identify failures and their underlying causes, and prioritise these failures according to a failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) tool. Material and methods. The method employed consisted of a literature search, the selection of an expert group with experience in PTU, creating a catalogue of adverse events using the generation of ideas technique, and putting the FMEA and Risk Priority Index tools into practice. Results. Up to 66 types of adverse events were identified associated with; medication (30), invasive techniques (15), care process (10), patient information and education (6), and clinical practice (5). It was found that up to 101 failures could be triggered by these adverse events, and that 242 causes could lead to these failures. Conclusions. The results indicated the need to work principally in two directions, improving the care process in the PTU (the health care organisation), and the professional work, this latter having two aspects, improving the clinical practice, and increase professional skills by means of specific training. Communication, whether inter-professional or inter-department, or with the patient and their family, is identified as a key aspect for improvement(AU)