Sequential administration of peripheral nerve blocks and onabotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of chronic migraine and other headache disorders-A retrospective tolerability and safety study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the tolerability and safety of concurrent peripheral nerve blocks and onabotulinumtoxinA treatment during a single outpatient clinic procedure visit. BACKGROUND: Procedural interventions are available for the treatment of headache disorders. OnabotulinumtoxinA and peripheral nerve blocks are used as alternatives or in addition to oral therapies to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks. There is currently a lack of safety data focusing on the sequential administration of local anesthetic via peripheral nerve blocks and onabotulinumtoxinA during a single clinical encounter for the treatment of headache. The primary aim of the study was to determine the safety and tolerability of concurrent peripheral nerve blockade and onabotulinumtoxinA injections during a single outpatient clinic procedure visit. We hypothesized that the dual intervention would be safe and well tolerated by patients with chronic migraine and other headache disorders. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed using clinical data from patients seen by multiple providers over a 16-month timeframe at one outpatient headache clinic. Patients were identified by procedure codes and those receiving peripheral nerve block(s) and onabotulinumtoxinA injections during a single encounter within the study period were eligible for inclusion. Inclusion criteria were (1) patients 18 years and older who were (2) receiving both peripheral nerve blocks and onabotulinumtoxinA injections for the treatment of chronic migraine. Patients were excluded if they were under age 18, received their procedure outside of the clinic (emergency room, inpatient ward), or were receiving sphenopalatine ganglion blocks. Age- and sex-matched patients who received one procedure, either peripheral nerve blocks or onabotulinumtoxinA, were used for control. The primary outcome of this safety study was the number of adverse events that occurred in the dual intervention group compared to the single intervention control arms. Information regarding adverse events was gathered via retrospective chart review. If an adverse event was recorded, it was then graded by the reviewer utilizing the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events ranging from Grade 1 Mild Event to Grade 5 Death. Additionally, it was noted whether the adverse event led to treatment discontinuation. RESULTS: In total, 375 patients were considered eligible for inclusion in the study. After age and sex matching of controls, 131 patients receiving dual intervention were able to be compared to 131 patients receiving onabotulinumtoxinA alone and 104 patients receiving dual intervention were able to be compared to 104 patients receiving peripheral nerve block(s) alone. The primary endpoint analysis showed no significant difference in total adverse events between dual intervention compared to nerve blocks alone or onabotulinumtoxinA alone. The number of adverse events that led to treatment discontinuation approached but did not reach statistical significance for those receiving dual intervention versus onabotulinumtoxinA alone in the number of adverse events that led to treatment termination (4.6%, 6/131 vs. 0.8%, 1/131, p = 0.065); however, the number of patients who discontinued therapy was not significantly different between those groups (2.3%, 3/131 vs. 0.8%, 1/131; p = 0.314; odds ratio 0.3 [0-3.2]; p = 0.338). CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective chart review, there was no significant difference in adverse events or therapy discontinuation between patients receiving sequential peripheral nerve block(s) and onabotulinumtoxinA injections versus those receiving either peripheral nerve block(s) or onabotulinumtoxinA injections alone. As a result, we concluded that the combination procedure is likely safe and well tolerated in routine clinical practice.

Research priorities in regional anaesthesia: where should we focus?

Using a modified Delphi technique, an international group of regional anaesthetists generated a list of top research priorities in regional anaesthesia. The list of unanswered research questions was created from a questionnaire completed by >500 anaesthetists and distilled into 11 priorities grouped into four themes: clinical practice and efficacy, pain management, technology and equipment, and training and assessment.

The use of interventional procedures for cancer pain. A brief review.

CONTEXT: Pain is a common experience in people living with cancer. Concerns around opioid prescribing have seen a move toward a multi-modality management approach, which includes interventional pain procedures. PURPOSE: In this paper we discuss the interventional pain procedures used to treat cancer pain at two major tertiary centers in Australia. METHODS AND RESULTS: This expert review provides practical insights on cancer pain management from healthcare providers in different specialties. These insights can be used to guide the management of a wide range of cancer pain types. CONCLUSIONS: Furthermore, this review identifies the need for a systematic and comprehensive approach to the management of cancer pain that is broader than that of a single specialty. With recent advances in pain management procedures, an interdisciplinary approach is essential in order to provide an up to date, patient tailored approach to pain management. This review will help inform the development of a cancer pain intervention registry.

Nerve Blocks for Craniotomy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Postcraniotomy headache (PCH) is a common adverse event and can lead to various complications and decreased quality of life. RECENT FINDINGS: To reduce postcraniotomy pain and associated complications, a multimodal pain therapy including analgesics, analgesic adjuncts, and regional anesthesia is essential. The use of opioids should be minimized to facilitate prompt postoperative neurosurgical assessment. Here, we provide an update on the latest evidence regarding the role of scalp nerve blocks in the pain management of patients undergoing craniotomy procedure. Nerve blocks are effective in alleviating postoperative pain after craniotomy. Scalp blocks contribute to lower pain levels and less opioid consumption in the first 48 h following surgery. Moreover, there is a significant decrease in patients suffering from PONV among patients who receive scalp block.

Ultrasound-guided nerve blocks in emergency medicine practice: 2022 updates.

OBJECTIVES: In the Emergency Department (ED), ultrasound-guided nerve blocks (UGNBs) have become a cornerstone of multimodal pain regimens. We investigated current national practices of UGNBs across academic medical center EDs, and how these trends have changed over time. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional electronic survey of academic EDs with ultrasound fellowships across the United States. Twenty-item questionnaires exploring UGNB practice patterns, training, and complications were distributed between November 2021-June 2022. Data was manually curated, and descriptive statistics were performed. The survey results were then compared to results from Amini et al. 2016 UGNB survey to identify trends. RESULTS: The response rate was 80.5% (87 of 108 programs). One hundred percent of responding programs perform UGNB at their institutions, with 29% (95% confidence interval (CI), 20%-39%) performing at least 5 blocks monthly. Forearm UGNB are most commonly performed (96% of programs (95% CI, 93%-100%)). Pain control for fractures is the most common indication (84%; 95% CI, 76%-91%). Eighty-five percent (95% CI, 77%-92%) of programs report at least 80% of UGNB performed are effective. Eighty-five percent (95% CI, 66%-85%) of programs have had no reported complications from UGNB performed by emergency providers at their institution. The remaining 15% (95% CI, 8%-23%) report an average of 1 complication annually. CONCLUSIONS: All programs participating in our study report performing UGNB in their ED, which is a 16% increase over the last 5 years. UGNB's are currently performed safely and effectively in the ED, however practice improvements can still be made. Creating multi-disciplinary committees at local and national levels can standardize guidelines and practice policies to optimize patient safety and outcomes.

Stellate ganglion block to mitigate thalamic pain syndrome of an oncological origin.

BACKGROUND: Thalamic pain syndrome (TPS) is an enigmatic and rare condition. Thalamic pain syndrome is under the umbrella of central pain syndrome, which is classically associated with multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, postamputation, epilepsy, stroke, tumor, and Parkinson's disease. The mainstay treatment of TPS is polypharmacy. There is uncertainty about the intermediate options to manage medication-resistant TPS before resorting to invasive, and often expensive, intracranial therapies. Stellate ganglion block (SGB) has shown promise in reducing TPS symptoms of the upper extremity and face following a thalamic ischemic event. AIMS: Discuss the effect and potential utility of SGB on ipsilateral headache, facial, and upper extremity neuropathic pain due to thalamic malignancies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of two patient records that underwent SGB for treatment of TPS of oncologic origin. RESULTS: We present two cases of the successful use of SGB for the treatment of oncologic-related TPS for patients who had failed other conservative pharmacologic measures. DISCUSSION: Chronic pain is a complex experience that often simultaneously involves psychosocial, neuropathic, and nociceptive constituents. Among advanced cancer patients, factors such as an individual's spirituality, psychological stressors, and views on their mortality add layers of intricacy in addressing their pain. While TPS has been characterized in both stroke populations and oncologic populations, the treatment of SGB for pain relief in TPS has been limited to the stroke population. Repeated SGB worked to alleviate the ipsilateral headache, facial, and upper extremity pain in these two patients. The benefits of utilization of SGB, with the possibility of pain relief, within the thalamic malignancy population cannot be understated. CONCLUSION: In summary, ultrasound-guided SGB may be considered in patients with TPS due to thalamic cancer, before pursuing more invasive intracranial surgeries to treat pain.

Comparison of the analgesic efficacy of two different fascial blocks in patients undergoing laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery: A randomized control trial.

Background and Aims: Moderate-to-severe intensity pain is reported on the first day following lower abdominal surgery. No study has compared transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block with retrolaminar block (RLB) in laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery for postoperative pain relief. Material and Methods: In this prospective, randomized trial, 42 male patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I and II, aged 18-65 years, and having a BMI <40 kg/m2 received TAP or RLB following laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery. A standard general anesthetic technique was performed. Patients were randomized into two groups: single-shot TAP block (group I) (n = 21) or the RLB (group II) (n = 21) with bilateral 20 ml of 0.375% ropivacaine. Postoperatively, IV paracetamol 1 g was administered as rescue analgesia. Postoperative cumulative Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score 24 hours after surgery was considered as the primary outcome. Results: Postoperative cumulative VAS score at rest at 24 h, represented as mean ± S.D (95% CI), in the TAP block group was 3.54 ± 3.04 (2.16-4.93) and in the RLB group was 6.09 ± 4.83 (3.89-8.29). P value was 0.112 and VAS on movement was 7.95 ± 3.41 (6.39-9.50 [2.5-15.0]) in TAP block group, whereas P value was 0.110 and VAS on movement was 10.83 ± 5.51 (8.32-13.34) in the RLB group. Conclusion: Similar postoperative cumulative pain score on movement at 24 h was present in patients receiving TAP block or RLB. However, VAS score at rest and on movement was reduced in patients receiving TAP block at 18 and 24 h postoperatively.

Peripheral nerve blocks for analgesia following cesarean delivery A narrative review.

Spinal and epidural blocks are commonly employed for pain relief during and following cesarean section. Intrathecal morphine (ITM) has been the gold standard for the same for many years. In recent times, many peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) have been tried for postoperative analgesia following cesarean delivery (PACD). This article has reviewed the common PNBs used for PACD. The role of PNBs along with ITM has been studied and the current best strategy for PACD has also been explored. Currently, Ilio-inguinal nerve and anterior transversus abdominis plane block in conjunction with intrathecal morphine have been found to be the most effective strategy, providing lower rest pain at 6 hours as compared to ITM alone. In patients not receiving intrathecal morphine, recommended PNBs are lateral transversus abdominis plane block, single shot local anesthetic wound infiltration, or continuous wound infiltration with catheter below rectus fascia. PNBs are recommended for PACD. They have an opioid-sparing effect and are devoid of adverse effects associated with central neuraxial blocks such as hypotension, bradycardia, and urine retention. However, caution must be observed with PNBs for possible local anesthetic toxicity due to the large volumes of drug required.

Interventional Treatment Options for Post-mastectomy Pain.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Breast cancer is currently the most prevalent cancer diagnosed globally, and there is a significant gap in the availability of effective first-line treatment options. In addition to a cancer diagnosis, breast cancer patients face additional pain and morbidity after treatment. Radiation fibrosis, muscle spasms, muscle pain, neuropathy, and limited shoulder function are all potential side effects of breast cancer treatment and breast reconstruction. Post-mastectomy pain syndrome affects 25-60% of people after breast surgery. The current review moves forward to explain interventional pain management options that can be used to supplement conservative measures (physical therapy, medication, topical ointments) to help these patients. RECENT FINDINGS: There are many new interventional procedures to treat chest wall pain, neuropathic pain, and spasticity after breast surgery. Currently, the most commonly performed procedures are botulinum toxin injections, serratus anterior plane blocks, intercostobrachial nerve blocks, thoracic paravertebral nerve blocks, pectoralis nerve blocks, and erector spinae nerve blocks. Utilizing one of these interventional procedures, along with physical therapy and pharmacologic interventions, can help manage post-mastectomy pain syndrome in the millions of breast cancer patients diagnosed and treated every year.

Postoperative Rebound Pain: Our Current Understanding About the Role of Regional Anesthesia and Multimodal Approaches in Prevention and Treatment.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Rebound pain (RP) is a common occurrence after peripheral nerve block placement, especially when blocks are used for orthopedic surgery. This literature review focuses on the incidence and risk factors for RP as well as preventative and treatment strategies. RECENT FINDINGS: The addition of adjuvants to a block, when appropriate, and starting patients on oral analgesics prior to sensory resolution are reasonable approaches. Using continuous nerve block techniques can provide extended analgesia through the immediate postoperative phase when pain is the most intense. Peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) are associated with RP, a frequent phenomenon that must be recognized and addressed to prevent short-term pain and patient dissatisfaction, as well as long-term complications and avoidable hospital resource utilization. Knowledge about the advantages and limitations of PNBs allows the anesthesiologists to anticipate, intervene, and hopefully mitigate or avoid the phenomenon of RP.

Use of injections for chronic pain from 2010 to 2019 in Ontario, Canada.

PURPOSE: The management of chronic pain often involves interventional procedures such as injections. Nevertheless, there have been concerns raised regarding the frequency with which these injections are being performed. We conducted a descriptive study to examine trends in the use of pain injections over a ten-year time period in Ontario, Canada. METHODS: We used provincial administrative data to conduct a retrospective observational study of the most common pain injections performed from 2010 to 2019 in Ontario. We determined the frequency of pain injections and their associated physician billings from physician billing data. RESULTS: A total of 18,050,058 pain injections were included in this study with an associated total cost of CAD 865,431,605. There was a threefold increase in the number of blocks performed annually and associated costs, rising from 1,009,324 blocks (CAD 50,026,678) in 2010 to 3,198,679 blocks (CAD 156,809,081) in 2019. The majority of injections were performed by general practioners (70.8%), followed by anesthesiologists (8.3%). CONCLUSION: This descriptive study revealed a rapid increase in the frequency of pain injections performed in Ontario from 2010 to 2019. Given the associated costs and potential risks, this warrants further investigation to ensure that these interventions are being administered appropriately.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: La prise en charge de la douleur chronique implique souvent des procédures interventionnelles telles que des injections. Néanmoins, des préoccupations ont été soulevées quant à la fréquence à laquelle ces injections sont administrées. Nous avons réalisé une étude descriptive pour examiner les tendances dans l'utilisation d'injections pour soulager la douleur sur une période de dix ans en Ontario, au Canada. MéTHODE: Nous avons utilisé les données administratives provinciales pour réaliser une étude observationnelle rétrospective des injections pour soulager la douleur les plus courantes effectuées de 2010 à 2019 en Ontario. Nous avons déterminé la fréquence des injections pour soulager la douleur et les facturations des médecins associées à partir des données de facturation des médecins. RéSULTATS: Au total, 18 050 058 injections pour soulager la douleur ont été incluses dans cette étude, avec un coût total associé de 865 431 605 CAD. Le nombre de blocs exécutés chaque année et les coûts associés ont triplé, passant de 1 009 324 blocs (50 026 678 CAD) en 2010 à 3 198 679 blocs (156 809 081 CAD) en 2019. La majorité des injections ont été administrées par des médecins généralistes (70,8 %), suivis par des anesthésiologistes (8,3 %). CONCLUSION: Cette étude descriptive a révélé une augmentation rapide de la fréquence des injections pour soulager la douleur et administrées en Ontario de 2010 à 2019. Compte tenu des coûts associés et des risques potentiels, cela justifie une enquête plus approfondie pour s'assurer que ces interventions sont administrées de manière appropriée.

Ultrasound-Guided peripheral nerve blocks for major amputation in critically ill patients with peripheral artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of major amputation under ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks in critical peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of consecutive patients who underwent major amputation at our center between December 2012 and December 2020. The patients' baseline demographics and comorbidities were collected. The primary outcomes were 30-day and 12-month mortality. The secondary outcomes were intraoperative events, complications and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. RESULTS: Fifteen patients classified as American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) III and 13 ASA IV (mean age: 76.07 ± 11.78 years) were included in the study. These patients were critically ill and had many comorbidities, such as coronary artery disease. All amputations were successfully performed under ultrasound-guided PNB without conversion to GA, but intravenous analgesia was given in 7 patients during the operation. The majority of the patients had stable hemodynamics except for 2 patients who had hypoxia, so none of the patients were transferred to the ICU postoperatively. None of the patients suffered from acute cardio-cerebral events. However, 5 patients had wound infections, and 4 of 5 patients had to receive reamputation. None of the patients died within 48 h after amputation. However, the 30-day mortality was 3.57%, and the 12-month mortality was up to 35.71%. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that major amputation could be safely and effectively performed under ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks for critically ill patients, and ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks could be an alternative for patients at high risk of general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia.

[Cancer pain relief with drugs and neurolytic nerve blocks]. / A rosszindulatú daganatos fájdalom kezelése gyógyszerekkel és idegblokádokkal.

Drug therapy with non-opioid, opioid and adjuvant drugs is the mainstay of cancer pain relief. The three step analgesic ladder, published by WHO in 1986 Geneva, is useful for oncologists and general practitioners.
The first step is giving minor analgesics and adjuvant drugs; the second is giving minor analgesics, weak opioid and adjuvant drugs; the third step is giving minor analgesics, strong opioids and adjuvant drugs. For those patients who have severe pain it is a waste of time to prescribe the drugs of the first and second step, we suggest to start immediately with strong opioids!
Analgetic drugs should be given by the clock: the next dose is given before the effect of previous one has fully worn off. In this way it is possible to relieve pain continuously.
In selected cases the analgetic effect of nerve blockade is much better than that of the drug treatment. With successful blockades the patient can stop taking analgetic drugs for a long period of time and the blockades can be performed repeatedly. We briefly summarise the three most effective neuroblockades.

Suprascapular Nerve Block (SSNB) improves the outcome in exercise based management of Primary Adhesive Capsulitis (PAC): A prospective randomized comparative study.

Background and Aims: Increased pain and associated stiffness hinders the advantages of exercise and process of recovery in primary adhesive capsulitis. We hypothesized that suprascapular nerve block may positively affect the outcome due to its role in pain relief of acute or chronic shoulder pain. We compared the effect of suprascapular nerve block and exercise with only exercise on the recovery of primary adhesive capsulitis. Material and Methods: A total of 96 patients of both sexes presenting with primary adhesive capsulitis were divided by computer randomization in two equal groups (n = 48). Group A received exercise only and Group B received suprascapular nerve block followed by exercise. Oral paracetamol was given for analgesia as desired. Patients were followed up at 4, 8, 16, and 24 weeks. Pain was assessed by visual analog scale; functional outcome by Shoulder Pain and Disability Index and range of movement by goniometer. Results: The pain scores and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index scores were significantly lower at all observation points of 4, 8,16, and 24 weeks in Group B than Group A (P < 0.05). The range of movement in all the ranges of forward flexion, extension, internal and external rotation, and abduction at all observation points was significantly higher in Group-B (P < 0.05) compared to Group A. The consumption of analgesics was significantly more in Group A than Group B at 4 and 8 weeks (P = 0.020 and P = 0.044) but comparable at 12 and 24 weeks (P = 0.145 and P = 0.237 respectively). Conclusion: Combining SSNB with exercise is more effective in treatment of primary adhesive capsulitis than exercise alone and reduces the use of analgesics. SSNB it is effective and safe to use in primary adhesive capsulitis.

Combined proximal or distal nerve blocks for postoperative analgesia after total knee arthroplasty: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Many regional anaesthetic techniques have been proposed to manage pain after total knee arthroplasty, but the best approach is unclear. We compared opioid consumption in the first 48 h between two different regional anaesthesia strategies in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: In this single-centre, prospective study, we randomly allocated 90 patients to a combination of IPACK (interspace between popliteal artery and capsule of the posterior knee), triangle femoral and obturator nerve blocks (distal group), or a combination of sciatic, femoral, obturator, and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve blocks (proximal group). All patients received an opioid-sparing general anaesthesia regimen. The primary outcome was opioid consumption in the first 48 h. Secondary outcomes included opioid consumption in the first 24 h and verbal rating pain scores in the first 48 h. RESULTS: There was no difference in median cumulative oral morphine equivalent consumption at 48 h between the distal and the proximal block groups (33 [18-78] mg vs 30 [22-51] mg, respectively; P=0.29). Median oral morphine equivalent consumption at 24 h was higher in the distal group compared with the proximal group (30 [13-59] vs 15 [0-18], respectively; P<0.001). Verbal rating pain scores were lower in the proximal group compared with the distal group on arrival to the postanaesthesia care unit and at 6 and 12 h. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty under total intravenous general anaesthesia with a multimodal analgesia regimen, proximal nerve blocks resulted in improved pain scores in the first 12 h and reduced opioid consumption in the first 24 h when compared with distal nerve blocks. No difference in pain scores or opioid consumption was seen at 48 h. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04499716.

Percutaneous Interventional Strategies for Migraine Prevention: A Systematic Review and Practice Guideline.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of percutaneous interventional treatments for prevention of migraine through a qualitative and (when possible) quantitative analysis. METHODS: An expert panel was asked to develop recommendations for the multidisciplinary preventive treatment of migraine, including interventional strategies. The committee conducted a systematic review and (when evidence was sufficient) a meta-analytic review by using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) criteria and the modified Cochrane Risk of Bias analysis available in the Covidence data management program. Clinical questions addressed adults with migraine who should be offered prevention. Examined outcomes included headache days, acute medication use, and functional impairment. Acute management of migraine was outside the scope of this guideline. RESULTS: The committee screened 1,195 studies and assessed 352 by full text, yielding 16 randomized controlled trials that met the inclusion criteria. RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS: As informed by evidence related to the preselected outcomes, adverse event profile, cost, and values and preferences of patients, onabotulinumtoxinA received a strong recommendation for its use for chronic migraine prevention and a weak recommendation against its use for episodic migraine prevention. Greater occipital nerve blocks received a weak recommendation for their use for chronic migraine prevention. For greater occipital nerve block, steroid received a weak recommendation against its use vs the use of local anesthetic alone. Occipital nerve with supraorbital nerve blocks, sphenopalatine ganglion blocks, cervical spine percutaneous interventions, and implantable stimulation all received weak recommendations for their use for chronic migraine prevention. The committee found insufficient evidence to assess trigger point injections in migraine prevention and highly discouraged the use of intrathecal medication.

Programmed, intermittent boluses versus continuous infusion to the sciatic nerve - a non-inferiority randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Trials comparing programmed, intermittent boluses (PIB) and continuous infusion in catheter-based nerve blocks found no analgesic differences. However, as these trials used equal doses of local anesthetic (LA), the time of action of each bolus was not accounted for. Therefore, the dose-sparing benefits of PIB may have been overlooked. We compared the analgesic effect of boluses administered in intervals resembling the time of action of each bolus with continuous infusion. We hypothesized that PIB provided non-inferior analgesia despite consuming less LA. METHODS: Eighty-one patients undergoing fore- and midfoot surgery receiving a catheter-based sciatic nerve block were randomized to ropivacaine 0.2% as PIB of 10 ml every 8th hour or as continuous infusion, 6 ml h-1 . All participants could also receive boluses of 10 ml every 4th hour as needed. A non-inferiority randomized controlled design was used. Primary outcome was pain (VAS, 0-100 mm) for 72 h using area under curve (AUC) calculation. We assumed a linear relationship between mean VAS and AUC-VAS and used a non-inferiority margin of VAS = 20 mm, corresponding to AUC-VAS = 1440 mm h. RESULTS: Mean difference in AUC-VAS was -416 mm h (95% CI -1076 to 244; p = .217) between continuous infusion (mean AUC-VAS 1206 mm h) and PIB (mean AUC-VAS 1621 mm h), establishing non-inferiority. Mean total LA consumption was significantly larger for continuous infusion compared to PIB ((468 ml (95% CI 458 to 478) vs. 136 ml (95% CI 123 to 148); p < 0.0001)). CONCLUSIONS: PIB provided non-inferior analgesia compared to continuous infusion for 72 postoperative hours despite using significantly less LA.

Postdural Puncture Headache-Risks and Current Treatment.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This manuscript aims to review the risks and the current treatments for postdural puncture headache (PDPH). RECENT FINDINGS: PDPH is a relatively frequent complication after neuraxial blocks. It is typically orthostatic in nature, presenting as a positional and dull aching or throbbing headache, with added dysregulation of auditory and/or visual signals. Certain characteristics, such as female sex and young age, may predispose patients to the development of PDPH, as may factors such as previous PDPH, bearing down during the second stage of labor, and the neuraxial technique itself. Long-term complications including chronic headache for years following dural puncture have brought into question of the historical classification of PDPH as a self-limiting headache. So far, the underlying mechanism governing PDPH remains under investigation, while a wide variety of prophylactic and therapeutic measures have been explored with various degree of success. In case of mild PDPH, conservative management involving bed rest and pharmacological management should be used as first-line treatment. Nerve blocks are highly efficient alternatives for PDPH patients who do not respond well to conservative treatment. In case of moderate-to-severe PDPH, epidural blood patch remains the therapy of choice. An interdisciplinary approach to care for patients with PDPH is recommended to achieve optimal outcomes.

Ambulatory Pain Management in the Pediatric Patient Population.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Outpatient surgery in the pediatric population has become increasingly common. However, many patients still experience moderate to severe postoperative pain. A poor understanding of the extent of pain after pediatric ambulatory surgery and the lack of randomized control studies of pain management of the outpatient necessitate this review of scientific evidence and multimodal analgesia. RECENT FINDINGS: A multimodal approach to pain management should be applied to the ambulatory setting to decrease postoperative pain. These include non-pharmacological techniques, multimodal pharmacologics, and neuraxial and peripheral nerve blocks. Postoperative pain management in pediatric ambulatory surgical patients remains suboptimal at most centers due to limited evidence-based approach to postoperative pain control. Pediatric ambulatory pain management requires a multipronged approach to address this inadequacy.

Retrospective Single-Center Comparative Analysis of Ultrasound-Guided Versus Non-ultrasound-Guided Nerve Blocks in Extremity Surgeries.

OBJECTIVES: Although ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks have become increasingly popular, it is arguable at present whether ultrasound guidance is a necessary tool for peripheral nerve blocks. The purpose of this study was to assess the significance of ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks in reducing complications. METHODS: From January 2013 to January 2019, 17,823 patients who underwent peripheral nerve blocks with/without ultrasound guidance were reviewed, recording data on their age, sex, height, weight, American Society of Anesthesiologists, block type, operation type, operation duration, and complications. The patients were divided into 2 groups: 9372 cases with ultrasound guidance (US Group) and 8451 cases without ultrasound guidance (No-US Group). To control selection bias, a total of 16,236 patients were finally included in this study after 1:1 propensity score matching, including 8118 cases in the US Group and 8118 cases in the No-US Group. Outcome measures included local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST), nerve injury, incomplete block anesthesia (IBA), local hematoma, and infection at the block site. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics of patients were similar between the two groups (P >.05, respectively). Our study revealed that the incidence of infection was similar between the two groups (P >.05). However, the incidences of LAST, nerve injury, IBA, and local hematoma in the US Group were significantly lower than those in the No-US Group (P <.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks are associated with fewer complications and higher success rates, compared with the paresthesia approach.