Metabolic Dysregulation and Its Role in Postoperative Pain among Knee Osteoarthritis Patients.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is characterized by low-grade inflammation, loss of articular cartilage, subchondral bone remodeling, synovitis, osteophyte formation, and pain. Strong, continuous pain may indicate the need for joint replacement in patients with end-stage OA, although postoperative pain (POP) of at least a two-month duration persists in 10-40% of patients with OA. STUDY PURPOSE: The inflammation observed in joint tissues is linked to pain caused by the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Since the biosynthesis of cytokines requires energy, their production is supported by extensive metabolic conversions of carbohydrates and fatty acids, which could lead to a disruption in cellular homeostasis. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between POP development and disturbances in energy metabolic conversions, focusing on carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism. METHODS: Peripheral blood samples were collected from 26 healthy subjects and 50 patients with end-stage OA before joint replacement surgery. All implants were validated by orthopedic surgeons, and patients with OA demonstrated no inherent abnormalities to cause pain from other reasons than OA disease, such as malalignment, aseptic loosening, or excessive bleeding. Pain levels were assessed before surgery using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and neuropathic pain questionnaires, DN4 and PainDETECT. Functional activity was evaluated using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Three and six months after surgery, pain indices according to a VAS of 30 mm or higher were considered. Total RNA isolated from whole blood was analyzed using quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) for the expression of genes related to carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism. Protein levels of the examined genes were measured using an ELISA in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). We used qRT-PCR because it is the most sensitive and reliable method for gene expression analysis, while an ELISA was used to confirm our qRT-PCR results. KEY FINDINGS: Among the study cohort, 17 patients who reported POP demonstrated significantly higher (p < 0.05) expressions of the genes PKM2, LDH, SDH, UCP2, CPT1A, and ACLY compared to pain-free patients with KOA. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses confirmed the association between these gene expressions and pain development post-arthroplasty. A principle component analysis identified the prognostic values of ACLY, CPT1A, AMPK, SDHB, Caspase 3, and IL-1ß gene expressions for POP development in the examined subjects. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the disturbances in energy metabolism, as observed in the PBMCs of patients with end-stage KOA before arthroplasty, may contribute to POP development. An understanding of these metabolic processes could provide insights into the pathogenesis of KOA. Additionally, our findings can be used in a clinical setting to predict POP development in end-stage patients with KOA before arthroplasty.

Prospective evaluation of the emetogenic profile and analgesic efficacy of intravenous ibuprofen and metamizole in the immediate postoperative period of pediatric acute appendicitis. / Evaluación prospectiva del perfil emético y la eficacia analgésica del ibuprofeno y el metamizol intravenosos en el postoperatorio inmediato de la apendicitis aguda pediátrica.

BACKGROUND: Literature comparing different alternatives for pain control in the immediate postoperative period of pediatric acute appendicitis (PAA) is scarce. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively compared the analgesic and emetogenic profile of intravenous ibuprofen and metamizole in the immediate postoperative period of PAA. For this purpose, we used a sample of patients operated on in 2021 in our center. Participants were recruited on arrival at the Emergency Department and histopathological confirmation of the diagnosis was obtained in all of them. Pain was evaluated every 8 hours after the surgery with validated visual analog scales ranging from 0 to 10 points. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the evolution of pain in the 48 hours after surgery between the two groups. RESULTS: The sample included 95 patients (65% males) with a mean age of 9.7 years (sd: 3.14). 41 patients were treated with Ibuprofen (group 1) and 54 with metamizole (group 2). No significant differences were found in the level of pain either in the comparisons of point measurements or in its evolution in the 48 hours after surgery (p= 0.58). After adjusting for the received fluid therapy, children in the metamizole group had significantly more emetic episodes and needed significantly more doses of ondansetron. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, ibuprofen had a similar analgesic efficacy and a better emetogenic profile than metamizole in the immediate postoperative period of PAA. Future prospective, adequately controlled studies with larger sample sizes are needed to validate these findings.

INTRODUCCION: En la literatura existen pocas referencias que comparen las distintas alternativas disponibles para controlar el dolor en el postoperatorio inmediato de la apendicitis aguda pediátrica (AAP). MATERIAL Y METODOS: Comparación prospectiva del perfil analgésico y emético del ibuprofeno y el metamizol intravenosos en el postoperatorio inmediato de la AAP, para lo cual se recurre a una muestra de pacientes operados en 2021 en nuestro centro. Los participantes fueron reclutados a su llegada a Urgencias, obteniéndose confirmación histopatológica del diagnóstico en todos ellos. La evaluación del dolor se llevó a cabo cada 8 horas tras la cirugía mediante escalas analógicas visuales validadas, con valoraciones entre los 0 y los 10 puntos. Se realizó un ANOVA de las medidas repetidas entre los dos grupos para comparar la evolución del dolor en las 48 horas posteriores a la cirugía. RESULTADOS: La muestra estaba compuesta por un total de 95 pacientes (65% de ellos varones) con una edad media de 9,7 años (DT: 3,14). 41 pacientes fueron tratados con ibuprofeno (grupo 1) y 54 con metamizol (grupo 2). No se hallaron diferencias significativas en lo que respecta al dolor, ni en las comparaciones de las mediciones puntuales, ni en su evolución en las 48 horas posteriores a la cirugía (p= 0,58). Una vez realizado el ajuste correspondiente a la terapia de fluidos recibida, los niños del grupo metamizol tuvieron significativamente más episodios eméticos y necesitaron significativamente más dosis de ondansetrón. CONCLUSIONES: En nuestra cohorte, el ibuprofeno tuvo una eficacia analgésica similar y un mejor perfil emético que el metamizol en el postoperatorio inmediato de la AAP. Se hacen necesarios nuevos estudios prospectivos, adecuadamente controlados y con mayor tamaño muestral que validen estos hallazgos.

Effect of cognitive behavioral therapy on pain, knee function, and psychological status in patients after primary total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The clinical efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) after Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is still controversial, and the purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of CBT on pain, knee function, and psychological status of patients after TKA. METHODS: We systematically searched electronic databases such as CNKI, CBM, VIP, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE for randomized controlled studies up to February 30, 2023. Screening against inclusion criteria to select valid studies and extract data. The quality of included studies was evaluated by the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias 2 (RoB 2) tool for randomized trials. Statistical analysis of the data from this study was carried out using Stata 15.1 software. RESULTS: Finally, our meta-analysis incorporated seven randomized controlled studies of high quality, including 608 patients. The findings of the meta-analysis demonstrated a noteworthy decrease in kinesiophobia levels during the early postoperative phase in the CBT group as compared to the usual care group (WMD = -6.35, 95% CI: -7.98 to -4.72, Z = 7.64, P < 0.001). However, no statistically significant difference between the CBT and usual care groups in terms of postoperative pain as well as knee function. CONCLUSION: CBT may effectively reduce the level of kinesiophobia in the short term after TKA, but did not significantly relieve knee pain or improve knee function.

[Opioid-free anesthesia : Wrong track or meaningful exit from the era of opioid-based analgesia?] / Opioidfreie Anästhesie : Irrweg oder sinnvoller Ausweg aus der Ära der opioidbasierten Analgesie?

The limitations and disadvantages of opioids in anesthesia are very well known but the advantages combined with a lack of effective alternatives even now still prevents refraining from using opioids as part of an adequate pain therapy. For decades, pain research has had the declared goal of replacing opioids with new substances which have no serious side effects; however, currently this goal seems to be a long way off. Due to the media coverage of the "opioid crisis" in North America, the use of opioids for pain management is also increasingly being questioned by the patients. Measures to contain this crisis are only slowly taking effect in view of the increasing number of deaths, which is why the triggers are still being sought. The perioperative administration of opioids is not only a possible gateway to addiction and abuse but it can also cause outcome-relevant complications, such as respiratory depression, postoperative nausea and vomiting and an increase in postoperative pain. Therefore, these considerations gave rise to the idea of an opioid-free anesthesia (OFA), i.e., opioids are not administered as part of anesthesia to carry out surgical procedures. Although this idea may make sense at first glance, a rapid introduction of this concept appears to be risky as it entails significant changes for the entire anesthesiological management. Based on relatively robust data from clinical studies, this concept can now be evaluated and discussed not only emotionally but also objectively. This review article presents arguments for or against the complete avoidance of intraoperative or even perioperative opioids. The current conditions in Germany are primarily taken into account, so that the perioperative pain therapy is transferable to the established standards. The results from current clinical studies on the implementation of an opioid-free anesthesia are summarized and discussed.

Comparison of initial percutaneous balloon compression versus radiofrequency thermocoagulation followed by percutaneous balloon compression in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. / 首次经皮球囊压迫术与射频热凝术后再行经皮球囊压迫术治疗三叉神经痛的比较.

OBJECTIVES: There are a variety of minimally invasive interventional treatments for trigeminal neuralgia, and the efficacy evaluation is different. The preferred treatment scheme is still controversial. This study aims to investigate the differences in treatment effects between patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia (PTN) treated with percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) for the first intervention and patients with pain recurrence after radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RT) who then received PBC for PTN, and to offer clinicians and patients more scientifically grounded and precise treatment alternatives. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 103 patients with PTN admitted to the Department of Pain Management of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from January 2020 to December 2021, including 49 patients who received PBC for the first time (PBC group) and 54 patients who received PBC for pain recurrence after RT (RT+PBC group). General information, preoperative pain score, intraoperative oval foramen morphology, oval foramen area, balloon volume, duration of compression, and postoperative pain scores and pain recurrence at each time point on day 1 (T1), day 7 (T2), day 14 (T3), 1 month (T4), 3 months (T5), and 1 year (T6) were collected and recorded for both groups. The differences in treatment effect, complications and recurrence between the 2 groups were compared, and the related influencing factors were analyzed. RESULTS: The differences of general information, preoperative pain scores, foramen ovale morphology, foramen ovale area, T1 to T3 pain scores between the 2 groups were not statistically different (all P>0.05). The balloon filling volume in the PBC group was smaller than that in the RT+PBC group, the pain scores at T4 to T6 and pain recurrence were better than those in the RT+PBC group (all P<0.05). Pain recurrence was positively correlated with pain scores of T2 to T6 (r=0.306, 0.482, 0.831, 0.876, 0.887, respectively; all P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The choice of PBC for the first intervention in PTN patients is superior to the choice of PBC after pain recurrence after RT treatment in terms of treatment outcome and pain recurrence.

A Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Minimally Invasive Pectus Excavatum Repair Surgery with a Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Technique: Case Report.

Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is currently used for the repair of pectus excavatum. Analgesia after thoracic surgery can be provided with nerve blocks, intravenous drugs, or neuraxial techniques. Serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) is a novel interfascial plane block and it is performed between the serratus posterior superior muscle and the intercostal muscles at the level of the second and third ribs. In this case, we present our successful analgesic experience with SPSIPB in a patient who underwent minimally invasive pectus excavatum repair with a VATS technique.

Comparative Study between Paracervical Block and Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drug for Relief of Pain during Manual Vacuum Aspiration Procedure.

The incidence of first trimester pregnancy loss is around 10.0-20.0% of registered pregnancies. Manual vacuum aspiration is a safe, effective and acceptable option of treatment for patients diagnosed with first trimester pregnancy loss. Main disadvantage of MVA is the pain caused by manipulation of the cervix, the uterine suction and the cervical dilatation. This study showed the way how the pain and discomfort might be reduced. This was a cross-sectional comparative study was conducted at the obstetrics and Gynecological Department of Sadar hospital, Manikganj, Bangladesh from January 2017 to December 2017. All the consecutive women admitted and diagnosed as incomplete abortion, missed abortion and anembryonic pregnancy (blighted ovum) were included in this study. Sampling technique was purposive sampling. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of paracervical block anesthesia with non-steroidal anti inflammatory drug (NSAID) for relief of pain during the manual vacuum aspiration procedure for the treatment of first trimester pregnancy loss. Total 120 cases were included in this study. Assigned study population were divided into two groups like Group A and Group B. 60 of the study population were included in Group A who were given paracervical block anesthesia 3 minutes before the procedure. Another 60 study population was included in Group B who was given diclofenac 75mg intramuscular injection, 30 minutes before the procedure. Both intraoperative and postoperative pain level was evaluated by using visual analog scale ranged from (0-10 points) 30 minutes after the procedure. At the same time the satisfaction level of the study population were measured by 5 points lickert scale. Regarding clinical profile of the study population it showed no significant difference in case of mean age, mean gestational age and mean duration of the procedure between two groups. The mean intraoperative pain score in Group A was 4.0±1.3, in Group B it was 5.4±1.5 (p=0.001) which was significant. So it showed that paracervical block anesthesia significantly reduced the pain in relation to diclofenac 75mg intramuscular injection. Mean postoperative pain level 30 minutes after procedure in Group A was 2.2±0.4 and in Group B was 2.4±0.4 (p=0.343), where post-operative pain is lower in Group A than Group B. Though this difference is not statistically significant (p=0.343). In Group A 73.0% (n=44) and in Group B 43.0% (n=26) study population were agreed that the procedure was easy. Most common adverse effect was epigastric pain which was 1.7% (n=1) in Group A and 10.0% (n=7) in Group B. Paracervical block significantly reduces intraoperative pain during Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) procedure in the treatment of first trimester pregnancy loss in comparison to intramuscular injection of diclofenac. In conclusion it might be mentioned that regarding paracervical block anesthesia, efficacy is higher and side effects are less. Moreover paracervical block anesthesia is cost effective.

Evaluation of erector spinae plane block in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy in terms of postoperative pain reduction and patient satisfaction.

OBJECTIVES: Intravenous opioids and local anesthetic infiltrations are traditionally used to relieve postoperative pain. With developments in the field of regional anesthesia, several methods are now available for postoperative analgesia. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in reducing both intraoperative opioid consumption and postoperative analgesic use in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). METHODS: A total of 60 patients who underwent PCNL were divided into two groups: 30 patients who received ESPB (Group I) and 30 patients in the control group (Group II). Intraoperative and postoperative opioid usage were recorded for both groups. The pain levels of the patients were evaluated using visual analog scale (VAS) scores obtained at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively. Postoperative satisfaction of the patients in both groups was also questioned and compared. RESULTS: A significant difference was detected between Group I and Group II patients in terms of intraoperative opioid require-ments (p=0.00), analgesic requirements in the first 24 hours postoperatively (p=0.00), patient satisfaction status (p=0.00), and VAS scores obtained at 0, 3, 6, and 12 hours postoperatively. No significant difference was found in VAS scores at the 24th postoperative hour. CONCLUSION: ESPB is a simple, convenient technique that can be performed under ultrasound guidance. It provides remarkable postoperative analgesia and satisfaction in patients undergoing PCNL.

A gross abdominal wall hematoma secondary to transversus abdominis plane block.

We aimed to share our experience with an abdominal wall hematoma that developed after an ultrasonography-guided TAP block performed for the palliation of chronic abdominal wall pain. Bleeding was successfully stopped with coil embolization.

Effect of Intraoperative infusion Magnesium Sulfate Infusion on Postoperative Quality of Recovery in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Magnesium sulfate, an intravenous adjuvant, has recently attracted immense attention in multimodal analgesia. Previous studies confirmed the crucial role of magnesium sulfate in postoperative pain and nociceptive hypersensitivity. However, the effect of magnesium sulfate in multimodal analgesia on the quality of recovery (QoR) for elderly patients has not been thoroughly studied. Therefore, the present experiment aimed to investigate the effect of continuous intravenous magnesium sulfate on the quality of postoperative recovery in elderly patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Patients and Methods: In this study, a total of 148 patients scheduled to undergo unilateral total knee arthroplasty were randomized into a magnesium sulfate group (Group M, n=68) and a control group (Group C, n=66) using a double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Before induction of anesthesia, Group M received intravenous magnesium sulfate (40 mg/kg) for 15 min, followed by a continuous infusion (15 mg/kg) until the end of the procedure. In the same manner, Group C received an infusion of the same amount of isotonic saline using the same method as the Group M. Results: Compared with Group C, Group M had significantly better QoR-15 scores on postoperative day 1(POD1) than Group C (P <0.05). Analysis of the dimensions of QoR-15 scores indicated that Group M exhibited notably reduced levels of pain, and higher levels of emotional state and physical comfort than Group C (P <0.05). Furthermore, Group C had significantly higher numerical rating scale (NRS) scores at POD1 than Group M (P <0.05). Conclusion: For elderly patients undergoing knee arthroplasty, magnesium sulfate can be used as an adjuvant in a multimodal analgesic regimen to reduce early postoperative pain and improve the quality of early postoperative recovery.

The efficacy of pericapsular nerve group block for reducing pain and opioid consumption after total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pericapsular nerve group block (PENG) is an emerging regional anesthesia technique for hip surgery. However, its efficacy in total hip arthroplasty (THA) isn't well defined. We perform this meta-analysis aiming to assess the effect of Pericapsular nerve group block on pain control and morphine consumption in patients with total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: We searched four electronic databases (Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science dated from 2018 to October 2023) for published eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing PENG with placebo (no block/sham block) after THA. The outcome measurements consisted of pain score, opioid consumption, Time to first opioid, and postoperative complications. All data analyses were performed using STATA 12.0. RESULTS: Five RCTs comprising 808 participants were included. Our meta-analysis showed that there were significant differences between two groups in terms of pain score in PACU (WMD = - 0.598, 95% CI [- 0.886, - 0.310], P < 0.001), pain score at 6 h (WMD = - 0.614, 95% CI [- 0.835, - 0.392], P < 0.001) and time to first opioid (WMD = 5.214, 95% CI [4.545, 5.883], P < 0.001). However, no significant differences were revealed from the pain score at 24 h after THA (WMD = - 0.924, 95% CI [- 1.929, 0.081], P = 0.072). Meanwhile, the meta-analysis indicated that PENG significantly reduced 24-h opioid consumption (WMD = - 6.168, 95% CI [- 6.667, - 5.668], P < 0.001) and 48-h opioid consumption (WMD = - 7.171, 95% CI [- 8.994, - 5.348], P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Pericapsular nerve group block was effective for pain control up to postoperative 6 h and extending the time to the first opioid after THA. Moreover, it reduced postoperative opioid consumption when compared with a placebo group. Due to the high heterogeneity of the pain score after 24 h and the low-quality evidence, more high-quality RCTs are required to draw a definitive conclusion about pain control.

Comparison of the effects of ring block and dorsal penile nerve block on parental satisfaction for circumcision operation in children: randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: In children, circumcision is a procedure associated with perioperative pain and parental satisfaction is an important parameter in the evaluation of anesthesia procedures. Inadequate dorsal penile nerve block (DPNB) for the ventral shaft of the penis might impact parental satisfaction negatively. To evaluate this hypothesis, we compared the effects of penile ring block (RB) and dorsal penile nerve block (DPNB) on parental satisfaction. Postoperative pain, need for additional analgesia, intraoperative hemodynamic data, recovery status, side effects, and postoperative complications were evaluated as secondary outcomes between the blocks. METHODS: Parental satisfaction and anesthetic effectiveness of RB and DPNB for circumcision in children were compared. 86 patients were randomized 1:1 to Group RB and Group DPNB, which were administered the same dose of anesthesia. Parental satisfaction was evaluated with the Pediatric Anesthesia Parental Satisfaction Questionnaire (PAPS). Postoperative pain evaluations were made with the Face, Legs, Activity, Crying, Consolability Pain Scale (FLACC). RESULTS: In terms of parent satisfaction, no differences were detected between the groups in the pre-anesthesia, pre-anesthesia and post-anesthesia, post-anesthesia, hospital team, and anesthesia team parameters (p > 0.05). The scores of Group DPNB patients were higher only in the "Q11" subparameter in the "anesthesia team" parameter, and this difference was significant (0.024). CONCLUSION: RB and DPNB were compared in circumcision, which is the most common surgical procedure for children. Parental satisfaction, anesthesia, and analgesic effects of both blocks were found to be similar. CLINICAL TRIALS: ACTRN12622001211752.

Protocol for a randomised controlled trial: optimisation of perioperative analgesia protocol for uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative pain after thoracic surgery impairs patients' quality of life and increases the incidence of respiratory complications. Optimised analgesia strategies include minimally invasive incisions, regional analgesia and early chest tube removal. However, little is known about the optimal analgesic regimen for uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (uVATS). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will conduct a single-centre, prospective, single-blind, randomised trial. The effects of postoperative analgesia will be tested using thoracic paravertebral block (PVB) in combination with patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PVB+PCIA), erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in combination with patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (ESPB+PCIA) or PCIA alone; 102 patients undergoing uVATS will be enrolled in this study. Patients will be randomly assigned to the PVB group (30 mL of 0.33% ropivacaine with dexamethasone), ESPB group (40 mL of 0.25% ropivacaine with dexamethasone) or control groups. PCIA with sufentanil will be administered to all patients after surgery. The primary outcome will be total opioid consumption after surgery. Secondary outcomes include postoperative pain score; postoperative chronic pain at rest and during coughing; sensations of touch and pain in the chest wall, non-opioid analgesic consumption; length of stay; ambulation time, the total cost of hospitalisation and long-term postoperative analgesia. Adverse reactions to analgesics and adverse events related to the regional blocks will also be recorded. The statisticians will be blinded to the group allocation. Comparison of the continuous data among the three groups will be performed using a one-way analysis of variance to assess differences among the means. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The results will be published in patient education courses, academic conferences and peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT06016777.

Use of platelet- and leukocyte-rich fibrin (L-PRF) as a healing agent in the postoperative period of third molar removal surgeries: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of L-PRF as a healing agent in the postoperative period of third molar extraction surgeries, as well as to investigate secondary effects, such as the reduction of pain, edema and other discomforts after the surgical intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The methodology adopted consisted of carrying out a systematic review of the literature, following the model outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The inclusion criteria were previously established according to a systematic review protocol approved by the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under number CRD42023484679. In order to carry out a comprehensive search, a search in five databases was carried out, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Embase. RESULTS: The search resulted in the selection of randomized controlled trials that conformed to the established criteria. Two authors independently screened the records and extracted the data. The assessment of bias was conducted according to the guidelines recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration, using version 2 of the Cochrane tool for assessing the risk of bias in randomized trials (RoB 2). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that L-PRF stands out by providing direct benefits to healing, vascularization and tissue regeneration. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: L-PRF plays an important role in reducing postoperative pain, edema, the incidence of alveolar osteitis and infections after third molar removal surgery, compared to patients who did not undergo the use of L-PRF.

Non-pharmacological interventions to improve sleep quality and quantity for hospitalized adult patients-co-produced study with surgical patient partners: systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Hospitalized patients experience sleep disruption with consequential physiological and psychological effects. Surgical patients are particularly at risk due to surgical stress and postoperative pain. This systematic review aimed to identify non-pharmacological interventions for improving sleep and exploring their effects on sleep-related and clinical outcomes. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and was preregistered on the Open Science Framework (doi: 10.17605/OSF.IO/EA6BN) and last updated in November 2023. Studies that evaluated non-pharmacological interventions for hospitalized, adult patients were included. Thematic content analysis was performed to identify hypothesized mechanisms of action and modes of administration, in collaboration with a patient partner. Risk of bias assessment was performed using the Cochrane Risk Of Bias (ROB) or Risk Of Bias In Non-Randomized Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tools. RESULTS: A total of 59 eligible studies and data from 14 035 patients were included; 28 (47.5%) were randomized trials and 26 included surgical patients (10 trials). Thirteen unique non-pharmacological interventions were identified, 17 sleep measures and 7 linked health-related outcomes. Thematic analysis revealed two major themes for improving sleep in hospital inpatients: enhancing the sleep environment and utilizing relaxation and mindfulness techniques. Two methods of administration, self-administered and carer-administered, were identified. Environmental interventions, such as physical aids, and relaxation interventions, including aromatherapy, showed benefits to sleep measures. There was a lack of standardized sleep measurement and an overall moderate to high risk of bias across all studies. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review has identified several sleep interventions that are likely to benefit adult surgical patients, but there remains a lack of high-quality evidence to support their routine implementation.

Absorption and pharmacokinetics of bupivacaine after bilateral topical administration in tonsillar fossae for posttonsillectomy pain relief.

No previous studies have investigated the systemic absorption of bupivacaine when used topically for posttonsillectomy pain. The present study was undertaken to investigate the pharmacokinetics of bupivacaine after administration by a swab in the tonsillar fossae over 4 min after tonsillectomy. Eleven adult patients undergoing elective tonsillectomy were recruited. After removal of both tonsils, each of the two tonsillar fossae was covered with a swab moistened with 2 mL of bupivacaine 5 mg/mL, that is, a total of 20 mg bupivacaine. Blood samples were drawn after 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 45, and 60 min. Bupivacaine was analyzed with an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. The highest single measured bupivacaine serum concentration was 23.2 ng/mL and took place 10 min after drug administration. Mean (±SD) Cmax was 11.4 ± 6.0 ng/mL and mean tmax was 11.3 ± 4.7 min. Mean t1/2 was 31.6 ± 9.3 min. As the toxic concentration threshold has been reported to be in the interval 1500-4500 ng/mL, the concentrations measured were well below 2% of the lowest cited toxic threshold. In conclusion, this study shows that applying 4 mL of bupivacaine 5 mg/mL by a swab in the tonsillar fossae posttonsillectomy yields very low plasma concentrations, suggesting its safe application without any risk of systemic toxic effects.