Delayed radiation myelopathy: a case and treatment algorithm proposal.

Delayed radiation myelopathy is a rare but severe complication that causes progressive and irreversible patient deterioration. Although it is an exclusion diagnosis, there are factors associated with radiation doses and administration areas that may reduce the risk of its incidence. To date, there is no known first-line and effective treatment available to alleviate the symptoms.

Efficacy of opioids and non-opioid analgesics in the treatment of post procedure pain of burned patients: a narrative review

Abstract Introduction Burns are a common trauma that cause acute severe pain in up to 80% of patients. The objective of this narrative review is to evaluate the efficacy of opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, paracetamol, gabapentinoids, ketamine, and lidocaine in the treatment of acute pain in burn victims. Methodology The databases explored were PubMed, Embase, ClinicalTrials, and OpenGrey. The included randomized, controlled clinical trials assessed the analgesic efficacy of these drugs on hospitalized patients, had no age limit, patients were in the acute phase of the burn injury and were compared to placebo or other analgesic drugs. Studies describing deep sedation, chronic opioid use, chronic pain, and patients taken to reconstructive surgeries were excluded. The Jadad scale was used to evaluate quality. Results Six randomized controlled clinical trials (397 patients) that evaluated the analgesic efficacy of fentanyl (n = 2), nalbuphine (n = 1), ketamine (n = 1), gabapentin (n = 1), and lidocaine (n = 1) to treat post-procedural pain were included. Fentanyl, nalbuphine, and ketamine were effective, while lidocaine was associated with a slight increase in reported pain and gabapentin showed no significant differences. Two studies were of high quality, one was of medium high quality, and three were of low quality. No studies on the efficacy of NSAIDs or paracetamol were found. Conclusion Evidence of efficacy is very limited. Fentanyl, nalbuphine, and ketamine seem to be effective for controlling acute pain in burn patients, whereas gabapentin and lidocaine did not show any efficacy.

Effectiveness of acute post-operative pain management by the acute pain service.

BACKGROUND: Analgesia by specialists with formal training in pain management could be more effective, to find out, the results of a team of an acute pain service will be determined. METHODS: Retrospective study (n = 108) of post-operative (POP) analgesia; two evaluations were taken: before starting analgesics in the immediate POP period and the second at 24 h. A multivariate analysis was performed to establish independent risk factors associated with the effectiveness of the treatment. RESULTS: The effectiveness was 81.48% at 24 h. The risk factors associated with poor management effectiveness were: a comorbidity, prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.22; fibromyalgia (PR = 8.47), and cancer (PR = 2.47). The duration of surgery was associated with poor control PR = 1.10 for each hour elapsed. Protective factors for poor pain control: administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs during the POP period (PR = 0.11) and use of analgesia controlled by the patient (PR = 0.29). CONCLUSION: POP pain relief is multifactorial; the participation of specialists was very effective. Identification of risk factors led to closer follow-up.

OBJETIVO: La analgesia por especialistas con entrenamiento formal en manejo del dolor podría ser más efectiva, para averiguarlo se determinarán los resultados de un servicio de dolor agudo. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo (n = 108) de analgesia postoperatoria; se tomaron dos evaluaciones: antes de iniciar analgésicos en el postoperatorio inmediato y la segunda a las 24 horas. Se realizó un análisis multivariado para establecer los factores de riesgo independientes asociados con la efectividad del tratamiento. RESULTADOS: La disminución promedio fue 51,75% en el primer día postoperatorio. La efectividad fue del 81,48% a las 24 horas. Los factores de riesgo asociados con la mala efectividad del manejo fueron: una comorbilidad, razón de prevalencia (RP) = 1,22; fibromialgia (RP = 8,47) y cáncer (RP = 2,47). La duración de la cirugía se asoció con un mal control PR = 1,10 por cada hora transcurrida. Factores protectores para el mal control del dolor: administración de antiinflamatorios no esteroideos durante el postoperatorio (RP = 0,11) y uso de analgesia controlada por el paciente (RP = 0,29). CONCLUSIÓN: el alivio del dolor posoperatorio es multifactorial, la participación de especialistas fue muy eficaz. La identificación de los factores de riesgo condujo a un seguimiento más estrecho.

Availability and accessibility of opioids for pain and palliative care in Colombia: a survey study / Disponibilidad y accesibilidad de los opioides para manejo del dolor y cuidado paliativo en Colombia: estudio tipo encuesta

Abstract Introduction: Access to essential medicines, including opioids, is a component of the right to health. Objective: To identify barriers to opioid availability and accessibility for pain and palliative care. Methods: Online survey with Colombian prescribers. Availability barriers were analyzed for each facility (distribution and/or dispensing). Accessibility barriers were analyzed by type. Descriptive analyses were conducted using relative frequencies. Significance within categories and regions was measured using Fisher's exact test. Results: Out of 1,208 prescribers invited, 806 (66.7%) completed the survey. Availability: 76.43% reported barriers. The most cited barrier was "Pharmacies authorized by health insurance companies", where opioids are frequently unavailable. Accessibility: 74.6% reported barriers. Most frequently cited was "Difficulty securing payment authorization for medication from health insurance companies". Significant differences were observed in terms of regions and "Cost" (p=0.02). Lack of coordination among procuring and distributing agencies affects availability. Limited awareness and bureaucratic procedures affect accessibility. Conclusions: There are barriers to opioid availability and access in Colombia, related to the existing structure for guaranteeing equitable supply. From the perspective of healthcare providers, problems related to pharmacy availability, prescription and cost of medicines hinder pain treatment.

Resumen Introducción: El acceso a medicamentos esenciales, incluidos los opioides, es un componente del derecho a la salud. Objetivo: Identificar las barreras de disponibilidad y acceso a los opioides para dolor y cuidados paliativos. Métodos: Encuesta virtual a prescriptores colombianos. Las barreras de disponibilidad se analizaron para cada centro (distribución y/o dispensación) y las barreras de acceso se analizaron por tipo. Los análisis descriptivos se realizaron utilizando frecuencias relativas. La significancia dentro de categorías y regiones se midió utilizando la prueba exacta de Fischer. Resultados: De los 1208 prescriptores invitados, 806 (66.7%) respondieron la encuesta. Disponibilidad: el 76,43% reportó barreras. La barrera más citada fue la relacionada con las "farmacias autorizadas por las aseguradoras de salud", donde los opioides con frecuencia no están disponibles. Acceso: el 74,6% reportó barreras. Se citó con mayor frecuencia la "Dificultad para obtener la autorización de pago de medicamentos por parte de las aseguradoras". Se observaron diferencias significativas entre regiones y "costos" (p=0,02). La falta de coordinación entre las entidades de adquisición y distribución afecta la disponibilidad. La limitada conciencia y los procedimientos burocráticos afectan la accesibilidad. Conclusiones: Existen barreras de disponibilidad y acceso a los opioides en Colombia, las cuales están relacionadas con la estructura disponible para garantizar un suministro equitativo. Desde el punto de vista de los prescriptores, los problemas relacionados con la disponibilidad de las farmacias, la prescripción y el costo de los medicamentos, obstaculizan el tratamiento adecuado del dolor.

Efficacy of opioids and non-opioid analgesics in the treatment of post procedure pain of burned patients: a narrative review.

INTRODUCTION: Burns are a common trauma that cause acute severe pain in up to 80% of patients. The objective of this narrative review is to evaluate the efficacy of opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, paracetamol, gabapentinoids, ketamine, and lidocaine in the treatment of acute pain in burn victims. METHODOLOGY: The databases explored were PubMed, Embase, ClinicalTrials, and OpenGrey. The included randomized, controlled clinical trials assessed the analgesic efficacy of these drugs on hospitalized patients, had no age limit, patients were in the acute phase of the burn injury and were compared to placebo or other analgesic drugs. Studies describing deep sedation, chronic opioid use, chronic pain, and patients taken to reconstructive surgeries were excluded. The Jadad scale was used to evaluate quality. RESULTS: Six randomized controlled clinical trials (397 patients) that evaluated the analgesic efficacy of fentanyl (n = 2), nalbuphine (n = 1), ketamine (n = 1), gabapentin (n = 1), and lidocaine (n = 1) to treat post-procedural pain were included. Fentanyl, nalbuphine, and ketamine were effective, while lidocaine was associated with a slight increase in reported pain and gabapentin showed no significant differences. Two studies were of high quality, one was of medium high quality, and three were of low quality. No studies on the efficacy of NSAIDs or paracetamol were found. CONCLUSION: Evidence of efficacy is very limited. Fentanyl, nalbuphine, and ketamine seem to be effective for controlling acute pain in burn patients, whereas gabapentin and lidocaine did not show any efficacy.

Characteristics of patients undergoing robotic-assisted prostatectomy. Observational study / Características de pacientes sometidos a prostatectomía robótica. Estudio observacional

Abstract Introduction Prostatectomy is the standard treatment for patients with clinically localized prostate cancer. Currently, robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is widely used for its advantages, as it provides better visualization, precision, and reduced tissue manipulation. However, RARP requires a multidisciplinary approach in which anesthesia and analgesia management are especially important. Objective This study aims to describe our experience delivering anesthesia for the first cases of patients undergoing RARP in a teaching hospital in Bogotá, Colombia. Methodology An observational study was conducted. We included all patients undergoing RARP from September 2015 to December 2019 at Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá. All patients with incomplete data were excluded. Patient demographics were recorded, and significant perioperative events were reviewed. Results A total of 301 patients were included. At our institution, the mean age for patients undergoing RARP was 61.4 ± 6.7 years. The mean operative time was 205 ± 43 min and mean blood loss was 300 [200400] mL. Only 6 (2%) patients required transfusion. Age and BMI were not associated with clinical outcomes. Conclusions An adequate perioperative approach in RARP is important to minimize complications, which in this study and in this institution were infrequent.

Resumen Introducción La prostatectomía es el tratamiento estándar para pacientes con cáncer de próstata localizado. Actualmente, la prostatectomía radical asistida por robot es ampliamente utilizada por sus ventajas en visualización, precisión y manipulación de los tejidos. Sin embargo, este abordaje requiere un manejo multidisciplinario, pues el enfoque analgésico y anestésico es fundamental para optimizar los desenlaces. Objetivo Describir los primeros casos de prostatectomía radical asistida por robot realizadas en un hospital universitario de cuarto nivel en Bogotá, Colombia. Metodología Estudio observacional en el cual se incluyeron todos los pacientes sometidos a prostatectomía radical asistida por robot (PRAR) en el hospital Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá entre septiembre de 2015 y diciembre de 2019. Se excluyeron los pacientes con historia clínica incompleta. Se registraron los datos demográficos y se revisaron los eventos perioperatorios importantes. Resultados Se analizaron 301 pacientes. La edad media de pacientes sometidos a PRAR fue 61,4 ± 6,7 años. El tiempo quirúrgico promedio fue 205 ± 43 minutos y la pérdida sanguínea media fue 300 [200-400] mL. Solo 6 pacientes (2 %) requirieron transfusión. La edad y el IMC no mostraron una asociación relevante con los desenlaces clínicos. Conclusiones El adecuado abordaje perioperatorio en PRAR es importante para minimizar las complicaciones, las cuales en este estudio y en esta institución fueron infrecuentes.

Defining trajectories of acute pain in surgical patients short title: acute pain follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Assessment of acute postoperative pain is mandatory for effective treatments. Pain trajectories may help professionals improve treatments. It has been suggested that uncontrolled pain in the immediate postoperative period generates higher pain intensities on the following days of hospital stay. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between pain during the first postoperative hour and the first 24 postoperative hours. METHODS: Setting: a general university hospital. Study design: a prospective observational, analytical study of patients undergoing surgical procedures under general anesthesia and hospitalized for at least 24 hours. Five assessments of pain were carried out during the first hour in the recovery room followed by three assessments during the first 24 hours. The slopes of pain trajectories were calculated, and the relationship between them was analyzed. RESULTS: 234 patients were recruited, 31.3% had uncontrolled pain on arrival at the recovery room; at the end of the first 24 hours after surgery, 5.5% of the patients had uncontrolled pain. The first pain intensity score in the recovery room correlated negatively with the slope for the first hour (P1): rS = -0.657 (p = 0.000). Similarly, the first pain intensity score had a negative association with the pain trajectory slope during the hospital stay (P2): rS = -0.141 (p = 0.032). When comparing the two slopes, a nonsignificant negative correlation was found: rS = -0.126. CONCLUSIONS: the trajectory of pain during the first hour does not predict the behavior of the trajectory during the first day after surgery.

Defining trajectories of acute pain in surgical patients short title: acute pain follow-up

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: Assessment of acute postoperative pain is mandatory for effective treatments. Pain trajectories may help professionals improve treatments. It has been suggested that uncontrolled pain in the immediate postoperative period generates higher pain intensities on the following days of hospital stay. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between pain during the first postoperative hour and the first 24 postoperative hours. METHODS: Setting: a general university hospital. Study design: a prospective observational, analytical study of patients undergoing surgical procedures under general anesthesia and hospitalized for at least 24 hours. Five assessments of pain were carried out during the first hour in the recovery room followed by three assessments during the first 24 hours. The slopes of pain trajectories were calculated, and the relationship between them was analyzed. RESULTS: 234 patients were recruited, 31.3% had uncontrolled pain on arrival at the recovery room; at the end of the first 24 hours after surgery, 5.5% of the patients had uncontrolled pain. The first pain intensity score in the recovery room correlated negatively with the slope for the first hour (P1): rS = −0.657 (p = 0.000). Similarly, the first pain intensity score had a negative association with the pain trajectory slope during the hospital stay (P2): rS = −0.141 (p = 0.032). When comparing the two slopes, a nonsignificant negative correlation was found: rS = −0.126. CONCLUSIONS: the trajectory of pain during the first hour does not predict the behavior of the trajectory during the first day after surgery.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: A avaliação da dor pós-operatória aguda é obrigatória para tratamentos eficientes. As trajetórias da dor podem ajudar os profissionais a melhorar os tratamentos. Tem sido sugerido que a falta de controle da dor no período pós-operatório imediato vai gerar maior intensidade dessa dor durante os dias seguintes de estadia no hospital. OBJETIVO: Determinar o relacionamento entre a dor durante a primeira hora pós-operatória e as 24 horas após a mesma. MÉTODOS: Lugar da pesquisa: Hospital universitário geral. Desenho do estudo: Foi feito um estudo analítico prospectivo operacional com pacientes submetidos a procedimentos cirúrgicos sob anestesia geral e que foram hospitalizados pelo menos 24 horas antes. Cinco avaliações de dor foram feitas na primeira hora na sala de recuperação, seguidas de três avaliações durante as primeiras 24 horas. Os declives das trajetórias da dor foram calculados e seu relacionamento entre elas foi analisado. RESULTADOS: Duzentos e trinta e quatro pacientes foram recrutados, 31,3% apresentaram dor não controlada no ingresso à sala de recuperação; no final das primeiras 24 horas após a cirurgia, 5,5% dos pacientes apresentaram dor não controlada. O score da primeira intensidade de dor na sala de recuperação teve uma correlação negativa com o declive da primeira hora (P1): rS = −0,657 (p=0,000). De maneira similar, o score na primeira intensidade de dor teve uma associação negativa com o declive da trajetória da dor durante a permanência no hospital (P2): rS = −0,141 (p=0,032). Quando comparados os dois declives, não foi encontrada uma correlação significativa: rS = −0,126. CONCLUSÃO: A trajetória da dor durante a primeira hora não prediz o comportamento da trajetória durante o primeiro dia após a cirurgia.

Opioids in the immune system: from experimental studies to clinical practice.

INTRODUCTION: Opioids interact with both innate and adaptive immune systems and have direct effects on opioid receptors located on immune cells. Research on this topic has provided evidence of the opioid influence on the immune response associated with surgical stress. The immunological effects of opioids are currently being investigated, particularly whether they influence the outcome of surgery or the underlying disease regarding important aspects like infection or cancer progression. This review addresses background research related to the influence of the opioid receptor on the immune system, the immunosuppressive effect associated with major opioids during the perioperative period, and their clinical relevance. The objective of the study was to review the effects of opioids on the immune system.

Opioids in the immune system: from experimental studies to clinical practice

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: Opioids interact with both innate and adaptive immune systems and have direct effects on opioid receptors located on immune cells. Research on this topic has provided evidence of the opioid influence on the immune response associated with surgical stress. The immunological effects of opioids are currently being investigated, particularly whether they influence the outcome of surgery or the underlying disease regarding important aspects like infection or cancer progression. This review addresses background research related to the influence of the opioid receptor on the immune system, the immunosuppressive effect associated with major opioids during the perioperative period, and their clinical relevance. The objective of the study was to review the effects of opioids on the immune system. Methods: A search strategy was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane databases using the terms "immunosuppression," "immune system," "surgical procedures," "analgesics," "opioids" and "perioperative care." Results: The immunosuppressive effect of opioids was identified over 30 years ago. They include signaling and acting directly through immune cells, including B and T lymphocytes, NK cells, monocytes, and macrophages, as well as activating the downstream pathways of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis leading to the production of immunosuppressive glucocorticoids in the peripheral and sympathetic nervous system.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: Os opioides interagem com ambos os sistemas imunes, inato e adaptativo, através de efeitos diretos sobre os receptores dos opioides localizados nas células imunes. As pesquisas neste assunto têm fornecido evidência da influência dos opioides sobre a resposta imune associada ao estresse cirúrgico. Os efeitos imunológicos dos opioides estão sendo pesquisados na atualidade, principalmente se eles determinam o resultado da cirurgia ou doença consequente devido a fatos importantes como infecção ou progressão do câncer. Essa revisão tem como alvo ver antecedentes em pesquisa relativa à influência dos receptores dos opioides no sistema imunológico, o efeito imunossupressor associado com opioides maiores durante o período peri-operatório e sua importância clínica. O objectivo da pesquisa foi revisar os efeitos dos opioides no sistema imunológico. MÉTODOS: Uma estrategia de procura foi dirigida na mídia PubMed, e no cadastro de Embase e The Cochrane, usando os termos "imunosuppressão", "sistema imunológico", "procedimentos cirúrgicos", "analgésicos", "opioides" e "cuidado peri-operatório". RESULTADOS: O efeito imunosuppressor dos opioides foi identificado há mais de 30 anos. Os efeitos imunosupressores incluem sinalização e ação diretamente através das células imunes, mesmo com os linfócitos B e T, células NK, monócitos e macrófagos, também como ativando as vias de corrente do eixo hipotálamo- hipófise- adrenal (HPA) levando à produção de glucocorticoides imunossupresores no sistema nervoso periférico e simpático.

Ketamina para analgesia de la plexopatía lumbosacra secundaria a la reparación de un aneurisma de aorta abdominal / Ketamine for analgesia of lumbosacral plexopathy secondary to the repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm / Ketamina para analgesia da plexopatia lombossacra secundária reparar um aneurisma da aorta abdominal

Introducción. El dolor agudo posoperatorio luego de una cirugía abierta de reparación de un aneurisma de la aorta abdominal usualmente es de gran intensidad; adicionalmente, pueden presentarse complicaciones in-traoperatorias que aumentan la nocicepción. Aunque los opioides son la base del tratamiento analgésico, su utilización está limitada por el riesgo de depresión respiratoria y su potencial de abuso. La ketamina es una opción que proporciona analgesia y disminuye la utilización de opioides. Presentación del caso. Paciente masculino de 62 años con aneurisma de la aorta abdominal a quien se le realizó reparación endovascular y por laparotomía. En el posoperatorio presentó embolismo distal con dolor se-vero que requirió explante de endoprótesis y revascularización. El dolor fue descrito como severo a insoportable, de tipo corrientazo e incidental y con alodinia plantar, disminución de la propiocepción y ausencia de pul-sos; la electromiografía reportó polineuropatía axonal de expresión mode-rada a severa con compromiso asimétrico sugestivo de lesión del plexo. Discusión. Se consideró isquemia bilateral de plexo lumbosacro y se adi-cionó ketamina en infusión (bolo=1 mg/kg más infusión 0.5 mg/kg/hora), con lo cual se obtuvo mejoría significativa sin efectos secundarios y dismi-nución de la necesidad de opioides. Conclusión. La analgesia multimodal con ketamina es útil para tratar el dolor posoperatorio en cirugía de reparación de aneurisma abdominal con reducción de las necesidades de opioides.

Introduction. acute postoperative pain after abdominal aortic aneurysm is of high intensity; intraoperative complications may occur that increase nociception. Although opioids are the basis of analgesic treatment, their use is limited by the risk of respi-ratory depression and its potential for abuse. Ketamine is an option that provides analgesia and decreases the use of opioids.Case presentation. 62-year-old male patient with abdominal aortic aneurysm who underwent endovascular and open re-pair. In the postoperative period he developed contralateral distal embolism with severe pain in the right buttock that re-quired the stent explant and new revascularization. The pain was described as severe, incidental, with plantar allodynia, de-creased proprioception and absence of pulses; electromyogra-phy reported moderate to severe axonal polyneuropathy with asymmetric compromise suggestive of plexus injury. Discussion. bilateral lumbosacral plexus ischemia was suspec-ted, and ketamine was started (bolus = 1mg / kg plus infusion 0.5 mg / kg / hour), with significant improvement. Conclusion. multimodal analgesia with ketamine is useful for postoperative analgesia in abdominal aneurysm repair surgery with improved analgesia and reduced opioid requirements.

Introdução. A dor aguda no pósoperatório após uma cirurgia aberta para reparar um aneurisma da aorta abdominal é geral-mente de grande intensidade; Alémdisso, podem ocorrer com-plicações intraoperatórias que aumentam a nocicepção. Embo-ra os opióides sejam a base do tratamento analgésico, seu uso é limitado pelo risco de depressão respiratória e seu potencial de abuso. A ketamina é uma opção que fornece analgesia e diminui o uso de opióides.Apresentação de caso. Paciente do sexo masculino, 62 anos, com aneurisma da aorta abdominal, submetido a reparo endo-vascular e laparotomia. No pós-operatório, apresentava embo-lia distal com dor intensa que exigia stent e explante de revas-cularização. A dor foi descrita como severa a insuportável, de curto prazo e incidental e com alodinia plantar, diminuição da propriocepção e ausência de pulsos; A eletromiografia relatou polineuropatia axonal moderada a grave com comprometi-mento assimétrico sugestivo de lesão do plexo.Discussão. Considerou-se isquemia bilateral do plexo lombos-sacro e a ketamina foi adicionada como infusão (bolus = 1 mg / kg mais infusão 0,5 mg / kg / hora), o que resultou em melhora significativa sem efeitos colaterais e diminuição da necessidade de opioides.Conclusão. A analgesia multimodal com ketamina é útil no tra-tamento da dor pós-operatória em cirurgias de reparo de aneu-risma abdominal com necessidade reduzida de opióides.

Peri-articular injection of an analgesic mixture in primary total hip arthroplasty: an effective strategy for pain control during the first post-operative day.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies of soft tissue infiltration in hip arthroplasty present variable results. The purpose of this study is to identify whether injection of an analgesic mixture improves pain management during the immediate post-operative period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cohort study compared 129 patients that received peri-articular soft tissue injection with 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine and 2 ml of ketorolac (30 mg/1 ml) in 28 ml of saline solution, with 71 patients who did not received injections. Pain intensity in the Verbal Analog Scale (VAS), opioid titration, and consumption (mg morphine equivalents) in the post-anaesthetic care unit (PACU) and during the first post-operative day were assessed for both groups. All patients received the same analgesia protocol. RESULTS: Median VAS score in the PACU was 4 (IQR 2-7) in the injection group and 7 (IQR 4-8) in the non-injection group (p = 0.001). Median opioid titration was 0 mg for the injection group and 2.6 mg for the non-injection group (p = 0.011). In the first post-operative day, the difference in VAS scores between groups was statistically significant (p = 0.009), but there was no difference in opioid consumption. CONCLUSION: Soft tissue injection with local anesthetics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs allows adequate pain control in the immediate post-operative period and reduces the requirement for opioid consumption. We recommend the implementation of this safe and effective strategy in post-operative pain management after primary hip arthroplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, cohort study.

Analgesic Effect of Dexamethasone after Arthroscopic Knee Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background. Dexamethasone is sometimes used as a coanalgesic because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Objective. To evaluate opioid use, postoperative pain intensity, and side effects after a single dose of dexamethasone in patients undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. Methods. In this randomized controlled study patients were randomized to receive either 10 mg of intravenous dexamethasone (DM group) or 0.9% normal saline (NS group) during the intraoperative period. Primary outcomes were pain intensity and total morphine and codeine use after surgery. Results. Seventy-eight patients were included in the study. The DM group showed statistically significant higher pain intensity at the fourth postoperative hour (DM: 3.96/10, standard deviation [SD] 0.54; NS: 2.46/10, SD 0.45; p = 0.036). No statistically significant difference in total opioid use (morphine plus codeine) was identified with 15.9 (SD 1.97) codeine tablets used in DM group and 20 (SD 2.14) in NS group (p = 0.25). Discussion. Pain intensity tended to decrease in both groups suggesting morphine as the main source of analgesia. Conclusions. Intravenous dexamethasone during the intraoperative period has no clinical impact on postoperative pain intensity during the first 48 h after arthroscopic knee surgery. This trial is registered with R000020892.

Neuroestimulador espinal para el tratamiento de la angina cardiaca refractaria / Spinal neurostimulator for the treatment of refractory cardiac angina

La angina refractaria es una condición clínica frecuente y debilitante en la que los síntomas persisten a pesar de la terapia médica óptima, cuando la intervención coronaria percutánea o la revascularización miocárdica es inviable o sus riesgos injustificados. La supervivencia de los pacientes con este diagnóstico es similar a la descrita para enfermedad isquémica coronaria crónica. Las opciones terapéuticas deben enfocarse en el alivio de la angina y en la mejoría de la calidad de vida. Recientemente se han propuesto varias alternativas para el tratamiento de la angina refractaria. Se reporta la experiencia de un grupo multidisciplinario en Colombia referente al implante de un neuroestimulador medular para el manejo de la angina refractaria.

Refractory angina (RA) is a common and debilitating clinical condition, characterized by the persistence of symptoms despite optimal medical therapy, along with unfeasible percutaneous coronary interventions or myocardial revascularization. The survival of patients with this diagnosis is similar to that of patients with chronic ischemic heart disease. Therapeutic options should focus on relieving angina and improving quality of life. Recently, several alternatives have been proposed for the treatment of RA. We describe the experience led by a Colombian multidisciplinary group, regarding the placement of a spinal neuro-stimulator for the management of a patient with RA.

Estrategias y obstáculos para el desarrollo de la investigación en programas de anestesiología: documento de consenso en Colombia / Strategies and obstacles to research development in anesthesiology programs: consensus document in Colombia

La práctica clínica perioperatoria en Latinoamérica está influenciada por investigación generada y publicada en países desarrollados. Afortunadamente, las condiciones económicas cada vez más favorables para la ciencia en los países en vías de desarrollo, sumado al incremento en la visibilidad de nuestras publicaciones científicas, han desencadenado un incremento en el interés por mejorar los estándares de la calidad de la investigación local y a su vez en los trabajos de grado que se generan durante los estudios de posgrado en anestesiología. El presente documento es el resultado de la participación y discusión activa de los expositores y asistentes al evento: «Simposio de investigaciones en Anestesia: El camino para participar en la sociedad del conocimiento¼, organizado por la Sociedad Antioqueña de Anestesiología y Reanimación (SADEA) y la Sociedad Colombiana de Anestesiología y Reanimación (SCARE) en el año 2011. El objetivo del documento es plantear estrategias para ajustar, planificar y mejorar los procesos de investigación, así como la creación y la divulgación del conocimiento generado en anestesiología, medicina del dolor y cuidado intensivo para Colombia y países afines. Incluimos recomendaciones para los programas de posgrado, las instituciones prestadoras de salud y sociedades de anestesiología.

Perioperative clinical practice in Latin America is influenced by research developed and published in developed countries. Fortunately, the increasingly favorable economic conditions for science in the developing countries, in addition to the heightened visibility of our scientific publications has triggered greater interest in improving the quality standards of local research and of the graduate theses generated in the course of graduate studies in anesthesiology. This document is the result of the active participation and discussion among the speakers attending the «Symposium on Research in Anesthesia: the path to participation in the society of knowledge¼, organized by the Society of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation of Antioquia (SADEA) and the Colombian Society of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (SCARE) in 2011. The purpose of the document is to discuss the strategies to adjust, plan and improve the research processes, as well as the creation and dissemination of knowledge generated in Anesthesiology, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care in Colombia and other developing countries. Recommendations have been included for graduate programs, health care providers and the societies of anesthesiology.

A review of opioid prescription in a teaching hospital in Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: Review of opioid prescriptions in a hospital provides valuable information to health care professionals which may contribute to proper pain management; opioid utilization studies may help uncover factors that can be improved for better prescribing. To evaluate the use of opioid analgesics in a university hospital, a review of opioids prescribed in hospitalized patients was developed. METHODS: Information was obtained from the pharmacy database and medical records. The study period was 1 month. RESULTS: Medical records of 1156 patients admitted in July 2009 were analyzed. The most widely prescribed opioid was tramadol; the preferred administration route was intravenous; the main indication was severe pain; and major prescribers were from surgical departments. DISCUSSION: Underutilization of potent opioids for acute and chronic pain seems to occur. CONCLUSION: Most prescribers prefer weak opioids, given intravenously to treat acute and chronic pain, while some patients may benefit from the prescription of more potent opioids.

Cuando el cáncer de seno no significa insatisfacción sexual. Un estudio comparativo / No disponible

El cáncer de seno es considerado un problema de salud pública, en la medida en que actualmente se presenta como uno de los factores más comunes de morbimortalidad en mujeres de países de todo el mundo, y de Colombia. Aunque se haya verificado un aumento importante en el número de sobrevivientes de cáncer de seno, la vivencia de esta enfermedad puede comprometer aspectos relacionados con la sexualidad, lo que implica atribuir mayor relevancia a los procesos de adaptación psicosocial, y a su impacto en la calidad de vida de estas mujeres. Este estudio busca evaluar los niveles de satisfacción sexual de pacientes con cáncer de seno. Para esto, se recolectaron datos de 100 mujeres sanas y de 84 pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer de seno, en un hospital universitario en la ciudad de Bogotá. Se aplicó el Index of Sexual Satisfaction (ISS) y el Suplementary Questionnaire Breast Cancer Module (EORTC, QLQ BR-23). Los resultados mostraron que existen diferencias significativas en el nivel de insatisfacción sexual en los dos grupos (t(156)=9,33, p<0,001), pero contrario a lo que se esperaba, las pacientes se encuentran menos insatisfechas con su sexualidad (M=24,6, SD=17,5), en comparación con el grupo de mujeres sanas (M=46,9, SD=12,4). Los tratamientos que más se asocian con la insatisfacción sexual son la radioterapia (M=26,2, SD=16,6) y la terapia hormonal (M=26,3, SD=16,8) pero los resultados no fueron estadísticamente significativos. El disfrute (r=-0,542, p=0,01), el interés en el sexo (r=-0,285, p=0,015) y la vida sexual activa (r=-0,240, p=0,04) parecen ser aspectos protectores en cuanto al nivel de satisfacción sexual en las mujeres. El proceso de ajuste a la enfermedad puede variar de acuerdo a las características de la paciente, de la enfermedad, y del trascurso de la misma, lo que lleva a concluir que un diagnóstico de esta naturaleza es de carácter multidimensional. Asimismo, la reinterpretación de los acercamientos entre la pareja, el ofrecimiento de apoyo y la valoración de la relación como satisfactoria, pueden mediar la interpretación de la vida sexual. Más allá de los aspectos físicos presentes en el nivel de satisfacción sexual, existen otros aspectos de orden emocional que pueden llegar a predecir la satisfacción reportada por la persona (AU)

Breast cancer is currently considered a public health problem, since it is one of the most common factors of morbidity and mortality in women in countries around the world, and also in Colombia. Although there has been an increase in the number of breast cancer survivors, the experience of the disease may compromise sexuality aspects, which highlights the importance of the process of psychological adaptation, and its impact on the quality of life of these women. This study aims to assess the levels of sexual dissatisfaction in patients with breast cancer. For this purpose, 100 healthy women were interviewed and their answers were compared to those of 84 patients diagnosed with breast cancer, contacted through a university hospital in Bogotá. The Index of Sexual Satisfaction (ISS) and the Supplementary Questionnaire Breast Cancer Module (EORTC QLQ BR-23) were applied. The results showed significant differences in the level of sexual dissatisfaction in both groups (t(156)= 9.33, p<0.001), where the group of patients was less dissatisfied with their sexuality (M=24.6, SD=17.5), compared with the group of healthy women (M=46.9, SD=12.4). The treatments that are mostly associated with sexual dissatisfaction are (AU)