Dexamethasone treatment reduces sensory neuropeptides and nerve sprouting reactions in injured teeth

Crosstalk between bone metastatic cancer cells and sensory nerves in bone metastatic progression

Although the role of peripheral nerves in cancer progression has been appreciated, little is known regarding cancer/sensory nerve crosstalk and its contribution to bone metastasis and associated pain. In this study, we revealed that the cancer/sensory nerve crosstalk plays a crucial role in bone metastatic progression. We found that (i) periosteal sensory nerves expressing calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) are enriched in mice with bone metastasis; (ii) cancer patients with bone metastasis have elevated CGRP serum levels; (iii) bone metastatic patient tumor samples express elevated calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR, a CGRP receptor component); (iv) higher CRLR levels in cancer patients are negatively correlated with recurrence-free survival; (v) CGRP induces cancer cell proliferation through the CRLR/p38/HSP27 pathway; and (vi) blocking sensory neuron-derived CGRP reduces cancer cell proliferation in vitro and bone metastatic progression in vivo. This suggests that CGRP-expressing sensory nerves are involved in bone metastatic progression and that the CGRP/CRLR axis may serve as a potential therapeutic target for bone metastasis.

The effect of dexamethasone and bupivacaine on postoperative pain and nausea and vomiting by preperitoneal nerve blocking in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized clinical trial

Background

This study aims to examine the effects of preperitoneal administration of dexamethasone and bupivacaine surrounding laparoscopic trocars on postoperative pain (POP) and nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

Method

In this randomized triple-blinded trial with a 1:1 randomization ratio, 104 patients with chronic cholecystitis were candidates for elective LC. A total of 40 mg (8 ml) of bupivacaine was mixed with 8 mg (2 ml) of dexamethasone or normal saline. The solution was injected preperitoneally via an 18G needle parallel and lateral to trocars until a bulge in the interior surface of the parietal peritoneum was observed by the camera. Primary outcomes were the severity of POP based on 0-10 Likert visual analog scale (VAS) and rates of PONV and secondary outcomes were rate of postoperative opioid usage and any side-effects.

Result

The mean VAS score was significantly lower in the dexamethasone group (3.5 vs. 6.2, P<0.001). The dexamethasone group had 46.2% and 26.9% lower rates of nausea and vomiting after LC compared to the other group (P=0.001 and 0.015, respectively). Postoperative opioid use was lower in the dexamethasone group, but its difference was insignificant (P=0.3).

Conclusions

Preperitoneal dexamethasone injection around laparoscopic trocars may lower the intensity of POP and PONV rates. Perioperative local corticosteroids can be used as an effective, available, and inexpensive analgesic and antiemetic prevention for laparoscopic procedures.

The efficacy and safety of perioperative glucocorticoid for total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

An increasing number of individuals undergo total knee arthroplasty (TKA), which can result in pain, limited motor function and adverse complications such as infection, nausea and vomiting. Glucocorticoids have been shown anti-inflammatory and antiemetic effects, but can also elevate blood glucose levels and increase the risk of wound infection. Thus, it is essential to investigate the efficacy and safety of glucocorticoid usage in TKA.

METHOD

A comprehensive systematic search of PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane databases, to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of glucocorticoid application in TKA. The primary outcomes assessed were the postoperative pain assessment. Secondary outcomes included the range of motion in knee joint, levels of inflammatory cytokines, adverse complications, and the length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Thirty-six randomized controlled trials were included in the final analysis. The glucocorticoid group exhibited significant reduction in the resting VAS scores on postoperative days 1, 2 (POD1, 2)and postoperative 3 months (POM3), as well as decreased morphine consumption on POD1 and increased range of motion (ROM) in knee joint on POD1, 3. Additionally, the glucocorticoid group exhibited decreased levels of postoperative inflammatory cytokines and the incidence of PONV along with a shorter length of hospital stay. The blood glucose concentration was significantly increased in the glucocorticoid group on POD1 compared with the control group. While the blood glucose on POD2 and occurrence of postoperative adverse complications were similar between two groups including wound infection and venous thrombosis. The periarticular injection analgesia (PIA) group demonstrated lower VAS scores on POD2 comparing to the systemic administration (SA) group according to two studies. However, there was no significant difference of the resting VAS on POD1 and POD2 between PIA and SA group across all studies.

CONCLUSION

Perioperative glucocorticoids treatment in TKA significantly reduced short-term pain score and opioid-use which was probably not patient relevant. The application of glucocorticoids in TKA implied a beneficial trend in analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antiemetic effects, as well as improved range of motion and shortened hospital stay. While it will not increase the risk of continued high glucose, postoperative wound infection and venous thrombosis.

Effects of combined dexamethasone and tranexamic acid in lower limb total arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effectiveness of combined Tranexamic acid (TXA) and dexamethasone (DEX) in total hip and knee arthroplasty.

METHODS

PUBMED, EMBASE, MEDLINE and CENTRAL database were systematically searched for randomized studies that utilized TXA and DEX administration of TXA in THA or TKA.

RESULTS

A total of three randomized studies enrolling 288 patients were eligible for qualitative and quantitative analysis. DEX + TXA group demonstrated statistical significantly lesser usage of oxycodone (OR: 0.34, p < 0.0001), metoclopramide (OR: 0.21, p < 0.00001), lesser incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (OR: 0.27, p < 0.0001), better postoperative range of motion (MD: 2.30, p < 0.00001) and shorter length of hospital stay (MD: 0.31, p = 0.03). Comparable results were seen in total blood loss, transfusion rate and postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

In this meta-analysis, the combination of TXA and DEX has positive impacts on the usage of oxycodone and metoclopramide, postoperative range of motion, postoperative nausea and vomiting and reduces the length of hospital stay.

Effect of intravenous dexamethasone on the duration of hyperbaric bupivacaine spinal anesthesia in lower abdominal surgery, Randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of intravenous (IV) dexamethasone on the duration of hyperbaric bupivacaine spinal anesthesia.

METHODS

Two hundred patients between the ages of 18 and 60, of both sexes with ASA I- II classification scheduled for lower abdominal surgery under spinal anesthesia using hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% were randomly divided into two groups: the dexamethasone group (Dexa group) and the control group, with 100 patients in each group. Before the administration of spinal anesthesia, the Dexa group received an intravenous infusion of 8 mg dexamethasone in 500 mL normal saline, while the control group received 500 mL normal saline only. The primary outcome of this study was to assess the effect of IV dexamethasone on the regression of hyperbaric bupivacaine spinal anesthesia. Secondary outcome measures included the total duration of sensory and motor blocks, VAS score, time of first analgesic request, total analgesic consumption within the first 24 h, and the occurrence of any side effects.

RESULTS

The Dexa group had significantly delayed onset of 2 dermatomes regression (P < 0.001) compared to the control group. Additionally, the Dexa group had significantly longer duration of both sensory block (P = 0.01) and motor block (P < 0.001). The Dexa group had significantly longer duration until the first postoperative analgesic request (P < 0.001) and a lower incidence of side effects compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

Although the intravenous administration of dexamethasone had a limited effect on the duration of hyperbaric bupivacaine spinal anesthesia, it improved postoperative VAS scores compared to the control group and decreased overall postoperative analgesic consumption. Therefore, it can be considered a valuable addition to postoperative multimodal analgesia strategies, aiming to minimize total analgesic consumption.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ID: NCT04778189 (2/3/2021).

Can intra-operative methylprednisolone application be effective for post-operative pain, nausea and vomiting in laparoscopic cholecystectomy operations?

Background/Aim: Post-operative nausea, vomiting (PONV), and pain are common symptoms after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) that is performed under general anesthesia. These symptoms lead to prolongation of post-operative recovery and hospital stay. In this study, the efficacy of intra-operative methylprednisolone (MP) administration on post-operative pain and PONV was investigated in patients undergoing LC under general anesthesia. Methods: This study was conducted at Uşak University Faculty of Medicine Hospital. Patients who underwent LC under general anesthesia between 01.11.2018 and 01.06.2019 were evaluated using the prospective cohort method. While intra-operative MP was administered to one group of patients who underwent LC (MP group), MP was not administered to the second group (non-MP). The pain was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) while PONV was evaluated with the Verbal Descriptive Scale (VDS in patients at post-operative hours 0, 1, 2, 6, 12, 18, and 24. On the first post-operative day, patient satisfaction was assessed. Results: The study cohort consisted of 76 patients. The VAS was used to measure post-operative pain, and it was discovered that the MP group had significantly reduced VAS values at post-operative hours 0, 1, 2, 6, 12, 18, and 24 (P < 0.001). In the VDS evaluation, no difference between the two groups only at post-operative hour 12 (P = 0.52) was found, while the VDS value was found to be lower in the MP group than in the non-MP group at post-operative hours 0, 1, 2, 6, 18, and 24 (P ˂ 0.001). The mean total analgesic use at post-operative hour 48 was 69.08 (26.91) mg in the MP group and 96.71 (42.38) mg in the non-MP group. The difference was statistically significant (P ˂ 0.001). Conclusion: PONV and discomfort incidence decreased after intra-operative MPadministration. The decrease in these symptoms was positively reflected in post-operativepatient satisfaction.

The analgesic efficacy of intravenous dexamethasone for post-caesarean pain: A systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

BACKGROUND

Analgesic efficacy of intravenous dexamethasone has not been well defined after caesarean delivery. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of peri-operative dexamethasone administration on postoperative pain after caesarean delivery.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the impact of perioperative intravenous dexamethasone on postoperative pain after caesarean delivery. The two primary outcomes of interest were early (4 to 6 h) resting pain scores and time to first rescue analgesia.

DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and the Cochrane central registers of controlled trials were searched to identify RCTs from inception to April 2021.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Prospective RCTs comparing the role of intravenous dexamethasone with non-active control were eligible for inclusion. Exclusion criteria included trials comparing various doses of dexamethasone without any control treatment arm, dexamethasone with other active drugs and trials comparing different routes of dexamethasone, for example, wound infiltration.

RESULTS

Thirteen RCTs constituting of 988 parturients undergoing caesarean delivery were included. Patients receiving dexamethasone had lower pain scores at rest at 4 to 6 h after surgery, mean difference -1.29 [95% confidence interval (CI), -1.85 to -0.73], P < 0.0001, with low quality of evidence (I2 = 94%). Moderate quality of evidence (I2 = 17%) suggested that the time to first rescue analgesia in the dexamethasone group was significantly longer, mean difference 2.64 h (95% CI, 1.85 to 3.42), P  < 0.0001. Trial sequential analysis for pain scores suggested the benefit of dexamethasone; however, the requisite information size (RIS) could not be reached, whereas RIS was adequate for time to rescue analgesia. Significant reduction in pain scores at all times and opioid consumption at 24 h with dexamethasone were observed with sparse reporting on adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

Peri-operative intravenous dexamethasone was associated with a significant decrease in postoperative pain scores at rest and a longer time to first rescue analgesia, along with a small but statistically significantly reduced opioid consumption after caesarean delivery compared with nonactive control.

Current Concepts of Dentinal Hypersensitivity

INTRODUCTION

Although many clinical studies have reported on the prevalence of dental pain, far fewer studies have focused on the mechanisms of dental pain. This is an important gap because increased understanding of dental pain mechanisms may lead to improved diagnostic tests or therapeutic interventions. The aim of this study was to comprehensively review the literature on the mechanisms of dentinal sensitivity.

METHODS

PubMed and Ovid were searched for articles that addressed dentinal pain and or pulpal sensitivity. Because of the breadth of research ranging from cellular/molecular studies to clinical trials, a narrative review on the mechanisms of dentinal sensitivity was constructed based on the literature.

RESULTS

Five various mechanisms for dentinal sensitivity have been proposed: (1) the classic hydrodynamic theory, (2) direct innervation of dentinal tubules, (3) neuroplasticity and sensitization of nociceptors, (4) odontoblasts serving as sensory receptors, and (5) algoneurons.

CONCLUSIONS

These theories are not mutually exclusive, and it is possible that several of them contribute to dentinal sensitivity. Moreover, pulpal responses to tissue injury may alter the relative contribution of these mechanisms. For example, pulpal inflammation may lead to neuronal sprouting and peripheral sensitization. Knowledge of these mechanisms may prompt the development of therapeutic drugs that aim to disrupt these mechanisms, leading to more effective treatments for pulpal pain.

Usefulness of the measurement of neurite outgrowth of primary sensory neurons to study cancer-related painful complications

Abnormal outgrowth of sensory nerves is one of the important contributors to pain associated with cancer and its treatments. Primary neuronal cultures derived from dorsal root ganglia (DRG) have been widely used to study pain-associated signal transduction and electrical activity of sensory nerves. However, there are only a few studies using primary DRG neuronal culture to investigate neurite outgrowth alterations due to underlying cancer-related factors and chemotherapeutic agents. In this study, primary DRG sensory neurons derived from mouse, non-human primate, and human were established in serum and growth factor-free conditions. A bovine serum albumin gradient centrifugation method improved the separation of sensory neurons from satellite cells. The purified DRG neurons were able to maintain their heterogeneous subpopulations, and displayed an increase in neurite growth when exposed to cancer-derived conditioned medium, while they showed a reduction in neurite length when treated with a neurotoxic chemotherapeutic agent. Additionally, a semi-automated quantification method was developed to measure neurite length in an accurate and time-efficient manner. Finally, these exogenous factors altered the gene expression patterns of murine primary sensory neurons, which are related to nerve growth, and neuro-inflammatory pain and nociceptor development. Together, the primary DRG neuronal culture in combination with a semi-automated quantification method can be a useful tool for further understanding the impact of exogenous factors on the growth of sensory nerve fibers and gene expression changes in sensory neurons.

The role of perioperative intravenous low-dose dexamethasone in rapid recovery after total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the overall safety and effectiveness of perioperative intravenous dexamethasone to facilitate postoperative rehabilitation in patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed using the Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to 2020. Methodological quality of the trials was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, and the relevant data were extracted using a predefined data extraction form.

RESULTS

Ten RCTs with 1100 knees were included. Our study showed a significant reduction in pain using a postoperative pain visual analog scale (VAS) at 24 hours and 48 hours, total opioid consumption at 24 hours and 48 hours, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), active range of motion (ROM) limitation, and passive ROM limitation at 72 hours in dexamethasone-treated groups compared with controls.

CONCLUSION

Intravenous low-dose dexamethasone is potentially useful in the perioperative setting for reducing postsurgical immediate ROM limitations, pain, opioid consumption, and PONV. There are no data that directly attribute an increase in postoperative complications to intravenous dexamethasone. More high-quality studies are necessary to draw these conclusions.

Dexamethasone and post-adenotonsillectomy pain in children: Double-blind, randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of intraoperative intravenous dexamethasone on the reduction of postoperative morbidity in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy.

METHODS

A double blind randomized controlled trial conducted among children undergoing adenotonsillectomy at a tertiary hospital in Korea from November 2018 to June 2019. Children were randomly assigned to receive dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg, maximum dose 24 mg) or placebo intravenously after induction of anesthesia. The primary endpoint was the reduction of postoperative pain and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV); secondary endpoints were adverse effects like postoperative hemorrhage.

RESULTS

The study included 105 children, and 67 were male. Their mean age was 6.2 ± 2.1 years. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of demographic data or the operation time. The pain scores of the dexamethasone group were lower than those of the control group, but no significant difference was found (all P > .05). The average pain visual analog scale (VAS) during the study period (day 0-7) was 3.67 ± 1.59 and 4.40 ± 2.01 in the dexamethasone group and control group, respectively (P-value = .107). When we compared early pain VAS (day 0-2) and late pain VAS (day 5-7), the dexamethasone group showed significantly lower early mean VAS compared to the control group (4.55 ± 1.78 vs 5.40 ± 2.05, P-value = .046). The mean VAS for PONV was significantly lower in the dexamethasone group than in the control group (1.89 ± 2.22 vs 3.00 ± 2.37, P value = .044).

CONCLUSION

In children undergoing adenotonsillectomy, dexamethasone decreased the early postoperative pain and PONV without increasing postoperative hemorrhage.

Evaluation of the Effects of Preoperative Dexamethasone Administration on Postoperative Patient Comfort in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Objective

Postoperative recovery process following laparoscopic cholecystectomy depends on many factors such as pain, fatigue and exhaustion. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the administration of dexamethasone, a glucocorticoid, has positive effects of postoperative patient comfort in patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in our clinic.

Methods

Patients who presented to the general surgery clinic of our hospital and scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy due to cholelithiasis were included in this study. Patients in Group 1 received dexamethasone 90 minutes before the skin incision, while patients in Group 2 were given placebo (normal saline). Pain scores, presence of nausea and vomiting in the postoperative period were compared between the study and control groups.

Results

No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of incisional pain at rest and in motion and visceral pain at rest at postoperative 6th, 12th and 24th hours. Although there was a difference between the groups in terms of visceral pain in motion at the postoperative 12th and 24th hours, this was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Although the need for additional analgesics and antiemetic drugs was lower in the study group compared to the control group, the difference between the groups was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

We can expect better results with the use of multimodal analgesic and anti-emetic combination instead of a single agent in studies to be performed about the prevention of postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting.

Combined Application of Dexamethasone and Tranexamic Acid to Reduce the Postoperative Inflammatory Response and Improve Functional Outcomes in Total Hip Arthroplasty

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined use of tranexamic acid (TXA) and dexamethasone (DEX) for anti‐inflammatory and clinical outcomes after total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods

A total of 100 patients were included in this randomized, controlled study. Patients in the TXA + DEX group were administered TXA at a dose of 15 mg/kg, which was repeated 3 h after THA, and received 20 mg DEX. In contrast, patients in the TXA group were administered TXA at a dose of 15 mg/kg, which was repeated at 3 h postoperatively. C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and pain levels, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), total blood loss and transfusion rates, postoperative fatigue, range of motion (ROM), length of hospital stay (LOS), analgesic rescue and antiemetic rescue consumption, and complications were compared in both groups.

Results

The CRP and IL‐6 levels were lower in the TXA + DEX group than in the TXA group (all P < 0.001) at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h postoperatively. Patients in the TXA + DEX group had lower pain scores at rest and walking at 24 h postoperatively (all P < 0.001). In the TXA + DEX group, the incidence of PONV was lower (P = 0.005), postoperative fatigue (P < 0.001) was reduced, and analgesia and antiemetic rescue consumption were also reduced. The total blood loss, transfusion rate, LOS and hip ROM were similar in the two groups. There was no thrombosis, infection, or gastrointestinal bleeding in either group.

Conclusion

Compared to TXA alone, the combination of TXA + DEX can reduce postoperative inflammatory response, relieve pain, and reduce PONV and fatigue, without increasing the risk of complications. Therefore, the present study suggested that the combination of TXA + DEX is an effective and safe accelerated rehabilitation strategy for patients receiving primary unilateral THA.

A review of dexamethasone as an adjunct to adenotonsillectomy in the pediatric population

Although one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in children and frequently performed as outpatient surgery, the postoperative course following tonsillectomy may include nausea, vomiting, poor oral intake, and pain. These problems may last days into the postoperative course. Although opioids may be used to treat the pain, comorbid conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea may mandate limiting the dose and the frequency of administration. Adjunctive agents may improve the overall postoperative course of patients and limit the need for opioid analgesics. Dexamethasone is a frequently administered intraoperatively as an adjunctive agent to decrease inflammation and pain, limit the potential for postoperative nausea and vomiting, and improve the overall postoperative course. The following manuscript reviews the use of dexamethasone to improve outcomes following tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy, discusses the controversies regarding its potential association with perioperative bleeding, and investigates options for dosing regimens which may maintain the beneficial physiologic effects while limiting the potential for bleeding.

Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Cesarean Delivery: Injection Site Pain as a New Complication and Dexamethasone Reduced Incidence

Background

Although ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) is widely used in multimodal analgesia after cesarean delivery (CD), the complications of TAPB during analgesia after CD have rarely been reported.

Methods

A total of 84 cases of CD were randomly assigned to either a ropivacaine group (R group) or ropivacaine + dexamethasone group (RD group) in this double-blind trial. The pain site and pain degree at rest and during activity at 2 h, 6 h, 10 h, 12 h, 14 h, 16 h, 20 h, and 24 h after maternal surgery were recorded. The consumption of opioids at 24h, postoperative nausea, vomiting, exhaustion, and other adverse reactions were recorded.

Results

A total of 80 patients were included in the analysis of results. A total of 19 patients developed ISP, 14 in the R group and 5 in the RD group. The incidence of ISP in the R and RD groups was 35% and 12.5%, respectively. The results described above showed that combining dexamethasone with ropivacaine reduced the incidence of ISP, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Two groups of women with positive ISP had higher values of opioid consumption than women with negative ISP, but the difference was not significant.

Conclusion

Dexamethasone as an adjuvant for ropivacaine can effectively relieve the ISP of ultrasound-guided TAPB after CD, and can enhance the analgesic effect of ropivacaine.

Clinical Practice Guideline: Tonsillectomy in Children (Update)

OBJECTIVE

This update of a 2011 guideline developed by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation provides evidence-based recommendations on the pre-, intra-, and postoperative care and management of children 1 to 18 years of age under consideration for tonsillectomy. Tonsillectomy is defined as a surgical procedure performed with or without adenoidectomy that completely removes the tonsil, including its capsule, by dissecting the peritonsillar space between the tonsil capsule and the muscular wall. Tonsillectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States, with 289,000 ambulatory procedures performed annually in children <15 years of age based on the most recent published data. This guideline is intended for all clinicians in any setting who interact with children who may be candidates for tonsillectomy.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this multidisciplinary guideline is to identify quality improvement opportunities in managing children under consideration for tonsillectomy and to create explicit and actionable recommendations to implement these opportunities in clinical practice. Specifically, the goals are to educate clinicians, patients, and/or caregivers regarding the indications for tonsillectomy and the natural history of recurrent throat infections. Additional goals include the following: optimizing the perioperative management of children undergoing tonsillectomy, emphasizing the need for evaluation and intervention in special populations, improving the counseling and education of families who are considering tonsillectomy for their children, highlighting the management options for patients with modifying factors, and reducing inappropriate or unnecessary variations in care. Children aged 1 to 18 years under consideration for tonsillectomy are the target patient for the guideline. For this guideline update, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation selected a panel representing the fields of nursing, anesthesiology, consumers, family medicine, infectious disease, otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, pediatrics, and sleep medicine.

KEY ACTION STATEMENTS

The guideline update group made strong recommendations for the following key action statements (KASs): (1) Clinicians should recommend watchful waiting for recurrent throat infection if there have been <7 episodes in the past year, <5 episodes per year in the past 2 years, or <3 episodes per year in the past 3 years. (2) Clinicians should administer a single intraoperative dose of intravenous dexamethasone to children undergoing tonsillectomy. (3) Clinicians should recommend ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or both for pain control after tonsillectomy. The guideline update group made recommendations for the following KASs: (1) Clinicians should assess the child with recurrent throat infection who does not meet criteria in KAS 2 for modifying factors that may nonetheless favor tonsillectomy, which may include but are not limited to multiple antibiotic allergies/intolerance, PFAPA (periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis), or history of >1 peritonsillar abscess. (2) Clinicians should ask caregivers of children with obstructive sleep-disordered breathing and tonsillar hypertrophy about comorbid conditions that may improve after tonsillectomy, including growth retardation, poor school performance, enuresis, asthma, and behavioral problems. (3) Before performing tonsillectomy, the clinician should refer children with obstructive sleep-disordered breathing for polysomnography if they are <2 years of age or if they exhibit any of the following: obesity, Down syndrome, craniofacial abnormalities, neuromuscular disorders, sickle cell disease, or mucopolysaccharidoses. (4) The clinician should advocate for polysomnography prior to tonsillectomy for obstructive sleep-disordered breathing in children without any of the comorbidities listed in KAS 5 for whom the need for tonsillectomy is uncertain or when there is discordance between the physical examination and the reported severity of oSDB. (5) Clinicians should recommend tonsillectomy for children with obstructive sleep apnea documented by overnight polysomnography. (6) Clinicians should counsel patients and caregivers and explain that obstructive sleep-disordered breathing may persist or recur after tonsillectomy and may require further management. (7) The clinician should counsel patients and caregivers regarding the importance of managing posttonsillectomy pain as part of the perioperative education process and should reinforce this counseling at the time of surgery with reminders about the need to anticipate, reassess, and adequately treat pain after surgery. (8) Clinicians should arrange for overnight, inpatient monitoring of children after tonsillectomy if they are <3 years old or have severe obstructive sleep apnea (apnea-hypopnea index ≥10 obstructive events/hour, oxygen saturation nadir <80%, or both). (9) Clinicians should follow up with patients and/or caregivers after tonsillectomy and document in the medical record the presence or absence of bleeding within 24 hours of surgery (primary bleeding) and bleeding occurring later than 24 hours after surgery (secondary bleeding). (10) Clinicians should determine their rate of primary and secondary posttonsillectomy bleeding at least annually. The guideline update group made a strong recommendation against 2 actions: (1) Clinicians should not administer or prescribe perioperative antibiotics to children undergoing tonsillectomy. (2) Clinicians must not administer or prescribe codeine, or any medication containing codeine, after tonsillectomy in children younger than 12 years. The policy level for the recommendation about documenting recurrent throat infection was an option: (1) Clinicians may recommend tonsillectomy for recurrent throat infection with a frequency of at least 7 episodes in the past year, at least 5 episodes per year for 2 years, or at least 3 episodes per year for 3 years with documentation in the medical record for each episode of sore throat and ≥1 of the following: temperature >38.3°C (101°F), cervical adenopathy, tonsillar exudate, or positive test for group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus.

DIFFERENCES FROM PRIOR GUIDELINE

(1) Incorporating new evidence profiles to include the role of patient preferences, confidence in the evidence, differences of opinion, quality improvement opportunities, and any exclusion to which the action statement does not apply. (2) There were 1 new clinical practice guideline, 26 new systematic reviews, and 13 new randomized controlled trials included in the current guideline update. (3) Inclusion of 2 consumer advocates on the guideline update group. (4) Changes to 5 KASs from the original guideline: KAS 1 (Watchful waiting for recurrent throat infection), KAS 3 (Tonsillectomy for recurrent infection with modifying factors), KAS 4 (Tonsillectomy for obstructive sleep-disordered breathing), KAS 9 (Perioperative pain counseling), and KAS 10 (Perioperative antibiotics). (5) Seven new KASs: KAS 5 (Indications for polysomnography), KAS 6 (Additional recommendations for polysomnography), KAS 7 (Tonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea), KAS 12 (Inpatient monitoring for children after tonsillectomy), KAS 13 (Postoperative ibuprofen and acetaminophen), KAS 14 (Postoperative codeine), and KAS 15a (Outcome assessment for bleeding). (6) Addition of an algorithm outlining KASs. (7) Enhanced emphasis on patient and/or caregiver education and shared decision making.

Perioperative multiple low-dose Dexamethasones improves postoperative clinical outcomes after Total knee arthroplasty

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of multiple low-dose dexamethasones in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

One hundred fifty patients were equally randomized into 3 groups: Group A (n = 50) received 2 doses of normal saline only; Group B (n = 50) received with 1 dose of intravenous dexamethasone and 1 dose of normal saline; Group C (n = 50) received with 2 doses of intravenous dexamethasone. The clinical outcomes and complications were assessed.

Results

The CRP and IL-6 were significantly lower in Group C and B than Group A at 24, 48, and 72 h postoperatively (P < 0.001 for all). The intensity of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in Group C was lower than Group A at 24 (P < 0.001, P = 0.002), 48 (P = 0.005, P = 0.041) and 72 h (P = 0.017, P = 0.031) postoperatively and Group B at 24 h (P = 0.027, P = 0.019) postoperatively. Pain were significantly less in Group C than Group A at 24 (P < 0.001), 48 h (P = 0.037) postoperatively and Group B 24 h (P = 0.030) postoperatively. Patients in Group C had better range of motion (ROM) and satisfaction than Group A (P < 0.001, P = 0.002) and B (P = 0.001, P = 0.043). No differences were found in complications.

Conclusions

The administration of 10 mg dexamethasone 1 h before the surgery, and repeated at 6 h postoperatively can significantly reduce the level of postoperative CRP and IL-6 and the incidence of PONV, relieve pain, achieve an additional analgesic effect, and improve the early ROM compared with the other two groups in TKA.

Level of Evidence

Therapeutic Level I.

Trial registration

The Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1800017036). Registered on July 9, 2018.

The impact of prophylactic dexamethasone on postoperative sore throat: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

An updated systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effect of prophylactic dexamethasone for tracheal intubation of general anesthesia on postoperative sore throat (POST).

METHODS

Comprehensive literature search of databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), including Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library, which evaluate the effect of prophylactic dexamethasone on POST was conducted. RevMan 5.0 and STATA 12.0 software were used to perform meta-analyses.

RESULTS

Fourteen RCTs totaling 1,837 patients were included for analysis. Compared with placebo, a significant reduction in the incidence of POST (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.33-0.58, P<0.00001), hoarseness (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.31-0.58, P<0.00001), and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) (OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.03-0.14, P<0.00001) and a comparable incidence of cough (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.19-1.89, P=0.38) was described in patients receiving dexamethasone, with or without concomitant drugs. Dexamethasone ≥0.2 mg/kg had a statistically greater impact on reducing the incidence of POST than dexamethasone 0.1-0.2 mg/kg, while dexamethasone ≤0.1 mg/kg did not. Dexamethasone was as effective as other drugs such as ondansetron, magnesium sulfate, ketamine gargle, betamethasone gel, and ketorolac for reducing POST (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.46-1.07, P=0.10). Dexamethasone plus a different drug was more effective than dexamethasone alone for reducing the incidence of POST at 24 hours (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.21-0.77, P=0.006). Compared with controls, a statistically higher blood glucose level was the only adverse event during the immediate postoperative period in patients receiving dexamethasone.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravenous dexamethasone ≥0.2 mg/kg within 30 minutes before or after induction of general anesthesia should be recommended as grade 1A evidence with safety and efficacy in reducing the incidence of POST, hoarseness, and PONV in patients without pregnancy, diabetes mellitus, or contraindications for corticosteroids.

Role of the Bone Microenvironment in the Development of Painful Complications of Skeletal Metastases

Cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) is the most common and painful complication in patients with bone metastases. It causes a significant reduction in patient quality of life. Available analgesic treatments for CIBP, such as opioids that target the central nervous system, come with severe side effects as well as the risk of abuse and addiction. Therefore, alternative treatments for CIBP are desperately needed. Although the exact mechanisms of CIBP have not been fully elucidated, recent studies using preclinical models have demonstrated the role of the bone marrow microenvironment (e.g., osteoclasts, osteoblasts, macrophages, mast cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and fibroblasts) in CIBP development. Several clinical trials have been performed based on these findings. CIBP is a complex and challenging condition that currently has no standard effective treatments other than opioids. Further studies are clearly warranted to better understand this painful condition and develop more effective and safer targeted therapies.

Caudal and intravenous dexamethasone as an adjuvant to pediatric caudal block: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Dexamethasone has become a popular additive for regional anesthesia. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the effectiveness of this additive on the duration of postoperative analgesia, postoperative vomiting, and possible adverse events in pediatrics.

METHODS

We searched databases, conference records, and registered trials for randomized controlled trials. The databases included the Cochrane Library, JBI Database of Systematic Reviews, PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, Science-Direct, and Embase. Odds ratio, weighted mean difference, and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the REVMAN software, version 5.3, for data synthesis and statistical analysis, which following the PRISMA statement. The main outcomes were duration of postoperative analgesia (time from the end of surgery to first administration of analgesics as evidenced by a pain score) and postoperative vomiting.

RESULTS

Seven studies were selected for this meta-analysis, involving 647 pediatric patients. All the patients were randomized to receive caudal or intravenous dexamethasone with caudal block (experimental group) or plain caudal block (control group). There was significantly longer duration of postoperative analgesia in the experimental group compared with control group (weighted mean difference: 238.40 minutes; 95% CI: 193.41-283.40; P < .00001). The experimental group had fewer patients who needed analgesics after surgery (odds ratio: 0.18 minutes; 95% CI: 0.05-0.66; P = .009). Additionally, the number of subjects who remained pain-free to 2, 6, 24, and 48 hours after operation was significantly greater in the experimental group than control group. Side effects in these 2 groups were comparable (odds ratio: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.34-2.56; P = .90). The incidence of postoperative vomiting was significantly decreased in the experimental group compared with control group (odds ratio: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.13-0.63; P = .002).

CONCLUSION

Caudal and intravenous dexamethasone could provide longer duration of postoperative analgesia and reduced the incidence of postoperative vomiting with comparable adverse effects than plain caudal block. However, any additive to the caudal space carries with it the potential for neurotoxicity and that caution should always be exercised when weighting the risks and benefits of any additive. The result was influenced by small numbers of participants and significant heterogeneity.

Comparison of Analgesic Efficacy of Caudal Dexamethasone with Intravenous Dexamethasone as an Adjuvant to Caudal Block in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Urogenital Surgeries

Context:

Caudal block is one of the most common regional anesthetic techniques employed in pediatric urogenital surgeries. Adjuvants play an important role to improve postoperative analgesia.

Aims:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of dexamethasone when given systemically as against caudally as an adjuvant to caudal block.

Subjects and Methods:

In this randomized controlled study, sixty American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status I and II patients aged 3–6 years were randomly allocated into two groups of thirty each. Group D received caudal block with local anesthetic solution and 0.1 mg/kg injection dexamethasone. Group I received a caudal block with local anesthetic solution. They received intravenous injection dexamethasone 0.1 mg/kg after the block. Both the groups were compared for the duration of postoperative analgesia and analgesic requirement.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Statistical analysis was done with unpaired t-test and Chi-square test as was appropriate.

Results:

Group D showed a significant prolongation of postoperative analgesia (626.33 ± 59.39 min) as compared to Group I (194.67 ± 27.76 min). Similarly, requirement of analgesic was reduced on 1^st postoperative day in group receiving caudal dexamethasone.

Conclusions:

Dexamethasone significantly prolongs the duration of postoperative analgesia of a caudal block when given caudally than when given intravenously.

Effect of an Intravenous Dexamethasone Added to Caudal Local Anesthetics to Improve Postoperative Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis With Trial Sequential Analysis

BACKGROUND

Caudal anesthesia has been used for postoperative pain control in pediatric surgical patients, but the duration of the analgesic effect is occasionally unsatisfactory. Intravenous steroids have been shown to be effective for postsurgical pain management after certain surgeries. The aim of this meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis (TSA) was to evaluate the analgesic effect of steroids in patients administered with caudal anesthesia.

METHODS

This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis. A search of published literature was conducted in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases and in trial registration sites. Randomized controlled trials that compared intravenous steroids with a placebo in pediatric patients who had received caudal anesthesia for surgery were included in the study. The primary outcomes from the present meta-analysis were the analgesic duration and the number of patients who required rescue analgesics. The analgesic duration and incidence of rescue use were summarized using mean difference or risk ratio with a 97.5% confidence interval (CI), respectively. If the 97.5% CI of the mean difference or risk ratio included a value of 0 or 1, respectively, we considered the difference not to be significant. We used the random effects model to combine the results. Heterogeneity was quantified with the I statistic. The quality of the trials was evaluated using the Cochrane methodology. Moreover, a TSA with a risk of type 1 error of 2.5% and power of 90% was performed. We established the minimum clinically meaningful difference of analgesic duration as 3 hours. The target sample size for meta-analysis was also calculated in the TSA. We also assessed adverse events.

RESULTS

Six trials with 424 patients were included; 211 patients received intravenous steroids. All trials compared dexamethasone of at least 0.5 mg/kg dose with a placebo. Dexamethasone prolonged the duration of caudal analgesia (mean difference, 244 minutes; 97.5% CI, 188-300). Heterogeneity was considerable with an I value of 94.8%. Quality of evidence was very low. The TSA suggested that only 17.0% of the target sample size had been reached, but the cumulative Z score crossed the trial sequential monitoring boundary to indicate a benefit. Rescue use was reported in 4 studies with 260 patients. Rescue use was not significantly reduced in the dexamethasone group (risk ratio, 0.53; 97.5% CI, 0.09-3.30; I, 98.7%). No increase in adverse events was reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravenous dexamethasone prolongs the analgesic duration of caudal anesthesia. Trials to investigate the effectiveness of a lower dose of the dexamethasone in prolonging analgesic effects would be of interest. Further trials with a low risk of bias are necessary.

A Comparative Randomized Trial on the Optimal Timing of Dexamethasone for Pain Relief after Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Early Gastric Neoplasm

Background/Aims

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical effects of preoperative and postoperative dexamethasone on pain after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric neoplasm.

Methods

Forty patients with early gastric neoplasm who were scheduled for ESD were randomized into two groups according to the timing of steroid administration: preoperative (“pre”, n=20) and postoperative (“post”, n=20) steroid administration. The pre group received 0.15 mg/kg dexamethasone before ESD and placebo after, and the post group received pre-ESD placebo and post-ESD dexamethasone. The present pain intensity (PPI) index and the short-form McGill pain (SF-MP) questionnaire were evaluated.

Results

The primary outcome was PPI score at 6 hours after ESD. There was a greater reduction in 6-hour PPI in the pre group than in the post group (2.1±0.8 vs 3.0±1.1, respectively; p=0.006). The immediate PPI was also significantly lower in the pre group than in the post group (1.6±0.6 vs 2.9±0.6, respectively; p<0.001), and the total SF-MP scores were significantly lower in the pre group than in the post group both immediately and at 6 hours after the operation.

Conclusions

Preoperative administration of dexamethasone may produce a superior analgesic effect in patients who undergo ESD compared with the postoperative administration of dexamethasone.

Steroids for Post-Tonsillectomy Pain Reduction: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether meta-analysis supports the use of corticosteroids to reduce post-tonsillectomy pain for pediatric patients.

METHODS: A systematic review of currently available randomized controlled trials using a single-dose, intravenous corticosteroid during pediatric tonsillectomy was performed. Visual analog pain scale (VAS) data was extracted with reviewers blinded to results. Meta-analysis was performed with weighted mean difference and random-effects model using Revman 4.2 software.

RESULTS: Eight randomized trials were included in analysis of post-tonsillectomy pain. A statistically significant reduction in pain as measured by VAS on postoperative day 1 was noted (mean VAS difference = −0.97; CI 95 % = −1.74,−0.19; P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: A single, intraoperative dose of dexamethasone may reduce post-tonsillectomy pain on postoperative day 1, by a factor of 1 on a 10-point pain scale. As the side effects and cost of dexamethasone dose appear negligible, consideration of routine use seems reasonable.

Analgesic management of acute pain in the opioid-tolerant patient

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The management of acute pain in the opioid-tolerant patient is an area in perioperative medicine that is growing, as the use of opioids for chronic noncancer pain has been tolerated in the USA. Adding to this population is an increase in opioid abusers, addicts and those in recovery and maintenance programmes. These patients will continue to present for surgery and with acute pain that anaesthesiologists and other members of the healthcare team must become more adept at managing.

RECENT FINDINGS

This review covers some of the strategies that may be used by practitioners in the management of acute pain in the opioid-tolerant patient. It is important to collect a detailed history of opioid and drugs of abuse, including the timing of the last dose in order to avoid precipitation of withdrawal. The use of multimodal anaesthetic and analgesic strategies is important for both patient safety and satisfaction and can enhance recovery and discharge home.

SUMMARY

There is a need for more high-level evidence-based guidelines to help practitioners achieve the best care of this growing high-risk population of patients.

Comparison of caudal and intravenous dexamethasone as adjuvants for caudal epidural block: A double blinded randomised controlled trial

Background and Aims:

Dexamethasone has a powerful anti-inflammatory action with significant analgesic benefits. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of dexamethasone administered through intravenous (IV) and caudal route on post-operative analgesia in paediatric inguinal herniotomy patients.

Methods:

One hundred and five paediatric patients undergoing inguinal herniotomy were included and divided into three groups. Each patient received a single caudal dose of ropivacaine 0.15%, 1.5 mL/kg combined with either corresponding volume of normal saline (Group 1) or caudal dexamethasone 0.1 mg/kg (Group 2) or IV dexamethasone 0.5 mg/kg (Group 3). Baseline, intra- and post-operative haemodynamic parameters, pain scores, time to rescue analgesia, total analgesic consumption and adverse effects were evaluated for 24 h after surgery. Unpaired Student's t-test and analysis of variance were applied for quantitative data and Chi-square test for qualitative data. Time to first analgesic administration was analysed by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and log-rank test.

Results:

Duration of analgesia was significantly longer (P < 0.001), and total consumption of analgesics was significantly lower (P < 0.001) in Group II and III compared to Group I. The incidence of nausea and vomiting was higher in Group I (31.4%) compared to Group II and III (8.6%).

Conclusions:

Addition of dexamethasone both caudally or intravenously as an adjuvant to caudal 0.15% ropivacaine significantly reduced the intensity of post-operative pain and prolonged the duration of post-operative analgesia with the significant advantage of caudal over IV route.

Perioperative management of the opioid tolerant patient for orthopedic surgery

The prevalence of opioid use in the North America and some countries of the European Union has resulted in an increase in the number of patients who may exhibit opioid tolerance when requiring postoperative pain management. The approach to postoperative pain control in these patients is different from the strategies used in opioid-naïve patients. Better understanding of the cellular mechanisms of opioid tolerance in animals has resulted in the transfer of these concepts from the basic research to the clinical arena. This article presents new developments in opioid tolerance and how this knowledge can be applied to clinical practice.

The impact of prophylactic dexamethasone on nausea and vomiting after thyroidectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of prophylactic dexamethasone on post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV), post-operative pain, and complications in patients undergoing thyroidectomy.

METHODS

We searched Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the prophylactic effect of dexamethasone versus placebo with or without other antiemetics for PONV in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.0 software.

RESULTS

Thirteen RCTs that considered high quality evidence including 2,180 patients were analyzed. The meta-analysis demonstrated a significant decrease in the incidence of PONV (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.63, P < 0.00001), the need for rescue anti-emetics (RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.57, P<0.00001), post-operative pain scores (WMD -1.17, 95% CI -1.91 to -0.44, P = 0.002), and the need for rescue analgesics (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.50-0.83, P = 0.0008) in patients receiving dexamethasone compared to placebo, with or without concomitant antiemetics. Dexamethasone 8-10mg had a significantly greater effect for reducing the incidence of PONV than dexamethasone 1.25-5mg. Dexamethasone was as effective as other anti-emetics for reducing PONV (RR 1.25, 95% CI 0.86-1.81, P = 0.24). A significantly higher level of blood glucose during the immediate post-operative period in patients receiving dexamethasone compared to controls was the only adverse event.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic dexamethasone 8-10mg administered intravenously before induction of anesthesia should be recommended as a safe and effective strategy for reducing the incidence of PONV, the need for rescue anti-emetics, post-operative pain, and the need for rescue analgesia in thyroidectomy patients, except those that are pregnant, have diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia, or contraindications for dexamethasone. More high quality trials are warranted to define the benefits and risks of prophylactic dexamethasone in potential patients with a high risk for PONV.

Peri-operative dexamethasone therapy and post-operative psychosis in patients undergoing major oral and maxillofacial surgery

A broad array of behavioral symptoms, including psychosis, can transpire post-operatively following a variety of surgeries. It is difficult to diagnose the exact cause of post-operative psychosis. We report three cases, which developed psychosis post-operatively after undergoing major oral and maxillofacial surgeries. All the three patients were administered dexamethasone peri-operatively. Dexamethasone is used to prevent or reduce post-operative edema. The exact dose of dexamethasone, which can cause psychosis, is unknown. It is important to raise awareness about this potential complication so that measures for management can be put in place in anticipation of such an event.

Enhancement of ropivacaine caudal analgesia using dexamethasone or magnesium in children undergoing inguinal hernia repair

BACKGROUND

Caudal analgesia is the most commonly used technique providing intra- and postoperative analgesia for various pediatric infraumbilical surgical procedures but with the disadvantage of short duration of action after single injection. Caudal dexamethasone and magnesium could offer significant analgesic benefits. We compared the analgesic effects and side-effects of dexamethasone or magnesium added to caudal ropivacaine in pediatric patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 105 (1-6 years) were randomly assigned into three groups in a double-blinded manner. After a standardized sevoflurane in oxygen anesthesia, each patient received a single caudal dose of ropivacaine 0.15% 1.5 mL/kg combined with either magnesium 50 mg in normal saline 1 mL (group RM), dexamethasone 0.1 mg/kg in normal saline 1 mL (group RD), or corresponding volume of normal saline (group R) according to group assignment. Postoperative analgesia, use of analgesics, and side-effects were assessed during the first 24 h.

RESULTS

Addition of magnesium or dexamethasone to caudal ropivacaine significantly prolonged analgesia duration 8 (5-11) h and 12 (8-16) h, respectively compared with 4 (3-5) h with the use of ropivacaine alone. The incidence of postoperative rescue analgesia was significantly higher in group R compared with groups RM and RD. The time to 1(st) analgesic dose was significantly longer in groups RM and RD (500 ± 190 and 730 ± 260 min) respectively compared with group R (260 ± 65 min). Group R patients achieved significantly higher Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale and Faces Legs Activity Cry Consolability scores (4(th) hourly) compared with groups RM and RD patients (8(th) and 12(th) hourly, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The addition of dexamethasone or magnesium to caudal ropivacaine significantly prolonged the duration of postoperative analgesia in children undergoing inguinal hernia repair. Also the time to 1(st) analgesic dose was longer and the need for rescue postoperative analgesic was reduced and without increase in incidence of side effects.

A Randomized Controlled Trial on Analgesic Effects of Intravenous Acetaminophen versus Dexamethasone after Pediatric Tonsillectomy

Background

A few studies are available actually comparing the clinical efficacy of intravenous acetaminophen with other medications such as dexamethasone to inhibit postoperative adverse events in children.

Objectives

This randomized blinded controlled trial was designed to compare controlling status of postoperative events in children after tonsillectomy randomized to receive either intravenous acetaminophen or dexamethasone.

Patients and Methods

Eighty four children aged between 4 to 13 undergoing tonsillectomy were randomized using a computer-generated schedule to double-blind treatment with intravenous acetaminophen (15 mg/kg) or intravenous dexamethasone (0.1 mg/kg). Children were post-operatively assessed for swallowing pain, pain while opening mouth, ear pain, and postoperative sore throat in recovery room (within one hour after surgery), at the time of admission to the ward, as well as at 12 and 24 hours after surgery, assessed by the objective pain scoring system (OPS; minimum score: 0 = no pain, maximum score: 10 = extreme pain).

Results

There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to the severity of postoperative pain due to swallowing or opening mouth measured at the different study time points from postoperative recovery to 24 hours after the surgery. There was no difference in ear pain severity at the time of postoperative recovery, at the admission time to ward and also at 12 hours after surgery; however mean score of ear pain severity was significantly higher in those who administered acetaminophen 24 hours after operation. Also, the mean score severity of sore throat was significantly higher in the acetaminophen compared with the dexamethasone group within 12 hours of surgery. Postoperative vomiting and bleeding were similarly observed between the two study groups. The severity of swallowing pain, pain while opening mouth, ear pain, as well as postoperative sore throat as gradually assuaged within 24 hours of tonsillectomy in both groups, however no between-group differences were observed in the trend of the severity of these events.

Conclusions

The dexamethasone-based regimen may have more advantage over the intravenous acetaminophen regimen for inhibiting pain and PONV following tonsillectomy in children.

Duration of upper and lower extremity peripheral nerve blockade is prolonged with dexamethasone when added to ropivacaine: a retrospective database analysis

BACKGROUND

Dexamethasone, when added to local anesthetics, has been shown to prolong the duration of peripheral nerve blocks; however, there are limited studies utilizing large numbers of patients. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of adding dexamethasone to ropivacaine on duration of nerve blocks of the upper and lower extremity.

METHODS

We reviewed 1,040 patient records collected in an orthopedic outpatient surgery center that had received an upper or lower extremity peripheral nerve block with ropivacaine 0.5% with or without dexamethasone and/or epinephrine. The primary outcome was duration of analgesia in upper or lower extremity blocks containing dexamethasone as an adjunct. Secondary outcomes included postoperative patient pain scores, satisfaction, and the incidence of block related complications. Linear and ordinal logistic regression models were used to examine the independent effect of dexamethasone on outcomes.

RESULTS

Dexamethasone was observed to increase median block duration by 37% (95% confidence interval: 31-43%). The increased block duration persisted within body regions (upper and lower) and across a range of block types. Dexamethasone was also observed to reduce pain scores on the day of surgery (P = 0.001) and postoperative day 1 (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in duration of nerve blocks when epinephrine (1:400,000) was added to 0.5% ropivacaine with or without dexamethasone.

CONCLUSION

The addition of dexamethasone to 0.5% ropivacaine prolongs the duration of peripheral nerve blocks of both the upper and lower extremity.

Evidence for anti-inflammatory and putative analgesic effects of a monoclonal antibody to calcitonin gene-related peptide

BACKGROUND

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a powerful pro-inflammatory mediator thought to play a significant role in the development of inflammation and pain. We investigated the role of CGRP in trigeminal inflammatory pain by determining the ability of a monoclonal antibody to CGRP to modify central Fos expression in response to stimulation of the inflamed ferret tooth pulp. We also assessed the effect of the antibody on pulpal inflammation.

METHODS

Ten adult ferrets were prepared under anaesthesia to allow stimulation of the upper and lower left canine pulps, recording from the digastric muscle and intravenous injections at subsequent experiments. In all animals, pulpal inflammation was induced by introducing human caries into a deep buccal cavity. Four days later animals were treated intravenously with either CGRP antibody (n=5) or vehicle (n=5). After a further 2 days animals were re-anaesthetised and the tooth pulps stimulated at 10 times jaw-opening reflex threshold. Brainstems and tooth pulps were processed immunohistochemically for Fos and the common leucocyte marker CD45, respectively.

RESULTS

Fos was expressed in ipsilateral trigeminal subnuclei caudalis (Vc) and oralis (Vo). Significantly fewer Fos-positive nuclei were present within Vc of CGRP antibody-treated animals (p=0.003 vs vehicle-treated). Mean percentage area of staining for CD45 was significantly less in antibody-treated animals (p=0.04 vs vehicle-treated).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first direct evidence that sequestration of CGRP has anti-inflammatory and putative analgesic effects. Previous studies using this Fos model have demonstrated that it is able to predict clinical analgesic efficacy. Thus these data indicate that this antibody may have analgesic effects in dental pain and other types of inflammatory-mediated transmission, and suggest that this is in part due to peripheral anti-inflammatory effects.

Analgesic effect of preoperative versus intraoperative dexamethasone after laparoscopic cholecystectomy with multimodal analgesia

Background

Pain after laparoscopy is multifactorial and different treatments have been proposed to provide pain relief. Multimodal analgesia is now recommended to prevent and treat post-laparoscopy pain. Dexamethasone is effective in reducing postoperative pain. The timing of steroid administration seems to be important. We evaluated the analgesic efficacy of preoperative intravenous dexamethasone 1 hour before versus during laparoscopic cholecystectomy with multimodal analgesia.

Methods

One hundred twenty patients aged 20 to 65 years old were allocated randomly into one of three groups (n = 40, in each). The patients in the group N received normal saline 1 hour before induction and after the resection of gall bladder. The patients in the group S1 received dexamethasone 8 mg 1 hour before induction and normal saline after the resection of gall bladder. The patients in the group S2 received normal saline 1 hour before induction and dexamethasone 8 mg after the resection of gall bladder.

Results

VAS scores of group S1 and S2 were lower than that of group N during 48 hours after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. There were no significant differences of VAS scores between the group S1 and the group S2. The analgesic consumption of group S1 and S2 were significantly lower than that of group N.

Conclusions

A single dose of dexamethasone (8 mg) intravenously given 1 hour before induction or during operation was effective in reducing postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy with multimodal analgesia. The analgesic efficacy of preoperative intravenous dexamethasone 1 hour before versus during surgery was not significantly different.

Clinical practice guideline: tonsillectomy in children

OBJECTIVE

Tonsillectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States, with more than 530,000 procedures performed annually in children younger than 15 years. Tonsillectomy is defined as a surgical procedure performed with or without adenoidectomy that completely removes the tonsil including its capsule by dissecting the peritonsillar space between the tonsil capsule and the muscular wall. Depending on the context in which it is used, it may indicate tonsillectomy with adenoidectomy, especially in relation to sleep-disordered breathing. This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations on the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care and management of children 1 to 18 years old under consideration for tonsillectomy. In addition, this guideline is intended for all clinicians in any setting who interact with children 1 to 18 years of age who may be candidates for tonsillectomy.

PURPOSE

The primary purpose of this guideline is to provide clinicians with evidence-based guidance in identifying children who are the best candidates for tonsillectomy. Secondary objectives are to optimize the perioperative management of children undergoing tonsillectomy, emphasize the need for evaluation and intervention in special populations, improve counseling and education of families of children who are considering tonsillectomy for their child, highlight the management options for patients with modifying factors, and reduce inappropriate or unnecessary variations in care.

RESULTS

The panel made a strong recommendation that clinicians should administer a single, intraoperative dose of intravenous dexamethasone to children undergoing tonsillectomy. The panel made a strong recommendation against clinicians routinely administering or prescribing perioperative antibiotics to children undergoing tonsillectomy. The panel made recommendations for (1) watchful waiting for recurrent throat infection if there have been fewer than 7 episodes in the past year or fewer than 5 episodes per year in the past 2 years or fewer than 3 episodes per year in the past 3 years; (2) assessing the child with recurrent throat infection who does not meet criteria in statement 2 for modifying factors that may nonetheless favor tonsillectomy, which may include but are not limited to multiple antibiotic allergy/intolerance, periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and adenitis, or history of peritonsillar abscess; (3) asking caregivers of children with sleep-disordered breathing and tonsil hypertrophy about comorbid conditions that might improve after tonsillectomy, including growth retardation, poor school performance, enuresis, and behavioral problems; (4) counseling caregivers about tonsillectomy as a means to improve health in children with abnormal polysomnography who also have tonsil hypertrophy and sleep-disordered breathing; (5) counseling caregivers that sleep-disordered breathing may persist or recur after tonsillectomy and may require further management; (6) advocating for pain management after tonsillectomy and educating caregivers about the importance of managing and reassessing pain; and (7) clinicians who perform tonsillectomy should determine their rate of primary and secondary posttonsillectomy hemorrhage at least annually. The panel offered options to recommend tonsillectomy for recurrent throat infection with a frequency of at least 7 episodes in the past year or at least 5 episodes per year for 2 years or at least 3 episodes per year for 3 years with documentation in the medical record for each episode of sore throat and 1 or more of the following: temperature >38.3°C, cervical adenopathy, tonsillar exudate, or positive test for group A β-hemolytic streptococcus.

Surgical synovectomy decreases density of sensory nerve fibers in synovial tissue of non-inflamed controls and rheumatoid arthritis patients

Surgical synovectomy is a technique to treat synovitis and pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) resistant to DMARDs or therapy with biologics. Indication to synovectomy is subject to tight cooperation of orthopaedic surgeons and rheumatologists. It was thought that synovectomy leads to a reduction of sensory nerve fibers, called sensory denervation. Since sensory denervation after synovectomy has never been histologically tested, we aimed to investigate sensory and sympathetic innervation in synovial tissue before and after synovectomy. Eight non-inflamed control subjects and eight patients with RA were included in this study with a two-stage synovectomy approach (interval 40–50 days). Nerve fibers and cells in synovial tissue were detected and counted using immunofluorescence. Density of sympathetic nerve fibers did not change after synovectomy, whereas density of sensory nerve fibers decreased in all control subjects and seven of eight patients with RA. In parallel, the density of synovial cells increased after synovectomy in all control subjects and six of eight RA patients, which is indicative of a wound healing response. In one female RA patient, density of sensory nerve fibers increased and a very marked rise of cellular density was observed, too. This indicates that probably not all patients profit from surgical synovectomy. The majority of patients (94%) demonstrated sensory denervation after surgical synovectomy accompanied by a wound healing cell response. This study can help to explain the positive effects of surgical synovectomy which usually leads to pain reduction and improved mobility.

Bradykinin and prostaglandin E₁ regulate calcitonin gene-related peptide expression in cultured rat sensory neurons

Primary cultures of adult rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) sensory neurons were used to determine whether bradykinin and prostaglandins E₁ (PGE₁), E₂ (PGE₂) or I₂ (PGI₂) stimulate long-term calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) mRNA accumulation and peptide release. Treatment (24 h) of neurons with either bradykinin or PGE₁, significantly increased CGRP mRNA content and iCGRP release. However, PGE₂ or PGI₂ was without effect. Exposure of the cultured neurons to increasing concentrations of bradykinin or PGE₁ demonstrated that the stimulation of CGRP expression was concentration-dependent, while time-course studies showed that maximal levels of CGRP mRNA accumulation and peptide release were maintained for at least 48 h. Treatment of the neuronal cultures with a bradykinin B₂ receptor antagonist significantly inhibited the bradykinin-induced increase in CGRP expression and release. In addition, preincubation of neuronal cultures with the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin did not alter the PGE₁-mediated stimulation of CGRP but blocked completely the bradykinin-induced increase in CGRP production. Therefore, these data indicate that bradykinin and PGE₁ can regulate the synthesis and release of CGRP in DRG neurons and that the stimulatory effects of bradykinin on CGRP are mediated by a cyclooxygenase product(s). Thus, these findings suggest a direct relationship between chronic alterations in bradykinin/prostaglandin production that may arise from pathophysiological causes and long-term changes in CGRP expression.

Use of epidural steroid as an adjuvant in neuropathic cancer pain management: a case report

The complexity of pain and pain care is such that there may come a point in the treatment of a patient with pain when a simple approach to management is no longer possible. The proverbial analgesic ladder can be rapidly overtaken when attempting palliative management of long-term or severe end-of-life pain. Epidural steroid injection is frequently used procedure in chronic back pain of neuropathic origin in nonmalignant cases. This case report implicates the use of epidural steroid for the management of severe neuropathic symptoms including allodynia and hyperalgesia in the setting of cancer pain and palliative care.

Dexamethasone before total laparoscopic hysterectomy: a randomized controlled dose-response study

PURPOSE

A prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of a single preoperative dose of dexamethasone, in different dosages, in providing postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH).

METHOD

The study included 55 patients randomly divided into three groups. Patients in Groups P, D4, and D8 received saline, 4, and 8 mg dexamethasone, respectively, intravenously, 2 h before induction.

RESULTS

The time to first analgesic requirement was significantly delayed in patients in the D8 group compared with the D4 group (P = 0.01) and placebo (P = 0.01). Total postoperative fentanyl consumption was significantly less in patients in the D8 group compared with the D4 group (P = 0.01) and placebo (P = 0.01). Use of 8 mg dexamethasone resulted in a 99.3 mcg decrease in total 24-h fentanyl consumption. Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) was significantly less in the D8 group with a complete response rate (no emetic episodes and no rescue medication for 24 h) of 36.8% compared with the placebo group in which all the patients had PONV. No adverse effects were observed in any group.

CONCLUSION

Dexamethasone at a dose of 8 mg given intravenously 2 h before induction, delays patient request for analgesia and reduces total fentanyl consumption and PONV in patients undergoing TLH.

Randomized clinical trial of the effect of glucocorticoids on peritoneal inflammation and postoperative recovery after colectomy

Background

Recent data have suggested a relationship between postoperative fatigue and the peritoneal cytokine response after surgery. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that preoperative administration of glucocorticoids before surgery would decrease fatigue and enhance recovery, by reducing the peritoneal production of cytokines.

Methods

In a double-blind randomized controlled study, patients undergoing elective, open colonic resection were administered 8 mg dexamethasone or normal saline. Patients were treated within an enhanced recovery after surgery programme. Primary outcomes were cytokine levels in peritoneal drain fluid and fatigue as measured by the Identity–Consequence Fatigue Scale (ICFS).

Results

Baseline parameters were similar for 29 patients in the dexamethasone group and 31 in the placebo group. Patients who received dexamethasone had lower ICFS scores on days 3 and 7. Dexamethasone was associated with significantly lower peritoneal fluid interleukin (IL) 6 and IL-13 concentrations on day 1, and these correlated with changes in the ICFS score. There was no significant increase in adverse events in the dexamethasone group.

Conclusion

Preoperative administration of dexamethasone resulted in a significant reduction in early postoperative fatigue, associated with an attenuated early peritoneal cytokine response. Peritoneal production of cytokines may therefore be important in postoperative recovery. Registration number: ACTRN12607000066482 (http://www.anzctr.org.au/).

Dexamethasone effects on Na(v)1.6 in tooth pulp, dental nerves, and alveolar osteoclasts of adult rats

Dexamethasone causes extensive physiologic reactions including the reduction of inflammation and pain. Here, we asked whether it also affected dental or periodontal cells or dental innervation by altering voltage-gated sodium channel Na(v)1.6 immunoreactivity (IR) or neural synaptophysin. Daily dexamethasone (0.2 mg/kg) given for 1 week to rats caused 12-fold increased intensity of Na(v)1.6-IR in dendritic pulpal cells of normal molars and incisors compared with vehicle treatment. These cells also co-localized monocyte (ED-1) or dendritic cell (CD11b/Ox42) markers, and their location in molars expanded during dexamethasone treatment to include deeper pulp. Furthermore, dexamethasone caused a 10-fold decrease in the number of Na(v)1.6-immunoreactive multinucleate osteoclasts along the alveolar bone of molar root sockets. No changes occurred for neural Na(v)1.6 at axonal nodes of Ranvier, even though IR for calcitonin gene-related peptide was greatly decreased, as expected, and neural synaptophysin-IR was decreased 59% by dexamethasone. At 4 days after tooth injury, pulpal vasodilation and increased Na(v)1.6-immunoreactive pulp cells were similar for all groups. Thus, dexamethasone changes dental pulp cell and alveolar osteoclast Na(v)1.6-IR in normal teeth, but different mechanisms occur after tooth injury when tissue reactions were similar for dexamethasone- and vehicle-treated rats. Steroid-induced alterations of dental pain and inflammation coincide with altered exocytic capability in dental nerve fibers as shown by synaptophysin-IR and with altered pulp cell Na(v)1.6-IR and osteoclast number, but not with any changes in Na(v)1.6-IR for nodes of Ranvier in myelinated dental axons.