A Randomized Controlled Trial of Intrathecal versus Caudal Morphine-Bupivacaine on Postoperative Analgesia and Cortisol Levels in Pediatric Patients.

BACKGROUND: Morphine is commonly used in pediatric caudal blocks. We compared the analgesic efficacy and effect on cortisol levels of intrathecal morphine and bupivacaine with caudal morphine and bupivacaine in children undergoing lower abdominal surgeries. METHODS: Forty children undergoing lower abdominal surgeries were randomized to receive 4 µg/kg of intrathecal morphine and 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (n = 20), or caudal morphine 40 µg/kg and 0.25% bupivacaine (n = 20). Postoperative analgesia was provided with intravenous (IV) paracetamol (PCM). The primary outcome was time to reach Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) score ≥4 postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were perioperative serum cortisol levels, analgesic requirement, and parent satisfaction. RESULTS: Since seventy 5% of patients receiving intrathecal morphine and bupivacaine did not reach a FLACC score ≥4 within 24 hours, the primary outcome was presented as the Kaplan-Meier curve. The probability of FLACC score <4 was significantly higher with intrathecal morphine and bupivacaine than with caudal morphine and bupivacaine (P < .001). The unadjusted and adjusted (for gender) hazard ratio (95% confidence interval [CI]) of occurrence of pain (FLACC score ≥4) was 0.07 (0.03-0.15, P < .001) and 0.06 (0.03-0.14, P < .001), respectively. The difference in means (95% CI) of cortisol levels between caudal morphine (with bupivacaine) and intrathecal morphine (with bupivacaine) groups were after intubation -0.667 (-4.99 to 3.65, P = .76), at 2 hours intraoperatively 7.88 (3.55-12.2, P < .001), 6 hours postoperatively 16.8 (12.5-21.1, P < .001), and 24 hours postoperatively 15.4 (11.1-19.7, P < .001) µg/dL. Intraoperatively, rescue fentanyl was required by 60% of patients on caudal morphine and bupivacaine against 20% of patients receiving intrathecal morphine and bupivacaine (absolute risk-reduction [95% CI] of 40% [12%-68%]; P = .010). Postoperative rescue fentanyl was required in 45% of patients on caudal morphine and bupivacaine and 5% of patients on intrathecal morphine and bupivacaine. All (100%) patients on caudal morphine and bupivacaine required postoperative PCM against 6 (30%) patients on intrathecal morphine and bupivacaine (absolute risk-reduction [95% CI] of 70% [50%-90%]; P < .001).The median (interquartile range [IQR]) parent satisfaction score for patients on caudal morphine (with bupivacaine) and intrathecal morphine (with bupivacaine) was 0(0-0) and 2(2-2) at 12 hours postoperatively (P < .001) and 0(0-1) and 2(1.5-2) at 24 hours postoperatively (P < .001). One patient in each group developed nausea and vomiting, and 1 patient in the intrathecal group developed pruritus. There was no incidence of respiratory depression. CONCLUSIONS: Intrathecal morphine and bupivacaine results in longer duration of analgesia, lower analgesic consumption, prevents surgical-stress-related elevation of serum cortisol, and improves parent satisfaction compared to caudal morphine with bupivacaine in children undergoing lower abdominal surgeries.

To assess the analgesic efficacy of adjuvant magnesium sulfate added with ropivacaine over ropivacaine alone as a continuous infiltration in total abdominal hysterectomy wound: A randomized controlled trial.

Background and Aims: Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) has been demonstrated to have analgesic property in various clinical settings. This study explores if addition of MgSO4 to ropivacaine increases its analgesic efficacy when infiltrated continuously in the postsurgical wound following total abdominal hysterectomy. Material and Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at a tertiary care referral hospital in New Delhi, India. Fifty-two patients were randomized into two groups to receive the intervention of which 48 were able to complete the study. The first group (n = 26) received 0.25% ropivacaine infiltration and the second group (n = 26) received 0.25% ropivacaine with 5% MgSO4 at the incision site for 48 h postoperatively. Primary objective was to compare the total postoperative opioid (morphine) consumption by the study participants in both the groups and the secondary objectives were pain scores at rest and at movement, patient satisfaction score, and wound quality of life on the 7th postoperative day among the two groups. Results: Both the groups were comparable in their demographic characteristics. The median morphine consumed at 48 h postoperatively was 16.5 [0-77] mg in the ropivacaine group and 13[1-45] mg in the ropivacaine with MgSO4 group and the difference was statistically insignificant (P = 0.788). There was no statistical difference between the groups with respect to the pain scores, patient satisfaction, or wound quality of life at 7 days. Conclusion: The addition of MgSO4 to ropivacaine does not confer any additional postoperative analgesic benefits over ropivacaine alone in continuous wound infiltration following total abdominal hysterectomy.

Malarial Antibodies and Endemicity: Does It Affect SARS-CoV-2 Severity and Outcomes?

Background India has a disproportionately lower rate of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severe disease and lower death rates with respect to other parts of the world. It has been proposed that malaria-endemic countries such as India are relatively protected against severe COVID-19 disease and deaths. Methods This was a cross-sectional, analytical, observational study conducted from August 2020 to July 2021 at a tertiary care COVID-19-designated center in New Delhi, India. It aimed to study the association between antimalarial antibody levels and COVID-19 disease severity and outcomes. Results One hundred forty-six patients were included in the final analysis. The mean (standard deviation {SD}) age of the study population was 44.6 (17.2) years, and there were 85 (58.2%) males. Sixty-five patients had mild disease, 14 patients had moderate disease, and 67 patients had severe disease at the time of enrolment in the study. Forty-six patients expired during the hospital stay. For the antimalarial antibody, there was a statistically significant difference between mild and moderate (p=0.018), mild and severe (p=0.016), and mild and combined moderate and severe diseases (p=0.013). However, there was no difference between the patients who survived and those who did not. Conclusion Antimalarial antibody levels may not be associated with the outcomes of COVID-19 during hospital stay. However, this study has provided some insights into the relationship between the severity and outcomes of COVID-19 and the levels of antimalarial antibodies.

How does changing the vector of transport disc distraction affect the outcomes of surgery in patients of temporomandibular joint ankylosis with obstructive sleep apnea?

PURPOSE: Temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMJA) in children is associated with retrognathia, reduction in pharyngeal airway volume (PAV), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Distraction-osteogenesis (DO) is the proven method in the management of OSA. There is paucity in literature about the effect of distraction vector on PAV. It can be expected that an oblique vector would improve PAV and relieve OSA. Thus, the study was designed to explore the feasibility, advantages, and disadvantages of this modified technique for managing TMJA and OSA simultaneously. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The investigators designed a prospective study on patients of TMJA with retrognathia. Ethical approval was obtained (IECPG-547/14.11.2018). In all patients, simultaneous ankylosis release and mandibular distraction were performed. Primary outcome variables were improvement in 3-dimensional (3D) PAV and maximal interincisal opening (MIO). Secondary outcome variables were changed mandibular length, distraction relapse, and re-ankylosis. Paired t-test and multivariate ANOVA were used to assess all the parameters. RESULT: The study included 13 joints in 8 patients of TMJA with retrognathia (2 unilateral and 6 bilateral ankylosis) with mean age of 14.25 ± 7.37 years. Mean distraction performed was 19 ± 4.0 mm. There was a statistically significant improvement of PAV by 225% (p = 0.002), a reduction in Epworth's scale (p = 0.017), an increase in MIO (p = 0.001), and an increase in mandibular length. Three patients had re-ankylosis at the 25-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study conclude that modification of distraction vector improves 3D PAV and MIO in TMJA patients, with the added advantage of a reduction in overall treatment time and improved patient compliance.

Onset Time of Spinal Anaesthesia in Pregnant Females in Knee-Chest Position: A Randomized Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of knee-chest position in shortening the time of spinal induction in pregnant women undergoing elective cesarean section. We also assessed for any untoward adverse events that might limit their usefulness in real-life clinical scenarios. METHODS: Prospective, randomized controlled study was done in maternity operating room of tertiary care institution in 45 ASA II pregnant women undergoing elective cesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. Patients were randomly assigned to groups S (supine) and K (kneechest position). After performing subarachnoid block (9 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine and 25 µg fentanyl) in the sitting position, women in group K were maintained in the knee-chest position for 60 seconds. Time to attain block height of T6 and maximum sensory blockade, intraoperative hemodynamics, Bromage score, intraoperative fluid, vasopressor requirement, and respiratory parameters were recorded. The newborn was evaluated using Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes. RESULTS: Data of 45 patients were analyzed. Time to attain T6 block height (group K=2.1 ± 0.65 minutes, 95% CI: 1.83-2.39; group S=6.4 ± 0.77 minutes, 95% CI: 6.10-6.78) and time to achieve maximum sensory block height were significantly lower in group K (group K=3.2 ± 1.35 minutes, 95% CI: 2.61-3.78; group S=6.6 ± 0.89 min, CI: 6.19-6.98). The degree of motor block was higher in group K than that of group S at 2 minutes (P=.0002), 4 minutes (P < .0001), and 6 minutes (P < .0001), with no difference at 8 minutes. No statistically significant difference was observed in fluids and vasopressors requirement intraoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that the onset of adequate surgical anaesthesia for the cesarean section can be hastened by placing the patient in the knee-chest position for a minute after performing the subarachnoid block in the sitting position.

Comparative evaluation of the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block versus intrathecal morphine in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy surgery: A prospective randomized pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: Existing research on erector spinae plane block and intrathecal morphine in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy surgery is limited. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized study, 60 patients aged between 18 and 60 years were randomized into two groups (erector spinae plane block and intrathecal morphine). In the erector spinae plane block group, ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block was performed, following which a mixture of 20 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine and 0.5 mcg/kg of clonidine was injected. In the intrathecal morphine group, 150 mcg preservative-free morphine with 2 mL of normal saline was administered intrathecally. The primary outcome was to evaluate the perioperative opioid consumption in the first 24 h. The secondary outcomes were to evaluate hemodynamic response to surgical stimulus, visual analogue scale score, time to first analgesic requirement, postoperative nausea and vomiting, postoperative opioid consumption, urethral irritation, and incidence of drug-related adverse effects. RESULTS: Total perioperative opioid consumption in the erector spinae plane block group was 355.0 (265.0, 485.0) µg and 240.0 (145.0, 370.0) µg in the intrathecal morphine group (P = 0.09). However, the patients in the erector spinae plane block group had significantly greater postoperative fentanyl consumption (235.0 [120.0, 345.0] µg) compared with those in the intrathecal morphine group (105.0 [30.0, 225.0] µg). There were no statistically significant differences noted for intraoperative opioid consumption, postoperative visual analogue scale score, time to first analgesic request, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and catheter irritation between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although no statistically significant difference in intraoperative opioid consumption was seen between the erector spinae plane block and intrathecal morphine groups, postoperative opioid consumption was significantly higher in the erector spinae plane block group than in the intrathecal morphine group in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy surgery.

A randomized controlled trial to compare functional, combined rigid and functional and rigid fixation in double mandibular fractures.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether the rigid fixation at one site and functional fixation at other site is enough in double mandibular fractures (DMF). The specific aim of the study was assessment of masticatory function on the basis of bite force and other clinical parameters. Methods: A prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted on patients having DMF. The patients were randomized into 3 groups. Group-1, managed with 2-miniplates at anterior and 1-miniplate at posterior site, group-2 patients managed with one 2.4 mm reconstruction plate at anterior and 1-miniplate at posterior site and in group-3, both fractures were managed with 1-reconstruction plate. Primary outcome variable was bite force. Secondary outcome variables were type of fracture, pain, swelling, mobility between fracture segments, occlusal discrepancy, paresthesia, implant exposure/fracture. Results: The study sample included 60 (20 in each group) patients with mean age of 29.28 ± 12.35 years. Statistically significant difference was seen in bite force from preoperative to follow-up (p = 0.0) in all the groups. Difference in bite force was statistically significant between group 1 and 2 (p = 0.0) and group 1 and 3 (p = 0.0) at follow-up but the difference was statistically insignificant between group 2 and 3. Conclusion: The present study concludes that treatment of DMF with rigid fixation at one site and functional fixation at other fracture site provides enough fixation.

Comparison of Efficacy of Dexmedetomidine and Clonidine Infusion to Produce Hypotensive Anesthesia in Patients Undergoing Orthognathic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to compare the efficacy of dexmedetomidine (DEX) and clonidine (CLON) infusion to produce hypotensive anesthesia in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The investigators designed a randomized controlled trial on patients undergoing orthognathic surgery. Patients were randomized into 2 groups (DEX and CLON group). The DEX group patients received loading dose of 1 ug/kg DEX over 10 minutes followed by 0.2 to 0.5 ug/kg/hour as maintenance dose. Similarly, CLON group patients received 3 ug/kg loading dose followed by maintenance dose of 0.3 to 2 ug/kg/hour. Primary objectives were to compare the quality of surgical field, duration of surgery, amount of blood loss and secondary objectives were to compare total and rescue analgesia used, need for blood transfusion and associated adverse effects. The P value of <.05 was taken significant at confidence interval of 95%. RESULTS: The study sample included 30 patients (15 in each group), (m:f = 1:1.1) requiring orthognathic surgery. Single jaw cases were 11 (DEX:CLON = 4:7) and bijaw cases were 19 (DEX:CLON = 11:8) in number. There was statistically insignificant difference in quality of surgical field between 2 groups (P = .15). Duration of surgery was 293.33 ± 58.75 and 247 ± 70.45 minutes in the DEX and the CLON group, respectively (P = .06). Blood loss was more in the DEX group (316.61 ± 147.19 mL) than the CLON group (263.33 ± 112.54 mL), (P = .71). Total drug used (P = .33) and rescue analgesia (P = .25) was less in the DEX group. Adverse effects were more in the CLON than the DEX group. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study showed no significant difference between the 2 groups for any parameter. It can be concluded that both dexmedetomidine and clonidine are effective and safe in achieving controlled hypotension and safe operative field visibility.

Optimum time of LMA ProSeal removal in adult patients undergoing isoflurane anesthesia: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Optimum timing of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) removal after general anesthesia with isoflurane is debatable. The objective was to investigate the potential benefits of removing LMA ProSeal at ≤0.4 Minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) isoflurane over awake and "deep plane" extubation after short duration laparoscopic gynecological surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prospective randomized trial 90 adult female patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia using LMA ProSeal™ as airway device were included. At the end of surgery, LMA ProSeal™ was removed when the patient was awake, could open mouth following verbal command (Group A); at MAC ≤0.4 (Group B); or at MAC of 0.6 (Group C). Adverse airway events like nausea, vomiting, airway obstruction, coughing, bucking, laryngospasm were noted. Statistical analyses were done by SPSS statistical software (IBM SPSS Statistics for Mac OS X, Version 21.0. IBM Corp, Armonk, NY). RESULTS: Baseline demographic characteristics were comparable in all three groups. Coughing or bucking at the time of LMA removal was higher in group A (P = 0.004). Snoring and airway obstruction after LMA removal was significantly higher in group C compared to group A and group B (P = 0.002 and P = 0.011, respectively). There was significant change in mean arterial pressure and heart rate between before and after LMA removal on group A (P = 0.008 and P < 0.001, respectively) but not in other groups. CONCLUSION: MAC ≤0.4 can be considered optimum depth of anesthesia for removal of LMA Proseal in adult patients undergoing isoflurane anesthesia.

Challenges during bilateral total temporomandibular joint replacement for ankylosis in ankylosing spondylitis patient-a case report.

Alloplastic replacement of temporomandibular joint is the preferred treatment for temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMJA) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. These patients exhibit neck rigidity due to fixed flexion deformity or fusion of vertebrae that make the intubation and surgical positioning of patients difficult and challenging. Chin on the chest makes tracheostomy almost impossible. Fiberoptic-assisted intubation is recommended. It is mandatory that no neck flexion or rotation is performed during intubation or surgical positioning. The use of an operating table that permits lateral tilt is recommended for surgical positioning. 15-20-degrees tilt of table or a lateral positioning of the patient, can provide sufficient neck support and reduce the chances of lateral neck rotation or neck flexion. Improper positioning may result in readjusting the patient's neck repeatedly during operative procedure. This may cause serious neurological injury. Minimal documentation exists for proper and secure positioning of the patient for bilateral alloplastic joint replacement in AS patients. The authors present a case of bilateral TMJA in AS patient who was managed successfully by awake fiberoptic intubation and lateral positioning for alloplastic total joint replacement (TJR).

Alloplastic total joint replacement in management of temporomandibular joint ankylosis.

Both autogenous and alloplastic material have been used in management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis. Second surgical site, donor site morbidity, possibility of over/undergrowth, graft fracture or resorption and increased surgical time are the disadvantages of autogenous graft. Alloplastic total joint replacement (TJR) has become a promising technique in management of adult temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMJA). This paper intends to present the role of alloplastic TJR in management of TMJA. There is significant current evidence of the role of alloplastic TJR in the management of TMJA. Results in TMJA are excellent with sustained improvement in pain free mouth opening, correction of facial asymmetry, reduction in recurrence and improved quality of life. TMJ TJR is becoming the gold standard of care in the management of TMJA, although costs can sometime preclude access to this mode of therapy.

Does Bilateral Gap Arthroplasty Increase the Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients With Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis?

PURPOSE: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common in patients with bilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMJA). The purpose of this study was to compare the preoperative and postoperative apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in patients with TMJA undergoing bilateral gap arthroplasty (BGA). METHODS: The investigators implemented a prospective cohort study on patients with bilateral TMJA treated with BGA. The primary predictor variable was time (before and after BGA). The primary outcome variable was AHI and secondary outcome variable included posterior airway space, skeletal changes, Epworth sleepiness scale, minimum oxygen, average oxygen saturation, and maximal incisal opening at preoperative time (T0), 1 month (T1), and at 6 months (T2). The statistical test used were Greenhouse-Geisser test, repeated measure ANOVA (1 way), followed by post hoc Bonferroni test. The P-value was taken significant when <0.05 at a confidence interval of 95%. RESULTS: The study sample included 12 (m:f = 1:2) patients of bilateral TMJA with a mean age of 14.9 ± 4.8 years and mean follow-up of 6 months. Mean duration of ankylosis was 10.5 ± 6.9 years (median = 12). Trauma was the main etiological factor in 11 (91.7%) patients followed by infection in 1 (8.3%) patient. The mean increase in AHI was 8.6 (T0 to T1) with P-value = .002 and 23.4 (T1 to T2) and was statistically significant (P = .001). The mean decrease in posterior airway space was 4.5 ± 1.0 to 3.5 ± 0.5 (T0 to T2) and was statistically significant (P = .02). Mean difference in minimum oxygen was 6.8 (P-value = .015). Skeletal changes are consistent with clockwise rotation of the mandible and statistically significant changes in horizontal and vertical dimension. The mean change in average oxygen was statistically insignificant (P = 1.0). CONCLUSIONS: The present study concludes that gap arthroplasty in patients with bilateral TMJA can lead to development or worsening of pre-existing mild to moderate OSA. Ramus-condyle reconstruction should be performed to prevent the retropositioning of mandible and worsening of OSA.

Outcome of Stock Total Joint Replacement With Fat Grafting in Adult Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis Patients.

PURPOSE: Adult temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMJA) lacks a uniform management protocol. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the outcome of stock total joint replacement (TJR) along with fat grafting around the joint in adult TMJA patients. Specific aim was to find out whether TJR can be a definitive management for adult TMJA. METHODS: The investigators implemented a prospective study on adult TMJA patients treated with ostearthrectomy of ankylosis and stock temporomandibular joint (TMJ) TJR with fat grafting. Concomitant orthognathic correction of facial asymmetry was performed in some unilateral cases. Follow-up was carried out at regular intervals for assessing primary outcome variable of maximal incisal opening (MIO) and reankylosis. Secondary outcome variable included demographic data, etiology, duration of ankylosis (DOA), correlation between DOA and preoperative and postoperative MIO, occlusion and complications of hemorrhage, facial nerve paresis, periprosthetic joint infection, dislocation, and implant failure. RESULTS: The study sample was composed of 41 patients (54 joints) (bilateral, n = 13; unilateral, n = 28 [right side, n = 12; left side, n = 16]). The number of recurrent cases was 15. Trauma as etiology of ankylosis was seen in n = 30 (73.2%), infection in n = 7 (17.1%), unknown in n = 3 (7.3%), and ankylosing spondylitis in n = 1 (2.4%) cases. Mean DOA was 11.95 years. Paired t test revealed a statistically significant difference between preoperative and follow-up MIO (P < .001). None of the cases showed reankylosis in the follow-up period. Pearson correlation revealed statistically negative correlation between DOA and postoperative MIO. CONCLUSIONS: The result of this study suggests that stock TMJ TJR along with fat grafting around the joints provides adequate mouth opening without any sign and symptoms of reankylosis. Stock TMJ TJR with fat grafting can be considered as a definitive treatment modality in adult TMJA with minimum comorbidity.

Efficacy of Local Anesthetic Wound Infiltration in Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis Surgery for Control of Postoperative Pain: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled, and Double-Blinded Trial.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the analgesic efficacy of wound infiltration with ropivacaine alone or with adjuvants clonidine or dexamethasone for postoperative pain in temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMJA) surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The investigators implemented a randomized controlled trial with 3 parallel groups, among the patients of bilateral TMJA visiting the maxillofacial surgery unit between March 12, 2015 and February 5, 2017. At the completion of surgery, wound infiltration was done with 0.25% of ropivacaine (R group), 0.25% of ropivacaine with 0.5 mcg/kg of clonidine (RC group), 0.25% of ropivacaine with 0.1 mg/kg of dexamethasone (RD group), and 0.2 mL/kg of drug volume on each side. The primary outcome variables were total opioid consumption (fentanyl in micrograms/kilogram) and visual analog scale for pain at rest and movement for 24 hours after surgery. The secondary outcome variables were time (minutes) to first rescue analgesic requirement and patient satisfaction scores. The patients, surgeons, and anesthesiologists collecting the data were blinded to the group allocation. Continuous and qualitative data were summarized using mean (standard deviation) and frequency distribution, respectively. RESULTS: About 45 patients were randomized into 3 equal groups. Mean age of the sample was 17.6 ± 8.04 years (males = 24 [53%]; females = 21 [47%]). Surgery for TMJA included gap arthroplasty (n = 17), interpositional arthroplasty (n = 24), and total TMJ replacement (n = 4). Total fentanyl (micrograms) consumption during 24 hours was comparable between all the 3 groups and statistically not significant (P = .40). The pain scores (visual analog scale at rest and movement) were comparable at all time points. No significant difference was noted for time to first rescue analgesic requirement (P = .31). Patient satisfaction was higher in RC group as compared with R group (P = .009). No adverse effects were noted in any group. CONCLUSIONS: Within the confines of the sample size and the absence of power calculation, the study implies that wound infiltration with ropivacaine was as efficacious as when mixed with adjuvants, either clonidine or dexamethasone, for control of postoperative pain for 24 hours.

Clonidine and Morphine as Adjuvants for Caudal Anaesthesia in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare the outcomes of morphine vs. clonidine use as adjuvants in caudal anaesthesia. We are specifically focused on analgesic and side effect profiles. METHODS: We searched databases and trial registration sites and include here randomised controlled trials that compare the analgesic effects of caudal clonidine vs. morphine as adjuvants on postoperative pain. The risk ratio for evaluating pain scores, the need for rescue analgesia and all adverse effects were assessed. The i2 statistic was used to assess heterogeneity. We also assessed risk of bias with Cochrane's Collaboration tool. The quality of evidence was assessed with Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. RESULTS: Four randomised controlled trials (including 166 patients) that evaluated the use of clonidine vs. morphine as adjuvants in caudal block were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled estimate for postoperative analgesia revealed no statistically significant differences between the clonidine group compared to morphine group (MD=2.90; 95% CI 4.05 to 9.85; i2 93%). Significantly less postoperative nausea and vomiting were reported among the patients that received clonidine vs. those that were treated with morphine (RR 0.57, 95% CI -0.36 to -0.90, i2 26%). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in assessments that included urinary retention, pain scores or need for rescue analgesia at 24 hours. CONCLUSION: Clonidine is just as effective as morphine when used an adjuvant to local anaesthetic for caudal block, and has a more desirable side effect profile, particularly with respect to postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Low-Dose Ketamine for Outpatient Hysteroscopy: A Prospective, Randomised, Double-Blind Study.

OBJECTIVE: Outpatient hysteroscopy is often accompanied by pain and discomfort along with frequent occurrence of bradycardia and hypotension. This study aimed to observe if intravenous low-dose ketamine reduces the pain scores along with lowering the incidence of bradycardia and hypotension during hysteroscopy. METHODS: This prospective, randomised, double-blind trial was conducted in operating rooms in a tertiary care hospital. In this study, we enrolled 72 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists status I to II undergoing hysteroscopy. We randomised patients into two groups, and both groups received paracervical block. The control group received intravenous pentazocine and promethazine along with saline infusion. The ketamine group received ketamine infusion (0.75 mg kg-1 bolus followed by infusion at the rate of 10 mcg kg-1 min-1). We analysed visual analogue scale (VAS), rescue analgesic consumption, hemodynamic parameters, lowest recorded heart rate, blood pressure, level of sedation, patient's comfort, surgeon's satisfaction and nursing staff's satisfaction. RESULTS: Analysis of the data revealed that the pain scores were similar in both the groups (p=0.493, p<0.001). Rescue analgesic was required by 47% patients in control group, compared to only 5.6% patients in ketamine group. Episodes of bradycardia and hypotension were more pronounced in the control group than in the ketamine group [77.4±10.9 vs. 78.4±5.5; 67.6±8 vs. 70.1±6 respectively] (p<0.001). Patient comfort and surgeon's satisfaction were higher in the ketamine group, but nursing satisfaction was higher in the control group. Disorientation was present in 75% patients in the ketamine group as compared to none in the control group. CONCLUSION: We concluded that low-dose ketamine in day-care hysteroscopy is an effective and safe agent.

Comparative Evaluation of Two Doses of Etoricoxib (90 mg and 120 mg) as Pre-Emptive Analgesic for Post-Operative Pain Relief in Mandibular Fracture Surgery Under General Anaesthesia: A Prospective, Randomised, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: This trial investigated the post operative analgesic efficacy of oarl etoricoxib 90 mg and 120 mg and a placebo in mandibular fracture pain model. METHODS: A total of 63 adult patients with mandibular fractures who were scheduled to undergo maxillofacial surgery were randomly allocated to receive etoricoxib 90 mg, etoricoxib 120 mg and a placebo 1 hour before the surgery. Patients were followed-up till 24 hours after the surgery. Duration of analgesia, intra-operative and post-operative analgesic requirement, pain score, post-operative patient satisfaction and adverse effects were measured. RESULTS: The baseline demographic parameters were similar in all the groups. Duration of analgesia was longer in both the E120 (6.00±0.816 hours) and E90 (4.37±1.008 hours) groups (p<0.05) as compared to the placebo group (2.60±0.821 hours). Mean difference of duration of analgesia between E120 and E90 was 1.62 (95% confidence interval: 0.234-3.484; p>0.05). Post-operative pain intensity was significantly lower in both the E120 and E90 groups as compared to the C group. Both the etoricoxib groups required less intra-operative (p=0.002) and post-operative (p=0.001) analgesic supplementation as compared to the placebo group. The patient satisfaction score and rate of occurrence of significant adverse effects were similar among all the three groups. CONCLUSION: Etoricoxib 90 mg is equally efficacious to etoricoxib120 mg with a similar side effect profile in a severely acute setting.