Effect of ketorolac on bleeding time and postoperative pain in children: a double-blind, placebo-controlled comparison with meperidine

Postoperative Ketorolac Administration Is Not Associated with Hemorrhage in Cranial Vault Remodeling for Craniosynostosis

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been used as part of multimodal postoperative analgesic regimens to reduce the necessity of opioids. However, due to its effect on platelet function, there is a hesitation to utilize ketorolac postoperatively. The goal of this study is to analyze our experience utilizing ketorolac in patients who underwent major cranial vault remodeling (CVR) for craniosynostosis with an emphasis on postoperative hemorrhage and complications.

Narrative review shows that the short-term use of ketorolac is safe and effective in the management of moderate-to-severe pain in children

In June 2013, the European Medicine Agency recommended limiting codeine use in paediatric patients, creating a void in managing moderate pain. We reviewed the literature published in English (1985-June 2017) on the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and safety profile of ketorolac, a possible substitute for codeine and opioids, for treating moderate-to-severe pain. We found that gastrointestinal side effects were mainly reported with prolonged use, significant bleeding was reported in adenotonsillectomy, and adverse renal effects appeared to be limited to patients with specific coexisting risk factors.

CONCLUSION

The short-term use of ketorolac appears to be safe for children in many situations.

Patterns of Ketorolac dosing by emergency physicians

BACKGROUND

Ketorolac tromethamine is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) that is widely used in the emergency department (ED) for the treatment of moderate-to-severe pain. Ketorolac, like other NSAIDs, exhibits an analgesic ceiling effect and previous research suggests that 10 mg is possibly the ceiling dose. Do the patterns of ketorolac dosing by emergency physicians follow its analgesic ceiling dose?

METHODS

This was a single center retrospective, descriptive study to characterize patterns of ketorolac administration in ED patients. Data for all patients who received ketorolac during the ten year study period from January 1, 2003 to January 1, 2013 were collected from the electronic medical record of an urban community ED with an annual volume of 116 935 patients.

RESULTS

There were 49 605 ketorolac administrations during the study period; 38 687 (78%) were given intravenously, 9 916 (20%) intramuscularly, and 1 002 (2%) orally. Through the intravenous route, 5 288 (13.7%) were 15 mg, 32 715 (84.6%) were 30 mg, 15 (0.03%) were 60 mg, and 669 (1.7%) were other varying doses. Through the intramuscular route, 102 (1.0%) were 15 mg, 4 916 (49.6%) were 30 mg, 4 553 (45.9%) were 60 mg, and 345 (3.5%) were other varying doses. The most common diagnoses at discharge were renal colic (21%), low back pain (17%) and abdominal pain (11%).

CONCLUSION

The data show that ketorolac was prescribed above its ceiling dose of 10 mg in 97% of patients who received intravenous doses and in 96% of patients receiving intramuscular doses.

Immediate rescue designs in pediatric analgesic trials: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Designing analgesic clinical trials in pediatrics requires a balance between scientific, ethical, and practical concerns. A previous consensus group recommended immediate rescue designs using opioid sparing as a surrogate measure of analgesic efficacy. The authors summarize the performance of rescue analgesic designs in pediatric trials of four commonly used classes of analgesics: opioids, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, and local anesthetics.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, and Web of science were searched in April 2013. The 85 studies selected were randomized or controlled clinical trials using immediate rescue paradigms in postoperative pain settings. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to synthesize predefined outcomes using Hedges' g. Difference between the means of the treatment arms were also expressed as a percentage of the corresponding value in the placebo group (placebo-treatment/placebo). Distributions of pain scores in study and control groups and relationships between opioid sparing and pain scores were examined.

RESULTS

For each of the four study drug classes, significant opioid sparing was demonstrated in a majority of studies by one or more of the following endpoints: (1) total dose (milligram per kilogram per hour), (2) percentage of children requiring rescue medication, and (3) time to first rescue medication (minutes). Pain scores averaged 2.4/10 in study groups, 3.4/10 in control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Opioid sparing is a feasible pragmatic endpoint for pediatric pain analgesic trials. This review serves to guide future research in pediatric analgesia trials, which could test whether some specific design features may improve assay sensitivity while minimizing the risk of unrelieved pain.

Impact of the pediatric tonsillectomy and polysomnography clinical practice guidelines

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of the recently published guidelines on Tonsillectomy in Children and Polysomnography for Sleep-Disordered Breathing Prior to Tonsillectomy in Children on physician practice patterns.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey.

METHOD

Survey of members of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

SETTING

Academic tertiary referral center.

RESULTS

A total of 280 physicians completed the survey, with a response rate of 41.7%. 93% of respondents had read the clinical practice guidelines. Many respondents had completed a pediatric otolaryngology fellowship (46%). A large group of physicians (46%) continue to prescribe antibiotics within 24h after surgery. One-third of respondents stopped prescribing antibiotics because of the guidelines. Discord between severity of symptoms and tonsil size was the most common reason cited for ordering a polysomnogram prior to tonsillectomy (76%). The most common reason cited for admission post-tonsillectomy was age less than 3 (40%). Less than half of physicians prescribe NSAIDs for pain control (43.8%) despite its safety profile, and only 23% reported that the guidelines influenced their use of NSAIDs postoperatively. Most respondents use intra-operative steroids (90%) as recommended.

CONCLUSION

The guidelines are intended to provide evidence based direction in tonsillectomy practices and improve referral patterns for polysomnography prior to tonsillectomy. The majority of the surveyed otolaryngologists reviewed these guidelines and some have changed their practice secondary to the guidelines. However, many physicians continue to prescribe post-operative antibiotics and do not use NSAIDs.

Opioid-sparing effects of perioperative paracetamol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in children

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Perioperative pain in children can be effectively managed with systemic opioids, but addition of paracetamol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce opioid requirements and potentially improve analgesia and/or reduce adverse effects.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted to identify trials evaluating postoperative opioid requirements in children and comparing NSAID and/or paracetamol with placebo. Studies were stratified according to design: continuous availability of intravenous opioid (PCA/NCA) vs intermittent 'as needed' bolus; and single vs multiple dose paracetamol/NSAIDs. Primary outcome data were extracted, and the percentage decrease in mean opioid consumption was calculated for statistically significant reductions compared with placebo. Secondary outcomes included differences in pain intensity, adverse effects (sedation, respiratory depression, postoperative nausea and vomiting, pruritus, urinary retention, bleeding), and patient/parent satisfaction.

RESULTS

Thirty-one randomized controlled studies, with 48 active treatment arms compared with placebo, were included. Significant opioid sparing was reported in 38 of 48 active treatment arms, across 21 of the 31 studies. Benefit was most consistently reported when multiple doses of study drug were administered, and 24 h PCA or NCA opioid requirements were assessed. The proportion of positive studies was less with paracetamol, but was influenced by dose and route of administration. Despite availability of opioid for titration, a reduction in pain intensity by NSAIDs and/or paracetamol was reported in 16 of 29 studies. Evidence for clinically significant reductions in opioid-related adverse effects was less robust.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review supports addition of NSAIDs and/or paracetamol to systemic opioid for perioperative pain management in children.

The local infiltration of analgesia following total knee replacement

Controversy remains regarding the optimal post-operative analgesic regimen following total knee replacement. A delicate balance is required between the provision of adequate pain relief and early mobilisation. By reviewing 29 randomised trials we sought to establish whether local infiltration of analgesia directly into the knee during surgery provides better pain relief and a more rapid rehabilitation. Although we were able to conclude that local infiltration can provide improved post-operative pain relief, and to suggest the most promising technique of administration, there is no evidence that it reduces hospital stay.

A meta-analysis of the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs for pediatric postoperative pain

BACKGROUND

Opioid side effects are a great concern during the postoperative period in children. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been shown to effectively decrease postoperative pain, but their opioid-sparing effect is still controversial. In this present meta-analysis, we investigated the postoperative opioid-sparing effect of NSAIDs in children.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify clinical trials using NSAIDs and opioids as perioperative analgesic compounds in children and infants. Outcomes measured were opioid consumption, pain intensity, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and urinary retention. All outcomes were studied during postanesthesia care unit (PACU) stay and the first 24 postoperative hours. Data from each trial were combined to calculate the pooled odds ratios (ORs) or standardized mean difference (SMD) and their 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven randomized controlled studies were analyzed. Perioperative administration of NSAIDs decreased postoperative opioid requirement (both in the PACU and during the first 24 postoperative hours; SMD = -0.66 [-0.84, -0.48] and -0.83 [-1.11, -0.55], respectively), pain intensity in the PACU (SMD = -0.85 [-1.24, -0.47]), and PONV during the first 24 postoperative hours (OR = 0.75 [0.57-0.99]). NSAIDs did not decrease pain intensity during the first 24 postoperative hours (OR = 0.56 [0.26-1.2]) and PONV during PACU stay (OR = 1.02 [0.73-1.44]). Subgroup analysis according to the timing of NSAID administration (intraoperative versus postoperative), type of surgery, or coadministration of paracetamol did not show any influence of these factors on the studied outcomes except the reduction of pain intensity and the incidence of PONV during the first 24 postoperative hours, which were influenced by the coadministration of paracetamol and the type of surgery, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis shows that perioperative NSAID administration reduces opioid consumption and PONV during the postoperative period in children.

The effect of ibuprofen on postoperative hemorrhage following tonsillectomy in children

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of ibuprofen on hemorrhage after tonsillectomy in children. All charts of children, who underwent tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy, were reviewed. The age at the time of surgery ranged between 3 and 16 years (mean age = 7.55 ± 3.01 years). Children were divided into two groups based on the drugs used for postoperative pain relief. Group I received paracetamol after surgery. Group II received ibuprofen after surgery. A total of 62 patients received ibuprofen and 109 patients were given paracetamol. Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage occurred in seven (4.1%) children, primary hemorrhage was noted in five patients and secondary hemorrhage occurred in two patients. While 3 of 62 children (4.8%) who were given ibuprofen had postoperative hemorrhage, 4 of 109 patients (3.7%) who were given paracetamol had hemorrhage There was no significant difference in hemorrhage rates between these two groups (p > 0.05). Hemorrhage following tonsillectomy is rare and frequently occurs in the early postoperative period. There is no significant increased risk of hemorrhage after ibuprofen administration and it can be used safely for post-tonsillectomy pain relief.

Fentanyl sparing effects of combined ketorolac and acetaminophen for outpatient inguinal hernia repair in children

PURPOSE

In this prospective, randomized, double-blinded study we sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined use of intravenous ketorolac and acetaminophen in small children undergoing outpatient inguinal hernia repair.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We studied 55 children 1 to 5 years old who were undergoing elective repair of unilateral inguinal hernia. After induction of general anesthesia children in the experimental group (28 patients) received 1 mg/kg ketorolac and 20 mg/kg acetaminophen intravenously. In the control group (27 patients) the same volume of saline was administered. All patients received 1 microg/kg fentanyl intravenously before incision. We also evaluated the number of patients requiring postoperative rescue fentanyl, total fentanyl consumption, pain scores and side effects.

RESULTS

Significantly fewer patients receiving ketorolac-acetaminophen received postoperative rescue fentanyl compared to controls (28.6% vs 81.5%). A significantly lower total dose of fentanyl was administered to patients receiving ketorolac-acetaminophen compared to controls (0.54 vs 1.37 microg/kg). Pain scores were significantly higher in the control group immediately postoperatively but eventually decreased. The incidences of sedation use (55.6% vs 25.0%) and vomiting (33.3% vs 10.7%) were significantly higher in controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative intravenous coadministration of ketorolac and acetaminophen is a simple, safe and effective method for relieving postoperative pain, and demonstrates highly significant fentanyl sparing effects in small children after outpatient inguinal hernia repair.

Effect of preoperative rectal indomethacin on postoperative pain reduction after open cholecystectomy

The preoperative administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has been shown to have a positive impact on postoperative pain, but there is little research regarding the use of rectal NSAIDs given before surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of rectally administered indomethacin on postoperative pain in patients undergoing open cholecystectomy. A randomized controlled design was used to compare rectally administered indomethacin with placebo. Pain intensity, total opioid dose, and postoperative time to first request for analgesic were evaluated. The indomethacin group experienced significantly less postoperative pain and required less total opioid dose compared with the placebo group. Preoperative rectal administration of indomethacin reduces postoperative pain in open cholecystectomy when compared with placebo.

Pharmacologic management of acute pediatric pain

The accurate assessment and effective treatment of acute pain in children in the hospital setting is a high priority. During the past 2 to 3 decades, pediatric pain management has gained tremendous knowledge with respect to the understanding of developmental neurobiology, developmental pharmacology the use of analgesics in children, the use of regional techniques in children, and of the psychological needs of children in pain. A wide range of medications is available to treat a variety of pain types. This article provides an overview of the most common analgesic medications and techniques used to treat acute pain in children.

Ketorolac use for postoperative pain management following lumbar decompression surgery: a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of Ketorolac in reducing postoperative pain and morphine requirements following primary multilevel lumbar decompression surgery.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The use of opioid medications following surgical interventions can be complicated by related side effects such as respiratory depression, somnolence, urinary retention, and delayed time to oral intake. The use of Ketorolac, a potent nonopioid, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is an attractive alternative to morphine as many of the opioid-related side effects can be avoided.

METHODS

After Institutional Review Board approval, 25 patients who underwent a primary multilevel lumbar decompression procedure were randomly assigned to receive either Ketorolac or placebo in a double-blinded fashion. After surgery, all patients were allowed to receive intravenous morphine on an as needed basis. Morphine requirements were then recorded immediately postoperative, at 6, 12, and at 24 hours postoperative. A patient's overall hospital course morphine requirement was also assessed. Patient postoperative pain levels were determined using the Visual Analog Pain Scale and were documented at 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, and 36 hours postoperative.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in available patient demographics, intraoperative blood loss, or postoperative Hemovac drain output between study groups. Morphine equivalent requirements were significantly less at all predetermined time points in addition to the overall hospital morphine requirement in patients randomized to receive Ketorolac. Visual Analog Pain Scores were significantly lower in patients randomized to receive Ketorolac immediately postoperative in addition to 4, 12, and 16 hours postoperative. There were no identifiable postoperative complications associated with the use of Ketorolac. CONCLUSION.: Intravenous Ketorolac seems to be a safe and effective analgesic agent following multilevel lumbar decompressive laminectomy. Patients can expect lower morphine requirements and better pain scores throughout their postoperative course.

Prevention and management of pain in the neonate. An update

The prevention of pain in neonates should be the goal of all caregivers, because repeated painful exposures have the potential for deleterious consequences. Neonates at greatest risk of neurodevelopmental impairment as a result of preterm birth (ie, the smallest and sickest) are also those most likely to be exposed to the greatest number of painful stimuli in the NICU. Although there are major gaps in our knowledge regarding the most effective way to prevent and relieve pain in neonates, proven and safe therapies are currently underused for routine minor yet painful procedures. Every health care facility caring for neonates should implement an effective pain-prevention program, which includes strategies for routinely assessing pain, minimizing the number of painful procedures performed, effectively using pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies for the prevention of pain associated with routine minor procedures, and eliminating pain associated with surgery and other major procedures.

Prevention and management of pain in the neonate: an update

The prevention of pain in neonates should be the goal of all caregivers, because repeated painful exposures have the potential for deleterious consequences. Neonates at greatest risk of neurodevelopmental impairment as a result of preterm birth (ie, the smallest and sickest) are also those most likely to be exposed to the greatest number of painful stimuli in the NICU. Although there are major gaps in our knowledge regarding the most effective way to prevent and relieve pain in neonates, proven and safe therapies are currently underused for routine minor yet painful procedures. Every health care facility caring for neonates should implement an effective pain-prevention program, which includes strategies for routinely assessing pain, minimizing the number of painful procedures performed, effectively using pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies for the prevention of pain associated with routine minor procedures, and eliminating pain associated with surgery and other major procedures.

Pain control: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents

The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen (paracetamol) are the most common analgesic drugs used in neonates and infants despite limited pharmacodynamic data. Both drugs act through inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes. Neonatal acetaminophen clearance is reduced in premature neonates (0.7 L h(-1) x 70 kg(-1)) and increases to 5 L h(-1) x 70 kg(-1) at term (40% adult rates); adult rates are reached within the first year of life; NSAID clearance follows similar trends. Volume of distribution is increased in the neonatal period. Dosing of both drug groups is tempered by concerns about toxicity. Acetaminophen hepatotoxicity is less common in neonates than in older children and adults, possibly due to reduced oxidative enzyme activity (e.g. CYP 2E1). Data concerning NSAID adverse effects in the neonatal period are few. Renal function is reduced 20% after NSAID use for patent ductus arteriosus closure in premature neonates and there is no increased frequency of intraventricular haemorrhage. No significant difference in the change in cerebral blood volume, change in cerebral blood flow, or tissue oxygenation index was found between administration of ibuprofen or placebo in neonates. Future studies should define concentration-response relationships for these drugs that are age and pathology specific.

Analgesic efficacy of diclofenac in combination with morphine and paracetamol after mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer treatment with mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) is associated with intense pain in the primary post-operative period. The present prospective, placebo-controlled and double-blind study aimed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of diclofenac, a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), in combination with paracetamol and opioids. This was done by 64-h assessment of post-operative pain intensity, opioid consumption, blood loss, nausea and tiredness.

METHODS

Fifty women selected for mastectomy and IBR with submuscular implants with or without axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) were randomized to receive diclofenac 50 mg x 3 or placebo rectally in addition to oral paracetamol and intravenous opioids delivered using a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) technique.

RESULTS

During the first 20 h post-surgery, patients who received diclofenac experienced significantly less pain when resting than those who received placebo. When moving, a non-significant estimated difference in pain in favour of diclofenac was also noted. Opioid consumption during the first 6 h post-operatively was 34% less with diclofenac than with placebo. Means (SD) were 16.9 (10.3) mg and 25.6 (10.2) mg, respectively (P = 0.007). After 64 h, the difference was no longer statistically significant. Post-operative bleeding was significantly higher with diclofenac than with placebo (P < 0.01). Nausea and tiredness did not differ between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of NSAID to paracetamol and opioid-PCA reduced opioid consumption and improved pain relief during the first 20 h at rest but was not convincingly effective during mobilization. Post-operative blood loss was higher with diclofenac.

A systematic review of trial methodology, using the placebo groups of randomized controlled trials in paediatric postoperative pain

Trial methodology was evaluated in paediatric analgesic studies. Databases were searched for randomised, placebo controlled studies of systemic paracetamol, NSAIDs and opioids administered for acute postoperative pain in children. Eighty-three studies met the inclusion criteria and 40 were included for the analysis. Analgesics were administered for established postoperative pain in two studies only. In all other studies they were administered in a prophylactic manner. As study design and sensitivity are particularly demanding in studies using pre-emptive dosing of analgesics, the placebo groups were analysed for issues of study sensitivity. Postoperative pain outcomes included pain scores in 34, rescue analgesia in 36, time to first rescue analgesia in 15, pain on activity in eight, number of patients with pain in six, pain relief in three, global efficacy rating in two and analgesic consumption via PCA in four studies. Twenty of 36 studies reported criteria for rescue analgesia that varied from 20 to 77% of the maximum pain intensity. Need of rescue analgesia showed more often differences between study groups than time to first rescue analgesia or pain intensity. Rescue analgesia was administered to 21-100% of the patients in the placebo groups where no other analgesics were given perioperatively. Most patients in the placebo groups had pain that was greater than 30% of the maximum. In conclusion, analysis of the methodology showed several aspects of trial design that can be improved in future studies. Placebo control groups can be used in paediatric analgesic studies to demonstrate internal sensitivity.

Oral dextromethorphan reduces perioperative analgesic administration in children undergoing tympanomastoid surgery

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether oral dextromethorphan (1 mg/kg) given one hour prior to surgery decreases opioid administration in the perioperative period in children undergoing tympanomastoid surgery.

METHODS

This was a prospective randomized double-blinded and placebo-controlled study in which 20 male and 18 female children (age 11.5 +/- 3.5 years) were enrolled. Nineteen children received dextromethorphan (DM), while the other 19 received placebos. Postoperative pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale and a pain score of > or =5 was treated with intravenous morphine sulfate. Patients were discharged home on oral oxycodone.

RESULTS

The total doses of fentanyl administered during surgery were higher in the placebo group compared to the DM group (4.1 +/- 2 vs 2.6 +/- 1.4 microg/kg, P = 0.02) and the total doses of intravenous morphine administered in the postoperative period were also higher in the placebo group compared to the DM group (150 +/- 80 vs 73 +/- 56 microg/kg, P = 0.004). The placebo group had a higher pain score at the time of admission to the Day Surgery Unit (DSU) and a higher maximum pain score, compared to the DM group, during their combined stay in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit and DSU (7.3 +/- 1.5 vs 3.1 +/- 2.6, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Premedication with DM reduces the need for opioid administration in the perioperative period in children undergoing tympanomastoid surgery.

EBM RATING

A.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for postoperative pain: a focus on children

Pain is a common symptom after surgery in children, and the need for effective pain management is obvious. For example, after myringotomy, despite the brief nature of the procedure, at least one-half of children have significant pain. After more extended surgery, such as tonsillectomy, almost all children have considerable pain longer than 7 days. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are useful for postoperative pain management because surgery causes both pain and inflammation. Several pediatric studies indicate NSAIDs are effective analgesics in the management of mild and moderate pain. In the treatment of severe pain, NSAIDs should be given with acetaminophen (paracetamol) or opioids, and the use of an appropriate regional analgesic technique should be considered. NSAIDs are more effective in preventing pain than in the relief of established pain. Pain following surgery is best managed by providing medication on a regular basis, preventing the pain from recurring. This proactive approach should be implemented for any procedure where postoperative pain is the likely outcome. In children, the choice of formulation can be more important than the choice of drug. Intravenous administration is preferred for children with an intravenous line in place; thereafter mixtures and small tablets are feasible options. Children dislike suppositories, and intramuscular administration should not be used in nonsedated children. Ibuprofen, diclofenac, ketoprofen and ketorolac are the most extensively evaluated NSAIDs in children. Only a few trials have compared different NSAIDs, but no major differences in the analgesic action are expected when appropriate doses of each drug are used. Whether NSAIDs differ in the incidence and severity of adverse effects is open to discussion. Because NSAIDs prevent platelet aggregation they may increase bleeding. A few studies indicate that ketorolac may increase bleeding more so than other NSAIDs, but the evidence is conflicting. Severe adverse effects of NSAIDs in children are very rare, but it is important to know about adverse effects in order to recognize and treat them when they do occur. NSAIDs are contraindicated in patients in whom sensitivity reactions are precipitated by aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) or other NSAIDs. They should be used with caution in children with liver dysfunction, impaired renal function, hypovolemia or hypotension, coagulation disorders, thrombocytopenia, or active bleeding from any cause. In contrast, it seems that most children with mild asthma may use NSAIDs.

Risks and benefits of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in children: a comparison with paracetamol

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) possess antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. They are frequently used in children and have numerous therapeutic indications, the most common ones being fever, postoperative pain and inflammatory disorders, such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and Kawasaki disease. Their major mechanism of action is through inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis by blockade of cyclo-oxygenase (COX). The disposition of most NSAIDs has been mainly studied in infants > or = 2 years of age. Compared with adults, the volume of distribution and clearance of NSAIDs such as diclofenac, ibuprofen (infants aged between 3 months and 2.5 years), ketorolac and nimesulide were increased in children. The elimination half-life was similar in children to that in adults. These pharmacokinetic differences might be clinically significant with the need for higher loading and/or maintenance doses in children. Ibuprofen, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and acetaminophen are the most frequently used agents for fever reduction in children. Over the past 20 years, because of the association between ASA use and Reye's syndrome, most of the interest has been directed toward ibuprofen and acetaminophen. In view of its comparable antipyretic efficacy, but superior tolerability profile, acetaminophen, when used appropriately with age-adapted formulations, should remain the first-line therapy in the treatment of childhood fever. At the moment, there is no scientific evidence to recommend simultaneous use of these two antipyretic drugs. Most NSAIDs provide mild to moderate analgesia, with the exception of ketorolac which has a strong analgesic activity. The analgesic efficacy of ketorolac, ketoprofen, diclofenac and ibuprofen in the treatment of postoperative pain has been mainly studied following a single dose, in children of > or = 1 year of age undergoing minor surgeries. In this setting, when used either alone or in adjunct to caudal or epidural anaesthesia, they were associated with an opioid-sparing effect and were well tolerated. With the exception of ketorolac use in children undergoing tonsillectomy, where controversy exists regarding the risk of postoperative haemorrhage, NSAIDs have not been associated with an increased risk of perioperative bleeding. NSAIDs are the first-line therapy in JIA. They appear to be equally effective and tolerated, with the exception of ASA which is associated with more adverse effects. ASA has been used for many years in the treatment of Kawasaki disease and is part of the standard modality of treatment in combination with intravenous gammaglobulins. More recently, lung inflammation associated with cystic fibrosis (CF) has become a new target for NSAIDs. Despite promising preliminary results with ibuprofen, numerous questions need to be answered before this new strategy becomes part of the conventional treatment of patients with CF. In summary, NSAIDs are effective in reducing fever, alleviating pain and reducing inflammation in children, with a good tolerance profile. Pharmacokinetic studies are needed to characterise the disposition of NSAIDs in very young infants in order to use them rationally. To date, no studies have been published on the disposition, tolerability and efficacy of specific COX-2 inhibitors in children. Further clinical experience with these agents in adults is warranted before undergoing trials with specific COX-2 inhibitors in children.

Ketorolac reduces postoperative narcotic requirements

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Adverse effects from narcotics complicate pain management in children. Ketorolac, a potent nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agent can be used as an adjuvant analgesic, yet concerns of bleeding and nephrotoxicity have limited routine use. The authors hypothesized that postoperative use of ketorolac in healthy pediatric surgical patients would limit narcotic requirements without increasing morbidity.

METHODS

A case-control clinical trial was conducted of 29 pediatric surgical cases prospectively administered ketorolac (0.5 mg/kg intravenously every 6 hours) supplemented with morphine. Controls receiving morphine only were matched for age (+/- 6 months) and surgical procedure. Incidence of respiratory depression, urinary retention, emesis, nephrotoxicity, and bleeding were recorded.

RESULTS

Patients receiving ketorolac plus morphine had significantly less morphine requirements in the first 48 postoperative hours (Ketorolac plus Morphine: 0.36+/-0.16 mg/kg/d, Morphine only: 1.08+/-0.16 mg/kg/d [P<.05, analysis by paired t test]). This decrease was noted despite mode of analgesia (patient controlled or nurse administered). Adverse effects of morphine including respiratory depression, emesis, and urinary retention were not affected by ketorolac. Patients administered ketorolac had no significant increase in bleeding or nephrotoxicity.

CONCLUSION

Ketorolac exhibits significant opiate-sparing effects in the immediate postoperative period without introducing additional morbidity to pediatric surgical procedures.

A double-blinded evaluation of propacetamol versus ketorolac in combination with patient-controlled analgesia morphine: analgesic efficacy and tolerability after gynecologic surgery

We assessed the relative morphine consumption in a combined analgesic regimen (on-demand morphine plus the nonopioids propacetamol or ketorolac) after gynecologic surgery. Two hundred women randomly received two i.v. doses of propacetamol 2 g or ketorolac 30 mg in a double-blinded, double-dummy trial. Patients were monitored for 12 h, and the following efficacy variables were assessed: total dose of morphine, pain intensity, and global efficacy. Safety and tolerability were evaluated by the occurrence of adverse events, especially the presence and intensity of gastrointestinal symptoms. Hemostatic variables were measured 30 and 60 min after the first infusion; arterial blood pressure, heart and respiratory rates, sedation scores, and renal and hepatic function were also assessed. Total morphine requirements were not significantly different between the propacetamol (10.6 +/- 4.8 mg) and ketorolac (10.2 +/- 4.4 mg) groups. The evolution of pain intensity and the global efficacy also showed similar patterns in the two groups: 70.2% of patients in the propacetamol group rated the efficacy as "good/ excellent" compared with 68.2% in the ketorolac group. There were no clinically significant changes in vital signs or laboratory values and no observed differences between the two groups, although ketorolac slightly, but not significantly, prolonged the bleeding time. Epigastric pain was present in 9% and 15% of patients receiving propacetamol and ketorolac, respectively. There were two adverse events in the propacetamol group and four in the ketorolac group. Propacetamol demonstrates an efficacy similar to that of ketorolac and has an excellent tolerability after gynecologic surgery.

IMPLICATIONS

Propacetamol and ketorolac, combined with patient-controlled analgesia morphine, show similar analgesic efficacy after gynecologic surgery. Morphine consumption and pain scores were comparable in the two studied groups. Propacetamol is as effective as ketorolac and has an excellent tolerability after gynecologic surgery.

Ketorolac. A reappraisal of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties and therapeutic use in pain management

Ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with strong analgesic activity. The analgesic efficacy of ketorolac has been extensively evaluated in the postoperative setting, in both hospital inpatients and outpatients, and in patients with various other acute pain states. After major abdominal, orthopaedic or gynaecological surgery or ambulatory laparoscopic or gynaecological procedures, ketorolac provides relief from mild to severe pain in the majority of patients and has similar analgesic efficacy to that of standard dosages of morphine and pethidine (meperidine) as well as less frequently used opioids and other NSAIDs. The analgesic effect of ketorolac may be slightly delayed but often persists for longer than that of opioids. Combined therapy with ketorolac and an opioid results in a 25 to 50% reduction in opioid requirements, and in some patients this is accompanied by a concomitant decrease in opioid-induced adverse events, more rapid return to normal gastrointestinal function and shorter stay in hospital. In children undergoing myringotomy, hernia repair, tonsillectomy, or other surgery associated with mild to moderate pain, ketorolac provides comparable analgesia to morphine, pethidine or paracetamol (acetaminophen). In the emergency department, ketorolac attenuates moderate to severe pain in patients with renal colic, migraine headache, musculoskeletal pain or sickle cell crisis and is usually as effective as frequently used opioids, such as morphine and pethidine, and other NSAIDs and analgesics. Subcutaneous administration of ketorolac reduces pain in patients with cancer and seems particularly beneficial in pain resulting from bone metastases. The acquisition cost of ketorolac is greater than that of morphine or pethidine; however, in a small number of studies, the higher cost of ketorolac was offset when treatment with ketorolac resulted in a reduced hospital stay compared with alternative opioid therapy. The tolerability profile of ketorolac parallels that of other NSAIDs; most clinically important adverse events affect the gastrointestinal tract and/or renal or haematological function. The incidence of serious or fatal adverse events reported with ketorolac has decreased since revision of dosage guidelines. Results from a large retrospective postmarketing surveillance study in more than 20,000 patients demonstrated that the overall risk of gastrointestinal or operative site bleeding related to parenteral ketorolac therapy was only slightly higher than with opioids. However, the risk increased markedly when high dosages were used for more than 5 days, especially in the elderly. Acute renal failure may occur after treatment with ketorolac but is usually reversible on drug discontinuation. In common with other NSAIDs, ketorolac has also been implicated in allergic or hypersensitivity reactions. In summary, ketorolac is a strong analgesic with a tolerability profile which resembles that of other NSAIDs. When used in accordance with current dosage guidelines, this drug provides a useful alternative, or adjuvant, to opioids in patients with moderate to severe pain.