Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation for Trigeminal Neuralgia Management: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Sham-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Trigeminal neuralgia, considered by many the worst pain that humankind can experience, has been called "the suicide disease." Neuroablative procedures are good options when conservative treatment fails to promote pain relief or in those whose side effects are unbearable. The objective was to compare the effectiveness and safety of trigeminal percutaneous radiofrequency ablation in classical refractory trigeminal neuralgia in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial. We included 30 consecutive patients with classical trigeminal neuralgia who had failed to respond to drug treatment. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups: a thermal radiofrequency and a sham group. The thermal radiofrequency group were submitted to a 75°C lesion for 60 seconds after proper sensory and motor stimulation. All steps were carried out in the sham group except the thermal lesion. Patients were evaluated using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire, and anticonvulsant dose. After 1 month, the mean NRS score decreased from 9.2 to 0.7 in the radiofrequency group and from 8.9 to 5.8 in the sham group. This significant reduction was measurable starting at day one after the procedure and remained significant throughout the first month. Changing groups was allowed after one month, after which the pain reduction was similar between the two groups. Percutaneous trigeminal radiofrequency ablation results in statistically and clinically significant greater pain relief than the sham procedure after 1 month of follow-up. These results support using radiofrequency nerve ablation as a treatment for refractory trigeminal neuralgia.

Customized Photobiomodulation Modulates Pain and Alters Thermography Pattern in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Double-Blind Pilot Study.

Background: Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) modulates a wide variety of biological processes, leading to anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Understanding the mechanisms underlying therapeutic effects of PBMT remains challenging due to varying outcomes observed between wavelengths, dosage, and site of application. Our research group has dedicated close attention to customization and individualization of dosimetry for PBMT protocols. Preliminary data showed that using an individualized treatment could solve contradictory results reported by previous studies. Based on literature and our preliminary data on light absorption, the goal of the present pilot is to determine whether our individualized dosimetry is a feasible method to assist osteoarthritis (OA) pain control. Methods: This parallel two-arm controlled-pilot study aimed to assess whether personalized PBMT can be effective in the treatment of painful chronic knee OA. Thirty-one patients were randomly allocated into treatment and placebo group (sham irradiation), and the treatment procedure was performed twice a week, for 5 weeks. The PBMT was applied using 850 nm with continuous wave and a total of 526-1402 J each session. Individualized dosimetry was chosen based on each patient's body mass index and skin color. Quality-of-life (QOL) questionnaires and serum/urine analyses were performed before and after treatment was over. Both examiners and participants were blinded to group allocation. Results: Pain scores were reduced significantly in the 4th, 5th, and 10th sessions and remained lower 6 weeks posttherapy in the treatment group when compared to the placebo group. Moreover, the treatment group's results were improved in QOL questionnaires score, dopamine level, and in microcirculation. Conclusions: The present results provide initial evidence that customized photobiomodulation (PBM) reduce pain levels in short- and medium-term in patients with symptomatic knee OA when compared to placebo group. Furthermore, we have provided evidence that customized PBM is able to improve the QOL of those patients.

Brief interprofessional intervention for chronic pain management: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To test the effects of a brief interprofessional intervention for chronic pain management. METHODS: Before and after pilot study. The brief interprofessional intervention had a psychoeducational focus and was based on the Self-Efficacy Theory, using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy strategies. The intervention aimed to improve the management of chronic pain. It was conducted in group, over six weeks, with a two-hour weekly meeting, including educational strategies on pain management, stretching, and relaxation techniques. Self-efficacy, pain intensity, disability, fatigue, and depressive symptoms were assessed. Data were analyzed using the paired t-test and Pearson's correlation. RESULTS: Adults with moderate to severe pain took part in the study. Post-intervention analysis showed significant improvement in self-efficacy (p = 0.004) and significant reduction in pain intensity (p = 0.024), disability (p = 0.012), fatigue (p = 0.001), and depressive symptoms (p = 0.042). CONCLUSION: The effects of brief interprofessional intervention were positive for chronic pain management. We suggest the conduction of studies with more robust designs and a larger sample to confirm these findings.

Brief multidisciplinary intervention for chronic pain management: pilot feasibility study / Intervenção multidisciplinar breve para manejo da dor crônica: estudo piloto de viabilidade

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic pain has a negative impact on the quality of life of individuals and requires multidisciplinary attention. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a brief multidisciplinary intervention for the management of chronic pain. METHODS: A pilot feasibility study. The participants were individuals with chronic pain. The intervention had a psychoeducational focus and was carried out in a group for six weeks, with a two-hour weekly meeting. Participants received education on pain management, practiced stretching and relaxation techniques. The intervention was applied by two nurses, a psychologist and a physical therapist. The specific objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of the intervention through indicators of acceptability and feasibility. RESULTS: Forty-eight people with chronic pain eligible to participate in the study were identified. Among the acceptability indicators, the acceptance rate to participate in the intervention was 52% and the retention rate among participants was 60%. The rate of adherence to the recommendations was moderate for walking (53.3%) and satisfactory for stretching (100%) and relaxation (73.3%). As for the feasibility indicators, the following aspects were considered "great": access to the intervention site (83.3%), the intervention room (66.6%), the intervention content (86.6%) and the number of sessions (46.6%). All participants (100%) suggested increasing the number of sessions. CONCLUSION: The brief multidisciplinary intervention for chronic pain management was considered feasible and should be tested and implemented in primary care services and outpatient services specialized in pain management.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dor crônica provoca impacto negativo na qualidade de vida dos indivíduos e requer atenção multidisciplinar. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a viabilidade de uma intervenção multidisciplinar breve para manejo da dor crônica. MÉTODOS: Estudo clínico de viabilidade. Os participantes foram pessoas com dor crônica. A intervenção teve foco psicoeducativo e foi realizada em grupo, por seis semanas, com um encontro semanal de duas horas. Os participantes receberam educação sobre manejo da dor, praticaram alongamento e técnicas de relaxamento. A intervenção foi aplicada por duas enfermeiras, uma psicóloga e uma fisioterapeuta. O objetivo específico deste estudo foi avaliar a viabilidade da intervenção por meio de indicadores de aceitabilidade e viabilidade. RESULTADOS: Identificaram-se 48 pessoas com dor crônica elegíveis para participar do estudo. Entre os indicadores de aceitabilidade, a taxa de aceitação para participar da intervenção foi de 52% e a taxa de retenção foi de 60%. A taxa de adesão às recomendações foi moderada para caminhada (53,3%) e satisfatória para alongamento (100%) e relaxamento (73,3%). Quanto aos indicadores de viabilidade, foram considerados "ótimos": o acesso ao local da intervenção (83,3%), a sala da intervenção (66,6%), o conteúdo da intervenção (86,6%) e o número de sessões (46,6%). Todos os participantes (100%) sugeriram aumentar o número de sessões. CONCLUSÃO: A intervenção multidisciplinar breve para manejo da dor crônica foi considerada viável e deve ser testada e implantada em serviços de atenção primária e serviços ambulatoriais especializados no tratamento da dor.

Erector spinae plane block on pain management after thoracic surgical approaches due to COVID-19 complications. Case reports / Bloqueio do plano dos músculos eretores da espinha no manejo de dor pós-abordagens cirúrgicas torácicas por complicações da COVID-19. Relato de casos

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Erector spinae plane block is an interfascial plane block used as a tool for management of pain resulting from thoracic and abdominal surgical procedures described in the literature since 2016 and widely used in clinical practice. In the context of the pandemic caused by Sars-CoV-2, multiple pulmonary complications arising from severe viral pneumonia and respiratory failure that required surgical approaches for their investigation and/or treatment were observed. The present study's objective was to present a series of three cases of patients affected by COVID-19 who had pulmonary complications due to infection or exacerbation of previous pulmonary diseases caused by the new coronavirus, in which the continuous fascial plane block was successfully used for postoperative pain management. CASE REPORTS: Three cases of patients with COVID-19 viral pneumonia requiring diagnostic or therapeutic thoracic surgery who underwent erector spinae plane block for perioperative pain management were presented. CONCLUSION: The use of a catheter with continuous infusion of local anesthetic was useful for reducing analgesic rescue and maintaining good postoperative analgesia with no evidence of adverse effects in the presented patients, also allowing acceleration of postoperative recovery and a better outcome for the patients.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O bloqueio do plano dos músculos eretores da espinha é um bloqueio do plano interfascial usado como ferramenta para manejo de dor consequente a procedimentos cirúrgicos torácicos e abdominais descrito na literatura desde 2016 e amplamente utilizado na prática clínica. No contexto da pandemia causada pelo Sars-CoV-2, foram observadas múltiplas complicações pulmonares decorrentes de pneumonia viral grave e insuficiência respiratória que demandaram abordagens cirúrgicas para sua investigação e/ou tratamento. O objetivo deste estudo foi apresentar uma série de três casos de pacientes acometidos pela COVID-19 que tiveram complicações pulmonares pela infecção ou exacerbação de doença pulmonar prévia causada pelo novo coronavírus, nos quais o recurso do bloqueio do plano fascial contínuo foi utilizado para manejo de dor pós-operatória com sucesso. RELATO DOS CASOS: Foram apresentados três casos de pacientes acometidos pelo COVID-19 em sua forma de pneumonia viral, para os quais houve necessidade de cirurgia torácica diagnóstica ou terapêutica, e que foram submetidos ao bloqueio do plano dos músculos eretores da espinha para manejo da dor perioperatória. CONCLUSÃO: O uso de cateter com infusão contínua de anestésico local foi útil para a diminuição dos resgates analgésicos e manutenção de boa analgesia pós-operatória sem evidência de efeitos adversos nos pacientes apresentados, possibilitando ainda a aceleração da recuperação pós-operatória e um melhor desfecho para os pacientes.

Efficacy and Safety of Ketamine in the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Purpose: Ketamine is a N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist with strong analgesic properties. Its addition to the treatment of neuropathic pain may reduce pain intensity and improve overall quality of life. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was performed to investigate the addition of ketamine to the treatment of patients with neuropathic pain. Patients and Methods: GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach was used to rate the overall certainty of the evidence for each outcome. Eighteen (18) randomized controlled trials including 706 participants were included for further analysis. Results: Ketamine addition to standard treatment of neuropathic pain (NP) resulted in a statistically significant reduction of pain intensity at one week after the end of treatment with ketamine (MD -2.14, 95% CI -2.65 to -1.63; p<0.00001) and after 30 days after the end of treatment with ketamine (MD -1.68, 95% CI -2.25 to -1.12; p<0.00001) and a statistically significant increase in discomfort (RR 4.06; 95% CI 1.18 to 13.95; p=0.03), and psychedelic effects (RR 4.94; 95% CI 2.76 to 8.84; p<0.00001). Conclusion: There is a statistically significant pain reduction by adding ketamine to the treatment of chronic NP when compared to the standard treatment. However, such pain reduction comes at the expense of adverse outcomes, especially psychedelic effects related to the administration of ketamine. However, the overall quality of certainty of evidence is low due to the clinical heterogeneity among the intervention characteristics of the trials analyzed (different administration routes, dosing regimen, therapy durations, different clinical characteristics of the population investigated). Future large multi-centered trials are necessary to confirm or not the results of the present review.

Brief interprofessional intervention for chronic pain management: a pilot study / Breve intervención interprofesional para el manejo del dolor crónico: un estudio piloto / Intervenção interprofissional breve para manejo da dor crônica: estudo piloto

ABSTRACT Objective: To test the effects of a brief interprofessional intervention for chronic pain management. Methods: Before and after pilot study. The brief interprofessional intervention had a psychoeducational focus and was based on the Self-Efficacy Theory, using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy strategies. The intervention aimed to improve the management of chronic pain. It was conducted in group, over six weeks, with a two-hour weekly meeting, including educational strategies on pain management, stretching, and relaxation techniques. Self-efficacy, pain intensity, disability, fatigue, and depressive symptoms were assessed. Data were analyzed using the paired t-test and Pearson's correlation. Results: Adults with moderate to severe pain took part in the study. Post-intervention analysis showed significant improvement in self-efficacy (p = 0.004) and significant reduction in pain intensity (p = 0.024), disability (p = 0.012), fatigue (p = 0.001), and depressive symptoms (p = 0.042). Conclusion: The effects of brief interprofessional intervention were positive for chronic pain management. We suggest the conduction of studies with more robust designs and a larger sample to confirm these findings.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Probar los efectos de una breve intervención interprofesional en el manejo del dolor crónico. Método: Estudio piloto, de tipo antes y después. La breve intervención interprofesional, de enfoque psicoeducativo, estuvo basada en la Teoría de la Autoeficacia, con el uso de estrategias de Terapia Cognitivo-Conductual. La intervención tuvo como propósito mejorar el manejo del dolor crónico. Se realizó en grupo durante seis semanas, con una reunión semanal de dos horas, incluidas estrategias educativas sobre el manejo del dolor, estiramiento y técnicas de relajación. Se evaluaron la autoeficacia, la intensidad del dolor, la discapacidad, la fatiga y los síntomas depresivos. Los datos se analizaron utilizando la prueba t pareada y la correlación de Pearson. Resultados: En el estudio participaron adultos con dolor de moderado a severo. El análisis posintervención apuntó a una mejora significativa en la autoeficacia (p = 0,004) y una significativa reducción en la intensidad del dolor (p = 0,024), discapacidad (p = 0,012), fatiga (p = 0,001) y síntomas depresivos (p = 0,042). Conclusión: Los efectos de la breve intervención interprofesional fueron positivos en el manejo del dolor crónico. Se sugieren estudios con diseños más robustos y una muestra más grande para confirmar estos hallazgos.

RESUMO Objetivo: Testar os efeitos de uma intervenção interprofissional breve para manejo da dor crônica. Método: Estudo piloto do tipo antes e depois. A intervenção interprofissional breve teve enfoque psicoeducativo e foi baseada na Teoria da Autoeficácia, com utilização de estratégias da Terapia Cognitivo-Comportamental. A finalidade da intervenção foi melhorar o manejo da dor crônica. Realizada em grupo, ao longo de seis semanas, com um encontro semanal de duas horas, incluindo estratégias educativas sobre manejo da dor, alongamento e técnicas de relaxamento. Autoeficácia, intensidade da dor, incapacidade, fadiga e sintomas depressivos foram avaliados. Os dados foram analisados por meio do teste t-pareado e correlação de Pearson. Resultados: Participaram do estudo adultos com dor moderada a intensa. A análise pós-intervenção mostrou melhora significativa da autoeficácia (p = 0,004) e redução significativa da intensidade da dor (p = 0,024), incapacidade (p = 0,012), fadiga (p = 0,001) e sintomas depressivos (p = 0,042). Conclusão: Os efeitos da intervenção interprofissional breve foram positivos para manejo da dor crônica. Sugere-se estudos com desenhos mais robustos e amostra ampliada para confirmar estes achados.

Continuous peripheral nerve block for in-patients with lower limb ischemic pain.

OBJECTIVES: Demonstrate that continuous peripheral nerve block (CPNB) may be an alternative with adequate analgesia and a lower incidence of side effects for ischemic pain due peripheral obstructive arterial disease (POAD). METHODS: Retrospective cohort study with 21 patients with POAD, Fontaine IV graded, with foot pain. Patients were submitted to continuous sciatic nerve block (CSNB), through a perineural catheter. Primary outcomes were pain intensity (by numerical rating scale) and opioid consumption (in oral morphine equivalents). RESULTS: During CSNB, pain scores markedly decreased in comparison to the pre-block period. CONCLUSIONS: CPNB may be a good option for ischemic pain treatment in in-patients, as it provides effective pain control with fewer adverse effects.

Risk factors for post-caesarean nausea and vomiting: a prospective prognostic study / Fatores de risco para náusea e vômitos após cesariana: estudo prognóstico prospectivo

Abstract Background: Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) risk factors have not been defined for obstetric patients. In this study, our objective was to identify potential risk factors for PONV after cesarean sections performed under spinal anesthesia. Methods: One cohort of patients submitted to cesarean under spinal anesthesia was used to investigate potential risk factors for PONV. The best numerical risk factors were dichotomized using chi-squared method. A conditional independence (incremental association method) casual network was used to select the best predictors for PONV. Results: Two hundred and fifty of 260 patients remained in the study. Odds ratio for PONV of younger maternal age (< 25 years: 2.9 [1.49−5.96]), lower spinal bupivacaine dose (< 13 mg, inf [2.4-inf]), lower spinal morphine dose (< 80 mg, 0.03 [0−0.97]), history of motion sickness (2.5 [1.27−5.25]), significant nausea during the first trimester (0.3 [0.16−0.64]), intraoperative nausea and vomiting (8.2 [3.67−20.47]), and lower gestational age (< 38 weeks, 2.0 [1.01−4.08]) were statistically significant. The causal network selected absence of significant nausea during the first gestational trimester, intraoperative nausea, and gestational age < 38 weeks as the main direct risk factors for PONV. Conclusions: Intraoperative nausea and maternal age < 25 years were the main risk factors for PONV after cesareans under spinal anesthesia. Absence of self-reported nausea during the first trimester was a protective factor for post-cesarean nausea and vomiting.

Resumo Introdução: Os fatores de risco para náusea e vômitos pós-operatórios (NVPO) ainda não foram definidos para pacientes de obstetrícia. Neste estudo, nosso objetivo foi identificar potenciais fatores de risco para NVPO após parto cesariano realizado sob raquianestesia. Método: Uma coorte de pacientes submetidas a cesariana sob raquianestesia foi usada para investigar potenciais fatores de risco para NVPO. Os melhores fatores de risco numéricos foram dicotomizados por meio do método qui-quadrado. Uma rede casual de independência condicional (método de associação adicional) foi usada para selecionar os melhores preditores de NVPO. Resultados: Das 260 pacientes iniciais, 250 completaram o estudo. A razão de chances para NVPO foi estatisticamente significante para menor idade materna (< 25 anos: 2,9 [1,49−5,96]), dose mais baixa de bupivacaina raquidiana (< 13 mg, inf [2,4-inf]), dose mais baixa de morfina raquidiana (< 80 mg, 0,03 [0−0,97]), histórico de enjoo de movimento (2,5 [1,27−5,25]), náuseas importantes durante o primeiro trimestre (0,3 [0,16−0,64]), náusea e vômitos intraoperatórios (8,2 [3,67−20,47]) e menor idade gestacional (< 38 semanas, 2,0 [1,01−4,08]). A rede causal selecionou ausência de náuseas significativas durante o primeiro trimestre gestacional, náusea intraoperatória e idade gestacional < 38 semanas como os principais fatores de risco diretos para NVPO. Conclusões: Náusea intraoperatória e idade materna < 25 anos foram os principais fatores de risco para NVPO após cesariana sob raquianestesia. A ausência de náusea autorreferida durante o primeiro trimestre foi um fator protetor para náusea e vômitos após cesariana.

[Risk factors for post-caesarean nausea and vomiting: a prospective prognostic study]. / Fatores de risco para náusea e vômitos após cesariana: estudo prognóstico prospectivo.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) risk factors have not been defined for obstetric patients. In this study, our objective was to identify potential risk factors for PONV after cesarean sections performed under spinal anesthesia. METHODS: One cohort of patients submitted to cesarean under spinal anesthesia was used to investigate potential risk factors for PONV. The best numerical risk factors were dichotomized using chi-squared method. A conditional independence (incremental association method) casual network was used to select the best predictors for PONV. RESULTS: Two hundred and fifty of 260 patients remained in the study. Odds ratio for PONV of younger maternal age (< 25 years: 2.9 [1.49-5.96]), lower spinal bupivacaine dose (< 13 mg, inf [2.4-inf]), lower spinal morphine dose (< 80 mg, 0.03 [0-0.97]), history of motion sickness (2.5 [1.27-5.25]), significant nausea during the first trimester (0.3 [0.16-0.64]), intraoperative nausea and vomiting (8.2 [3.67-20.47]), and lower gestational age (< 38 weeks, 2.0 [1.01-4.08]) were statistically significant. The causal network selected absence of significant nausea during the first gestational trimester, intraoperative nausea, and gestational age < 38 weeks as the main direct risk factors for PONV. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative nausea and maternal age < 25 years were the main risk factors for PONV after cesareans under spinal anesthesia. Absence of self-reported nausea during the first trimester was a protective factor for post-cesarean nausea and vomiting.

Aprepitant plus palonosetron for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after breast cancer surgery: a double blind, randomized trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the addition of a fourth antiemetic intervention in patients at high risk for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). METHODS: High-risk patients (Apfel score 3 or 4) scheduled for unilateral mastectomy were randomly allocated in one of two groups, oral aprepitant (oral aprepitant 80 mg, intravenous dexamethasone 8 mg, and palonosetron 0.075 mg) and oral placebo (oral placebo, intravenous dexamethasone 4 mg, and palonosetron 0.075 mg). Patients and caregivers were blinded to the group assignments. The primary efficacy endpoints included the incidence of nausea and vomiting, and the secondary endpoints included use of rescue antiemetics during a 48-hour postoperative period. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02431286. RESULTS: One hundred patients were enrolled in this study and 91 were analyzed, 48 in group A and 43 in group P. No patient presented with nausea or vomiting in the first 2 hours after surgery. From the 2nd to the 6th hour, the incidence of PONV was 8.33% in group A and 9.30% in group P. In the first 24 hours, the incidence of PONV was 27.08% in the group A and 20.93% in group P. From the 24th to the 48th hour, the incidence of PONV was 8.33% in group A and 13.95% in group P. There were no statistically significant differences in PONV between groups. CONCLUSION: The addition of aprepitant as a third antiemetic resulted in no significant reduction in the incidence of PONV in this population. However, the incidence of PONV was reduced in relation to the general population.

[Transdermal buprenorphine for acute postoperative pain: a systematic review]. / Uso da buprenorfina transdérmica na dor aguda pós­operatória: revisão sistemática.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Postoperative pain is still a major concern in several surgical procedures. Multimodal analgesia is best for postoperative pain management; however, opioid therapy is still the main treatment for pain after surgical procedures. Transdermal buprenorphine is a partial µ agonist opioid widely used for chronic pain syndromes, with limited evidence for acute postoperative pain. A systematic review of studies examining transdermal buprenorphine for acute pain management after surgery was conducted. CONTENTS: Data from PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CINAHL via EBSCOhost, and LILACS were reviewed, including randomized clinical trials that evaluated total postoperative pain, postoperative analgesic consumption, drug-related side effects and patient satisfaction with analgesia regimen. Data from nine studies (615 patients) were included in this review. Most studies initiated transdermal buprenorphine use 6 to 48 hours before surgery, maintaining use from 1 to 8 days after the procedure. Most studies showed lower or similar postoperative pain scores, postoperative analgesic consumption and patient satisfaction comparing buprenorphine to placebo, tramadol, celecoxib, flurbiprofen and parecoxib. The incidence of side effects varied between studies, with most showing no increase in drug-related side effects with buprenorphine use, except one study, which compared buprenorphine to oral tramadol, and one to transdermal fentanyl. However, most results were derived from evidence with an overall high or unclear risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: Although more studies are necessary, initial results show that transdermal buprenorphine seems to be an effective and safe opioid choice for management of acute postoperative pain.

Transdermal buprenorphine for acute postoperative pain: a systematic review / Uso da buprenorfina transdérmica na dor aguda pós-operatória: revisão sistemática

Background and objectives: Postoperative pain is still a major concern in several surgical procedures. Multimodal analgesia is best for postoperative pain management; however, opioid therapy is still the main treatment for pain after surgical procedures. Transdermal buprenorphine is a partial µ-agonist opioid widely used for chronic pain syndromes, with limited evidence for acute postoperative pain. A systematic review of studies examining transdermal buprenorphine for acute pain management after surgery was conducted. Contents: Data from PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CINAHL via EBSCOhost, and LILACS were reviewed, including randomized clinical trials that evaluated total postoperative pain, postoperative analgesic consumption, drug-related side effects and patient satisfaction with analgesia regimen. Data from nine studies (615 patients) were included in this review. Most studies initiated transdermal buprenorphine use 6 to 48 hours before surgery, maintaining use from 1 to 28 days after the procedure. Most studies showed lower or similar postoperative pain scores, postoperative analgesic consumption and patient satisfaction comparing buprenorphine to placebo, tramadol, celecoxib, flurbiprofen and parecoxib. The incidence of side effects varied between studies, with most showing no increase in drug-related side effects with buprenorphine use, except one study, which compared buprenorphine to oral tramadol, and one to transdermal fentanyl. However, most results were derived from evidence with an overall high or unclear risk of bias. Conclusions: Although more studies are necessary, initial results show that transdermal buprenorphine seems to be an effective and safe opioid choice for management of acute postoperative pain

Justificativa e objetivos: A dor pós-operatória ainda é uma queixa importante em vários procedimentos cirúrgicos. A analgesia multimodal é a melhor conduta para a dor pós-operatória, embora a terapia com opioides ainda seja o principal tratamento para a dor após procedimentos cirúrgicos. A buprenorfina transdérmica é um opioide agonista µ amplamente prescrito nas síndromes de dor crônica, mas com limitada evidência do seu uso para dor aguda no pós-operatório. Realizamos revisão sistemática de estudos que examinaram o papel da buprenorfina transdérmica no tratamento da dor aguda pós-operatória. Conteúdo: Revisamos os dados de PubMed, Embase, Registro Central de Ensaios Controlados Cochrane (CENTRAL), CINAHL via EBSCOhost e LILACS, incluindo estudos clínicos randomizados que avaliaram a dor pós-operatória total, consumo de analgésicos pós-operatórios, efeitos colaterais relacionados a medicamentos e satisfação do paciente com esquema de analgesia. Dados de nove estudos (615 pacientes) foram incluídos nesta revisão. A maioria dos estudos iniciou o uso transdérmico de buprenorfina 6 a 48 horas antes da cirurgia, mantendo o uso de 1 a 28 dias após o procedimento. A maioria dos estudos encontrou valores semelhantes ou menores para o escore de dor pós-operatória, consumo pós-operatório de analgésicos e satisfação do paciente quando a buprenorfina foi comparada ao placebo, tramadol, celecoxibe, flurbiprofeno e parecoxibe. A incidência de efeitos colaterais oscilou nos estudos, e a maioria não mostrou aumento de efeito colateral relacionado ao uso de buprenorfina, exceto em dois estudos, um que comparou buprenorfina ao tramadol oral e outro ao fentanil transdérmico. No entanto, a maioria dos resultados foi obtida a partir de evidências com um risco geral alto ou risco de viés impreciso. Conclusões: Embora sejam necessários mais estudos, os resultados iniciais mostram que a buprenorfina transdérmica parece ser uma forma de administração segura e efetiva de opioide no tratamento da dor aguda pós-operatória

Aprepitant plus palonosetron for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after breast cancer surgery: a double blind, randomized trial

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the addition of a fourth antiemetic intervention in patients at high risk for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). METHODS: High-risk patients (Apfel score 3 or 4) scheduled for unilateral mastectomy were randomly allocated in one of two groups, oral aprepitant (oral aprepitant 80 mg, intravenous dexamethasone 8 mg, and palonosetron 0.075 mg) and oral placebo (oral placebo, intravenous dexamethasone 4 mg, and palonosetron 0.075 mg). Patients and caregivers were blinded to the group assignments. The primary efficacy endpoints included the incidence of nausea and vomiting, and the secondary endpoints included use of rescue antiemetics during a 48-hour postoperative period. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02431286. RESULTS: One hundred patients were enrolled in this study and 91 were analyzed, 48 in group A and 43 in group P. No patient presented with nausea or vomiting in the first 2 hours after surgery. From the 2nd to the 6th hour, the incidence of PONV was 8.33% in group A and 9.30% in group P. In the first 24 hours, the incidence of PONV was 27.08% in the group A and 20.93% in group P. From the 24th to the 48th hour, the incidence of PONV was 8.33% in group A and 13.95% in group P. There were no statistically significant differences in PONV between groups. CONCLUSION: The addition of aprepitant as a third antiemetic resulted in no significant reduction in the incidence of PONV in this population. However, the incidence of PONV was reduced in relation to the general population.

Influence of androgenic blockade with flutamide on pain behaviour and expression of the genes that encode the NaV1.7 and NaV1.8 voltage-dependent sodium channels in a rat model of postoperative pain.

BACKGROUND: Experimental studies suggest that testosterone reduces the nociceptive response after inflammatory and neuropathic stimuli, however the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of peripheral blockade of testosterone on pain behaviour and on expression levels of the genes that encode the NaV1.7 and NaV1.8 channels, in dorsal root ganglia in an acute postoperative pain model, as well as the influence of androgen blockade on the expression of these genes. METHODS: Postoperative pain was induced by a plantar incision and the study group received flutamide to block testosterone receptor. The animals were submitted to behavioural evaluation preoperatively, 2 h after incision, and on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 7th postoperative days. Von Frey test was used to evaluate paw withdrawal threshold after mechanical stimuli and the guarding pain test to assess spontaneous pain. The expression of the genes encoding the sodium channels at the dorsal root ganglia was determined by real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Animals treated with flutamide presented lower paw withdrawal threshold at the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 7th postoperative days. The guarding pain test showed significant decrease in the flutamide group at 2 h and on the 3rd and 7th postoperative days. No difference was detected between the study and control groups for the gene expression. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest an antinociceptive effect of androgens following plantar incision. The expression of genes that encode voltage-gated sodium channels was not influenced by androgen blockade.

[Development of a multivariable predictive model for postoperative nausea and vomiting after cancer surgery in adults]. / Desenvolvimento de um modelo preditivo multivariado para náusea e vômito no pós­operatório de cirurgia oncológica em adultos.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Predicting postoperative nausea and vomiting risk is the cornerstone for deciding prophylaxis. Apfel's score does not define how long a person must be abstinent from smoking to be considered a non-smoker, and the use of intraoperative spinal opioids as a risk factor for predicting postoperative nausea and vomiting is also not addressed. The aim of this study was to quantify predicting postoperative nausea and vomiting risk by an ordinal smoking status and the use of intraoperative opioids (systemic or neuraxial), and to develop a new predictive model. METHODS: Patients scheduled for cancer surgery were prospectively evaluated for predicting postoperative nausea and vomiting in the first 24h after surgery. RESULTS: Of 2014 initially included patients, 185 participants were excluded. Smoking status classification was associated with predicting postoperative nausea and vomiting incidence rates of 14.1%, 18.1%, 24.7%, 29.4% and 33.9% for smokers, patients who stopped smoking up to 1 month prior to surgery, one to 6 months prior, more than 6 months prior or patients who never smoked, respectively, which was significant in the multiple comparisons analysis (adjusted p=0.015). The multiple comparisons-adjusted hypothesis tests for association with predicting postoperative nausea and vomiting for sex, age, previous predicting postoperative nausea and vomiting, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and ordinal smoking status had p-values of <0.001. The type of surgery (p=0.04), total fentanyl consumption (p=0.04), both intraoperative and postoperative, were significant predictors. A new model was developed and showed higher discriminative power than Apfel's score (AUC 67.9% vs. 63.7%, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Smoking status showed a significant and linear impact on predicting postoperative nausea and vomiting incidence, and we developed a new model that uses unambiguous smoking and opioid predictors.

Failure of reversion of neuromuscular block with sugammadex in patient with myasthenia gravis: case report and brief review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a challenge for anesthesia management. This report shows that the use of rocuronium-sugammadex is not free from flaws and highlights the importance of cholinesterase inhibitors management and neuromuscular block monitoring in the perioperative period of myasthenic patients. CASE PRESENTATION: Myasthenic female patient submitted to general balanced anesthesia using 25 mg of rocuronium. Under train-of-four (TOF) monitoring, repeated doses of sugammadex was used in a total of 800 mg without recovery of neuromuscular blockade, but TOF ratio (TOFR) was stabilized at 60%. Neostigmine administration led to the improvement of TOFR. CONCLUSIONS: Although the use of rocuronium-sugammadex seems safe, we should consider their unpredictability in myasthenic patients. This report supports the monitoring of neuromuscular blockade as mandatory in every patient, especially the myasthenic ones.

Development of a multivariable predictive model for postoperative nausea and vomiting after cancer surgery in adults / Desenvolvimento de um modelo preditivo multivariado para náusea e vômito no pós-operatório de cirurgia oncológica em adultos

Abstract Background and objectives Predicting postoperative nausea and vomiting risk is the cornerstone for deciding prophylaxis. Apfel's score does not define how long a person must be abstinent from smoking to be considered a non-smoker, and the use of intraoperative spinal opioids as a risk factor for predicting postoperative nausea and vomiting is also not addressed. The aim of this study was to quantify predicting postoperative nausea and vomiting risk by an ordinal smoking status and the use of intraoperative opioids (systemic or neuraxial), and to develop a new predictive model. Methods Patients scheduled for cancer surgery were prospectively evaluated for predicting postoperative nausea and vomiting in the first 24 h after surgery. Results Of 2014 initially included patients, 185 participants were excluded. Smoking status classification was associated with predicting postoperative nausea and vomiting incidence rates of 14.1%, 18.1%, 24.7%, 29.4% and 33.9% for smokers, patients who stopped smoking up to 1 month prior to surgery, one to 6 months prior, more than 6 months prior or patients who never smoked, respectively, which was significant in the multiple comparisons analysis (adjusted p = 0.015). The multiple comparisons-adjusted hypothesis tests for association with predicting postoperative nausea and vomiting for sex, age, previous predicting postoperative nausea and vomiting, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and ordinal smoking status had p-values of <0.001. The type of surgery (p = 0.04), total fentanyl consumption (p = 0.04), both intraoperative and postoperative, were significant predictors. A new model was developed and showed higher discriminative power than Apfel's score (AUC 67.9% vs. 63.7%, p < 0.001). Conclusion Smoking status showed a significant and linear impact on predicting postoperative nausea and vomiting incidence, and we developed a new model that uses unambiguous smoking and opioid predictors.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos A previsão do risco de náusea e vômito no pós-operatório é a base para a decisão da profilaxia. O escore de Apfel não define por quanto tempo uma pessoa deve se abster de fumar para ser considerada não fumante, e o uso de opioide espinhal intraoperatório como fator de risco para náusea e vômito também não é abordado. Nosso objetivo foi quantificar o risco de náusea e vômito no pós-operatório por um estado tabagístico ordinal e o uso de opioides intraoperatórios (sistêmicos ou neuraxiais) e desenvolver um novo modelo preditivo. Métodos Pacientes agendados para cirurgia oncológica foram prospectivamente avaliados para náusea e vômito nas primeiras 24 horas após a cirurgia. Resultados De 2.014 pacientes inicialmente incluídos, 185 foram excluídos. A classificação de tabagismo foi associada a taxas de incidência de náusea e vômito no pós-operatório de 14,1%, 18,1%, 24,7%, 29,4% e 33,9% para fumantes, pacientes que pararam de fumar até um mês antes da cirurgia, de um a seis meses antes da cirurgia, mais de seis meses antes da cirurgia ou pacientes que nunca fumaram, respectivamente, o que foi significativo na análise de comparações múltiplas (p = 0,015 ajustado). Os testes de hipóteses foram ajustadas para múltiplas comparações para associação com náusea e vômito no pós-operatório para sexo, idade, náusea e vômito no pós-operatório anterior, náusea induzida por quimioterapia e estado tabagístico ordinal apresentaram valores de p < 0,001. Tipo de cirurgia (p = 0,04), consumo total de fentanil (p = 0,04) e períodos intraoperatório e pós-operatório foram preditivos significativos. Um novo modelo foi desenvolvido e apresentou um poder discriminativo maior do que o escore de Apfel (AUC 67,9% vs. 63,7%, p < 0,001). Conclusão O estado tabagístico mostrou um impacto significativo e linear sobre a incidência de náusea e vômito no pós-operatório e desenvolveu-se um novo modelo que usa preditores não ambíguos de tabagismo e opioides.