Multiple Doses of Perioperative Dexamethasone Further Improve Clinical Outcomes After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study

The effect of a split-dose intravenous dexamethasone and a single high-dose on postoperative blood glucose after total joint arthroplasty: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

In patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA), the administration of dexamethasone may contribute to perioperative blood glucose (BG) disturbances, potentially resulting in complications, even in patients without diabetes. This study aimed to demonstrate the impact of different administration regimens of dexamethasone in postoperative BG levels.

METHODS

In this randomized, controlled, double-blind trial, 136 patients without diabetes scheduled for TJA were randomly assigned to three groups: two perioperative saline injections (Group A, placebo); a single preoperative injection of 20 mg dexamethasone and a postoperative saline injection (Group B), and two perioperative injections of 10 mg dexamethasone (Group C). Primary outcomes were the postoperative fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels. Secondary outcome parameters were the postoperative postprandial blood glucose (PBG) levels. Postoperative complications within 90 days were also recorded. Risk factors for FBG ≥ 140 mg/dl and PBG ≥ 180 mg/dl were investigated.

RESULTS

Compared to Group A, there were transient increases in FBG and PBG on postoperative days (PODs) 0 and 1 in Groups B and C. Statistical differences in FBG and PBG among the three groups were nearly absent from POD 1 onward. Both dexamethasone regimens did not increase the risk for postoperative FBG ≥ 140 mg/dl or PBG ≥ 180 mg/dl. Elevated preoperative HbA1c levels may increase the risk of postoperative FBG ≥ 140 mg/dl or PBG ≥ 180 mg/dl, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Perioperative intravenous high-dose dexamethasone to patients without diabetes has transient effects on increasing BG levels after TJA. However, no differences were found between the split-dose and single high-dose regimens. The elevated preoperative HbA1c, but not the dexamethasone regimens were the risk factor for FBG ≥ 140 mg/dl and PBG ≥ 180 mg/dl.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trail Registry, ChiCTR2300069473. Registered 17 March 2023, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=186760 .

Perioperative Short-Term Glucocorticoids Do Not Increase Incidence of Complications after Total Joint Arthroplasty in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

OBJECTIVES

The safety and analgesic efficacy of perioperative glucocorticoids have been established for patients without rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, our study aims to investigate whether similar benefits can be observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis undergoing total joint arthroplasty. Specifically, we aim to explore the impact of perioperative glucocorticoid use on postoperative complications, opioid consumption, incidence of hypotension, hyperglycemia, 30-day mortality, and 90-day re-admission in this patient population.

METHODS

Approval for the study protocol was obtained from the Medical Research Ethics Committee at Sichuan University, aligning with the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. We retrospectively analyzed a consecutive series of patients with rheumatoid arthritis who underwent total joint arthroplasty at our medical center between November 2009 and April 2021 and who were not on chronic glucocorticoid therapy before surgery. Those who received glucocorticoids at any time during hospitalization were compared to those who did not in terms of acute complications within 90 days after surgery as well as postoperative rescue opioid consumption, hypotension, and hyperglycemia during hospitalization. The two groups were also compared in terms of overall duration of hospitalization, all-cause mortality within 30 days, and readmission for any reason within 90 days. Continuous data were assessed for significance using the independent-samples t test. Categorical data were assessed using the Pearson chi-squared test.

RESULTS

Of the 849 patients included in the analysis, 598 administered perioperative glucocorticoids and 251 did not. Prior to surgery, the two groups did not differ significantly in any clinicodemographic variable that we examined. The incidence of acute postoperative complications (2.3% vs. 4.0%, p = 0.187) and acute postoperative infection (2.0% vs. 2.8%, p = 0.482) was comparable between those who received perioperative glucocorticoids and those who did not, but the former group exhibited a significantly lower incidence of rescue opioid use (17.9% vs. 44.6%, p < 0.001) as well as significantly lower total rescue opioid consumption (4.7 ± 2.1 mg vs. 8.9 ± 4.6 mg, p < 0.001). However, the two groups showed similar incidences of postoperative hypotension, hyperglycemia, 30-day mortality, and 90-day re-admission.

CONCLUSION

Perioperative glucocorticoids may reduce the need for rescue opioids after total joint arthroplasty of rheumatoid arthritis patients, without increasing the incidence of acute complications, hypotension or hyperglycemia.

High dose glucocorticoids for treatment of postoperative pain: A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Glucocorticoids as a component of multimodal analgesia have been studied for many years and their post-operative analgesic effects appear to be dose-dependent. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the evidence of peri-operative high dose corticosteroid therapy in comparison to placebo (placebo drug) or control group (no treatment) for improving the quality of post-operative analgesia as indicated by a reduction of 10 mm in 100 mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) or reduction of 1 point in a 0-10 point VAS scale, or a reduction of 1 point in an 11-point Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) score, or reduction of rescue opioid analgesia, in patients undergoing all types of surgery.

DESIGN

Systematic review of RCTs with meta-analysis.

SETTING

Acute postoperative pain treatment in non-obese adult population.

INTERVENTIONS

Perioperative administration of high dose of Dexamethasone (≥ 0,2 mg/Kg or ≥ 15 mg), or a corresponding dose of a systemic glucocorticoid.

MEASUREMENTS

Primary outcomes were postoperative pain measured in 0-100 mm VAS score at 24 h after surgery upon rest and movement. Secondary outcomes were postoperative pain 0-100 mm VAS score 48 h after surgery, postoperative rescue analgesic requirement, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), relevant adverse events.

MAIN RESULTS

47 RCT's were included (3943 patients). The Mean Difference (MD) of 100 mm VAS scores for pain at rest 24 h after surgery was -6.18 mm 95% CI [-8.53, -3.83], at motion -8.86 mm 95% CI [-11.82, -5.89]. Opioid analgesic requirements evaluated in Oral Morphine Equivalents (OME) was -10.00 mg 95% CI [-13.65, -6.34]. PONV events Odds Ratio of 0.29 95%CI [0.24, 0.36]. Major adverse events OR was 0.88 95% CI [0.65, 1.19]. Minor adverse events OR 1.29 95% CI [0.86, 1.92].

CONCLUSION

High doses of glucocorticoids are one of the many possible tools available in multimodal postoperative analgesia, possibly reducing opioids consumption and recurrence of PONV but with no relevant effects in terms of reduction of postoperative VAS score. Available data show a safe therapeutic profile, without increase adverse events.

PROTOCOL REGISTRATION

CRD42020137119.

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 Dexamethasone on Postoperative Glycemic Control in Patients After Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

In patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty, the use of dexamethasone (DEX) may cause perioperative blood glucose (BG) disorders, leading to complications even in patients who do not have diabetes. We aimed to evaluate the effects of different DEX doses on perioperative BG levels.

METHODS

A total of 135 patients who do not have diabetes were randomized into three groups: preoperative intravenous (IV) injection of normal saline (Group A, the placebo group), preoperative IV injection of 10 mg DEX (Group B), and preoperative IV injection of 20 mg DEX (Group C). Postoperative fasting BG (FBG) levels were designated as the primary outcome, while postoperative postprandial BG (PBG) levels were assigned as the secondary outcome. The incidence of complications was recorded. We also investigated the risk factors for FBG ≥ 140 mg/dL and PBG ≥ 180 mg/dL.

RESULTS

The FBG levels were higher in Groups B and C than in Group A on postoperative days (PODs) 0 and 1. The PBG levels were lower for Groups A and B compared to Group C on POD 1. No differences in FBG or PBG were detected beyond POD 1. Elevated preoperative glycosylated hemoglobin A1c levels increased the risk of FBG ≥ 140 mg/dL and PBG ≥ 180 mg/dL, respectively. However, preoperative IV injection of DEX was not associated with FBG ≥ 140 mg/dL or PBG ≥ 180 mg/dL. No differences were found in postoperative complications among the three groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The preoperative IV administration of 10 or 20 mg DEX in patients who do not have diabetes showed transient effects on postoperative BG after total joint arthroplasty. The preoperative glycosylated hemoglobin A1c level threshold (regardless of the administration or dosage of DEX) that increased the risk for the occurrence of FBG ≥ 140 mg/dL and PBG ≥ 180 mg/dL was 5.75 and 5.85%, respectively.

Comparison of three different prophylactic treatments for postoperative nausea and vomiting after total joint arthroplasty under general anesthesia: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after total joint arthroplasty is common and associated with delayed recovery. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of three different prophylactic regimens for PONV after total joint arthroplasty under general anesthesia.

METHODS

Patients undergoing primary total hip or knee arthroplasty were randomized to Group A (ondansetron), Group B (10 mg dexamethasone plus ondansetron and mosapride), or Group C (three doses of 10 mg dexamethasone plus ondansetron and mosapride). The primary outcome was the total incidence of PONV during postoperative 48 h. The secondary outcomes were complete response, rescue antiemetic treatment, opioid consumption, time until first defecation, postoperative appetite score, satisfaction score, length of hospital stay, blood glucose level, and complications.

RESULTS

Patients in Group C experienced a lower incidence of total PONV (29.3%, p = 0.001) and a higher incidence of complete response (70.7%, p = 0.001) than did patients in Group A (51.9%, 48.2%, respectively). Patients in Group C also experienced a lower incidence of severe PONV (4.3%) than patients in Group A (25.9%, p<0.001) and B (20.4%, p<0.001). Moreover, less rescue antiemetic treatment (1.4 ± 0.5 mg Metoclopramide) and postoperative opioid consumption (1.8 ± 0.3 mg Oxycodone, 6.0 ± 1.0 mg Pethidine) was needed in Group C. Additionally, a shorter time until first defecation, shorter length of stay, and better postoperative appetite scores and satisfaction scores were detected in patients in Group C. A slight increase in the fasting blood glucose level was observed in Group C, and the complications were comparable among the groups.

CONCLUSION

Combined use of ondansetron, mosapride and three doses of dexamethasone can provide better antiemetic effectiveness, postoperative appetite, bowel function recovery, and pain relief than a single dose or ondansetron only.

TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION

The protocol was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1800015896, April 27, 2018).

Chronic Pain and Functional Outcome 3 years After Total Knee Arthroplasty and Perioperative Dexamethasone: A Follow-Up of the Randomized, Clinical DEX-2-TKA Trial

BACKGROUND

Perioperative dexamethasone as an adjunct to multimodal analgesia, has an opioid-sparing and pain alleviating effect after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), however, the 3-year effects are unknown. We aimed to investigate the 3-year effect of 1 (DX1) or 2 (DX2) intravenous doses of 24 mg dexamethasone or placebo on pain, physical function, and health-related quality of life after TKA.

METHODS

Patients who participated in the Dexamethasone Twice for Pain Treatment after TKA (DEX-2-TKA) were invited to physical tests and questionnaires (self-reported characteristics, Oxford Knee Score, EuroQol-5Dimensions-5Levels (EQ5D5L), and PainDetect). The tests were 40-meter Fast Paced Walk (40FPW) test, Timed Up and Go (TUG), 30 Second Chair Stand test (30CST), Stair Climb Test (SCT), bilateral knee Range of Motion, and knee extension torque. For each test the peak pain intensity was registered on a 0 to 100 mm Visual Analogue Scale. Primary outcome was average peak pain intensity during the 40FPW, TUG, 30CST and SCT. Secondary outcomes were the tests and questionnaires. Out of 252 eligible patients, 133 (52.8%) underwent the tests and 160 (63.5%) answered the questionnaires. Mean follow-up time was 33 months (range, 23 to 40).

RESULTS

Median (interquartile range) peak pain intensity was 0 (0 to 65) for the DX2 group, 0 (0 to 51) for DX1 group and 0 (0 to 70) for the placebo group (P = .72). No differences in secondary outcomes were identified.

CONCLUSION

One or 2 intravenous doses of 24 mg dexamethasone did not impact chronic pain development or physical function 3 years after TKA.

Efficacy of combining intravenous and topical dexamethasone against postoperative pain and function recovery after total knee arthroplasty: A prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid with powerful anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to explore whether combining intravenous and topical dexamethasone could improve postoperative pain, swelling, and function recovery after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

In this prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled study, 90 patients undergoing primary unilateral TKA were randomized into a dexamethasone group, which received dexamethasone (10 mg) by periarticular infiltration during surgery, as well as intravenous dexamethasone (10 mg) before tourniquet release and at 12 h postoperatively; or a control group, which received equal volumes of isotonic saline instead of dexamethasone. The primary outcome was postoperative pain, as assessed on the visual analogue scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes were postoperative consumption of morphine hydrochloride for rescue analgesia, postoperative swelling ratio of the thigh, knee, and tibia; functional recovery in terms of total range of motion (ROM) of knee and daily ambulation distance; postoperative inflammation biomarkers levels of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6; and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Resting VAS scores at postoperative 6, 12, and 24 h, and VAS scores during motion at postoperative 2, 6, 12, and 24 h were significantly lower in the dexamethasone group. The dexamethasone group also showed significantly less morphine consumption during the first 24 h after surgery and cumulatively during hospitalization, milder limb swelling at 24 and 48 h postoperatively, greater flexion and total ROM on postoperative day 1, and longer ambulation distance on postoperative days 1 and 2, and lower levels of inflammatory biomarkers on postoperative days 1 and 2. The dexamethasone group had significantly lower incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

CONCLUSION

Compared with placebo, the combination of intravenous and topical dexamethasone can reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation after TKA, it also can improve functional recovery and reduce the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

The Effect of Dexamethasone on Postoperative Pain Management in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of dexamethasone in treating postoperative pain in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methodology This randomized controlled trial (RCT) was completed over the course of two years (September 7, 2015, to September 6, 2017). In the course of their treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee, all of the patients who had primary unilateral total knee replacement (TKR) participated in the research. Under spinal anesthesia, each patient had medial para-patellar approach medial orthopedic surgery. Patients were assigned to group A or group B based on a random selection. Each of the groups consisted of 79 individuals. Group A was given dexamethasone through intravenous administration at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg before the operation. During the subsequent period of 24 hours, no more treatment was administered (control group). On a predesigned questionnaire, postoperative pain was measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Functional results, duration of hospital stay, and complications were all recorded on the questionnaire (VAS). Analysis of data was carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY, USA). Results There were 158 patients in total in the study, out of which 98 were females and 60 were males in the group. The patients' average body mass index (BMI) was 26.94 ± 3.14 kg/m². Patients in group A had lower postoperative analgesic and antiemetic needs and higher VAS scores and spent less time in the hospital than patients in group B. There were no postoperative problems in either group. Conclusion In patients undergoing TKA, the use of dexamethasone during and after surgery decreases pain, the need for analgesics, and the duration of hospital stay.

Effect of Adding Perineural Methylprednisolone to Peripheral Nerve Blocks Combined With Intravenous Dexamethasone for Prolonged Postdischarge Analgesia After Fast-track Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

Patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may experience moderate-to-severe subacute pain after hospital discharge that may be undermanaged. We aimed to evaluate the effect of methylprednisolone added to ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) combined with multimodal analgesia including intravenous dexamethasone for prolonged analgesia after early discharge.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We randomized 80 patients who underwent fast-track TKA into 2 groups. All patients received a periarticular injection, PNBs, and multiple doses of intravenous dexamethasone. The methylprednisolone group received 140 mg methylprednisolone in PNBs, while the nonmethylprednisolone group did not. The primary outcome was the incidence of moderate-to-severe pain (Numerical Rating Scale ≥4) during the first 12 postdischarge days. The secondary outcomes included pain scores until 3 postoperative months, incidence of rebound pain, functional performances, patient satisfaction, and adverse events.

RESULTS

No significant between-group differences were noted in the incidence of moderate-to-severe pain during the first 12 postdischarge days (nonmethylprednisolone vs. methylprednisolone groups: 70% vs. 69.2%, P=0.941). However, this incidence was significantly higher in the methylprednisolone group between 2 weeks and 1 month (P=0.015) and between 1 and 3 months (P=0.004) postoperatively. No between-group differences in the Numerical Rating Scale scores at the postdischarge time points, incidence of rebound pain, and functional performance results were noted.

DISCUSSION

Adding perineural methylprednisolone to ultrasound-guided PNBs for multimodal analgesia with intravenous dexamethasone did not prolong analgesia and improved the functional ability after fast-track TKA within 12 postdischarge days. However, the incidence moderate-to-severe pain may increase between the 2-week and 3-month follow-up.

Systemic glucocorticoids as an adjunct to treatment of postoperative pain after total hip and knee arthroplasty: A systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

BACKGROUND

Postoperative analgesic effects of systemic glucocorticoids given as an adjunct to treatment are largely undetermined in alloplastic procedures.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the beneficial and harmful effects of peri-operative systemic glucocorticoid treatment for pain after total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

DESIGN

A systematic review of randomised clinical trials (RCTs) with meta-analyses, trial sequential analyses and GRADE. Primary outcome was 24 h intravenous (i.v.) morphine (or equivalent) consumption with a predefined minimal important difference (MID) of 5 mg. Secondary outcomes included pain at rest and during mobilisation (MID, VAS 10 mm), adverse and serious adverse events (SAEs).

DATA SOURCES

We searched EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, PubMed and Google Scholar up to October 2021.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

RCTs investigating peri-operative systemic glucocorticoid versus placebo or no intervention, for analgesic pain management of patients at least 18 years undergoing planned THA or TKA, irrespective of publication date and language.

RESULTS

We included 32 RCTs with 3521 patients. Nine trials were at a low risk of bias. Meta-analyses showed evidence of a reduction in 24 h cumulative morphine consumption with glucocorticoids by 5.0 mg (95% CI 2.2 to 7.7; P  = 0.0004). Pain at rest was reduced at 6 h by 7.8 mm (95% CI 5.5 to 10.2; P  < 0.00001), and at 24 h by 6.3 mm (95% CI 3.8 to 8.8; P  < 0.00001). Pain during mobilisation was reduced at 6 h by 9.8 mm (95% CI 6.9 to 12.8; P  < 0.00001), and at 24 h by 9.0 mm (95% CI 5.5 to 12.4, P  < 0.00001). Incidence of adverse events was generally lower in the glucocorticoid treatment group. SAEs were rarely reported. The GRADE rated quality of evidence was low to very low.

CONCLUSION

Peri-operative systemic glucocorticoid treatment reduced postoperative morphine consumption to an individually relevant level following hip and knee arthroplasty. Pain levels were reduced but were below the predefined MID. The quality of evidence was generally low.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO ID: CRD42019135034.

High-dose dexamethasone in low pain responders undergoing total knee arthroplasty: a randomised double-blind trial

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a continuing problem despite optimised multimodal analgesia. Previous studies have shown preoperative glucocorticoids to reduce postoperative pain, but knowledge about specific doses and effects in specific patient groups is lacking.

METHODS

A two-centre, double-blind, two-arm study comparing preoperative dexamethasone (1 mg kg^-1vs 0.3 mg kg^-1 i.v.) on postoperative pain in 160 planned TKA subjects with low preoperative pain catastrophising and no opioid use. Subjects received multimodal analgesia with paracetamol, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, local anaesthetic infiltration analgesia, and rescue opioids. The primary outcome was percentage of subjects experiencing moderate to severe pain (visual analogue scale >30 mm) upon ambulation at 24 h. Secondary outcomes included pain scores, postoperative inflammation (C-reactive protein), opioid and antiemetics use, and 'Quality of Recovery-15' and 'Opioid-Related Symptom Distress Scale', length of stay, readmissions, and complications up to Day 90.

RESULTS

A total of 157 subjects (80 vs 77) were included. No difference was found between groups in the incidence of subjects experiencing visual analogue scale >30 on ambulation 24 h after surgery (56% vs 53%, relative risk =1.07, confidence interval: 0.8-1.4, P=0.65). No differences in other pain outcomes or use of rescue opioids and antiemetics, in Quality of Recovery-15 and Opioid-Related Symptom Distress Scale, length of stay, readmissions, or complications. C-reactive protein values were comparable at 24 h (13 [6-25] mg L^-1vs 16 [9-38] mg L^-1, P = 0.07), but lower at 48 h (26 [9-52] mg L^-1vs 50 [30-72] mg L^-1, P<0.01) in the high-dose group.

CONCLUSION

Use of 1 mg kg^-1vs 0.3 mg kg^-1 i.v. dexamethasone in low pain responders after TKA did not improve early postoperative pain or other outcomes in contrast to benefits in a high pain responder population.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT03758170 (first registration 29-11-2018).

The AAHKS Best Podium Presentation Research Award: A Second Dose of Dexamethasone Reduces Postoperative Opioid Consumption and Pain in Total Joint Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

The optimal administration of dexamethasone for postoperative pain management and recovery following primary elective total joint arthroplasty (TJA) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a second intravenous (IV) dose of dexamethasone on postoperative pain scores, inpatient opioid consumption, and functional recovery after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of 2,256 primary elective THAs and 1,951 primary elective TKAs between May 2020 and April 2021. Patients who received 2 perioperative doses (2D) of dexamethasone 10 mg IV were propensity-matched 1:1 to a control group who received 1 perioperative dose (1D). Primary outcomes were opiate consumption as morphine milligram equivalences (MMEs), postoperative pain as Verbal Rating Scale (VRS) pain scores, and functional status assessed by the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) scores.

RESULTS

The 2D THA and 2D TKA cohorts consumed significantly less opiates at the 24 to 48-hour and 48 to 72-hour intervals. The 2D TKA cohort had significantly lower total opiate consumption compared to the 1D TKA cohort. Compared to the 1D cohorts, the 2D THA cohort and 2D TKA cohorts had significantly lower pain scores at the 48 to 60-hour interval; additionally, the 2D TKA cohort had significantly lower pain scores in the 36 to 48-hour interval. AM-PAC scores did not differ between cohorts for both TKA and THA at any interval.

CONCLUSION

The administration of a second perioperative dexamethasone dose significantly decreased opioid consumption in the immediate postoperative period. Inpatient opioid administration can be significantly reduced while maintaining comparable functional recovery and superior pain control.

LEVEL III EVIDENCE

Retrospective Cohort Study.

Management of perioperative pain after TKA

Postoperative pain is the prime obstacle to recovery of motion and return to activity after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Combating pain is a key point in enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols. Outcome depends on the efficacy of pain relief, making it a major issue. The pain originates locally in the knee and also remotely via neural pathways. Regression can be slow, over several months. Pain may sometimes be definitive, to a varying degree. Pain should be managed at each step of ERAS, from the preoperative period to the last follow-up consultation, and most especially during the perioperative phase. Pain needs to be anticipated and limited for as long as necessary. The impact of analgesics should be enhanced by means of potentiators. Some are administered by general route, sometimes preoperatively; others are applied locally, directly in the surgical site by local injection, or close to the nerves, to reduce painful stimuli. The two main principles of pain management are preventive analgesia and multimodal analgesia associating various molecules and routes.

Is Intraoperative Dexamethasone Utilization Associated With Increased Rates of Periprosthetic Joint Infection Following Total Joint Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative dexamethasone can reduce postoperative pain and nausea following total knee (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA). To the best of our knowledge, no study to date has been adequately powered to detect the risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) from early dexamethasone exposure. This study aimed to assess PJI rates and complications in patients undergoing primary elective TKA and THA who received intraoperative dexamethasone.

METHODS

A national database was used to identify adults undergoing primary elective TKA and THA between 2015 and 2020. Patients who received intraoperative dexamethasone and those who did not were identified. The primary endpoint was 90-day risk of infectious complications. Secondary end points included thromboembolic, pulmonary, renal, and wound complications. Multivariate analyses were performed to assess the risk of all endpoints between cohorts. Between 2015 and 2020, 1,322,025 patients underwent primary elective TJA, of which 857,496 (64.1%) underwent TKA and 474,707 (35.9%) underwent TKA.

RESULTS

In patients who underwent TKA, dexamethasone was associated with lower risk of PJI (adjusted odds ratio: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.82-0.93, P < .001) as well as other secondary endpoints such as pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and acute kidney injury. In patients who underwent THA, dexamethasone was associated with a lower risk of PJI (adjusted odds ratio: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.73-0.86, P < .001) as well as other secondary endpoints such as pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, acute kidney injury, and pneumonia.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative dexamethasone was not associated with increased risk of infectious complications. The data presented here provide evidence in support of intraoperative dexamethasone utilization during primary TKA or THA.

Perioperative Intravenous Glucocorticoids in Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Total joint arthroplasties (TJAs) of the hip and knee are common orthopaedic procedures. Postoperative pain in TJA is managed with opioids, which carry notable adverse effects and are associated with high dependency rates. With newer multimodal pain control regimens, perioperative glucocorticoid administration has shown promise as a means of mitigating postoperative pain. The objective of this review was to identify the effects of perioperative intravenous glucocorticoid administration on postoperative outcomes in TJA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review was done. The EMBASE database was searched from inception through September 1, 2020, to identify studies of perioperative glucocorticoids in TJA. Primary outcomes were postoperative pain, nausea, and vomiting. Secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay, postoperative opioid utilization, antiemetic rescue medication use, and postoperative surgical complications.

RESULTS

Our search yielded 429 publications; 14 studies were ultimately included, incorporating 1704 patients. In 13 of 14 studies, pain scores improved with perioperative steroid administration. Regarding postoperative nausea and vomiting, most of the studies found a notable association between steroids and improved VAS-N (visual analogue scale for nausea) and decreased postoperative nausea and vomiting incidence. There were inconclusive data on the effects of perioperative steroids regarding postoperative length of stay, fatigue, and range of motion of the affected joint. In all 14 studies, no notable difference was found between study groups regarding postoperative surgical complications.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review supports the use of perioperative steroids in TJA for mitigating postoperative pain, nausea, and systemic inflammation. Additional randomized trials are needed to form a consensus on optimal dosing, delivery method, and timing of perioperative glucocorticoids in TJA.

Acute postoperative pain and dorsal root ganglia transcriptomic signatures following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in rats: An experimental study

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the final treatment option for patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis (OA). Unfortunately, TKA surgery is accompanied by acute postoperative pain that is more severe than arthroplasty performed in other joints. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms specific to post-TKA pain necessitates an animal model that replicates clinical TKA procedures, induces acute postoperative pain, and leads to complete functional recovery. Here, we present a new preclinical TKA model in rats and report on functional and behavioral outcomes indicative of pain, analgesic efficacy, serum cytokine levels, and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) transcriptomes during the acute postoperative period. Following TKA, rats exhibited marked deficits in weight bearing that persisted for 28 days. Home cage locomotion, rearing, and gait were similarly impacted and recovered by day 14. Cytokine levels were elevated on postoperative days one and/or two. Treatment with morphine, ketorolac, or their combination improved weight bearing while gabapentin lacked efficacy. When TKA was performed in rats with OA, similar functional deficits and comparable recovery time courses were observed. Analysis of DRG transcriptomes revealed upregulation of transcripts linked to multiple molecular pathways including inflammation, MAPK signaling, and cytokine signaling and production. In summary, we developed a clinically relevant rat TKA model characterized by resolution of pain and functional recovery within five weeks and with pain-associated behavioral deficits that are partially alleviated by clinically administered analgesics, mirroring the postoperative experience of TKA patients.

The Efficacy and Safety of Corticosteroids in Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Direct Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Corticosteroids are commonly used intraoperatively to treat pain and reduce opioid consumption and nausea associated with primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of corticosteroids in primary TJA to support the combined clinical practice guidelines of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Hip Society, Knee Society, and the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Management.

METHODS

The MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched for studies published before February 2020 on corticosteroids in TJA. All included studies underwent qualitative and quantitative homogeneity testing followed by a systematic review and direct comparison meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of corticosteroids.

RESULTS

Critical appraisal of 1,581 publications revealed 23 studies regarded as the best available evidence for analysis. Intraoperative dexamethasone reduces postoperative pain, opioid consumption, and nausea and vomiting. Multiple doses lead to further reduction in pain, opioid consumption, nausea and vomiting. There is insufficient evidence on the risk of adverse events with perioperative dexamethasone in TJA.

CONCLUSION

Strong evidence supports the use of a single dose or multiple doses of intravenous dexamethasone to reduce postoperative pain, opioid consumption, nausea and vomiting after primary TJA. There is insufficient evidence on perioperative dexamethasone in primary TJA to determine the optimal dose, number of doses, or risk of postoperative adverse events.

Reduction of postoperative nausea and vomiting risk in the second stage during bilateral total knee arthroplasty with a 1-week interval

PURPOSE

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is often performed sequentially on both sides during a single hospital stay. Patients who experience postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after the first operation are concerned about PONV recurrence after the second operation. However, there are few studies regarding the incidence of PONV in staged bilateral TKA with a ≥ 1-week interval. This study aimed to identify the differences in (1) PONV incidence, (2) use of rescue antiemetics, and (3) the amount of opioid consumption between the first and second operations for staged bilateral TKA with a 1-week interval. Based on our anecdotal experience, the hypothesis of this study was that during staged bilateral TKA at a 1-week interval, the PONV incidence and rescue antiemetic requirement after the second operation will be lower than those after the first operation, regardless of opioid consumption.

METHODS

Fifty-eight consecutive patients who underwent staged bilateral TKA with a 1-week interval were retrospectively reviewed. All second-stage operations were performed with the same anaesthesia protocol and perioperative patient management protocol as the first-stage operation. PONV incidence was the primary outcome. The requirement for rescue antiemetic drugs and the amount of opioid consumption were secondary outcome variables. The outcome variables were recorded during three postoperative days (Days 0-2) for each stage and were compared between the first and second operations.

RESULTS

The incidence rates of nausea and vomiting on Day 0 (p = 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively) and nausea on Day 1 (p = 0.008) were significantly lower after the second operation. Rescue antiemetic use on Day 0 was significantly lower after the second operation (p = 0.001). The total opioid consumption 72 h after surgery was significantly higher after the second operation (61.76 vs. 34.28 mg, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

During staged bilateral TKA with a 1-week interval, PONV incidence was lower after the second operation, even with increased opioid consumption.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Pain management after total knee arthroplasty: PROcedure SPEcific Postoperative Pain ManagemenT recommendations

BACKGROUND

The PROSPECT (PROcedure SPEcific Postoperative Pain ManagemenT) Working Group is a global collaboration of surgeons and anaesthesiologists formulating procedure-specific recommendations for pain management after common operations. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with significant postoperative pain that is difficult to treat. Nevertheless, pain control is essential for rehabilitation and to enhance recovery.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the available literature and develop recommendations for optimal pain management after unilateral primary TKA.

DESIGN

A narrative review based on published systematic reviews, using modified PROSPECT methodology.

DATA SOURCES

A literature search was performed in EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed and Cochrane Databases, between January 2014 and December 2020, for systematic reviews and meta-analyses evaluating analgesic interventions for pain management in patients undergoing TKA.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Each randomised controlled trial (RCT) included in the selected systematic reviews was critically evaluated and included only if met the PROSPECT requirements. Included studies were evaluated for clinically relevant differences in pain scores, use of nonopioid analgesics, such as paracetamol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and current clinical relevance.

RESULTS

A total of 151 systematic reviews were analysed, 106 RCTs met PROSPECT criteria. Paracetamol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory or cyclo-oxygenase-2-specific inhibitors are recommended. This should be combined with a single shot adductor canal block and peri-articular local infiltration analgesia together with a single intra-operative dose of intravenous dexamethasone. Intrathecal morphine (100 μg) may be considered in hospitalised patients only in rare situations when both adductor canal block and local infiltration analgesia are not possible. Opioids should be reserved as rescue analgesics in the postoperative period. Analgesic interventions that could not be recommended were also identified.

CONCLUSION

The present review identified an optimal analgesic regimen for unilateral primary TKA. Future studies to evaluate enhanced recovery programs and specific challenging patient groups are needed.

Dose optimization of intravenous dexamethasone for total knee arthroplasty: when two is not better than one

BACKGROUND

The optimal dose regimen of dexamethasone in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has not been determined. This study was performed to evaluate the impact of a single preoperative high-dose dexamethasone compared with two perioperative low-dose dexamethasone in TKA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively studied three regimens on dexamethasone: no dexamethasone (A), a single preoperative dose of 20-mg dexamethasone (B), and two perioperative doses of 10-mg dexamethasone (C). The primary outcome was postoperative pain level. The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), use of analgesic and antiemetic rescue, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, range of motion (ROM), and complications were also compared.

RESULTS

The dynamic pain scores and CRP and IL-6 levels were significantly lower for Group B compared to Groups A and C on postoperative days 1 and 2 (POD 1 and 2). Such differences were also detected between Groups C and A. Besides, the pain scores at rest were significantly lower in Groups B and C than in Group A on POD 1 and 2. Patients in Groups B and C had a lower incidence of PONV, reduced use of analgesic and antiemetic rescue, and improved ROM than in Group A. No complications occurred in any group.

CONCLUSION

Dexamethasone in TKA provides short-term advantages in analgesic, antiemetic and anti-inflammatory effects. Besides, regarding the effects of pain and inflammatory control on POD 1 and 2, a single preoperative high dose of 20-mg dexamethasone was more effective than two perioperative low doses of 10-mg dexamethasone.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

I.

Comparison of iPACK and periarticular block with adductor block alone after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial

PURPOSE

The infiltration between the popliteal artery and the capsule of the posterior knee (iPACK) has been described to provide analgesia without loss of muscle strength and is effective in functional recovery. This study compared iPACK + ACB (adductor canal block) with PAI (periarticular infiltration) + ACB and ACB alone in terms of postoperative analgesia and functional improvement.

METHODS

This double-blinded randomized controlled trial included 105 patients undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty. Patients received ACB, iPACK + ACB, and PAI + ACB along with spinal anesthesia. The primary outcome was the area under the curve (AUC) numeric rating scale (NRS) at 48 h. Secondary outcomes were cumulative postoperative analgesic consumption within 48 h, timed up-and-go test, range of motion, length of hospital stay, patient satisfaction, and adverse events.

RESULTS

The 48-h AUC movement NRS score in the iPACK + ACB group was significantly lower than in the PAI + ACB and ACB groups (p < 0.05). At the postoperative 48th h, the opioid consumption of the iPACK + ACB group was lower than those of the ACB and PAI + ACB groups (p < 0.001). The patients in the iPACK + ACB group had significantly shorter discharge and mobilization days than the ACB and PAI + ACB groups (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The adding of an iPACK block to the ACB improves postoperative analgesia and reduces opioid consumption. In addition, this approach improves functional performance and reduces hospital stay.

The comparison of dexamethasone and triamcinolone periarticular administration in total knee arthroplasty: retrospective cohort study

Background

Intraoperative periarticular injection of corticosteroid effectively reduces perioperative pain in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, which corticosteroid is most effective for intraoperative periarticular injection remains controversial. We compared the effects of corticosteroids between dexamethasone and triamcinolone acetonide periarticular administration for reducing pain and postoperative nausea and increasing fasting blood glucose concentrations during the perioperative period following TKA.

Methods

One hundred and two patients who underwent TKA from August 2018 to September 2020 were divided into two groups: one received 10 mg dexamethasone for intraoperative periarticular injection and another receiving 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide. Postoperative pain scores at rest and during walking and nausea scores were recorded using a 0-to-10 Numerical Rating Scale. C-reactive protein (CRP) and fasting blood glucose levels were measured pre- and postoperatively.

Results

Pain scores in the triamcinolone group were significantly lower than in the dexamethasone group at rest 7 days postoperatively (1.5 vs. 2.0; p = 0.046) and while walking at both 72 h (3.9 vs. 4.8; p = 0.008) and 7 days postoperatively (3.2 vs. 4.0; p = 0.03). The CRP levels in the triamcinolone group were significantly lower than in the dexamethasone group at 7 days postoperatively (1.6 mg/dl vs. 3.0 mg/dl: p < 0.001). The fasting blood glucose levels at 1 day postoperatively were increased in both groups but not significantly different between the groups. No significant differences in the nausea score were noted between the groups.

Conclusions

Triamcinolone acetonide periarticular administration provided greater pain relief by reducing inflammation to a greater degree than dexamethasone.

Effect of dexamethasone as an analgesic adjuvant to multimodal pain treatment after total knee arthroplasty: randomised clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of one and two doses of intravenous dexamethasone in patients after total knee arthroplasty.

DESIGN

Randomised, blinded, placebo controlled trial with follow-up at 90 days.

SETTING

Five Danish hospitals, September 2018 to March 2020.

PARTICIPANTS

485 adult participants undergoing total knee arthroplasty.

INTERVENTION

A computer generated randomised sequence stratified for site was used to allocate participants to one of three groups: DX1 (dexamethasone (24 mg)+placebo); DX2 (dexamethasone (24 mg)+dexamethasone (24 mg)); or placebo (placebo+placebo). The intervention was given preoperatively and after 24 hours. Participants, investigators, and outcome assessors were blinded. All participants received paracetamol, ibuprofen, and local infiltration analgesia.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was total intravenous morphine consumption 0 to 48 hours postoperatively. Multiplicity adjusted threshold for statistical significance was P<0.017 and minimal important difference was 10 mg morphine. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain.

RESULTS

485 participants were randomised: 161 to DX1, 162 to DX2, and 162 to placebo. Data from 472 participants (97.3%) were included in the primary outcome analysis. The median (interquartile range) morphine consumptions at 0-48 hours were: DX1 37.9 mg (20.7 to 56.7); DX2 35.0 mg (20.6 to 52.0); and placebo 43.0 mg (28.7 to 64.0). Hodges-Lehmann median differences between groups were: -2.7 mg (98.3% confidence interval -9.3 to 3.7), P=0.30 between DX1 and DX2; 7.8 mg (0.7 to 14.7), P=0.008 between DX1 and placebo; and 10.7 mg (4.0 to 17.3), P<0.001 between DX2 and placebo. Postoperative pain was reduced at 24 hours with one dose, and at 48 hours with two doses, of dexamethasone.

CONCLUSION

Two doses of dexamethasone reduced morphine consumption during 48 hours after total knee arthroplasty and reduced postoperative pain.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03506789.

Effects of Intravenous Dexamethasone on Glycemic Control in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus After Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

We sought to determine whether administrations of intravenous (IV) dexamethasone jeopardize blood glycemic control, increase rates of postoperative complications, and diabetic medication change after TKA.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 427 patients with DM who underwent TKA. Patients were divided into two groups according to the use of IV dexamethasone (Dexa and No Dexa). For the Dexa, IV dexamethasone (5mg) was administered twice (surgery day, postoperative day 1). Blood glucose level until postoperative day 5, whether the mean blood glucose level was ≥200 mg/dL or not, the rate of a diabetic medication change, and postoperative complications (surgical site infection, delayed wound healing) were analyzed.

RESULTS

The adverse effects of IV dexamethasone on glycemic control were limited to the day of injection. The mean blood glucose level was 168.8 mg/dL and 204.4 mg/dL on operation day and 193.0 mg/dL and 210.5 mg/dL on postoperative day 1 in the No Dexa and the Dexa, respectively. High preoperative glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, but not IV dexamethasone administration, increased the risk of postoperative blood glucose level ≥200 mg/dL (odds ratio [OR], 2.810) and diabetic medication change (OR, 3.635, P < .001). A preoperative HbA1c level of >7.05% was associated with the risk of diabetic medication change. There was increase of postoperative complications (OR, 0.693, P = .552).

CONCLUSIONS

IV dexamethasone have transient effects on increasing the blood glucose level after TKA in patients with DM. However, patients with a preoperative HbA1c level of ≥7.05% may need to change their diabetic medication after TKA, regardless of IV dexamethasone administration.

High-dose steroids in high pain responders undergoing total knee arthroplasty: a randomised double-blind trial

Background

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with moderate-to-severe postoperative pain despite multimodal opioid-sparing analgesia. Pain catastrophising or preoperative opioid therapy is associated with increased postoperative pain. Preoperative glucocorticoid improves pain after TKA, but dose-finding studies and benefit in high pain responders are lacking.

Methods

A randomised double-blind controlled trial with preoperative high-dose intravenous dexamethasone 1 mg kg⁻¹ or intermediate-dose dexamethasone 0.3 mg kg⁻¹ in 88 patients undergoing TKA with preoperative pain catastrophising score >20 or regular opioid use was designed. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients experiencing moderate-to-severe pain (VAS >30) during a 5 m walk 24 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included pain at rest during nights and at passive leg raise, C-reactive protein, opioid use, quality of sleep, Quality of Recovery-15 and Opioid-Related Symptom Distress Scale, readmission, and complications.

Results

Moderate-to-severe pain when walking 24 h postoperatively was reduced (high dose vs intermediate dose, 49% vs 79%; P<0.01), along with pain at leg raise at 24 and 48 h (14% vs 29%, P=0.02 and 12% vs 31%, P=0.03, respectively). C-reactive protein was reduced in the high-dose group at both 24 and 48 h (both P<0.01). Quality of Recovery-15 was also improved (P<0.01).

Conclusions

When compared with preoperative dexamethasone 0.3 mg kg⁻¹ i.v., dexamethasone 1 mg kg⁻¹ reduced moderate-to-severe pain 24 h after TKA and improved recovery in high pain responders without apparent side-effects.

Clinical trial registration

NCT03763734.

The Efficacy and Safety of Glucocorticoid on Periarticular Infiltration Analgesia in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the effect and safety of multimodal cocktail protocols implemented with or without glucocorticoids on periarticular infiltration analgesia (PIA) in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

We comprehensively searched the PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases up to November 2020 for randomized controlled trials on glucocorticoids as a component of the cocktail protocol used in PIA for patients with TKA.

RESULTS

Our meta-analysis included 11 randomized controlled trial studies with 1051 primary TKAs (930 patients). Visual analog scale scores at postoperative day (POD) 1 and POD 2 in the glucocorticoid groups were significantly lower than those in the control group (95% CI [-1.01--0.10], P = .02; 95% CI [-0.51--0.13], P = .001). Furthermore, the glucocorticoid group was associated with a statistically significant improvement in the range of motion at POD 1 (95% CI [3.20-8.05] P < .00001), reduction in total morphine consumption at 24 hours, and lower levels of C-reactive protein on POD 2/3 compared with the control group. However, neither the length of hospital stays nor the long-term Knee Society Knee Score showed any differences between the two groups. In addition, the results of subgroup analyses favored triamcinolone acetonide over betamethasone, methylprednisolone, and dexamethasone regarding the postoperative visual analog scale scores and range of motion.

CONCLUSION

Glucocorticoid supplementation in PIA is effective and does not increase complications or side effects for patients with either unilateral or bilateral TKA. Moreover, triamcinolone acetonide could be recommended in multimodal cocktail protocols for glucocorticoid supplementation.

Postoperative Infection Risk in Total Joint Arthroplasty After Perioperative IV Corticosteroid Administration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies

BACKGROUND

Perioperative corticosteroid administration is associated with reduced postoperative nausea, pain, and enhanced recovery after surgery. However, potential complications including wound and periprosthetic joint infections remain a concern for surgeons after total joint arthroplasty (TJA).

METHODS

A systematic review of the search databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and EMBASE was made in January 2021 to identify comparative studies evaluating infection risk after perioperative corticosteroid administration in TJA. PRISMA guidelines were used for this review. Meta-analysis was used to assess infection risk in accordance with joint and corticosteroid dosing regimen used.

RESULTS

201 studies were returned after initial search strategy, with 29 included for review after application of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies were categorized as using low- or high-dose corticosteroid with single or repeat dosing regimens. Single low-dose corticosteroid administration was not associated with an increased risk of infection (P = .4; CI = 0.00-0.00). Single high-dose corticosteroid was not associated with an increased infection risk (P = .3; CI = 0.00-0.01) nor did repeat low-dose regimens result in increased risk of infection (P = .8; CI = -0.02-0.02). Studies assessing repeat high-dosing regimens reported no increased infection, with small numbers of participants included. No significant risk difference in infection risk was noted in hip (P = .59; CI = -0.03-0.02) or knee (P = .2; CI = 0.00-0.01) arthroplasty. Heterogeneity in patient profiles included in studies to date was noted.

CONCLUSION

Use of perioperative corticosteroid in TJA does not appear to be associated with increased risk of postoperative infection in patients with limited comorbidities. Further research is warranted to evaluate postoperative complications after TJA in these at-risk patient populations.

Oral administration of prednisone effectively reduces subacute pain after total knee arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION

Controlling the pain after TKA has always been our research focus. Dexamethasone has a significant effect in controlling acute pain following TKA. We hypothesis oral administration of prednisone could alleviate post-TKA subacute pain.

METHODS

This was a prospective, randomized controlled trial dividing patients into prednisone group and control group. Routine analgesic regimens included injection of cocktail mixture intraoperatively, oral celecoxib and tramadol postoperatively. Patients in prednisone group received oral administration of prednisone (10mg, qd, from the first day postoperatively, for 2 weeks). VAS was applied for evaluating pain with ambulation (PWA) and pain at rest (PAR). Follow-up was performed for about three months. The primary end-points were PWA and PAR; secondary end-points were postoperative daily celecoxib use and tramadol use.

RESULTS

A total of 49 patients were enrolled in prednisone group and control group, respectively. VAS of PWA was lower in prednisone group on the 7^th, 14^th and 28^th (p=0.05) day after TKA than that in the control group. Meanwhile, VAS of PAR was lower in prednisone group on the postoperative 14^th and 28^th day (p=0.05) than that in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Continuous oral administration of 10mg prednisone for 14 days after TKA effectively alleviates subacute pain (including PWA and PAR) and reduces postoperative consumption of analgesics.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II; low power randomized trial.

Early postoperative recovery after peri-acetabular osteotomy: A double-blind, randomised single-centre trial of 48 vs. 8 mg dexamethasone

BACKGROUND

Peri-acetabular osteotomy is the joint-preserving treatment of choice in young adults with hip dysplasia but is associated with intense pain and high opioid consumption postoperatively.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether 48 mg of pre-operative dexamethasone was superior to a standard dose of 8 mg on reducing pain in the immediate postoperative phase.

DESIGN

A randomised, double-blind trial.

SETTING

Single-centre, primary facility. May 2017 to August 2019.

PATIENTS

At least 18 years undergoing peri-acetabular osteotomy.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomised 1 : 1 to 48 or 8 mg dexamethasone intravenous (i.v.) as a single pre-operative injection. All patients received a standardised peri-operative protocol, including pre-operative acetaminophen and gabapentin, total i.v. anaesthesia and local anaesthetic catheter based wound administration.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Number of patients with moderate/severe pain [>3 on a numeric rating scale (NRS)] in the immediate postoperative phase.

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients (32 in each group) were included, and their data analysed. At some point from tracheal extubation until transfer to the ward, the NRS was more than 3 in 75% (24/32) of the 48 mg group and in 66% (21/32) in the 8 mg group, odds ratio 1.571 (95% CI, 0.552 to 4.64), P = 0.585. Patients in the 48 mg group received less opioid [cumulative rescue analgesics, oral morphine equivalents (OMEQ)] during postoperative days 0-4: median [IQR] OMEQ was 36 [15 to 85] mg vs. 79 [36 to 154] mg in the 48 and 8 mg group, respectively, P = 0.034. There were no statistically significant differences regarding complications, rate of infections or readmissions.

CONCLUSION

Forty-eight milligram of dexamethasone did not reduce pain in the immediate postoperative phase compared with an 8 mg dose. We observed insignificantly lower pain scores and significantly lower cumulated opioid requirements in the 48 mg group during the first four postoperative days.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03161938, EudraCT (2017-000544-1).

Perioperative management of elderly patients with osteoarthritis requiring total knee arthroplasty

Knee osteoarthritis is a common arthritic disease which mainly affects the elderly (≥65 years old) population. As a result of the cartilage degeneration, it can cause a significant amount of pain and functional limitation. In patients who are refractory to conservative management, total knee arthroplasty is being utilised as the last resort in management. In this review, we discuss the perioperative management of elderly patients with osteoarthritis requiring total knee arthroplasty.

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.

Perioperative Systemic Dexamethasone Reduces Length of Stay in Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

The objective of this review is to examine the effect of perioperative systemic corticosteroids at varying doses and timings on early postoperative recovery outcomes following unilateral total knee and total hip arthroplasty. The primary outcome was length of stay (LOS).

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was performed. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to June 1, 2020. Studies comparing the outcome of adult patients receiving a systemic steroid to patients who did not receive steroids were included.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies were included, incorporating 1957 patients. Perioperative corticosteroids reduced hospital LOS (mean difference [MD] = -0.39 days, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.61 to -0.18). A subsequent dose of corticosteroid at 24 hours further reduced LOS (MD = -0.33, 95% CI -0.55 to -0.11). Corticosteroids resulted in reduced levels of pain on postoperative day (POD) 0 (MD = -1.99, 95% CI -3.30 to -0.69), POD1 (MD = -1.47, 95% CI -2.15 to -0.79), and POD2. Higher doses were more effective in reducing pain with activity on POD0 (P = .006) and 1 (P = .023). Steroids reduced the incidence of PONV on POD1 (log odds ratio [OR] = -1.05, 95% CI -1.26 to -0.84) and POD2, with greater effect at higher doses (P = .046). Corticosteroids did not increase the incidence of infection (P = 1.000), venous thromboembolism (P = 1.000), or gastrointestinal hemorrhage (P = 1.000) but were associated with an increase in blood glucose (MD = 5.30 mg/dL, 95% CI 2.69-7.90).

CONCLUSION

Perioperative corticosteroids are safe, facilitate earlier discharge, and improve patient recovery following unilateral total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty. Higher doses (15-20 mg of dexamethasone) are associated with further reductions in dynamic pain and PONV, and repeat dosing may further reduce LOS.

Comparison of Intravenous and Periarticular Administration of Corticosteroids in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Study

BACKGROUND

Corticosteroids are widely used in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to relieve postoperative pain and prevent postoperative nausea. The aim of this prospective, randomized controlled study was to compare the effects of intravenous and periarticular administration of corticosteroids on pain control, prevention of postoperative nausea, and inflammation and thromboembolism markers following TKA.

METHODS

One hundred patients undergoing TKA were randomly allocated to either the intravenous administration or periarticular injection group. The intravenous administration group received 10 mg dexamethasone 1 hour before and 24 hours after the surgical procedure, as well as a periarticular injection placebo during the procedure. The periarticular injection group received a 40-mg injection of triamcinolone acetonide during the surgical procedure, as well as an intravenous administration placebo 1 hour before and 24 hours after the procedure. Postoperative pain scores at rest and during walking and nausea scores were recorded according to the 0-to-10 Numerical Rating Scale. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and prothrombin fragment 1.2 (PF1.2) were measured preoperatively and postoperatively.

RESULTS

Pain scores at rest and during walking 24 hours postoperatively were significantly lower in the periarticular injection group than in the intravenous administration group. Nausea scores showed no significant difference between groups. IL-6 at 24 and 48 hours postoperatively also showed no significant difference between groups. CRP at 24 and 48 hours postoperatively was significantly lower in the intravenous administration group than in the periarticular injection group. In contrast, CRP at 1 week postoperatively was significantly higher in the intravenous administration group than in the periarticular injection group. The mean PF1.2 was significantly lower in the intravenous administration group than in the periarticular injection group at 4 hours postoperatively. Two cases of deep venous thrombosis in each group were detected with use of ultrasonographic examination.

CONCLUSIONS

Periarticular injection of corticosteroids showed a better pain-control effect at 24 hours postoperatively than did intravenous administration, whereas the antiemetic effect was similar between treatments. Although intravenous administration had a better anti-thromboembolic effect than periarticular injection, the incidence of deep venous thrombosis was low in both groups.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Impact of Perioperative Pain Control on Knee Range of Motion and Development of Arthrofibrosis Following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Inadequate pain control following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been postulated to negatively impact knee range of motion (ROM). We sought to determine the association between perioperative pain levels and knee ROM at 3-month follow-up or need for manipulation under anesthesia (MUA).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 2243 primary TKAs performed from 2002 to 2019 at a single academic center using an institutional total joint registry. Mean age was 68, mean body mass index was 32.8, and 59% were female. Knee ROM was measured preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. Change in knee ROM, rates of soft tissue contracture, and MUA were assessed in relation to in-hospital 10-point pain visual analog scale (VAS) measurements.

RESULTS

Overall, 44% had improved ROM at 3-month follow-up, 29% had no change in ROM, and 27% had worsened ROM. There was no significant difference in mean VAS scores of patients with improved, unchanged, or worsened ROM postoperatively (3.0 vs 2.8 vs 3.0; P = .068). There was no significant difference in mean VAS scores of patients who developed a soft tissue contracture or required MUA vs those who did not develop these complications (2.7 vs 2.9; P = .24). Similarly, no significant relationship with these outcomes was identified when maximum and discharge VAS scores were analyzed.

CONCLUSION

Comparable ROM and rates of MUA based on in-hospital pain levels were observed in this large series of primary TKA patients. While significant early pain may limit participation in ROM exercises initially, this does not appear to have a marked impact on ROM-related complications for most patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III, Therapeutic.

Peri-operative steroids reduce pain, inflammatory response and hospitalisation length following knee arthroplasty without increased risk of acute complications: a meta-analysis

PURPOSE

There is no consensus regarding the risks and benefits of peri-operative steroid supplementation in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this meta-analysis is to compare TKA protocols implemented with or without steroids in terms of pain, inflammatory response, hospitalisation length, and complications.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed on July 2019 in PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane library, and the grey literature for a meta-analysis of RCTs comparing peri-operative analgesia protocols implemented with or without steroids. Sub-analyses considering the administration route, steroid type, and dosage were performed. The inverse variance method and the Mantel-Haenszel test were used for pooling continuous variables and for dichotomous variables, respectively. Risk of bias and quality of evidence were defined according to the Cochrane guidelines.

RESULTS

Twenty articles were included. Steroid supplementation provides significantly lower post-operative pain from day 1 to day 4 (p < 0.05), with less opioid consumption (p = 0.05), less nausea and vomiting (p < 0.05), and greater knee range of motion (p < 0.001), thus resulting in a shorter hospitalisation length (p = 0.01). Moreover, lower C-reactive protein (p < 0.05), and IL-6 (p < 0.05) levels, but a higher blood glucose level at day 1 (p = 0.004), were documented. No significant differences were documented in all the outcomes after 4 days of follow-up. These results were achieved without an increased incidence of complications. According to the results of the sub-analyses, the intravenous administration of 200 steroid equivalents of a long-acting steroid was associated with better results.

CONCLUSION

Steroid supplementation of peri-operative drug protocols is effective in decreasing post-operative pain, opioid consumption, nausea and vomiting, range of motion limitation, and inflammatory markers without increasing short- and mid-term complications. Although these benefits last only the peri-operative period, steroid supplementation can reduce the length of hospitalisation after TKA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Systematic review and meta-analysis, level II.

Administration with corticosteroid relieving pain following total knee arthroplasty: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This meta-analysis compares the effectiveness of corticosteroid in relieving pain and inflammation in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients.

METHOD

Randomized controlled trials in PubMed (1996 to March 2020), Embase (1996 to March 2020), and the Cochrane Library (CENTRAL, March 2020) compared corticosteroid and placebo in pain in TKA patients were identified by a software and manual searching. The risk of bias and clinical relevance of the included studies were assessed. Sensitivity analysis was performed by omitting each study in turn. The major outcomes of the studies were analyzed by the Stata 12.0.

RESULTS

13 randomized controlled trials that involved 193 patients were included in the present meta-analysis. The results of the study revealed a significantly lower visual analog scale (VAS) score of pain at rest in the corticosteroid group (12 hours: weighted mean difference (WMD)=-1.35, P = .005; 24 hours: WMD=-1.11, P = .000; 48 hours: WMD=-0.31, P = .000; 72 hours: WMD = -0.30, P = .000). And Postoperative VAS scores during mobilization at 12 hours and 24  hours were significantly lower at corticosteroid group when compared with control group (12 hours: WMD = -0.81, P = 0.000; 24 hours: WMD = -1.66, P = .018). Meta-analyses show that administration of corticosteroid can reduce the length of hospital stay, incidence nausea and the C-reactive protein level. While no significant difference was observed in the VAS scores during mobilization at 48 hours and 72 hours and total morphine consumption (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to the control group, intraoperative corticosteroid was benefit to the pain management in TKA. However, more high-quality studies are still warranted to further validate our findings, considering there are several limitations in this meta-analysis.

Postoperative Dexamethasone Following Posterior Spinal Fusion for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

BACKGROUND

Surgeons have hesitated to use steroids in patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion because of the risk of wound complications. The literature has supported the use of postoperative steroids in other areas of orthopaedics on the basis of more rapid recovery and improved postoperative pain control. We hypothesized that a short course of postoperative dexamethasone following posterior spinal fusion for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) would decrease opioid usage without increasing wound-healing problems.

METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion for the treatment of AIS from 2015 to 2018 at a single hospital were included. A review of demographic characteristics, curve characteristics, surgical data, and postoperative clinic notes was performed. Opioid usage was determined by converting all postoperative opioids given into morphine milligram equivalents (MME).

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients underwent posterior spinal fusion for the treatment of AIS without postoperative steroids (the NS group), and 48 patients were managed with 3 doses of postoperative steroids (the WS group) (median, 8.0 mg/dose). There was no difference between the groups in terms of curve magnitude, number of vertebrae fused, or estimated blood loss. There was a 39.6% decrease in total MME used and a 29.5% decrease in weight-based MME used in the group receiving postoperative steroids (82.0 mg [1.29 mg/kg] in the NS group versus 49.5 mg [0.91 mg/kg] in the WS group]; p < 0.001). This difference persisted after accounting for gabapentin, ketorolac, and diazepam usage; surgical time; curve size; levels fused; and number of osteotomies (median decrease, 0.756 mg/kg [95% CI, 0.307 to 1.205 mg/kg]; p = 0.001). Three patients in the NS group (4.6%) and 4 patients in the WS group (8.3%) developed wound dehiscence requiring wound care (p = 0.53). One patient in the NS group required surgical debridement for the treatment of an infection. Patients in the WS group were more likely to walk at the time of the initial physical therapy evaluation (60.4% versus 35.4%; p = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

A short course of postoperative steroids after posterior spinal fusion was associated with a 40% decrease in the use of opioids, with no increase in wound complications. Surgeons may consider the use of perioperative steroids in an effort to decrease the use of postoperative opioids following posterior spinal fusion for the treatment of AIS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Drugs for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting in adults after general anaesthesia: a network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common adverse effect of anaesthesia and surgery. Up to 80% of patients may be affected. These outcomes are a major cause of patient dissatisfaction and may lead to prolonged hospital stay and higher costs of care along with more severe complications. Many antiemetic drugs are available for prophylaxis. They have various mechanisms of action and side effects, but there is still uncertainty about which drugs are most effective with the fewest side effects.

OBJECTIVES

• To compare the efficacy and safety of different prophylactic pharmacologic interventions (antiemetic drugs) against no treatment, against placebo, or against each other (as monotherapy or combination prophylaxis) for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in adults undergoing any type of surgery under general anaesthesia • To generate a clinically useful ranking of antiemetic drugs (monotherapy and combination prophylaxis) based on efficacy and safety • To identify the best dose or dose range of antiemetic drugs in terms of efficacy and safety SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP), ClinicalTrials.gov, and reference lists of relevant systematic reviews. The first search was performed in November 2017 and was updated in April 2020. In the update of the search, 39 eligible studies were found that were not included in the analysis (listed as awaiting classification).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing effectiveness or side effects of single antiemetic drugs in any dose or combination against each other or against an inactive control in adults undergoing any type of surgery under general anaesthesia. All antiemetic drugs belonged to one of the following substance classes: 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists, D₂ receptor antagonists, NK₁ receptor antagonists, corticosteroids, antihistamines, and anticholinergics. No language restrictions were applied. Abstract publications were excluded.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

A review team of 11 authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and risk of bias and subsequently extracted data. We performed pair-wise meta-analyses for drugs of direct interest (amisulpride, aprepitant, casopitant, dexamethasone, dimenhydrinate, dolasetron, droperidol, fosaprepitant, granisetron, haloperidol, meclizine, methylprednisolone, metoclopramide, ondansetron, palonosetron, perphenazine, promethazine, ramosetron, rolapitant, scopolamine, and tropisetron) compared to placebo (inactive control). We performed network meta-analyses (NMAs) to estimate the relative effects and ranking (with placebo as reference) of all available single drugs and combinations. Primary outcomes were vomiting within 24 hours postoperatively, serious adverse events (SAEs), and any adverse event (AE). Secondary outcomes were drug class-specific side effects (e.g. headache), mortality, early and late vomiting, nausea, and complete response. We performed subgroup network meta-analysis with dose of drugs as a moderator variable using dose ranges based on previous consensus recommendations. We assessed certainty of evidence of NMA treatment effects for all primary outcomes and drug class-specific side effects according to GRADE (CINeMA, Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis). We restricted GRADE assessment to single drugs of direct interest compared to placebo.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 585 studies (97,516 randomized participants). Most of these studies were small (median sample size of 100); they were published between 1965 and 2017 and were primarily conducted in Asia (51%), Europe (25%), and North America (16%). Mean age of the overall population was 42 years. Most participants were women (83%), had American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I and II (70%), received perioperative opioids (88%), and underwent gynaecologic (32%) or gastrointestinal surgery (19%) under general anaesthesia using volatile anaesthetics (88%). In this review, 44 single drugs and 51 drug combinations were compared. Most studies investigated only single drugs (72%) and included an inactive control arm (66%). The three most investigated single drugs in this review were ondansetron (246 studies), dexamethasone (120 studies), and droperidol (97 studies). Almost all studies (89%) reported at least one efficacy outcome relevant for this review. However, only 56% reported at least one relevant safety outcome. Altogether, 157 studies (27%) were assessed as having overall low risk of bias, 101 studies (17%) overall high risk of bias, and 327 studies (56%) overall unclear risk of bias. Vomiting within 24 hours postoperatively Relative effects from NMA for vomiting within 24 hours (282 RCTs, 50,812 participants, 28 single drugs, and 36 drug combinations) suggest that 29 out of 36 drug combinations and 10 out of 28 single drugs showed a clinically important benefit (defined as the upper end of the 95% confidence interval (CI) below a risk ratio (RR) of 0.8) compared to placebo. Combinations of drugs were generally more effective than single drugs in preventing vomiting. However, single NK₁ receptor antagonists showed treatment effects similar to most of the drug combinations. High-certainty evidence suggests that the following single drugs reduce vomiting (ordered by decreasing efficacy): aprepitant (RR 0.26, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.38, high certainty, rank 3/28 of single drugs); ramosetron (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.59, high certainty, rank 5/28); granisetron (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.54, high certainty, rank 6/28); dexamethasone (RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.57, high certainty, rank 8/28); and ondansetron (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.60, high certainty, rank 13/28). Moderate-certainty evidence suggests that the following single drugs probably reduce vomiting: fosaprepitant (RR 0.06, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.21, moderate certainty, rank 1/28) and droperidol (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.69, moderate certainty, rank 20/28). Recommended and high doses of granisetron, dexamethasone, ondansetron, and droperidol showed clinically important benefit, but low doses showed no clinically important benefit. Aprepitant was used mainly at high doses, ramosetron at recommended doses, and fosaprepitant at doses of 150 mg (with no dose recommendation available). Frequency of SAEs Twenty-eight RCTs were included in the NMA for SAEs (10,766 participants, 13 single drugs, and eight drug combinations). The certainty of evidence for SAEs when using one of the best and most reliable anti-vomiting drugs (aprepitant, ramosetron, granisetron, dexamethasone, ondansetron, and droperidol compared to placebo) ranged from very low to low. Droperidol (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.08 to 9.71, low certainty, rank 6/13) may reduce SAEs. We are uncertain about the effects of aprepitant (RR 1.39, 95% CI 0.26 to 7.36, very low certainty, rank 11/13), ramosetron (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.05 to 15.74, very low certainty, rank 7/13), granisetron (RR 1.21, 95% CI 0.11 to 13.15, very low certainty, rank 10/13), dexamethasone (RR 1.16, 95% CI 0.28 to 4.85, very low certainty, rank 9/13), and ondansetron (RR 1.62, 95% CI 0.32 to 8.10, very low certainty, rank 12/13). No studies reporting SAEs were available for fosaprepitant. Frequency of any AE Sixty-one RCTs were included in the NMA for any AE (19,423 participants, 15 single drugs, and 11 drug combinations). The certainty of evidence for any AE when using one of the best and most reliable anti-vomiting drugs (aprepitant, ramosetron, granisetron, dexamethasone, ondansetron, and droperidol compared to placebo) ranged from very low to moderate. Granisetron (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.05, moderate certainty, rank 7/15) probably has no or little effect on any AE. Dexamethasone (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.08, low certainty, rank 2/15) and droperidol (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.98, low certainty, rank 6/15) may reduce any AE. Ondansetron (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.01, low certainty, rank 9/15) may have little or no effect on any AE. We are uncertain about the effects of aprepitant (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.78 to 0.97, very low certainty, rank 3/15) and ramosetron (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.54, very low certainty, rank 11/15) on any AE. No studies reporting any AE were available for fosaprepitant. Class-specific side effects For class-specific side effects (headache, constipation, wound infection, extrapyramidal symptoms, sedation, arrhythmia, and QT prolongation) of relevant substances, the certainty of evidence for the best and most reliable anti-vomiting drugs mostly ranged from very low to low. Exceptions were that ondansetron probably increases headache (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.28, moderate certainty, rank 18/23) and probably reduces sedation (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.96, moderate certainty, rank 5/24) compared to placebo. The latter effect is limited to recommended and high doses of ondansetron. Droperidol probably reduces headache (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.86, moderate certainty, rank 5/23) compared to placebo. We have high-certainty evidence that dexamethasone (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.09, high certainty, rank 16/24) has no effect on sedation compared to placebo. No studies assessed substance class-specific side effects for fosaprepitant. Direction and magnitude of network effect estimates together with level of evidence certainty are graphically summarized for all pre-defined GRADE-relevant outcomes and all drugs of direct interest compared to placebo in http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4066353.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We found high-certainty evidence that five single drugs (aprepitant, ramosetron, granisetron, dexamethasone, and ondansetron) reduce vomiting, and moderate-certainty evidence that two other single drugs (fosaprepitant and droperidol) probably reduce vomiting, compared to placebo. Four of the six substance classes (5-HT₃ receptor antagonists, D₂ receptor antagonists, NK₁ receptor antagonists, and corticosteroids) were thus represented by at least one drug with important benefit for prevention of vomiting. Combinations of drugs were generally more effective than the corresponding single drugs in preventing vomiting. NK₁ receptor antagonists were the most effective drug class and had comparable efficacy to most of the drug combinations. 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists were the best studied substance class. For most of the single drugs of direct interest, we found only very low to low certainty evidence for safety outcomes such as occurrence of SAEs, any AE, and substance class-specific side effects. Recommended and high doses of granisetron, dexamethasone, ondansetron, and droperidol were more effective than low doses for prevention of vomiting. Dose dependency of side effects was rarely found due to the limited number of studies, except for the less sedating effect of recommended and high doses of ondansetron. The results of the review are transferable mainly to patients at higher risk of nausea and vomiting (i.e. healthy women undergoing inhalational anaesthesia and receiving perioperative opioids). Overall study quality was limited, but certainty assessments of effect estimates consider this limitation. No further efficacy studies are needed as there is evidence of moderate to high certainty for seven single drugs with relevant benefit for prevention of vomiting. However, additional studies are needed to investigate potential side effects of these drugs and to examine higher-risk patient populations (e.g. individuals with diabetes and heart disease).

The optimal dosage, route and timing of glucocorticoids administration for improving knee function, pain and inflammation in primary total knee arthroplasty: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of 34 randomized trials

PURPOSE

Glucocorticoids are a mainstay to control postoperative pain, inflammation, nausea and vomiting (PONV) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Understanding the optimal dose and route of glucocorticoids administration in TKA is of great significance in speedy functional recovery. We aimed to summarize, evaluate and rank order the efficacy of glucocorticoids regimens in TKA.

METHODS

Electronic databases (PubMed et al.) were systematically searched from inception up to April 30, 2020. The primary outcomes were visual analogue scale (VAS), range of motion (ROM) and knee society score (KSS). C-reactive Protein (CRP) and PONV were also evaluated. Multivariable Bayesian random effects models were used to synthesize and rank the comparative efficacy of glucocorticoids regimens.

RESULTS

A total of 34 eligible randomized controlled trials with 11 different glucocorticoids regimens were assessed. Overall inconsistency and heterogeneity were acceptable. Multiple medium dose perioperative intravenous injection (IV) ranked first in the analgesia network and a single high doses of preoperative IV ranked first in the inflammation and PONV network. There was no statistically significant increase in ROM or KSS in all the glucocorticoid formulations and doses compared with controls on postoperative day 30.

CONCLUSIONS

Glucocorticoid multiple intravenous injection was preferable to a single intravenous injection (preoperative and postoperative), periarticular injection and intra-articular injection in analgesia. Based on the available evidence, a medium dose of hydrocortisone of 2-4 mg/kg is optimal.

Dexamethasone for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting after mastectomy

BACKGROUND

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common complication after mastectomy. Although many researches have been studied the prophylactic effect of antiemetics, none of the results are effective. To overcome this problem, dexamethasone was used to relieve the occurrence of PONV. Since concerns about steroid-related morbidity still remain, We carried out a meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of prophylactic dexamethasone on PONV, post-operative pain undergoing mastectomy.

METHODS

Literature search was conducted through PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane library database till June 2019 to identify eligible studies. Meanwhile, we also consulted some Chinese periodicals, such as China Academic Journals, Wanfang and Weipu. The research was reported according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines. Randomized controlled trials were included in our meta-analysis. Meanwhile, the assessment of the risk of bias was conducted according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions version. The pooled data are processed by software RevMan 5.3.

RESULTS

Four studies with 490 patients were enrolled to this meta-analysis. Our study demonstrated that the dexamethasone group was significantly more effective than the placebo group in term of PONV (risk ratio [RR] = 0.46, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.30-0.70, P = .0003), nausea (RR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.10-0.68, P = .006) and vomiting (RR = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.04∼0.55, P = .004). The visual analog scale score was significantly diminished at 1 hour (weighted mean difference = -1.40, 95% CI: -1.53 to -1.26, P < .00001) in the dexamethasone group, while, no statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of visual analog scale at 24 hours (weighted mean difference = -0.56, 95% CI: -1.24 to 0.13, P = 0.11).

CONCLUSION

Not only does Dexamethasone reduce the incidence of PONV but also decreases postoperative pain. However, we still need larger samples and higher quality studies to determine the relationship between symptoms and administration time to reach the conclusion.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO CRD 42018118575.

Tranexamic acid attenuates inflammatory effect and modulates immune response in primary total knee arthroplasty: a randomized, placebo-controlled, pilot trial

AIMS

To explore the effect of intravenous tranexamic acid (IV-TXA) on inflammation and immune response following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

Primary TKA patients (n = 125) were randomized into the following four groups: group A to receive placebo; group B to receive a single dose of 20 mg kg^-1 IV-TXA and 20 mg of intravenous dexamethasone (IV-DXM); group C to receive six doses of IV-TXA (total dosage > 6 g); and group D to receive six doses of IV-TXA combined with three doses of IV-DXM (total dosage = 40 mg). The primary outcomes were C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin (IL)-6 levels and the secondary outcomes were complement C3 and C4 and T-cell subset levels, which were measured preoperatively and at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 2 weeks postoperatively.

RESULTS

The postoperative peak CRP and IL-6 levels in group C (93.7 ± 22.2 mg L^-1, 108.8 ± 41.7 pg mL^-1) were lower compared with those in group A (134.7 ± 28.8 mg L^-1, P < 0.01; 161.6 ± 64.4 pg mL^-1, P < 0.01). Groups B and D exhibited significantly lower CRP and IL-6 levels compared with groups A and C at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h postoperatively (P < 0.05 for all). In group C, complement C3 and C4 levels were higher compared with those in group A at 48 h (0.967 ± 0.127 g L^-1 vs. 0.792 ± 0.100 g L^-1, P < 0.01; 0.221 ± 0.046 g L^-1 vs. 0.167 ± 0.028 g L^-1, P < 0.01) and 72 h (1.050 ± 0.181 g L^-1 vs. 0.860 ± 0.126 g L^-1, P = 0.01; 0.240 ± 0.052 g L^-1 vs. 0.182 ± 0.036 g L^-1, P < 0.01) postoperatively and CD3 and CD4 subset levels were higher compared with those in group B at 24 h postoperatively (66.78 ± 9.29% vs. 56.10 ± 12.47%, P < 0.05; 36.69 ± 5.78% vs. 28.39 ± 8.89%, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Six doses of IV-TXA could attenuate the inflammatory effect, modulate the immune response, and reduce immunosuppression caused by DXM in patients after TKA.

Intravenous Dexamethasone Injection Reduces Pain From 12 to 21 Hours After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) affects postoperative recovery and patient satisfaction. The analgesic benefits of corticosteroids have not been well studied. We, therefore, investigated the analgesic effects of intravenous (IV) dexamethasone (DEX) in patients undergoing a TKA.

METHODS

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 0.15 mg/kg of IV DEX vs saline placebo in unilateral TKA. Fifty patients/arm were recruited. Primary outcomes were pain level, determined by a visual analog scale, and the amount of morphine consumption (mg) ≤48 hours post-TKA. Secondary outcomes were rates of nausea and vomiting, C-reactive protein concentrations, and functional outcomes.

RESULTS

The DEX group had a significantly lower mean visual analog scale score both at rest and during motion at 12, 15, 18, and 21 hours (P < .05). At 21 hours, the mean difference (Δ) in pain at rest was -11 points (95% confidence interval [CI], -21 to -2 points; P = .02) while the mean difference in pain during motion was -15 points (95% CI, -25 to -5 points; P = .004). The DEX group also had lower rates of nausea and vomiting: 29/50 (58%) vs 42/50 (84%) (P = .008) and lower mean C-reactive protein level: 89 vs 167, Δ = -78 mg/L (95% CI, -100 to -58 mg/L, P < .0001). There were no significant differences in mean morphine consumption by 48 hours, modified Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index scores, and range of motion of the knee at 3-month follow-up (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

IV DEX relieves postoperative pain between 12 to 21 hours after TKA and may be a useful adjunct for controlling pain in patients undergoing TKA.