Patients’ self‐reported nausea: Validation of the Numerical Rating Scale and of a daily summary of repeated Numerical Rating Scale scores

Preoperative electroacupuncture versus sham electroacupuncture for the treatment of postoperative ileus after laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer in China: a study protocol for a multicentre, randomised, sham-controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Postoperative ileus (POI) is a postoperative complication that can cause lingering recovery after colorectal resection and a heavy healthcare system burden. Acupuncture aims to prevent postoperative complications, reduce the duration of POI, help recovery and shorten hospital stays. We hypothesise that preoperative electroacupuncture (EA) can promote POI recovery under the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol after laparoscopic surgery in patients with POI.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a multicentre, randomised, sham-controlled trial. A total of 80 patients will be enrolled and randomly assigned to the EA or sham electroacupuncture (SA) group. The eligible patients will receive EA or SA for one session per day with treatment frequency starting on preoperative day 1 for four consecutive days. The primary outcome is the time to first defecation. The secondary outcomes include the time to first flatus, length of postoperative hospital stay, time to tolerability of semiliquid and solid food, postoperative nausea, vomiting, pain and extent of abdominal distention, time to first ambulation, preoperative anxiety, 30-day readmission rate, the usage of anaesthetics and analgesics during operation, length of postanaesthesia care unit stay. A mechanistic study by single-cell RNA sequencing in which postintervention normal intestinal tissue samples will be collected. The results of this study will provide evidence of the effects of acupuncture on POI and promote good clinical decision to millions of patients globally every year.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study has been approved by the ethical application of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (2022BZYLL0401), Beijing Friendship Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University(2022-P2-368-02), Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Science (23/175-3917), Huanxing Cancer Hospital (2023-002-02). The results will be published in a medical journal. In addition, we plan to present them at scientific conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR2300077633.

Expression analysis of zinc-metabolizing enzymes in the saliva as a new method of evaluating zinc content in the body: two case reports and a review of the literature

BACKGROUND

The activity level of alkaline phosphatase, a zinc-requiring enzyme in the serum, is used to indicate zinc nutritional status; however, it does not correlate with serum zinc levels or subjective symptoms of taste disorder in many cases. Hence, this study focused on the total activity of alkaline phosphatase, a zinc-requiring enzyme. The total alkaline phosphatasa activity level in the saliva was measured before and after zinc supplementation, and the results were compared with serum zinc levels.

CASE PRESENTATION

This study included patients with hypozincemia, specifically a patient with zinc-deficient taste disorder (patient 1: a 69-year-old Japanese woman) and a patient with glossodynia with zinc deficiency (patient 2: an 82-year-old Japanese woman). Saliva samples were collected, and blood tests were performed before and after zinc supplementation. Subjective symptoms and serum zinc levels were simultaneously evaluated. Zinc supplementation was performed using zinc acetate hydrate or Polaprezinc.

CONCLUSIONS

Total alkaline phosphatase activity levels were found to be associated with serum zinc levels and subjective symptoms. A further study with a higher number of patients is necessary to confirm whether total alkaline phosphatase activity levels more accurately reflect the amounts of zinc in the body than serum zinc levels.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting at Landspitali: A prospective study

BACKGROUND

In the last decade, anaesthesia practice has changed at Landspitali, where the majority of patients now receive antiemetic prophylaxis, and the use of total intravenous anaesthesia is the dominant mode for maintenance of anaesthesia. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in a prospective way, the use of PONV prophylaxis, and clinical risk factors associated with PONV during this era.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study using a convenience sample of 438 patients ≥18 years old admitted to the postoperative care unit (PACU) after elective or emergency operations in May-July 2022 at Landspitali University Hospital in Iceland. Patients answered questionnaires in the PACU and 24 h after discharge from PACU.

RESULTS

The incidence of self-reported moderate/severe nausea (5/10 or higher on NRS) in PACU was 4% and 3% on postoperative day 1. A total of 91% of delivered anaesthetics were with intravenous medications only, and 82% of patients received at least one prophylactic medication for PONV. When asked to rate the worst nausea experienced, this was described as moderate/severe by 7% in PACU and 17% on postoperative day 1. Risk factors associated with PONV were female gender (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.04-3.53) and a history of motion sickness or PONV (2.74, 1.51-4.94), but increasing age was protective (0.83 per decade, 0.71-0.98). Despite a more liberal administration of antiemetics, patients with more risk factors per Apfel PONV risk classification had a higher incidence of PONV.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of PONV is generally low in this diverse surgical population where anaesthesia is mostly maintained with total intravenous anaesthesia and PONV prophylaxis is common. PONV remains a predictable complication following anaesthesia, suggesting further improvement in its prevention is possible.

Pain Assessment in Patients Undergoing Maggot Debridement Therapy in the Process of Local Treatment of Chronic Wounds

(1) Background: Developing and implementing strategies for local wound care focused on improving the quality of life related to health status and reducing treatment costs for this patient group poses a challenge to contemporary healthcare systems. The utilization of Maggot Debridement Therapy (MDT) is one potential form of local therapy for preparing wounds for the healing process. The debridement of the wound bed with medical maggots is highly precise, and the defensins produced by the larvae eliminate bacteria and stimulate tissue regeneration. However, the presence of larvae in the wound may lead to the occurrence of pain symptoms. The aim of the study was to assess the intensity of pain during larval therapy in patients with chronic wounds treated in outpatient settings. (2) Patients and Methods: The study employed a diagnostic survey and estimation; the tool consisted of a research protocol comprising three parts (questionnaires). Inclusion criteria for the study were voluntary consent to participate (completion of the MDT acceptance questionnaire), chronic wounds of vascular etiology or pressure injuries, full-thickness skin or deep tissue damage, and pain intensity not exceeding four on the NRS (Numerical Rating Scale: 0-no pain, 10-the most severe pain) at the time of the study. Patient observation during the 3-day treatment was conducted by a wound care clinic nurse, assessing pain intensity once every 24 h during the larval dressing changes. (3) Results: Out of 348 individuals who qualified for MDT during the study period, 215 individuals participated in the study: 94 women (43.7%) and 121 men (56.3%). The age of the participants ranged from 28 to 97 years (mean 69.87 ± 12.95). Each participant experienced mild pain (2.26 ± 1.60 on the NRS) on the day of qualification for the study. An increase in pain intensity, according to subjective assessments, was reported by 29.3% of participants (n = 63). On the third day of MDT therapy, an increase in pain intensity was observed, reaching a mean value of 4.79 ± 2.12 (p < 0.0001). Participants with pressure injuries showed the lowest pain intensity, which increased in consecutive days for all types of wounds. Additionally, the increase in pain intensity in patients with vascular etiology wounds was greater compared to patients with pressure injuries (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Local wound therapy with Lucilia sericata larvae increases pain intensity in the consecutive days of treatment. The wound area and the time since its occurrence may determine pain symptoms.

Patient-reported outcomes the first thirty days after fast-track primary total hip arthroplasty. A prospective cohort study using a web-based registration tool for postoperative follow-up

INTRODUCTION

The documentation on patient reported outcomes the first weeks at home following total hip arthroplasty (THA) is sparse. Length of hospital stay after THA is substantially reduced. Therefore, knowledge on whether patients are managing their own postoperative rehabilitation early after discharge is important, in order to give the patients realistic preoperative information, to modify expectations and enable patients to monitor their own rehabilitation process.

METHODS

Eighty-two THA patients were included in a prospective cohort study. Patient-reported outcomes were collected twice a week thirty days postoperatively using a web-based registration tool. Numeric rating scales (0-10) for pain, function, and quality of life, EQ-5D, and the use of opioids were registered. Four weeks postoperatively a telephone interview were conducted. Pain, EQ5D and hip specific physical function score (HOOS-PS) were recorded preoperatively, at three- and twelve-months follow-up.

RESULTS

Pain was maintained the first days after hospital discharge. From day 0 to day 30, pain decreased from 4.0 (SD 2.23) to 2.3 (SD 1.75), function improved from 4.4 (SD 2.06) to 7 (SD 1.57), quality of life improved from 6.3 (SD 2.69) to 7.8 (SD 1.47), and EQ-5D improved from 0.4 to (SD 0.27) to 0.7 (SD 0.14). After 30 days, 32% still used opioids. All patients completed the web-registration. Pain, EQ-5D and HOOS-PS improved substantially from preoperatively to twelve months follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Fast-track THA patients can expect continued postoperative pain and impaired quality of life the first week at home, before gradually improvement. After thirty days, 32 % of the patients still used opioids.

Pain Assessment in Oral Medicine through Its Different Dimensions: A Comprehensive Review

Orofacial pain is a complex experience made up of different features and involving various aspects of life. It has demonstrated a connection, especially when chronic, with conditions such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders, through paths that still have not been completely clarified. A deep understanding of orofacial pain and its impact on an individual's life is critical for planning accurate diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This review seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the components constituting the pain experience, its implications in an individual's life, the different tools for multidimensional pain assessment, and the specific applications for each tool. A comprehensive review was performed using the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases. Ninety-five studies, including observational studies, clinical trials, case-control studies, and case reports, were included and analyzed in this review. Orofacial pain assessment exploits several methods, ranging from clinical evaluation to rating scales, questionnaires, and daily diaries. The choice of the correct instrument requires an evaluation of the type of pain experienced, of the patient's characteristics and abilities to complete particular tasks, and finally, of the assessment tool features.

Adjunctive virtual reality pain relief after traumatic injury: a proof-of-concept within-person randomized trial

ABSTRACT

In this study, we hypothesized that immersive virtual reality (VR) environments may reduce pain in patients with acute traumatic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries. We performed a randomized within-subject study in patients hospitalized with acute traumatic injuries, including traumatic brain injury with moderate pain (numeric pain score ≥3 of 10). We compared 3 conditions: (1) an immersive VR environment (VR Blu), (2) a content control with the identical environment delivered through nonimmersive tablet computer (Tablet Blu), and (3) a second control composed of donning VR headgear without content to control for placebo effects and sensory deprivation (VR Blank). We enrolled 60 patients, and 48 patients completed all 3 conditions. Objective and subjective data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. Controlling for demographics, baseline pain, and injury severity, we found differences by conditions in relieving pain (F 2,75.43 = 3.32, P = 0.042). VR Blu pain reduction was greater than Tablet Blu (-0.92 vs -0.16, P = 0.043), but VR Blu pain reduction was similar to VR Blank (-0.92 vs -1.24, P = 0.241). VR Blu was perceived as most effective by patients for pain reduction (F 2,66.84 = 16.28, P < 0.001), and changes in measures of parasympathetic activity including heart rate variability (F 2,55.511 = 7.87, P < 0.001) and pupillary maximum constriction velocity (F 2,61.41 = 3.50, 1-tailed P = 0.038) echoed these effects. There were no effects on opioid usage. These findings outlined a potential clinical benefit for mollifying pain related to traumatic injuries.

Haemodynamic effects of methoxyflurane versus fentanyl and placebo in hypovolaemia: a randomised, double-blind crossover study in healthy volunteers

Background

Methoxyflurane is approved for relief of moderate to severe pain in conscious adult trauma patients: it may be self-administrated and is well suited for use in austere environments. Trauma patients may sustain injuries causing occult haemorrhage compromising haemodynamic stability, and it is therefore important to elucidate whether methoxyflurane may adversely affect the haemodynamic response to hypovolaemia.

Methods

In this randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, three-period crossover study, inhaled methoxyflurane 3 ml, i.v. fentanyl 25 μg, and placebo were administered to 15 healthy volunteers exposed to experimental hypovolaemia in the lower body negative pressure model. The primary endpoint was the effect of treatment on changes in cardiac output, while secondary endpoints were changes in stroke volume and mean arterial pressure and time to haemodynamic decompensation during lower body negative pressure.

Results

There were no statistically significant effects of treatment on the changes in cardiac output, stroke volume, or mean arterial pressure during lower body negative pressure. The time to decompensation was longer for methoxyflurane compared with fentanyl (hazard ratio 1.9; 95% confidence interval 0.4-3.4; P=0.010), whereas there was no significant difference to placebo (hazard ratio -1.3; 95% confidence interval -2.8 to 0.23; P=0.117).

Conclusions

The present study does not indicate that methoxyflurane has significant adverse haemodynamic effects in conscious adults experiencing hypovolaemia.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04641949) and EudraCT (2019-004144-29) https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2019-004144-29/NO.

The effect of self-affirmation on anxiety and perceived discomfort in patients who have undergone open-heart surgery. A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Self-affirmations help one focus on positive outcomes and adapt to new situations both psychologically and physiologically by the repetition of positive affirmation sentences. This method, which has promising results in symptom management, is predicted to have effective results in the management of pain and discomfort in patients undergoing open-heart surgery.

AIM

To investigate the effect of self-affirmation on anxiety and perceived discomfort in patients who have undergone open-heart surgery.

METHODS

This study adopted a randomized controlled pretest-posttest follow-up research design. The study was conducted at a public training and research hospital (Istanbul, Turkey) specialized in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery. The sample consisted of 61 patients randomized into two groups: intervention (n = 34) and control (n = 27). The participants of the intervention group listened to a self-affirmation audio recording for three days after surgery. Anxiety levels and perceived discomfort regarding pain, dyspnoea, palpitations, fatigue and nausea were measured daily. The State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used to measure the level of anxiety, meanwhile perceived discomfort regarding pain, dyspnoea, palpitations, fatigue and nausea were measured by a 0 to 10 Numeric Rating Scale (NRS).

RESULTS

The control group had significantly higher anxiety than the intervention group three days after surgery (P < 0.001). The intervention group had less pain (P < 0.01), dyspnoea (P < 0.01), palpitations (P < 0.01), fatigue (P < 0.001) and nausea (P < 0.01) than the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Positive self-affirmation helped reduce anxiety and perceived discomfort in patients who underwent open-heart surgery.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov Identifier: NCT05487430.

Comparison of clinical outcomes associated with spinal cord stimulation (SCS) or conventional medical management (CMM) for chronic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) compared to conventional medical management (CMM) for patients diagnosed with chronic pain. Furthermore, the study seeks to compare the utilization of analgesics, as well as the long-term outcomes in terms of quality of life and functional capacity.

DATA SOURCES

We systematically searched Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, and EMBASE for randomized controlled trials from inception up to February 2022.

REVIEW METHODS

Inclusion and exclusion criteria were set according to the PICOS criteria. We searched for studies in which SCS was compared with CMM alone for chronic pain. Two reviewers independently identified eligible studies and extracted data. Risk of bias assessments were performed according to Cochrane review criteria and Interventional Pain Management Techniques-quality Appraisal of Reliability and Risk of Bias Assessment (IPM-QRB) criteria.

RESULTS

The present meta-analysis comprised eight studies and included a total of 893 patients. Our findings demonstrate that spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in combination with conventional medical management (CMM) is associated with a significant reduction in visual analogue scale (VAS) pain intensity (P = 0.0005) and decreased scores on the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) (P < 0.0001). Moreover, SCS plus CMM was found to improve patients' quality of life, as evidenced by improvements in SF-36 scores (P < 0.00001), EQ-5D utility index (P = 0.008), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) (P < 0.00001). Based on the results of four high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the level of evidence supporting the efficacy of SCS for the treatment of painful neuropathy is graded as level I to II. In contrast, there is currently only low-level evidence to support the use of high-frequency stimulation and other chronic pain conditions, which can be attributed to a lack of sufficient randomized controlled trials.

LIMITATIONS

The principal limitation of our study is the significant heterogeneity observed among the cohorts investigated. The primary source of this heterogeneity is the fact that spinal cord stimulation is indicated for the treatment of multiple chronic pain conditions. Moreover, variations in the stimulation parameters, differences among manufacturers, and the specific surgical implantation settings contribute to the increased heterogeneity observed in our analyses. To address this issue, we conducted a subgroup analysis based on specific situations and performed evidence synthesis to mitigate the potential impact of heterogeneity. These approaches allow for a more precise interpretation of the results and a more accurate evaluation of the quality of the included studies.

CONCLUSIONS

SCS is an effective treatment to relieve the pain level of chronic pain, decrease analgesic usage, and increase long-term quality of life and functional capacity.

Metoclopramide and Propofol to Prevent Nausea and Vomiting during Cesarean Section under Spinal Anesthesia: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Trial

Background: Intra-operative nausea, vomiting and retching (NVR) are frequently associated with subarachnoid anesthesia (SA) in women undergoing cesarean section (CS). In this study performed in women undergoing CS under SA with a risk factor control strategy, we compared saline (placebo), propofol, metoclopramide and both drugs to prevent NVR. Methods: We recorded NVR events in 110 women undergoing CS who were randomized after umbilical cord clamping to receive saline (S; n = 27), metoclopramide 10 mg (M; n = 28), propofol 1 mg/kg/h (P; n = 27) or both drugs (PM; n = 28). Results: The proportion of women with intra-operative nausea was: S: 17/27 (63%); P: 15/27 (56%); M: 13/28 (46%); PM: 6/28 (21%) (p = 0.012, Cramér’s V = 0.31 (large effect). The proportion of women with intra-operative vomiting/retching was: S: 9/27 (33%); M: 7/27 (25%); P: 3/28 (11%); PM 2/28 (7%) (p = 0.049, Cramér’s V = 0.26 (medium effect). Post-hoc multiple comparisons revealed a significant reduction in NVR episodes and NRS scores between the PM group and control. Sedation scores did not differ among groups. Conclusion: In women undergoing CS under SA with a risk factor control strategy, combined propofol and metoclopramide reduce nausea and vomiting.

The Nasopharynx Swab Test for Coronavirus Disease-2019 Is Mild and Will Not Cause Significant Pain and Anxiety: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Psychiatrists

Background

Laboratory viral nucleic acid testing (NAT), such as the nasopharyngeal swab test, is now recommended as the gold standard for the diagnosis of Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). However, the nasopharyngeal swab testing process may cause some discomfort.

Objective

To investigate the influence of nasopharyngeal swab tests on the anxiety and pain felt by psychiatric medical staff.

Methods

A total of 174 psychiatric medical staff (namely 97 doctors, 68 nurses, and nine administrators) and 27 controls were included in the current study. A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect their general demographic information (age, gender, marriage, occupation, profession, smoking history, alcohol consumption history, tea drinking history, previous history of anxiety and depression) as well as their subjective experience, such as nausea, vomiting, coughing, worry, fear, etc, during nasopharyngeal swab collection. The Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used to assess the subjects’ pain and state anxiety, respectively.

Results

There were no statistical differences (p>0.05) in age, marriage, smoking history, a history of anxiety and depression, pain scores, and anxiety scores between different professions and genders. The results of partial correlation analysis (controlled for gender and history of depression or anxiety) indicated that the male gender was negatively correlated with being anxious (r=-0.148, p=0.037) and nervous (r=-0.171 p=0.016), although there was no significant difference in pain and anxiety between men and women. In addition, marriage might help women resist negative emotions.

Conclusions

1) There will be mild discomfort during nucleic acid testing, but not enough to cause pain and anxiety; 2) women are more likely to be anxious and nervous during the nucleic acid testing.

Effects of preoperative oral carbohydrate administration combined with postoperative early oral intake in elderly patients undergoing hepatectomy with acute-phase inflammation and subjective symptom burden: A prospective randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has received increasing attention. Preoperative oral carbohydrate and postoperative early oral feeding (POC-PEOF) as the basic nutrition administration in the ERAS program suffers from low adherence. The role and benefits of administering POC-PEOF in elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are unclear. Therefore, the randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of POC-PEOF in elderly patients with HCC undergoing hepatectomy with inflammation and patient self-reported symptom burden compared with the corresponding outcomes of traditional fasting protocols.

METHODS

Elderly patients with HCC (n = 126) were randomly assigned to two groups using the sealed envelope technique. Sixty-three patients were included in the intervention (POC-PEOF) group and received POC-PEOF administration, whereas the 63 patients in the control (FAST) group underwent conventional fasting. Acute-phase inflammation markers, patient self-reported symptom burdens, and postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The average age was 69.60 ± 5.00 years in the POC-PEOF group and 70.44 ± 6.15 years in the FAST group. Compared to prolonged fasting, POC-PEOF achieved significant positive results, including lower overall levels of inflammatory response mediators (CRP, IL-6) on postoperative day (POD) 1, POD 3, and POD 5 (P < 0.05), lower patient self-reported symptom burdens of thirst, hunger, anxiety and nausea (P < 0.05), faster gastrointestinal function return with shortened times to first flatus and first defecation (48.31 ± 13.24 h vs. 96.26 ± 23.12 h and 72.87 ± 21.12 h vs. 144.34 ± 23.31 h, and P = 0.034 and P = 0.013, respectively). Furthermore, the average postoperative hospitalization duration in the POC-PEOF group was shorter than that in the FAST group (6.93 ± 0.98 d vs. 8.12 ± 1.15 d, P = 0.042). There was no significant difference of total complications between the groups (25.39 % vs 36.51 %, RR 0.696, 95 % CI 0.408-0.187, P = 0.177).

CONCLUSION

POC-PEOF helps lessen acute-phase inflammation and relieves the subjective symptom burden, which can ensure better positive postoperative outcomes in elderly HCC patients undergoing hepatectomy.

Perioperative hemodynamic optimization in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy using stroke volume variation to reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting

BACKGROUND

Risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is usually high among patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Perioperative hemodynamic optimization using goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) based on stroke volume variation (SVV) has been suggested to reduce PONV.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of GDFT on reducing PONV.

SETTING

The operating rooms in China Medical University Hospital.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study included 75 patients undergoing LSG. Patients were randomized into 3 groups: controls (conventional fluid therapy), GDFT-hydroxyethyl starch (GH), and GDFT-lactated Ringer's (GL) groups. In both GDFT groups, optimization of fluid administration was achieved by continuous monitoring and adjusting of SVV. Severity of PONV was evaluated using a standardized questionnaire. Other clinically relevant events, including in-hospital surgical site infections and length of hospital stay were also investigated.

RESULTS

In the GH group, the total volume of fluid administered intraoperatively was significantly lower than that in the GL and control groups (P < .001). Assessment of PONV severity showed a significantly higher score at postoperative 24 hours in the GH group (P < .05), while no significant differences were found between the 3 groups at postoperative 48 hours. No significant differences were observed between the 3 groups in surgical site infections and length of hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

No significant benefit is found in reducing PONV by using GDFT in patients undergoing LSG, although GDFT effectively avoids excessive volume of fluid administration. PONV incidence appears to be higher with intraoperative colloid infusion for GDFT during LSG. Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the mechanism underlying PONV in postoperative LSG.

Pain prevalence among residents living in nursing homes and its association with quality of life and well-being

BACKGROUND

Pain is common and often more complex to assess among nursing homes residents with cognitive impairments. Thus, more research is needed of different pain assessment methods in elderly care and how these assessments outcomes are related to quality of life, as there mostly should be a negative relationship. There is a risk that pain are under diagnosed among persons with cognitive impairment.

AIM

The aim was to describe and compare pain prevalence among nursing home residents (1) using different pain assessment methods (2) in relation to cognitive status and to (3) examine associations between pain and quality of life or well-being.

METHODS

A cross-sectional correlational design was used, participants were 213 nursing home residents and data were collected through interviews using standardised protocols. Instrument used were Katz index of ADL, Mini-Mental-State-Examination, Quality of Life in Late-Stage Dementia scale, WHO-5 well-being index, Numeric Rating Scale and Doloplus-2 scale.

RESULTS

The results showed high pain prevalence, but no significant difference based on cognitive level. Pain classification at the individual level varied somewhat when different instruments are used. The results indicated that use of a single-item proxy-measure for pain tends to show higher pain prevalence and was not statistically significant related to quality of life. The relationship with quality of life was statistically significant when self-rated pain instruments or multi-component observation were used.

CONCLUSIONS

The study shows that it is difficult to estimate pain in residents living at nursing homes and that it continues to be a challenge to solve. Self-rated pain should be used primarily to assess pain, and a multi-component observation scale for pain should be used when residents are cognitively impaired. Both self-rated pain and multi-component observation also support the well-known link between pain and quality of life. Single-item proxy assessments should only be used in exceptional cases.

The effect of physiotherapy including frequent changes of body position and stimulation to physical activity for infants hospitalised with acute airway infections. Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Background

Every year, many infants are infected with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or other agents and need hospitalisation due to bronchiolitis. The disease causes much suffering and high costs. Thus, it is important that the treatment methods are both effective and cost-efficient. The use of different physiotherapy treatment methods is debated, and not all methods are evaluated scientifically. The clinical praxis in Sweden that includes frequent changes of body position and stimulation to physical activity has not previously been evaluated. The aim of this clinical study is to evaluate this praxis.

Methods

This study is a clinical two-centre individually randomised controlled trial (RCT) with three parallel groups. The participants will be randomly assigned to an individualised physiotherapy intervention, a non-individualised intervention, or a control group. All three groups will receive the standard care at the ward, and the two intervention groups will receive additional treatment, including different movements of the body. The primary outcome measure is a clinical index based on determinants for hospitalisation. Baseline assessments will be compared with the assessments after 24 h. The secondary outcome measures include vital signs, the parents’ observations, time spent at the hospital ward, and referrals to an intensive care unit. We also want see if there is any immediate effect of the first intervention, after 20 min.

Discussion

This study will add knowledge about the effect of two physiotherapy interventions that are commonly in use in Swedish hospitals for infants with bronchiolitis or other acute lower respiratory tract infections.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03575091. Registered July 2, 2018—retrospectively registered.

Intranasal dexmedetomidine combined with local anesthesia for conscious sedation during breast lumpectomy: A prospective randomized trial

Breast lumpectomy is usually performed under general or local anesthesia. To the best of our knowledge, whether conscious sedation with intranasal dexmedetomidine and local anesthesia is an effective anesthetic technique has not been studied. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of conscious sedation with intranasal dexmedetomidine combined with local anesthesia in breast lumpectomy, and to identify its optimal dose. A prospective randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, single-center study was designed, and patients undergoing breast lumpectomies were recruited based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All patients were randomly allocated to four groups: i) Local anesthesia with 0.9% intranasal saline (placebo); local anesthesia with ii) 1 µg.kg⁻¹; iii) 1.5 µg.kg⁻¹; or iv) 2 µg.kg⁻¹ intranasal dexmedetomidine. The sedation status, pain relief, vital signs, adverse events, and satisfaction of patient and surgeon were recorded. Patients in the three dexmedetomidine groups were significantly more sedated and experienced less pain compared with the placebo group 45 min after intranasal dexmedetomidine administration and during 30 min in the post-anesthesia care unit. Patients in the 1.5 µg.kg⁻¹ group were more sedated compared with the 1 µg.kg⁻¹ group (without reaching statistical significance), whereas the 1.5 µg.kg⁻¹ group exhibited a similar level of sedation 45 min after intranasal dexmedetomidine administration compared with the 2 µg.kg⁻¹ group. In addition, patients in the 1 and 1.5 µg.kg⁻¹ group experienced no adverse hemodynamic effects. Patient and surgeon satisfaction were greater in the 1.5 µg.kg⁻¹ group compared with the 1 and 2 µg.kg⁻¹ groups. Taken together, the results of the present study suggested that conscious sedation with intranasal dexmedetomidine and local anesthesia may be an effective anesthetic for breast lumpectomy surgery, and that the optimal dose for intranasal dexmedetomidine administration may be 1.5 µg.kg⁻¹, as it resulted in good sedation and patient satisfaction without adverse effects.

The association of patients' daily summarized self-rated "real-time" pain scores with physical recovery after major surgery - A repeated measurement design

Aim

To determine the associations of patients' documented self-rated pain with self-rated early postoperative physical recovery.

Design

Observational with repeated measures.

Methods

General and orthopaedic inpatients (N = 479) were during the period 2012-2015 screened for pain. Individual daily median pain scores at rest and during activity were based on 4-9 self-ratings on postoperative days 1 and 2, using the Numeric Rating Scale. Nine items reflecting physical recovery from the "Postoperative Recovery Profile" were used in a questionnaire.

Results

Associations between median pain scores on postoperative day 1 and physical recovery (fatigue, sleeping difficulties, bladder function, mobilization, muscle weakness and personal hygiene) the same day were found. Additionally, associations were found between median pain scores on day 1 and physical recovery (fatigue, sleeping difficulties, mobilization and muscle weakness) on day 2.

Predictors for Early Physical Recovery for General and Orthopedic Patients after Major Surgery: Structural Equational Model Analyses

BACKGROUND

Attention to factors that may affect patients' ability to experience enhanced recovery after surgery is essential in planning for postoperative care.

AIMS

To create models of predefined pre,- peri-, and postoperative variables in order to analyze their impact on patients' physical recovery on postoperative days 1 and 2 after major orthopedic and general surgery.

DESIGN

An exploratory design with repeated measures was used, including 479 patients who had undergone orthopedic (289) or general surgery (190) at three hospitals.

METHODS

Pain, nausea, and level of physical ability were measured preoperatively and on postoperative days 1 and 2 by using the Numerical Rating Scale and items from the Postoperative Recovery Profile. Structural equation modeling was used to explore the impact of the predefined variables on patients' physical recovery.

RESULTS

The orthopedic group contained significantly more women and significantly more patients with pain and opioid use. Although the models showed good fit, "traditional" preoperative (pain, nausea, physical abilities, chronic pain, opioid use) and perioperative variables (anesthesia, length of surgery) constituted few (orthopedic) or no (general surgery) predictive properties for physical recovery. Postoperative average pain intensity, average nausea intensity, and physical ability explained physical recovery on day 1, and physical recovery on day 1 predicted physical recovery on day 2.

CONCLUSIONS

"Traditional" predictors had little effect on patients' postoperative physical recovery, while associations with common postoperative symptoms were shown. Further research is needed to explore additional variables affecting early physical recovery and to understand how soon patients are physically ready to return home.