Intravenous paracetamol reduces postoperative opioid consumption after orthopedic surgery: a systematic review of clinical trials

Efficacy of Intravenous Ibuprofen and Paracetamol on Postoperative Pain and Tramadol Consumption After Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-blind Clinical Trial

Objective

Efficient pain management following arthroscopic shoulder surgery plays a crucial role in decreasing pain intensity, tramadol consumption, and related side effects. This study primarily aimed to examine the analgesic impact of intravenous (IV) ibuprofen and paracetamol on postoperative pain intensity. In addition, as secondary objectives, the study assesses tramadol consumption, determine the global satisfaction score (GSS), analyze hemodynamic parameters, and investigate tramadol-related side effects.

Methods

In this study, we enrolled sixty-four patients who were scheduled to undergo arthroscopic shoulder surgery and met the inclusion criteria of having American Society of Anesthesiologists scores between 1 and 3 and falling within the age range of 18 to 85 years. All participants were managed using IV patient-controlled analgesia. These patients were then randomly assigned in a double-blind manner to two groups: one receiving paracetamol (n=32), and the other receiving ibuprofen (n=32). Demographic information, visual analog scale (VAS) and GSS data, hemodynamics, tramadol consumption, and tramadol-related side effects were recorded.

Results

There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding demographics, hemodynamics, GSS scores, and tramadol side effects (respiratory depression, pruritus, urinary retention, and nausea and vomiting). VAS scores of the two groups were similar at postoperative 1st, 6th, and 12th hours. However, group ibuprofen significantly reduced the VAS scores at the postoperative 24th hour (p=0.039). On the other hand, the two groups showed no significant differences in GSS scores. Compared with total tramadol consumption during the postoperative 24-hour period, ibuprofen significantly reduced tramadol consumption (p=0.003).

Conclusions

The findings of this study indicate a significant reduction in both pain intensity and tramadol consumption when IV ibuprofen was administered 24 hours following arthroscopic shoulder surgery, in comparison with the use of IV paracetamol.

An Updated Review on the Metabolite (AM404)-Mediated Central Mechanism of Action of Paracetamol (Acetaminophen): Experimental Evidence and Potential Clinical Impact

Paracetamol remains the recommended first-line option for mild-to-moderate acute pain in general population and particularly in vulnerable populations. Despite its wide use, debate exists regarding the analgesic mechanism of action (MoA) of paracetamol. A growing body of evidence challenged the notion that paracetamol exerts its analgesic effect through cyclooxygenase (COX)-dependent inhibitory effect. It is now more evident that paracetamol analgesia has multiple pathways and is mediated by the formation of the bioactive AM404 metabolite in the central nervous system (CNS). AM404 is a potent activator of TRPV₁, a major contributor to neuronal response to pain in the brain and dorsal horn. In the periaqueductal grey, the bioactive metabolite AM404 activated the TRPV₁ channel-mGlu5 receptor-PLC-DAGL-CB1 receptor signaling cascade. The present article provides a comprehensive literature review of the centrally located, COX-independent, analgesic MoA of paracetamol and relates how the current experimental evidence can be translated into clinical practice. The evidence discussed in this review established paracetamol as a central, COX-independent, antinociceptive medication that has a distinct MoA from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and a more tolerable safety profile. With the establishment of the central MoA of paracetamol, we believe that paracetamol remains the preferred first-line option for mild-to-moderate acute pain for healthy adults, children, and patients with health concerns. However, safety concerns remain with the high dose of paracetamol due to the NAPQI-mediated liver necrosis. Centrally acting paracetamol/p-aminophenol derivatives could potentiate the analgesic effect of paracetamol without increasing the risk of hepatoxicity. Moreover, the specific central MoA of paracetamol allows its combination with other analgesics, including NSAIDs, with a different MoA. Future experiments to better explain the central actions of paracetamol could pave the way for discovering new central analgesics with a better benefit-to-risk ratio.

Postoperative Pain Management in Enhanced Recovery Pathways

Postoperative pain is a common but often inadequately treated condition. Enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs) are increasingly being utilized to standardize perioperative care and improve outcomes. ERPs employ multimodal postoperative pain management strategies that minimize opioid use and promote recovery. While traditional opioid medications continue to play an important role in the treatment of postoperative pain, ERPs also rely on a wide range of non-opioid pharmacologic therapies as well as regional anesthesia techniques to manage pain in the postoperative setting. The evidence for the use of these interventions continues to evolve rapidly given the increasing focus on enhanced postoperative recovery. This article reviews the current evidence and knowledge gaps pertaining to commonly utilized modalities for postoperative pain management in ERPs.

Comparison of the Effect of Dexamethasone and Ketorolac on Pain Control in Elective Foot Surgery

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effect of dexamethasone and ketorolac on pain control in elective foot surgery. Methods: Forty patients visiting Akhtar and Imam Hossein Hospital for lower limb orthopedic surgery were selected. They were randomly divided into two groups: (1) dexamethasone, and (2) ketorolac. The dexamethasone group received eight mg dexamethasone intravenously. Also, 90 mg ketorolac was infused in one liter of normal saline serum for 24 hours for the ketorolac group. Before injection and 2, 4, and 6 hours after the injection, pain control was measured employing the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score. Corresponding data were then analyzed using the independent t-test. Results: The conclusions revealed that in two and four hours after injection, there was a significant difference between the two groups in the amount of VAS score. That is, the pain was weaker in the ketorolac group than in the dexamethasone group. The findings additionally proved that there was no statistically important difference in pain levels between the two groups six hours after injection. Conclusions: Overall, according to the results of the research, it can be settled that ketorolac is a better drug in foot surgery pain control than dexamethasone.

Comparing the effects of ketorolac and Paracetamol on postoperative pain relief after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. A randomized clinical trial

Introduction

Pain management after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery remains challenging.

Objective

This study aimed to compare the effects of Ketorolac and Paracetamol on postoperative CABG pain relief.

Method

This double-blind randomized clinical trial study was conducted in Ahvaz, Iran, from September 2018–December 2019. Two consecutive groups of 60 patients undergoing elective on-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Intervention

The patients were divided into 0.5 mg/kg of ketorolac mg/dl and 10 mg/kg of Paracetamol after surgery for pain management. Primary outcomes were: visual analog pain scale (VAS) at the time point immediately after extubation (baseline) and at 6, 12, 24 and 48 h and the total dose of morphine consumption. Secondary outcomes included the hemodynamic variables, weaning time, chest tube derange, in-hospital mortality and myocardial infarction.

Statistical analysis: The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22(SPSS, Chicago, IL). The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare demographic data, VAS scores, vital signs, and side effects. Repeated measurements were tested within groups using Friedman’s ANOVA and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Values were expressed as means ± standard deviations. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value < 0.05.

Results

Compared with baseline scores, there were significant declines in VAS scores in both groups throughout the time sequence (P< 0.05). The statistical VAS score was slightly higher in the Paracetamol group at most time points, except for the time of 6 h. However, at 24 and 48 h, the VAS score in group Paracetamol was significantly higher than in group Ketorolac. There were no significant differences between groups about hemodynamic variables.

Conclusion

The efficacy of ketorolac is comparable to that of Paracetamol in postoperative CABG pain relief.

Trial registry

IRCT20150216021098N5. Registered at 2019-09-12.

Intravenous Acetaminophen Reduces Length of Stay Via Mediation of Postoperative Opioid Consumption After Posterior Spinal Fusion in a Pediatric Cohort

OBJECTIVES

Since approval of intravenous acetaminophen (IV APAP), its use has become quite common without strong positive evidence. Our goal was to determine the effect of IV APAP on length of hospital stay (LOS) via mediation of opioid-related side effects in pediatric patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After Institutional Review Board approval, 114 adolescents undergoing posterior spinal fusion were prospectively recruited and managed postoperatively with patient-controlled analgesia and adjuvant therapy. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the use of IV APAP: control (n=70) and treatment (n=44). Association of IV APAP use with opioid outcomes was analyzed using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW)-adjusted propensity scores to balance the 2 groups for all significant covariates except postoperative opioid consumption. Mediation analysis was carried out for LOS with IV APAP as the independent variable and morphine consumption as the mediator.

RESULTS

Oral intake was delayed by ∼1 day (P<0.001) and LOS was 0.6 days longer in the control group (P=0.044). After IPTW, time to oral intake remained significantly longer in the control group (P=0.014). The mediation model with IPTW revealed a significant negative association between IV APAP and morphine consumption (P<0.001), which significantly increased LOS (P<0.003). IV APAP had a significant opioid-sparing effect associated with shorter LOS.

DISCUSSION

IV APAP hastens oral intake and is associated with decreased LOS in an adolescent surgery population likely through decreased opioid consumption. Through addition of IV APAP in this population, LOS may be decreased, an important implication in the setting of escalating health care costs.

The comparison of effectiveness of two variants of preventive anesthesia/analgesia in cancer surgery

Despite modern drugs and technologies in medicine, the questions of adequate analgesia in the postoperative period remain quite relevant. The effectiveness of preventive analgesia in the perioperative period remains a contentious issue. The study included 53 oncosurgical patients. Gr.1 received dexketoprofen in combination with paracetamol for perioperative analgesia before the operation, Gr.2 the same medication was given before closing the operating wound. Anesthesia in both groups included an inhaled (Sevoran) and an extended epidural. The study showed that the pain intensity on ANI monitoring and the total dose of fentanyl was less in Gr.1, compared to Gr.2. Cortisol plasma level and the level of glycemia in the perioperative period were less in patients in Gr.1 than in Gr.2. Pain intensity after surgery during first postoperative day was lower in Gr.1, then in Gr.2. The administration of multimodal analgesia with paracetamol and dexketoprofen prior to the surgical interventions provides for the best quality of perioperative analgesia in oncological surgical interventions.

Tratamiento multimodal del dolor agudo postoperatorio agregando paracetamol IV a protocolo ya establecido

Introducción: El paracetamol intravenoso fue autorizado en el año 2001 para Europa, en el 2016 se autoriza en Guatemala. Esta presentación ha generado diferentes expectativas alrededor del mundo, por lo que se evaluó su administración al agregarse al tratamiento de analgesia postoperatoria multimodal. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto analgésico en el tratamiento multimodal de dolor agudo postoperatorio con paracetamol IV en la población guatemalteca. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo caso-control para la evaluación del dolor postoperatorio inmediato (24 horas) al agregar paracetamol IV al protocolo de analgesia estándar. En pacientes de ambos géneros, entre 18 y 70 años de edad, con peso mayor o igual a 50 Kg. con una cirugía electiva abierta o por vía laparoscópica, en una muestra de 110 pacientes dividida en dos grupos. Se comparó el número de pacientes que necesitaron dosis de rescate y el nivel de dolor según la Escala Visual Análoga (EVA) durante 4 evaluaciones en el postoperatorio agudo. Para determinar la correlación entre las variables se utilizó la prueba de independencia de Ji cuadrado. Resultados: Se demostró que agregar paracetamol IV al tratamiento estándar disminuye la cantidad de pacientes que requieren dosis de rescate y mejoran su analgesia durante el postoperatorio agudo. Conclusiones: El paracetamol IV es de beneficio al ser agregado al tratamiento de analgesia multimodal convencional de un hospital privado de Z.10. 

Combined intraoperative paracetamol and preoperative dexamethasone reduces postoperative sore throat: a prospective randomized study

PURPOSE

Postoperative sore throat (POST) after general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation is a common and undesirable complication. In this study, we evaluated the combined effects of paracetamol and dexamethasone on the prevention of POST in patients after general anesthesia.

METHODS

A total of 226 patients scheduled for urologic surgery under general anesthesia were randomly assigned to one of two groups. In the DexaPara group (n = 113), dexamethasone (10 mg) and paracetamol (1000 mg) was infused. In the Dexa group (n = 113), dexamethasone (10 mg) alone was given. POST, hoarseness, and dysphagia were monitored. The postoperative wound pain score and perioperative opioid requirements were compared. In addition, complications related to opioids were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of POST was lower in the DexaPara group than in the Dexa group [42 (37%) vs. 72 (64%), p < 0.001]. The incidence of POST while resting at postoperative 1 and 6 h was lower in the DexaPara group than in the Dexa group (p = 0.008 and p = 0.004, respectively). The incidence of postoperative nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, shivering, and headache was comparable between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Paracetamol and dexamethasone infusion reduced the incidence of POST without serious complications in patients for urologic surgery under general anesthesia.

Paracetamol Instead of Ketorolac in Post-Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Pain Management: A Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive procedure that is growing more common around the world. Despite causing less pain compared open thoracic surgery, postoperative pain management is still important.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to compare the analgesic effects of paracetamol and ketorolac in VATS patients.

METHODS

This was a double-blinded randomized clinical trial conducted on 70 patients undergoing lobectomy or segmentectomy due to lung masses, using video-assisted methods. The patients were randomly divided into two groups (each n = 35): the ketorolac (K) group and the paracetamol (P) group. The K group received ketorolac 30 mg IV stat at the end of surgery and then a 90 mg/24 h infusion. The P group received paracetamol 1 g IV stat at the end of surgery and then a 3 g/24 h infusion. Pain scores were recorded during recovery and 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours after drug administration. Pain scores, total doses of rescue analgesics, and patient satisfaction levels were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the K and P groups in pain scores in any of the evaluations. Seventeen (48.6 %) and 9 (25.7 %) patients in the K and P groups, respectively, did not require any rescue analgesia (P = 0.047). The mean doses of rescue analgesia in the K and P groups were 3.129 ± 4.27 mg and 4.38 ± 3.69 mg, respectively, which were similar (P = 0.144). There was no significant difference between the groups in satisfaction scores (P = 0.175).

CONCLUSIONS

Paracetamol 1 g stat + 3 g/24 h infusion is as effective as ketorolac 30 mg stat + 90 mg/24 h infusion in post-VATS pain management, with good tolerability and a low incidence of adverse effects.

Single dose intravenous paracetamol or intravenous propacetamol for postoperative pain

BACKGROUND

This is an updated version of the original Cochrane review published in Issue 10, 2011. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is the most commonly prescribed analgesic for the treatment of acute pain. It may be administered orally, rectally, or intravenously. The efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) formulations of paracetamol, IV paracetamol, and IV propacetamol (a prodrug that is metabolized to paracetamol), compared with placebo and other analgesics, is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and safety of IV formulations of paracetamol for the treatment of postoperative pain in both adults and children.

SEARCH METHODS

We ran the search for the previous review in May 2010. For this update, we searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2016, Issue 1), MEDLINE (May 2010 to 16 February 2016), EMBASE (May 2010 to 16 February 2016), LILACS (2010 to 2016), a clinical trials registry, and reference lists of reviews for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in any language and we retrieved articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized, double-blind, placebo- or active-controlled single dose clinical trials of IV paracetamol or IV propacetamol for acute postoperative pain in adults or children.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently extracted data, which included demographic variables, type of surgery, interventions, efficacy, and adverse events. We contacted study authors for additional information. We graded each included study for methodological quality by assessing risk of bias and employed the GRADE approach to assess the overall quality of the evidence.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 75 studies (36 from the original review and 39 from our updated review) enrolling a total of 7200 participants.Among primary outcomes, 36% of participants receiving IV paracetamol/propacetamol experienced at least 50% pain relief over four hours compared with 16% of those receiving placebo (number needed to treat to benefit (NNT) = 5; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.7 to 5.6, high quality evidence). The proportion of participants in IV paracetamol/propacetamol groups experiencing at least 50% pain relief diminished over six hours, as reflected in a higher NNT of 6 (4.6 to 7.1, moderate quality evidence). Mean pain intensity at four hours was similar when comparing IV paracetamol and placebo, but was seven points lower on a 0 to 100 visual analog scale (0 = no pain, 100 = worst pain imaginable, 95% CI -9 to -6, low quality evidence) in those receiving paracetamol at six hours.For secondary outcomes, participants receiving IV paracetamol/propacetamol required 26% less opioid over four hours and 16% less over six hours (moderate quality evidence) than those receiving placebo. However, this did not translate to a clinically meaningful reduction in opioid-induced adverse events.Meta-analysis of efficacy comparisons between IV paracetamol/propacetamol and active comparators (e.g., opioids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) were either not statistically significant, not clinically significant, or both.Adverse events occurred at similar rates with IV paracetamol or IV propacetamol and placebo. However, pain on infusion occurred more frequently in those receiving IV propacetamol versus placebo (23% versus 1%). Meta-analysis did not demonstrate clinically meaningful differences between IV paracetamol/propacetamol and active comparators for any adverse event.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Since the last version of this review, we have found 39 new studies providing additional information. Most included studies evaluated adults only. We reanalyzed the data but the results did not substantially alter any of our previously published conclusions. This review provides high quality evidence that a single dose of either IV paracetamol or IV propacetamol provides around four hours of effective analgesia for about 36% of patients with acute postoperative pain. Low to very low quality evidence demonstrates that both formulations are associated with few adverse events, although patients receiving IV propacetamol have a higher incidence of pain on infusion than both placebo and IV paracetamol.

Efficacy of intravenous propacetamol hydrochloride in the treatment of an acute attack of migraine

BACKGROUND

Triptans are a family of selective serotonin (5-HT1B/1D) receptor agonists that are widely used to treat acute migraine attacks. Their efficacy is limited by side effects and the gastrointestinal manifestations of migraine.

AIM

To compare the efficacy of a single intravenous administration of propacetamol, a prodrug of paracetamol (acetaminophen) with a single dose of oral rizatriptan in treating acute migraine attacks.

METHODS

Patients were selected from those who presented to the emergency room with a diagnosed migraine attack and who had not previously taken any analgesics. They were randomized into 2 groups: treatment with a single 1g IV dose of propacetamol or with a single oral dose of 5mg rizatriptan. Their Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores were assessed before and at 30, 60, and 120min after treatment.

RESULTS

The patients who received the propacetamol had significantly improved VAS scores at 60min compared to the rizatriptan group. There were no significant differences in VAS scores at 30 or 120min post-treatment.

CONCLUSION

Propacetamol is either equivalent or superior in efficacy to rizatriptan for treating acute migraine attacks, while having the advantage of parenteral administration in patients whose migraines are accompanied by nausea and vomiting.