Preoperative oral rofecoxib does not decrease postoperative pain or morphine consumption in patients after radical prostatectomy: a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial

Comparison of the effects of preoperative celecoxib and gabapentin on pain, functional recovery, and quality of life after total knee arthroplasty: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Background

Acute pain is one of the main complaints of patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), which causes delayed mobility, increased morphine consumption, and subsequently increased costs. Therefore, the present study was performed to evaluate the preventive effect of preoperative celecoxib and gabapentin on reducing patient pain as a primary outcome after TKA surgery.

Materials and Methods

This randomized, double-blind controlled clinical trial was performed on 270 patients with osteoarthritis that were candidates for TKA surgery allocated into three groups. In the first group, 900 mg of gabapentin was administered orally on a daily basis for 3 days before surgery. In the second group, 200 mg of oral celecoxib was administered twice daily for 3 days before surgery. In the third group, oral placebo was administered twice daily for 3 days before the surgery. The patients' pain score and knee and its functional score were recoded.

Results

The mean of reduction pain in gabapentin and celecoxib groups was significantly lower than that of the control group at 12, 24, and 48 h after surgery (P < 0.001); however, two groups were not significantly different from each other (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the two medication groups were not significantly different in this regard (P > 0.05). In addition, the knee score in the gabapentin group with the means of 85.40 ± 5.47 and the celecoxib group with the means of 87.03 ± 3.97 were significantly higher than those of the control group with the means of 78.90 ± 4.39 in the 1^st month after the surgery (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

According to the results of the present study, the preventive administration of gabapentin and celecoxib showed a significant and similar effectiveness on reducing patient pain after TKA surgery and on improving the KSS and quality of life scores.

Optimal pain management for radical prostatectomy surgery: what is the evidence?

BACKGROUND

Increase in the diagnosis of prostate cancer has increased the incidence of radical prostatectomy. However, the literature assessing pain therapy for this procedure has not been systematically evaluated. Thus, optimal pain therapy for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy remains controversial.

METHODS

Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for studies assessing the effects of analgesic and anesthetic interventions on pain after radical prostatectomy. All searches were conducted in October 2012 and updated in June 2015.

RESULTS

Most treatments studied improved pain relief and/or reduced opioid requirements. However, there were significant differences in the study designs and the variables evaluated, precluding quantitative analysis and consensus recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review reveals that there is a lack of evidence to develop an optimal pain management protocol in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. Most studies assessed unimodal analgesic approaches rather than a multimodal technique. There is a need for more procedure-specific studies comparing pain and analgesic requirements for open and minimally invasive surgical procedures. Finally, while we wait for appropriate procedure specific evidence from publication of adequate studies assessing optimal pain management after radical prostatectomy, we propose a basic analgesic guideline.

Comparison of preemptive analgesic effects of a single dose of nonopioid analgesics for pain management after ambulatory surgery: A prospective, randomized, single-blind studyin Turkish patients

BACKGROUND

Preemptive analgesia used for postsurgical pain management has been shown to reduce the requirements of postoperative analgesics.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the preemptive analgesic effects of diflunisal, naproxen sodium, meloxicam, acetaminophen, and rofecoxin (no longer available in some markets) in patients undergoing ambulatory dental surgery and the need for postoperative pain management in these patients.

METHODS

This prospective, randomized, single-blind study was conducted at the Departments of Anesthesiology and Reanimation and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Baskent University, Adana Teaching and Medical Research Center, Adana, Turkey. Turkish outpatients aged ≥ 16 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1 (ie, healthy) and scheduled to undergo surgical extraction of an impacted third molar were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to receive diflunisal 500 mg, naproxen sodium 550 mg, meloxicam 7.5 mg, acetaminophen 500 mg, or rofecoxib 12.5 mg. All medications were administered orally 1 hour before surgery as preemptive analgesia and after surgery if needed, up to the maximum recommended dose. Surgery was performed with the patient under local anesthesia (articaine hydrochloride). Pain intensity was assessed using a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) (0 = none to 100 = worst possible pain) at 2, 4, 6, and 12 hours after ambulatory surgery. The use of additional analgesics was recorded for 24 hours using patient diaries. Postoperative adverse events were recorded using the diaries.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty patients (108 women, 42 men; mean [SE] age, 26.8 [0.6] years; 30 patients per group) had data available for analysis. Demographic data were similar between the 5 groups. No significant differences in mean VAS scores were found between the 5 groups at any time point. All mean VAS scores indicated minor pain. The rate of additional postoperative analgesics required was significantly lower in the diflunisal group compared with groups receiving naproxen sodium, meloxicam, acetaminophen, and rofecoxib (3 [10%] patients vs 11 [37%], 15 [50%], 15 [50%], and 14 [47%] patients, respectively; all, P < 0.05). Bleeding at the surgical site was reported in 2 patients each in the diflunisal, naproxen sodium, meloxicam, and acetaminophen groups, and in 1 patient in the rofecoxib group; the between-group differences were not significant. No significant differences in the prevalences of other adverse effects (eg, nausea, vomiting, allergy, gastrointestinal symptoms) were found between the 5 treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study in patients undergoing third molar extraction, adequate preemptive analgesia, based on VAS scores, was found with all of the nonopioid analgesic agents used. Fewer patients required rescue medication with diflunisal. All 5 study drugs were similarly well tolerated.

Transversus abdominis plane block or subcutaneous wound infiltration after open radical prostatectomy: a randomized study

BACKGROUND

Open radical retropubic prostatectomy (ORRP) is associated with moderate pain. We hypothesized that a transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block would reduce post-operative pain, morphine consumption and opioid-related side effects compared with wound infiltration and placebo in this population.

METHODS

This was a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study. The operations were performed with patients in general anaesthesia. Patients were allocated to receive either bilateral TAP block (n = 23), wound infiltration (n = 25) or placebo (n = 25). Treatment was 40 ml ropivacaine 0.75% and placebo was 40 ml saline 0.9%. Pre-operatively, all patients received oral gabapentin, ibuprofen and paracetamol, followed by oral paracetamol and ibuprofen at regular doses and intervals, and patient-controlled analgesia with IV morphine from 0 h to 24 h post-operatively.

RESULTS

Visual analogue scale pain score during mobilization 4 h post-operatively (primary outcome) did not differ significantly between the TAP block and placebo group (TAP 28 ± 22 mm vs. placebo 33 ± 18 mm, P = 0.64). Pain scores (as area under the curve) during the first 24 h were not significantly different among any of the three groups, neither at rest nor during mobilization. Morphine consumption (0-24 h) did not differ significantly between groups {TAP block = 15 [8-23] mg, infiltration 15 [8-36] mg, placebo 15 [3-30] mg, [median (interquartile range)]}. Levels of nausea, sedation and number of vomits were not different among the groups.

CONCLUSION

Neither TAP block nor wound infiltration with ropivacaine improved a basic multimodal analgesic regimen with paracetamol, ibuprofen and gabapentin after ORRP.

Review of the selective COX-2 inhibitors celecoxib and rofecoxib: focus on clinical aspects

The selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors celecoxib and rofecoxib were designed to have similar efficacy but less gastrointestinal toxicity than traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Their efficacy has been demonstrated in the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, postoperative dental pain and dysmenorrhea. These agents produce fewer endoscopic ulcers, symptomatic ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeds than traditional NSAIDs; although the absolute benefit is small and the gastropreserving effect is negated by concurrent use of low-dose aspirin for cardiovascular risk reduction. Nephrotoxicity and hyptertension remain concerns with COX-2 inhibitors, as they are with traditional NSAIDs. COX-2 inhibitors may be safe alternatives to traditional NSAIDs for patients with aspirin-sensitive asthma.

Analgesic efficacy and safety of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs after transurethral resection of prostate

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the analgesic efficacy and safety of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), administered as intramuscular diclofenac in comparison with intravenous paracetamol after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty men, aged 55 to 75 years, undergoing TURP at our hospital were included in this study. Patients were divided randomly and prospectively into two groups (25 patients in each group). Group I (NSAID) received 75 mg of diclofenac i.m. at the end of the operation followed by 75 mg of diclofenac i.m. for 24 hours (75 mg x 2 once a day = 150 mg/24 h) postoperatively. The other group (Group II) consisted of patients who received 1g/100 mL i.v. paracetamol 15 minutes twice daily as postoperative analgesia. Postoperative pain scores were evaluated at 30 minutes, 1, 2, 4 and 6 hours after administration of each analgesic, using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Furthermore, preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin (Hb) levels and hemostatic variables (bleeding time, prothrombine time and the international normalized ratio, i.e. the ratio of a patient's prothrombin time to a normal [control] sample) were recorded in all patients.

RESULTS

The pain score changes during a 4 hour period between the two groups was similar (p = 0.162). Thirty minutes after surgery, pain scores were high (> 3 cm) in both groups and without differences between groups (p = 0.11) but 6 hours after surgery, pain scores were significantly higher with paracetamol compared to diclofenac (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between the groups regarding the amount of resected tissue, operating time, preoperative-postoperative Hb levels and hemostatic variables. In the both groups, no patient required blood transfusion postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

NSAIDs are not a contraindication to TURP and should be used for the control of postoperative pain if indicated.

Perioperative celecoxib administration for pain management after total knee arthroplasty - a randomized, controlled study

BACKGROUND

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are recommended for multimodal postoperative pain management. We evaluated opioid-sparing effects and rehabilitative results after perioperative celecoxib administration for total knee arthroplasty.

METHODS

This was a prospective, randomized, observer-blind control study. Eighty patients that underwent total knee arthroplasty were randomized into two groups of 40 each. The study group received a single 400 mg dose of celecoxib, one hour before surgery, and 200 mg of celecoxib every 12 hours for five days, along with patient-controlled analgesic (PCA) morphine. The control group received only PCA morphine for postoperative pain management. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, active range of motion (ROM), total opioid use and postoperative nausea/vomiting were analyzed.

RESULTS

Groups were comparable for age, pre-operative ROM, operation duration and intraoperative blood loss. Resting VAS pain scores improved significantly in the celecoxib group, compared with controls, at 48 hrs (2.13 +/- 1.68 vs. 3.43 +/- 1.50, p = 0.03) and 72 hrs (1.78 +/- 1.66 vs. 3.17 +/- 2.01, p = 0.02) after surgery. Active ROM also increased significantly in the patients that received celecoxib, especially in the first 72 hrs [40.8 degrees +/- 17.3 degrees vs. 25.8 degrees +/- 11.5 degrees , p = 0.01 (day 1); 60.7 degrees +/- 18.1 degrees vs. 45.0 degrees +/- 17.3 degrees , p = 0.004 (day 2); 77.7 degrees +/- 15.1 degrees vs. 64.3 degrees +/- 16.9 degrees , p = 0.004 (day 3)]. Opioid requirements decreased about 40% (p = 0.03) in the celecoxib group. Although patients suffering from post-operative nausea/vomiting decreased from 43% in control group to 28% in celecoxib group, this was not significant (p = 0.57). There were no differences in blood loss (intra- and postoperative) between the groups. Celecoxib resulted in no significant increase in the need for blood transfusions.

CONCLUSION

Perioperative celecoxib significantly improved postoperative resting pain scores at 48 and 72 hrs, opioid consumption, and active ROM in the first three days after total knee arthroplasty, without increasing the risks of bleeding.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00598234.

Preoperative administration of rofecoxib versus ketoprofen for pain relief after tonsillectomy

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the analgesic efficacy and the opioid-sparing effect of oral rofecoxib compared with intramuscular (IM) ketoprofen in tonsillectomy.

METHODS

Seventy-seven adult patients were randomized into 2 groups: group R (n = 39), which received a single oral preoperative dose of rofecoxib 50 mg, and group K (n = 38), which received 2 IM doses of ketoprofen 100 mg (before surgery and after 12 hours). In both groups, additional IM meperidine hydrochloride 1 mg/kg was given. All patients received general anesthesia. A pain score (visual analog scale, 0 to 100) was assessed both at rest and during swallowing at 30 minutes and at 4, 8, 12, 16, and 24 hours after operation. If the pain score exceeded 40, patients were given meperidine as rescue analgesia.

RESULTS

The pain scores during rest and swallowing in group R were significantly lower (p < .05) than those of group K at 4, 8, and 12 hours after operation. Meperidine was given as rescue medication in significantly more patients of group K (76%) than of group R (38%; p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Oral premedication with rofecoxib seems to be more effective than use of ketoprofen in decreasing postoperative pain and the need for opioid rescue medication after elective tonsillectomy. Both drugs seem to be relatively safe as far as postoperative bleeding is concerned.

Does perioperative administration of rofecoxib improve analgesia after spine, breast and orthopaedic surgery?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Data on the effectiveness of cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors in postoperative pain therapy vary widely. We tested in a prospective, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind trial the hypotheses that perioperative (i.e. preoperative and postoperative) administration of the cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor rofecoxib decreases pain scores and morphine consumption after spine, breast and orthopaedic surgery.

METHODS

Five hundred and forty patients scheduled for spine, breast or orthopaedic surgery were randomly assigned to receive in combination with postoperative morphine via patient controlled analgesia pump for 4 days either rofecoxib 50 mg administered perioperatively, rofecoxib 50 mg administered only postoperatively, or placebo. Primary outcome criteria were pain score at rest (numeric rating scale 0-4) and morphine consumption.

RESULTS

Perioperative rofecoxib significantly decreased pain score 0 (0-1) vs. 1 (0-2) (median (interquartile range)), and morphine consumption 18 (6-33) vs. 22.5 (12-38) compared with placebo. In contrast, rofecoxib when administered only postoperatively did not significantly improve analgesic effects or side-effects at time of assessment of the main criteria (24 h after skin closure), but during the follow-up period at 48 h and 72 h after skin closure pain scores and morphine consumption were improved compared to placebo. The analgesic effects of rofecoxib were independent from the type of surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative administration of the cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor rofecoxib decreases pain scores and morphine consumption after orthopaedic, breast and spine surgery. However, the benefit of preoperative administration of the cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor seems to be only moderate, suggesting that early postoperative administration may be a useful alternative approach. There is no evidence that the type of surgery influences analgesic effects of cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors.

Preoperative analgesia management with rofecoxib in thoracotomy patients

OBJECTIVE

Pain management after thoracotomy is significant because pain reduces the postoperative respiratory performance. In this study, the analgesic efficacy and safety of rofecoxib in thoracotomy patients were evaluated.

DESIGN

A prospective, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study.

SETTING

This study was performed in the Meram Medical School of Selcuk University Departments of Cardiovascular Surgery and Anesthesiology.

PARTICIPANTS

Sixty patients undergoing elective thoracic surgery via thoracotomy were randomized to receive either oral placebo or rofecoxib, 50 mg, 1 hour before surgery.

INTERVENTIONS

All patients received a standard anesthetic. Pain scores, sedation scores, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, respiratory rate, analgesic requirements, and side effects were noted 2, 4, 8, 12, 18, 24, 32, 40, and 48 hours after operation.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the 2 study groups with respect to demographics, sedation score, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative drainage. Compared with placebo, morphine consumption and pain scores at rest and during coughing were significantly lower with rofecoxib.

CONCLUSIONS

The preoperative administration of rofecoxib, 50 mg, provides significant analgesia for postoperative pain relief and decreases additional opioid requirements after thoracotomy.

Preoperative use of selective COX-II inhibitors for pain management in laparoscopic nissen fundoplication

BACKGROUND

This randomized, double-blind, prospective, placebo controlled study was planned to determine the effectiveness of selective COX-II inhibitors used preoperatively to alleviate pain after Nissen fundoplication surgery.

METHODS

For this study, 60 patients were allocated to four groups at random: group C (celecoxib, 200 mg by mouth), group R (rofecoxib, 50 mg by mouth), group P (placebo, pill), or group D (diclophenac sodium, 75 mg intramuscularly). Postoperative abdominal and shoulder pain experienced by the patient at rest, with motion, and with coughing were assessed. Side effects and postoperative analgesic requirement (tramadol, intramuscular) also were recorded.

RESULTS

The median tramadol requirement in the 1st h and total tramadol requirement at the 24th h were higher in group P than in the other study groups (p < 0.01). The pain scores in the first postoperative hour were higher in group P (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The preoperative use of celecoxib, rofecoxib, or diclophenac in laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication surgery decreases pain intensity and tramadol requirement in the first postoperative hour and has a trarnadol sparing effect in the first 24 h.

Effect of preoperative Cox-II-selective NSAIDs (coxibs) on postoperative outcomes: a systematic review of randomized studies

BACKGROUND

Preoperative use of coxibs has been claimed to reduce postoperative pain and analgesic consumption, and to affect other postoperative outcomes.

METHODS

Systematic review of randomized trials comparing preoperative coxib with preoperative placebo, or active comparator. Searching of PubMed and Cochrane Library to August 2004. A qualitative and a quantitative analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-two included trials with 2246 patients had high reporting quality and validity scores, though treatment group sizes were small, with a median size of 30 patients. Most trials used oral preoperative rofecoxib (mainly 50 mg) or celecoxib (mainly 200 mg). Preoperative coxibs significantly reduced both postoperative pain and analgesic consumption compared with preoperative placebo in 15/20 trials. In one further trial postoperative pain was reduced and in one analgesic consumption. There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in 13/17 studies or when data were pooled. Postoperative antiemetic use was significantly reduced in all five trials reporting it; the NNT to prevent one patient using postoperative antiemetic was 10 (5.5 to 66). No trial reported any significant difference in intraoperative blood loss or recovery from anaesthesia. Patient satisfaction was significantly increased with preoperative coxib use. No conclusions could be drawn from the three trials comparing preoperative coxib with preoperative NSAID. One study reported significantly improved cost-efficacy with rofecoxib.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative coxibs had clear benefits in terms of reduced postoperative pain, analgesic consumption and patient satisfaction compared with placebo. Effects on postoperative nausea and vomiting remain uncertain, as do those on recovery from surgery or economic benefit. Future trials should be larger and more pragmatic in nature.

Reduction of opioid-related adverse events using opioid-sparing analgesia with COX-2 inhibitors lacks documentation: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

We have reviewed opioid-related adverse events in studies of opioid sparing with cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors compared with placebo in postoperative pain.

METHODS

Randomized, controlled trials were evaluated. Outcome measures were significant reduction in consumption of supplementary opioids with the COX-2 inhibitors and reported opioid-related adverse events (nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, sedation, pruritus and/or urinary retention) 0-24 h after surgery.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies including 26 comparisons of four COX-2 inhibitors (rofecoxib, celecoxib, parecoxib and valdecoxib) were evaluated, in which significant opioid-sparing averaging about 35% with COX-2 inhibitors and opioid-related adverse events were reported. The trials were in general of high quality (median Oxford quality score 4) but the reporting quality of adverse events was poor. Opioid-related adverse events, i.e. vomiting, constipation and pruritus, were only significantly reduced with COX-2 inhibitors in four of the 26 comparisons. Quantitative analysis of combined data revealed a significantly reduced risk for only dizziness; the clinical relevance was minor as the number needed to treat (NNT) was about 33.

CONCLUSION

The limitation of this review is the lack of quality of data of adverse events from the original trials. Although supplementary opioid consumption in all trials was significantly reduced by on average 35% with the COX-2 inhibitors, it was only sporadically possible to demonstrate a clinically important reduction in opioid-related adverse events. Data did not support the common opinion that opioid-sparing with COX-2 inhibitors provides much clinical beneficial effect with respect to opioid-related adverse events. Future studies have to increase the awareness and proper reporting of adverse events in the postoperative period.

Single dose oral rofecoxib for postoperative pain

BACKGROUND

Editor's note: The anti-inflammatory drug rofecoxib (Vioxx) was withdrawn from the market at the end of September 2004 after it was shown that long-term use (greater than 18 months) could increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. So far, other similar anti-inflammatory drugs are unaffected. Further information is available at www.vioxx.com. Rofecoxib is a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor that was licensed in the UK and the US for acute pain treatment and is associated with fewer gastrointestinal adverse events than conventional NSAIDs. Rofecoxib is believed to be at least as effective as conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for postoperative pain.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of a single oral dose of rofecoxib for moderate to severe postoperative pain, and to compare its effectiveness with other analgesics used for treating acute pain.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 2002), MEDLINE (1966 to March 2002), Biological Abstracts (1985 to Dec 2001), CINAHL (1982 to Dec 2001), Psychinfo (1967 to Jan 2002), PubMed (March 2001) and the Oxford pain database.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials of adult patients who received either rofecoxib or placebo for postoperative pain.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Trials were quality scored and the data extracted by two reviewers independently. Summed pain relief (TOTPAR) or pain intensity difference (SPID) was extracted and converted into dichotomous information yielding the number of patients with at least 50% pain relief. These derived results were used to calculate the relative benefit (RB) and number-needed-to-treat (NNT) for one patient to achieve at least 50% pain relief.

MAIN RESULTS

Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. All the trials were funded by Merck & Company, the manufacturer of rofecoxib. In total, 667 patients were treated with rofecoxib 50 mg and 315 with placebo. The NNT for rofecoxib 50 mg was 2.2 (95% CI 1.9 to 2.4), ie, for every two patients treated with rofecoxib 50 mg, one patient experienced at least 50% pain relief that would not have done had they received placebo. All the studies were of short duration, and reported adverse events occurred less frequently with rofecoxib 50 mg than with placebo.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Rofecoxib 50 mg (a dose 2 to 4 times the standard daily dose for chronic pain) is an effective single dose oral analgesic for acute postoperative pain.

Making Progress in the Management of Postoperative Pain: A Review of the Cyclooxygenase 2–Specific Inhibitors

Postoperative pain is one of the most common forms of acute pain. Optimal pain management decreases the stress response to surgery, reduces complications, improves recovery time, and results in improved economic and quality-of-life outcomes. A preoperative, multimodal approach to postoperative analgesia can be achieved through a combination of therapies that continue beyond the immediate perioperative time frame. This multimodal approach provides superior analgesia with opioid-sparing effects and reduced opioid-related adverse events. Although the use of nonspecific nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs in a surgical setting has been limited owing to concerns of renal and gastrointestinal complications as well as platelet dysfunction, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2-specific inhibitors appear to be safe and effective alone and in combination with opioids for a variety of surgical procedures. The COX-2-specific inhibitors may have an important role in extending the use of balanced, multimodal analgesia to a broad surgical population, thus ultimately improving patient outcomes after surgery.

Efficacy of oral rofecoxib versus intravenous ketoprofen as an adjuvant to PCA morphine after urologic surgery

BACKGROUND

Adjunctive use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has become increasingly popular in the perioperative period because of their opioid-sparing effects. This randomized, controlled, double-dummy study was designed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of using oral rofecoxib as an alternative to intravenous ketoprofen for pain management in patients undergoing urologic surgery.

METHODS

Seventy patients were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo (Control) or rofecoxib 50 mg po (Rofecoxib) 1 h prior to surgery. After a standardized spinal anesthetic, patients in the Control group received ketoprofen 100 mg IV q 8 h for 24 h, while the Rofecoxib group received an equivolume of saline at 8-h intervals for 24 h. Both groups were allowed to self-administer morphine (1 mg IV boluses) using a PCA delivery system. The need for 'rescue' analgesic medication, as well as pain scores [using an 11-point verbal rating scale (VRS) (0 = none to 10-severe)], were recorded at 1, 2, 6, 12, and 24-h intervals after surgery. In addition, the incidences of side-effects were recorded at the end of the study period.

RESULTS

Total amount of morphine required in the initial 24-h postoperative period was nonsignificantly reduced in the Rofecoxib group (29 +/- 2 vs. 37 +/- 4 mg). More importantly, the percentage of patients reporting moderate-to-severe pain (VRS score > or =4) during the study period was lower in the Rofecoxib group (12 vs. 22%, P < 0.05). The daily cost of rofecoxib (USD 1.14 for 50-mg dose) was also significantly less than ketoprofen (USD 3.06 for three 100-mg doses).

CONCLUSION

Premedication with oral rofecoxib (50 mg) is a cost-effective alternative to the parenteral nonselective NSAID, ketoprofen (100 mg q 8 h), when used as an adjuvant to PCA morphine for pain management after urologic surgery.

Pharmacokinetics of rofecoxib: a specific cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitor

Rofecoxib is a commonly used specific cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor. Rofecoxib has high bioavailability, poor aqueous solubility, an elimination half-life suitable for daily administration and a volume of distribution approximating body mass. Species-specific, predominantly hepatic, metabolism occurs, with novel enterohepatic circulation in rats and O-glucuronidation by uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyl transferase (UGT) 2B7 and 2B15 in human liver microsomes. Discrepancies in studies of postoperative analgesia can be putatively explained by known pharmacokinetics. Changes in rofecoxib disposition and pharmacokinetics are evident between races, in elderly patients, in patients with chronic renal insufficiency and in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Despite the selective action of COX-2 inhibitors, there remains the potential for significant drug interactions. Rofecoxib has been shown to have interactions with rifampicin (rifampin), warfarin, lithium and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and theophylline. COX-2 inhibitors represent a major therapeutic advance in terms of gastrointestinal safety; however, long-term safety in other organ systems and with concomitant drug administration still remain to be proven.

Systematic review of the analgesic efficacy and tolerability of COX-2 inhibitors in post-operative pain control

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relative analgesic efficacy and tolerability of single-dose COX-2 inhibitors in post-operative pain management.

METHOD

Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

OUTCOME MEASURES

The area under the pain relief vs. time curve was used to evaluate the proportion of patient achieving at least 50% pain relief using validated equations. The proportions of patients experiencing any adverse event or specific adverse events were also examined.

RESULTS

In all, 18 RCTs were included which contained 2783 patients. The results of the effects of single-dose analgesics on the basis of 50% of patients achieving pain relief over 6 h from dental pain models suggested that oral rofecoxib 50 mg was more effective than codeine/paracetamol 60/600 mg, and the rate ratio (RR) was 2.11 (95% CI 1.6-2.75). Valdecoxib 40 mg was also more effective than oxycodone/paracetamol 10/1000 mg (RR 1.34; 95% CI 1.11-1.62). There was no significant differences between other oral COX-2 inhibitors and non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), except that celecoxib 200 mg was less effective than ibuprofen 400 mg (RR 0.66; 95% CI 0.48-0.90) and rofecoxib 50 mg (RR 0.65; 95% CI 0.49-0.87). The results from orthopaedic pain model showed no significant difference between rofecoxib 50 mg and naproxen sodium 550 mg (RR 1.04; 95% CI 0.73-1.49). The adverse effects of single-dose COX-2 inhibitor used in short-term post-operative pain management were generally mild and less than non-selective NSAIDs, although there was no significant difference.

CONCLUSIONS

The analgesic efficacy and tolerability of single-dose COX-2 inhibitors were more effective than opioid-containing analgesics and similar to non-selective NSAIDs in post-operative pain management. Further studies are needed to examine the efficacy and tolerability of COX-2 inhibitors compared against active comparators over a longer duration to assess whether these short-term effects are mirrored by longer-term outcomes and to determine their ultimate risk-benefit profile.

A systematic review of COX-2 inhibitors compared with traditional NSAIDs, or different COX-2 inhibitors for post-operative pain

BACKGROUND

We have reviewed the analgesic efficacy of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors compared with traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), different COX-2 inhibitors, and placebo in post-operative pain.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials were evaluated. Outcome measures were pain scores and demand for supplementary analgesia 0-24 h after surgery.

RESULTS

Thirty-three studies were included in which four COX-2 inhibitors, rofecoxib 50 mg, celecoxib 200 and 400 mg, parecoxib 20, 40 and 80 mg, and valdecoxib 10, 20, 40, 80 mg were evaluated. Ten of these studies included 18 comparisons of rofecoxib, celecoxib, or parecoxib with NSAIDs. Rofecoxib 50 mg and parecoxib 40 mg provided analgesic efficacy comparable to that of the NSAIDs in the comparisons, and with a longer duration of action after dental surgery but possibly not after major procedures. Celecoxib 200 mg and parecoxib 20 mg provided less effective pain relief. Four studies included five comparisons of rofecoxib 50 mg with celecoxib 200 and 400 mg. Rofecoxib 50 mg provided superior analgesic effect compared with celecoxib 200 mg. Data on celecoxib 400 mg were too sparse for firm conclusions. Thirty-three studies included 62 comparisons of the four COX-2 inhibitors with placebo and the COX-2 inhibitors significantly decreased post-operative pain.

CONCLUSION

Rofecoxib 50 mg and parecoxib 40 mg have an equipotent analgesic efficacy relative to traditional NSAIDs in post-operative pain after minor and major surgical procedures, and after dental surgery these COX-2 inhibitors have a longer duration of action. Besides, rofecoxib 50 mg provides superior analgesic effect compared with celecoxib 200 mg.

Preoperative oral rofecoxib reduces postoperative pain and tramadol consumption in patients after abdominal hysterectomy

We designed this study to determine whether the administration of a preoperative dose of rofecoxib to patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy would decrease patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) tramadol use or enhance analgesia. Sixty patients were randomized to receive either oral placebo or rofecoxib 50 mg 1 h before surgery. All patients received a standard anesthetic protocol. Intraoperative blood loss was determined. At the end of surgery, all patients received tramadol IV via a PCA-device. Pain scores, sedation scores, mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and peripheral oxygen saturation were assessed at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 h after surgery. Total and incremental tramadol consumption at the same times was recorded from the PCA-device. Antiemetic requirements and adverse effects were noted during the first postoperative 24 h. Duration of hospital stay was also recorded. The pain scores were significantly lower in the rofecoxib group compared with the placebo group at 6 times during the first 12 postoperative h (P < 0.05). The total consumption of tramadol (627 +/- 69 mg versus 535 +/- 45 mg; P < 0.05) and the incremental doses at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 h after surgery were significantly more in the placebo group than in the rofecoxib group. There were no differences between groups in intraoperative blood loss, sedation scores, hemodynamic variables, peripheral oxygen saturation, antiemetic requirements, or adverse effects after surgery. The length of hospital stay was also similar in the groups. We conclude that the preoperative administration of oral rofecoxib provided a significant analgesic benefit and decreased the opioid requirements in patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy.

IMPLICATIONS

This study was designed to determine whether the administration of a preoperative dose of rofecoxib to patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy would decrease patient-controlled analgesia tramadol use or enhance analgesia. We conclude that the preoperative administration of oral rofecoxib provided a significant analgesic benefit and decreased the opioid requirements in patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy.

Preoperative rofecoxib oral suspension as an analgesic adjunct after lower abdominal surgery: the effects on effort-dependent pain and pulmonary function

Rofecoxib is a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor that reduces pain and inflammation without inhibiting platelet function. We examined its effects on effort-dependent pain, postoperative morphine requirements, and pulmonary function in 48 patients recovering from open abdominal surgery. Spirometric measurement of forced expiratory volume(1) and vital capacity (FVC) were assessed preoperatively. One hour before the induction of a standardized general anesthetic, patients were given either placebo oral suspension (Group A), or rofecoxib oral suspension (25 mg [Group B] or 50 mg [Group C]) in a double-blinded manner. Postoperative pain control was provided with IV morphine in the postanesthesia care unit and IV-patient-controlled analgesia morphine on the patient care unit. Morphine dose, pain intensity at rest, and pain after respiratory effort (postoperative spirometry) were assessed at 12 and 24 h after study drug administration. The patient-controlled analgesia morphine dose at 24 h was reduced 44% in Group B (30.3 +/- 17.5 mg) and 59% in Group C (22.1 +/- 16.5 mg) versus Group A (53.7 +/- 31.1 mg); P < 0.01 (A versus B). At 12 h, pain scores at rest and after spirometry were lower in Groups B and C than in A (P < 0.05). At 24 h, resting pain scores were lowest in Group C (P < 0.05). Twelve-hour FVC was best preserved in Group C (P < 0.03). There were no inter-group differences in adverse effects or perioperative blood loss. Rofecoxib oral suspension provided a morphine-sparing effect, as well as improvements in pain control and 12-h FVC in patients recovering from open abdominal surgery.

IMPLICATIONS

Rofecoxib belongs to class of analgesics known as cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors that reduce pain and inflammation with less risk of bleeding than standard nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. We found that patients treated with rofecoxib 25 or 50 mg before open abdominal surgery required less IV morphine during the first day of recovery. Despite reductions in morphine requirements, rofecoxib-treated patients reported lower pain intensity scores at rest and after a vigorous cough. In the 50-mg group, improvements in pain control correlated with greater preservation of baseline cough effectiveness (vital capacity) at 12 h. These findings may offer clinical advantages in patients with preexisting pulmonary disease.

Effect of celecoxib and dexamethasone on postoperative pain after lumbar disc surgery

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to assess the efficacy of perioperative administration of celecoxib (Celebrex; Pharmacia GmbH, Erlangen, Germany) in reducing pain and opioid requirements after single-level lumbar microdiscectomy.

METHODS

We studied 34 patients (mean age, 44.26 yr; standard deviation [SD], 13.09 yr) allocated randomly to receive celecoxib 200 mg twice a day for 72 hours starting on the evening before surgery or placebo capsules in a double-blind study. Fourteen patients received 20 to 80 mg dexamethasone intravenously during surgery (mean, 40 mg; SD, 19.22 mg) because of visible signs of compression of the affected nerve root. After lumbar disc surgery, patients were monitored for visual analog scores for pain at rest and on movement, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) piritramide requirements, and von Frey thresholds in the wound area.

RESULTS

Pain scores decreased and wound von Frey thresholds increased continuously until discharge, with no intergroup differences. Mean 24-hour PCA piritramide requirements were 22.63 mg (SD, 23.72 mg) and 26.14 mg (SD, 22.57 mg) in the celecoxib and placebo groups, respectively (P = not significant). However, patients with intraoperative dexamethasone (n = 14) required only 10.29 mg (SD, 8.55 mg) 24-hour PCA piritramide, in contrast to the 34.25 mg (SD, 24.69 mg) needed in those who did not receive intraoperative dexamethasone (P = 0.001). In addition, 24 hours after the operation, pain scores on movement were significantly lower in the dexamethasone subgroup (P = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Celecoxib has no effect on postoperative pain scores and PCA piritramide requirements. The intraoperative use of 20 to 80 mg dexamethasone is able to significantly decrease postoperative piritramide consumption and pain scores on the first day after surgery.

Rofecoxib: an update on physicochemical, pharmaceutical, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic aspects

Rofecoxib (MK-966) is a new generation non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID) that exhibits promising anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity. It selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 isoenzyme in a dose-dependent manner in man. No significant inhibition of COX-1 is observed with rofecoxib up to doses of 1000 mg. The pharmacokinetics of rofecoxib has been found to be complex and variable. Mean oral bioavailability after single dose of rofecoxib (12.5, 25 or 50 mg) is 93% with t(max) varying widely between 2 and 9 h. It is highly plasma-protein bound and is metabolized primarily by cytosolic reductases to inactive metabolites. Rofecoxib is eliminated predominantly by hepatic metabolism with a terminal half-life of approximately 17 h during steady state. Various experimental models and clinical studies have demonstrated rofecoxib to be superior, or at least equivalent, in anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic efficacy to comparator nonselective NSAIDs in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other pain models. Emerging evidence suggests that rofecoxib may also find potential use as supportive therapy in various pathophysiologic conditions like Alzheimer's disease, and in various malignant tumours and polyps, where COX-2 is overly expressed. Rofecoxib is generally well-tolerated. Analysis of data pooled from several trials suggests that rofecoxib is associated with fewer incidences of clinically symptomatic gastrointestinal ulcers and ulcer complications vis-à-vis conventional NSAIDs. However, this gastropreserving effect may be negated by concurrent use of low-dose aspirin for cardiovascular risk reduction. Rofecoxib tends to show similar tolerability for renal and cardiothrombotic events as compared with nonnaproxen nonselective NSAIDs. No clinically significant drug interaction has been reported for rofecoxib except with diuretics, where it reverses their salt-wasting effect and thus can be clinically exploited in electrolyte-wasting disorders. There is only modest information about the physicochemical and pharmaceutical aspects of rofecoxib. Being poorly water soluble, its drug delivery has been improved using varied formulation approaches. Although it is stable in solid state, rofecoxib is photosensitive and base-sensitive in solution form with its degradation mechanistics elucidated. Analytical determinations of rofecoxib and its metabolites in biological fluids employing HPLC with varied types of detectors have been reported. Isolated studies have also been published on the chromatographic and spectrophotometric assay of rofecoxib and its degradants in bulk samples and pharmaceutical dosage forms. The current article provides an updated overview on the physicochemical, pharmaceutical, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic vistas of rofecoxib.

Preoperative oral celecoxib versus preoperative oral rofecoxib for pain relief after thyroid surgery

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The study compared the analgesic efficacy and safety of two preoperatively administered cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors, celecoxib and rofecoxib.

METHODS

Ninety adult patients undergoing thyroid surgery were divided into three groups (each n = 30). They were given a single oral dose of placebo, celecoxib 200 mg or rofecoxib 50 mg 1 h before induction of anaesthesia. All patients received a standard anaesthetic. Intraoperative blood loss was measured. Pain scores, sedation scores, heart rate, mean arterial pressure and respiratory rate were noted at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 h postoperatively. Analgesic (meperidine) requirements and adverse effects were recorded during the first postoperative 24 h.

RESULTS

Compared with placebo, pain scores were significantly lower with rofecoxib at all time points (P < 0.05) and were significantly lower with celecoxib (P < 0.05) during the first 4 h. Pain scores were significantly lower with rofecoxib compared with celecoxib at 6, 12 and 24 h (P < 0.05). The average cumulative 24 h meperidine dose was significantly lower with both celecoxib (54.9 +/- 34.4mg) and rofecoxib (42.8 +/- 40.9 mg) compared with placebo (76.8 +/- 6.2 mg) (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively). There were no differences in the intraoperative blood loss, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, respiratory rate, sedation scores and incidence of adverse effects among groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The preoperative administration of rofecoxib 50 mg and less so of celecoxib 200 mg provide a significant analgesic benefit with regard to postoperative pain relief and decrease in additional opioid requirements after thyroid surgery.

Costs and effectiveness of rofecoxib, celecoxib, and acetaminophen for preventing pain after ambulatory otolaryngologic surgery

We designed this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study to compare the analgesic effect of the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors rofecoxib and celecoxib with acetaminophen when administered before outpatient otolaryngologic surgery in 240 healthy subjects. Patients were assigned to one of four study groups: Group 1, control (vitamin C 500 mg); Group 2, acetaminophen 2 g; Group 3, celecoxib 200 mg; or Group 4, rofecoxib 50 mg. The first oral dose of the study medication was administered 15-45 min before surgery, and a second dose of the same medication was given on the morning after surgery. Recovery times, side effects, pain scores, and the use of rescue analgesics were recorded. Follow-up evaluations were performed at 24 and 48 h after surgery to assess postdischarge pain, analgesic requirements, nausea, and patient satisfaction with their postoperative pain management and quality of recovery. The need for rescue analgesia and peak pain scores were used as the primary end points for estimating efficacy, and the costs to achieve complete satisfaction with analgesia were used for the cost-efficacy comparisons. Premedication with oral rofecoxib (50 mg) or celecoxib (200 mg) was more effective than placebo in reducing postoperative pain scores and analgesic requirements in the postoperative care unit and after discharge. The analgesic efficacy of oral acetaminophen (2 g) was limited to the postdischarge period. Patient satisfaction with pain management was improved in all three treatment groups compared with placebo but was higher with celecoxib and rofecoxib compared with acetaminophen. Rofecoxib was also more effective than celecoxib in reducing pain and improving patient satisfaction after otolaryngologic surgery. Rofecoxib achieved complete satisfaction with pain control in one additional patient, who would not have otherwise been satisfied, at lower incremental costs to the institution compared with celecoxib. We conclude that rofecoxib 50 mg orally is more cost-effective for reducing postoperative pain and improving patient satisfaction with their postoperative pain management than celecoxib (200 mg) or acetaminophen (2 g) in the ambulatory setting.

IMPLICATIONS

Oral premedication with rofecoxib (50 mg) was more effective than celecoxib (200 mg) and acetaminophen (2 g) in reducing postoperative pain and in improving the quality of recovery and patient satisfaction with pain management after outpatient otolaryngologic surgery with only a small increase in cost of care.

[Clinical trials with rofecoxib: analysis of the information from the gender perspective]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

There is evidence if the low rate of participation or even exclusion of women in clinical trials (CT), and that sex-differences are not considered in the design and analysis of the CT. The objectives of the study were to determine whether women are properly represented in the CT with rofecoxib and to analyze the information of CT with rofecoxib from a gender perspective.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Twenty eight rofecoxib CT in adults have been reviewed, all indexed in Medline and published between 1999-2001. The FDA Guideline for the Study and Evaluation of Gender Differences in the Clinical Evaluation Drugs was used to analyze the information.

RESULTS

An 80% of the trials do not describe efficacy results by sex, and only one reports side effects by sex. A 78.3% does not report stratified analysis by sex. In the discussion the possible difference by sex of the results is mentioned in 3 occasions. Only 8% of the CT considers the influence of hormonal variation in the results. The pharmacokinetics issues related specifically to women are poorly followed: in 60% of the CT it is not specified the influence of oral contraceptives in the results of the trial, and in 88.9% of CT it is not specified the influence of estrogen treatment in the results of the trial. Pregnancy as exclusion criteria is only considered in 50% of the trials.

CONCLUSIONS

CT with rofecoxib has included more women than men. Important information on specific situation related to gender, recommends by FDA Guideline for the Study and Evaluation of Gender Differences in the Clinical Evaluation Drugs, have not been followed.

Analgesic effects of rofecoxib in ear-nose-throat surgery

In this study we evaluated the analgesic efficacy and the opioid-sparing effect of rofecoxib in ear-nose-throat surgery patients. Patients undergoing nasal septal or sinus surgery were randomized to receive either oral placebo or rofecoxib 50 mg 1 h before surgery. All patients received propofol 0.8 mg/kg, fentanyl 1 microg/kg, and local anesthesia at the operative site. Sedation was maintained by a continuous infusion of propofol adjusted to maintain sedation at a 2-3 level on the Ramsey scale. Additional fentanyl 0.5-1 microg/kg was administered at the patient's request or if the verbal rating scale score was >4. Patient sedation and pain scores were obtained at 5, 15, 30 45, and 60 min during surgery and 30 min and 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h after completion of the procedure. During the postoperative period, diclofenac 75 mg IM was administered for analgesia at the patient's request or if the visual analog scale (VAS) rating for pain was more than 4. VAS pain scores, intraoperative fentanyl, and postoperative diclofenac requirements were significantly smaller in the rofecoxib group compared with the placebo group (P < 0.001). The times to first analgesic request were also significantly less in the rofecoxib group. We conclude that the preoperative administration of oral rofecoxib provided a significant analgesic benefit and decreased the need for opioids in patients undergoing nasal septal and nasal sinus surgery.

IMPLICATIONS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy and opioid-sparing effect of rofecoxib, a new selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor drug, in ear-nose-throat surgery patients. Preoperative administration of oral rofecoxib provided a significant analgesic benefit and decreased the need for opioids in patients undergoing nasal septal and nasal sinus surgery.

Single-dose rofecoxib for acute postoperative pain in adults: a quantitative systematic review

BACKGROUND: Rofecoxib is a cyclo-oxygenase 2 selective inhibitor. This systematic review of rofecoxib in acute pain examined studies in adults of analgesic efficacy over six hours, the amount and quality of the evidence on extended duration of analgesia, and the quality and quantity of evidence on adverse events. METHODS: Cochrane Library (issue 4, 2001), Biological Abstracts (March 2002), MEDLINE (March 2002) and PubMed (March 2002) were searched using rofecoxib as a free text term. The area under the pain relief versus time curve was dichotomized using validated equations to derive the proportion of patients on rofecoxib 50 mg or placebo with at least 50% pain relief over six hours. This was used to calculate the number needed to treat for at least 50% pain relief over six hours for rofecoxib compared with placebo. Information on duration of analgesia and adverse events was also collected. RESULTS: Five included trials investigated 1,118 patients, of whom 211 received placebo and 464 received rofecoxib 50 mg. The NNT for rofecoxib 50 mg was 2.3 (95% confidence interval 2.0 to 2.6). The weighted mean remedication time was 1.9 hours for placebo (126 patients), 7.4 hours for ibuprofen 400 mg (97 patients) and 13.6 hours for rofecoxib 50 mg (322 patients). CONCLUSION: Rofecoxib at 2-4 times the standard daily dose for chronic pain is an effective single dose oral analgesic in acute pain. Limitations in trial reporting constrain conclusions about longer duration of analgesia and adverse event profile.

Ketorolac in the Era of Cyclo-Oxygenase-2 Selective Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: A Systematic Review of Efficacy, Side Effects, and Regulatory Issues

OBJECTIVE

The recent introduction of oral COX-2 selective NSAIDs with potential for perioperative use, and the ongoing development of intravenous formulations, stimulated a systemic review of efficacy, side effects, and regulatory issues related to ketorolac for management of postoperative analgesia.

DESIGN

To examine the opioid dose sparing effect of ketorolac, we compiled published, randomized controlled trials of ketorolac versus placebo, with opioids given for breakthrough pain, published in English-language journals from 1986-2001. Odds ratios were computed to assess whether the use of ketorolac reduced the incidence of opioid side effects or improved the quality of analgesia.

RESULTS

Depending on the type of surgery, ketorolac reduced opioid dose by a mean of 36% (range 0% to 73%). Seventy percent of patients in control groups experienced moderate-severe pain 1 hour postoperatively, while 36% of the control patients had moderate to severe pain 24 hours postoperatively. Analgesia was improved in patients receiving ketorolac in combination with opioids. However, we did not find a concomitant reduction in opioid side effects (e.g., nausea, vomiting). This may be due to studies having inadequate (to small) sample sizes to detect differences in the incidence of opioid related side effects. The risk for adverse events with ketorolac increases with high doses, with prolonged therapy (>5 days), or invulnerable patients (e.g. the elderly). The incidence of serious adverse events has declined since dosage guidelines were revised.

CONCLUSIONS

Ketorolac should be administered at the lowest dose necessary. Analgesics that provide effective analgesia with minimal adverse effects are needed.