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Serra S, Santonastaso DP, Romano G, Riccardi A, Nigra SG, Russo E, Angelini M, Agnoletti V, Guarino M, Cimmino CS, Spampinato MD, Francesconi R, Iaco FD. Efficacy and safety of the serratus anterior plane block (SAP block) for pain management in patients with multiple rib fractures in the emergency department: a retrospective study. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2024:10.1007/s00068-024-02597-6. [PMID: 39020130 DOI: 10.1007/s00068-024-02597-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Chest trauma is a severe and frequent cause of admission to the emergency department (ED). The serratus anterior plane (SAP) block seems to be an effective method of pain management; however, data on efficacy and safety of a single SAP block performed in the ED by emergency physicians (EP) are limited. This study aimed to compare SAP block performed by the EP in the ED plus standard therapy to standard therapy alone in terms of pain severity at 0-3-6-12-18 and 24 h, total opioid consumption (milligrams of morphine equivalents, MME), respiratory function (SpO2/FiO2 ratio), and adverse events (i.e. pneumothorax, infections in the site of injection, or Local Anaesthetic Systemic Toxicity syndrome due to SAP block) in the first 24 h. METHODS This retrospective, monocentric study included adult patients admitted to the Sub-intensive Care Unit (SICU) of the ED with multiple rib fractures between 01/2022 and 03/2023. RESULTS 156 patients (65.4% male; median age 62 years; median injury severity score 16; median thoracic trauma severity score 8) were included. 75 (48.2%) underwent SAP block. Patients undergoing SAP block showed significantly less pain 3-6-18 h after a single block, required less MME (0 [0-20] vs. 20 [0-40], p < 0.001), showed higher SpO2/FiO2 ratio, and no adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION The SAP block, in combination with standard therapy, appeared to be more effective in providing pain relief than standard therapy alone in patients admitted to the SICU for traumatic rib fractures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sossio Serra
- Emergency Department, Maurizio Bufalini Hospital, Cesena, 47521, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Romano
- Emergency Department, Maurizio Bufalini Hospital, Cesena, 47521, Italy
| | - Alessandro Riccardi
- SC Pronto Soccorso e Medicina d'Urgenza, Ospedale Santa Corona, Pietra Ligure, Savona, 17027, Italy
| | | | - Emanuele Russo
- Anestesia and Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Department, Maurizio Bufalini Hospital, Cesena, 47521, Italy
| | - Mario Angelini
- Emergency Department, Maurizio Bufalini Hospital, Cesena, 47521, Italy
| | - Vanni Agnoletti
- Anestesia and Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Department, Maurizio Bufalini Hospital, Cesena, 47521, Italy
| | - Mario Guarino
- UOC MEU Ospedale CTO-AORN dei Colli Napoli, Napoli, 80131, Italy
| | | | - Michele Domenico Spampinato
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, Via A. Moro 8, Ferrara, 44124, Italy.
| | - Raffella Francesconi
- Struttura Complessa di Medicina di Emergenza Urgenza Ospedale Maria Vittoria, ASL Città di Torino, Torino, 10144, Italy
| | - Fabio De Iaco
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, Via A. Moro 8, Ferrara, 44124, Italy
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Küçük O, Sarı E, Zengin M, Ülger G, Öztürk Yalçın F, Baldemir R, Tunç M, Alagöz A. The Effect of Preprocedural Low-Dose Ketamine for Pain and Anxiety in Patients during Thoracic Epidural Catheterization. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:679. [PMID: 38674325 PMCID: PMC11052147 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60040679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Thoracic epidural catheterization (TEC) can be both uncomfortable and fearful for patients when performed awake with the thought that the procedure may be painful. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of low-dose intravenous ketamine administration on pain and anxiety during the TEC procedure. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients were randomly divided into two groups to receive intravenous (IV) placebo (Group P) and IV low-dose (0.15 mg/kg) ketamine (LDK) (Group K) 3 min before the procedure in a double-blind manner. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to measure anxiety (VAS-A) and pain (VAS-P) scores. Vital parameters were monitored before premedication (T1), 20 min after premedication (T2), during skin anesthesia (T3), during TEC (T4), and 5 min after TEC (T5). VAS-A values were recorded at T1, T3, T4, and T5 periods, and VAS-P levels were noted at T3, T4, and T5 periods. Results: During TEC (T4), both VAS-P and VAS-A were significantly lower in Group K (p < 0.001). The mean VAS-A value was 10.6 mm lower, and the mean VAS-P value was 9 mm lower in Group K than in Group P at the T4 time point. Additionally, the mean VAS-P value was 7.7 mm lower in Group K compared to Group P at the T3 time point (p < 0.001). Both groups showed a statistically significant difference in VAS-A measurements when compared at their respective time points (p < 0.001). However, only Group P demonstrated a statistically significant difference in VAS-P measurements (p < 0.001). VAS-P values remained stable in Group K. The number of patients who did not recall the procedure was significantly higher in Group K (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the number of patients who would consent to the same procedure in the future was significantly higher in Group K (p = 0.007). Conclusions: A preprocedural LDK (0.15 mg/kg) can effectively prevent anxiety and pain experienced by patients during the TEC procedure. Administration of LDK may provide a more comfortable procedure process without causing ketamine-induced side effects (hemodynamic, respiratory, and psychological).
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Affiliation(s)
- Onur Küçük
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Ankara Atatürk Sanatoryum Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, 06290 Ankara, Turkey; (O.K.); (R.B.)
| | - Esra Sarı
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Ankara Atatürk Sanatoryum Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, 06290 Ankara, Turkey; (O.K.); (R.B.)
| | - Musa Zengin
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Ankara Etlik City Hospital, Ministry of Health, 06170 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gülay Ülger
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Ankara Atatürk Sanatoryum Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, 06290 Ankara, Turkey; (O.K.); (R.B.)
| | - Fatma Öztürk Yalçın
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Ankara Atatürk Sanatoryum Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, 06290 Ankara, Turkey; (O.K.); (R.B.)
| | - Ramazan Baldemir
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Ankara Atatürk Sanatoryum Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, 06290 Ankara, Turkey; (O.K.); (R.B.)
| | - Mehtap Tunç
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Ankara Atatürk Sanatoryum Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, 06290 Ankara, Turkey; (O.K.); (R.B.)
| | - Ali Alagöz
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Ankara Atatürk Sanatoryum Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, 06290 Ankara, Turkey; (O.K.); (R.B.)
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Baldinger-Melich P, Spies M, Bozic I, Kasper S, Rujescu D, Frey R. Perspectives in treatment-resistant depression: esketamine and electroconvulsive therapy. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2024:10.1007/s00508-024-02358-w. [PMID: 38662240 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-024-02358-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Modern electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and the approval of nasal esketamine for clinical use have significantly improved the approach to treatment-resistant depression (TRD), which is defined as non-response to at least two different courses of antidepressants with verified adherence to treatment, adequate dosage, and duration of treatment. The goal of this literature review is to present the newest evidence regarding efficacy and safety. Furthermore, we aim to provide an overview of future perspectives in this field of research, for example, regarding structural and molecular effects. Both treatment methods will be critically evaluated for their individual advantages, disadvantages, and response rates. Firstly, we will discuss the well-established method of ECT and its different treatment modalities. Secondly, we will discuss the properties of ketamine, the discovery of its antidepressive effects and the route to clinical approval of the esketamine nasal spray. We will comment on research settings which have evaluated intravenous ketamine against ECT. The decision-making process between esketamine nasal spray or ECT should include the assessment of contraindications, age, severity of disease, presence of psychotic symptoms, patient preference and treatment accessibility. We conclude that both treatment options are highly effective in TRD. If both are indicated, pragmatically esketamine will be chosen before ECT; however, ECT studies in ketamine non-responders are missing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Baldinger-Melich
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Clinical Division of General Psychiatry, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health (C3NMH), Vienna, Austria
| | - Marie Spies
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Clinical Division of General Psychiatry, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health (C3NMH), Vienna, Austria
| | - Ina Bozic
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Clinical Division of General Psychiatry, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health (C3NMH), Vienna, Austria
| | - Siegfried Kasper
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dan Rujescu
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Clinical Division of General Psychiatry, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health (C3NMH), Vienna, Austria
| | - Richard Frey
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Clinical Division of General Psychiatry, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health (C3NMH), Vienna, Austria.
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Guo J, Zhao F, Bian J, Hu Y, Tan J. Low-dose ketamine versus morphine in the treatment of acute pain in the emergency department: A meta-analysis of 15 randomized controlled trials. Am J Emerg Med 2024; 76:140-149. [PMID: 38071883 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2023.11.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the effectiveness and safety of ketamine and morphine in adult patients with acute pain in emergency department (ED) by using a meta-analysis method. METHODS This study was based on the Cochrane methodology for conducting a meta-analysis. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible for this study, with an experimental group that received low-dose ketamine and a control group that received morphine. The participants were adults who had acute pain in the ED. The primary outcome measures were the numeric rating scale (NRS) and visual analog scale (VAS). The secondary outcome measures were the complete resolution of pain, NRS reduction ≥3 points, NRS reduction ≥50% or 60%, change of NRS score, change of VAS score, rescue analgesia, satisfaction and adverse events. Subgroup analysis was performed for studies with intravenous and intranasal administration of ketamine. The Review Manager Database was used to analyze the included studies. RESULTS 15 RCTs involving 1768 patients were included. The ketamine group had lower NRS scores than morphine group at 30 min (MD, -0.77 [95% CI, -0.93 to -0.61]; p < 0.00001), while the morphine had better analgesic effects at 120 min after treatment (MD, 0.33 [95% CI, 0.15 to 051]; p = 0.0003). The subjects of complete resolution of pain in the ketamine group performed better than those in the morphine group at 15 min (RR 3.18, 95% CI 1.75 to 5.78; p = 0.0001). Compared with the morphine group, the ketamine group had a lower incidence of adverse events requiring intervention (RR, 0.34 [95% CI, 0.18 to 0.66]; p = 0.001). Subgroup analysis of intravenous ketamine showed that ketamine had lower VAS score than the morphine group at 30 min. However, also on the 30-min VAS score, intranasal ketamine analgesia was less effective than morphine. CONCLUSIONS Ketamine had better analgesic effects in the early stages after treatment, while morphine maintained more durable effects. Compared with morphine, ketamine had a lower incidence of adverse events requiring intervention. The results of subgroup analysis showed that intravenous administration of ketamine was more effective than intranasal administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Guo
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Changdu People's Hospital of Xizang, 854000 Changdu, Xizang, China
| | - Fei Zhao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Changdu People's Hospital of Xizang, 854000 Changdu, Xizang, China
| | - Jinglan Bian
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Changdu People's Hospital of Xizang, 854000 Changdu, Xizang, China
| | - Yunlong Hu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Changdu People's Hospital of Xizang, 854000 Changdu, Xizang, China
| | - Jixiang Tan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Changdu People's Hospital of Xizang, 854000 Changdu, Xizang, China; Department of Emergency & Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 400016 Chongqing, China.
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Michelet F, Smyth M, Lall R, Noordali H, Starr K, Berridge L, Yeung J, Fuller G, Petrou S, Walker A, Mark J, Canaway A, Khan K, Perkins GD. Randomised controlled trial of analgesia for the management of acute severe pain from traumatic injury: study protocol for the paramedic analgesia comparing ketamine and morphine in trauma (PACKMaN). Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2023; 31:84. [PMID: 38001541 PMCID: PMC10668487 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-023-01146-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prehospital analgesia is often required after traumatic injury, currently morphine is the strongest parenteral analgesia routinely available for use by paramedics in the United Kingdom (UK) when treating patients with severe pain. This protocol describes a multi-centre, randomised, double blinded trial comparing the clinical and cost-effectiveness of ketamine and morphine for severe pain following acute traumatic injury. METHODS A two arm pragmatic, phase III trial working with two large NHS ambulance services, with an internal pilot. Participants will be randomised in equal numbers to either (1) morphine or (2) ketamine by IV/IO injection. We aim to recruit 446 participants over the age of 16 years old, with a self-reported pain score of 7 or above out of 10. Randomised participants will receive a maximum of 20 mg of morphine, or a maximum of 30 mg of ketamine, to manage their pain. The primary outcome will be the sum of pain intensity difference. Secondary outcomes measure the effectiveness of pain relief and overall patient experience from randomisation to arrival at hospital as well as monitoring the adverse events, resource use and cost-effectiveness outcomes. DISCUSSION The PACKMAN study is the first UK clinical trial addressing the clinical and cost-effectiveness of ketamine and morphine in treating acute severe pain from traumatic injury treated by NHS paramedics. The findings will inform future clinical practice and provide insights into the effectiveness of ketamine as a prehospital analgesia. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN, ISRCTN14124474. Registered 22 October 2020, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN14124474.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Michelet
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
| | - M Smyth
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - R Lall
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - H Noordali
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - K Starr
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - L Berridge
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - J Yeung
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Critical Care Directorate, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - G Fuller
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - S Petrou
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - A Walker
- West Midlands Ambulance Services NHS Trust, Brierley Hill, Dudley, UK
| | - J Mark
- Yorkshire Ambulance Services NHS Trust, Wakefield, UK
| | - A Canaway
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - K Khan
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - G D Perkins
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Critical Care Directorate, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
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Häske D, Eppler F, Heinemann N, Schempf B. Patient-reported side effects and satisfaction of pre-hospital analgesia with low-dose esketamine: a cross-sectional study. BMC Emerg Med 2023; 23:130. [PMID: 37924027 PMCID: PMC10625244 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-023-00898-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Analgesia is a core intervention in emergency medicine. Pain is subjective, so patient-reported experience with pain and analgesia is essential for healthcare professionals. The aim of this study was to evaluate patient-reported side effects and satisfaction associated with pre-hospital analgesia with low-dose esketamine. METHODS This is an observational cross-sectional study conducted as part of quality assurance measures of the German Red Cross Emergency Medical Service, Reutlingen, Germany. The survey was administered to all patients who received prehospital esketamine analgesia from paramedics. Addresses were obtained from medical records and mailed 10 days after the event. Patient feedback was anonymous and could not be linked to operational documentation. RESULTS A total of 201 patients were contacted, and 119 responses were received via the online questionnaire and postal mail (response rate 59%). The mean age of the patients was 68±13 years, with 64.7% (n=77) being female. The main diagnosis reported was fractures of the extremities in 69.7%. Patients reported initial median pain intensity on a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) of 10 [8-10]. Pain was unbearable for 96.3% of patients. After administration of analgesia, 95.3% were satisfied or very satisfied. Patients reported no side effects in 78.5%, minor side effects in 10.0%, significant but well tolerable side effects in 11.3%, borderline tolerable side effects in 0.2%, and no unbearable side effects. Borderline tolerable nausea was reported in 2% of patients along with dreams in 0.8%. No nightmares were reported. Further analysis showed that patients older than 80 years reported significantly more side effects (p < 0.001) and were thus less satisfied with the analgesia. CONCLUSIONS Both patient perception and analgesia with few side effects were important for both safety and satisfaction. In the present study, low-dose esketamine analgesia was associated with low side effects and high patient satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Häske
- Center for Public Health and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Osianderstraße 5, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
- Emergency Medical Service, German Red Cross, Steinenbergstraße 23, Reutlingen, 72764, Germany.
| | - Fabian Eppler
- Emergency Medical Service, German Red Cross, Steinenbergstraße 23, Reutlingen, 72764, Germany
| | - Niklas Heinemann
- Emergency Medical Service, German Red Cross, Steinenbergstraße 23, Reutlingen, 72764, Germany
| | - Benjamin Schempf
- Emergency Medical Service, German Red Cross, Steinenbergstraße 23, Reutlingen, 72764, Germany
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McNearney TA, Westlund KN. Pluripotential GluN1 (NMDA NR1): Functional Significance in Cellular Nuclei in Pain/Nociception. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13196. [PMID: 37686003 PMCID: PMC10488196 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptors function as plasma membrane ionic channels and take part in very tightly controlled cellular processes activating neurogenic and inflammatory pathways. In particular, the NR1 subunit (new terminology: GluN1) is required for many neuronal and non-neuronal cell functions, including plasticity, survival, and differentiation. Physiologic levels of glutamate agonists and NMDA receptor activation are required for normal neuronal functions such as neuronal development, learning, and memory. When glutamate receptor agonists are present in excess, binding to NMDA receptors produces neuronal/CNS/PNS long-term potentiation, conditions of acute pain, ongoing severe intractable pain, and potential excitotoxicity and pathology. The GluNR1 subunit (116 kD) is necessary as the anchor component directing ion channel heterodimer formation, cellular trafficking, and the nuclear localization that directs functionally specific heterodimer formation, cellular trafficking, and nuclear functions. Emerging studies report the relevance of GluN1 subunit composition and specifically that nuclear GluN1 has major physiologic potential in tissue and/or subnuclear functioning assignments. The shift of the GluN1 subunit from a surface cell membrane to nuclear localization assigns the GluN1 promoter immediate early gene behavior with access to nuclear and potentially nucleolar functions. The present narrative review addresses the nuclear translocation of GluN1, focusing particularly on examples of the role of GluN1 in nociceptive processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry A. McNearney
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555-1043, USA;
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555-1043, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555-1043, USA
| | - Karin N. Westlund
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA
- Biomedical Laboratory Research & Development (121F), New Mexico VA Health Care System, Albuquerque, NM 87108-5153, USA
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Serra S, Spampinato MD, Riccardi A, Guarino M, Fabbri A, Orsi L, De Iaco F. Pain Management at the End of Life in the Emergency Department: A Narrative Review of the Literature and a Practical Clinical Approach. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4357. [PMID: 37445392 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Access to pain management is a fundamental human right for all people, including those who are at the end of life (EOL). In end-stage patients, severe and uncontrolled pain is a common cause of admission to the emergency department (ED), and its treatment is challenging due to its complex, often multifactorial genesis. The aim of this narrative review was to identify the available literature on the management of severe EOL pain in the ED. The MEDLINE, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases were searched from inception to 1 April 2023 including randomised controlled trials, observational studies, systemic or narrative reviews, case reports, and guidelines on the management of EOL pain in the ED. A total of 532 articles were identified, and 9 articles were included (5 narrative reviews, 2 retrospective studies, and 2 prospective studies). Included studies were heterogeneous on the scales used and recommended for pain assessment and the recommended treatments. No study provided evidence for a better approach for EOL patients with pain in the ED. We provide a narrative summary of the findings and a review of the management of EOL pain in clinical practice, including (i) the identification of the EOL patients and unmet palliative care needs, (ii) a multidimensional, patient-centred assessment of the type and severity of pain, (iii) a multidisciplinary approach to the management of end-of-life pain, including an overview of non-pharmacological and pharmacological techniques; and (iv) the management of special situations, including rapid acute deterioration of chronic pain, breakthrough pain, and sedative palliation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sossio Serra
- Emergency Department, Maurizio Bufalini Hospital, 47521 Cesena, Italy
| | | | | | - Mario Guarino
- UOC MEU Ospedale CTO-AORN dei Colli Napoli, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Andrea Fabbri
- Emergency Department, AUSL Romagna, Presidio Ospedaliero Morgagni-Pierantoni, 47121 Forlì, Italy
| | - Luciano Orsi
- Palliative Care Physician and Scientific Director of "Rivista Italiane di Cure Palliative", 26013 Crema, Italy
| | - Fabio De Iaco
- Struttura Complessa di Medicina di Emergenza Urgenza Ospedale Maria Vittoria, ASL Città di Torino, 10144 Torino, Italy
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