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JAMA Oncology Feb 2020Research into acupuncture and acupressure and their application for cancer pain has been growing, but the findings have been inconsistent. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Research into acupuncture and acupressure and their application for cancer pain has been growing, but the findings have been inconsistent.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the existing randomized clinical trials (RCTs) for evidence of the association of acupuncture and acupressure with reduction in cancer pain.
DATA SOURCES
Three English-language databases (PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL) and 4 Chinese-language biomedical databases (Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang) were searched for RCTs published from database inception through March 31, 2019.
STUDY SELECTION
Randomized clinical trials that compared acupuncture and acupressure with a sham control, analgesic therapy, or usual care for managing cancer pain were included.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Data were screened and extracted independently using predesigned forms. The quality of RCTs was appraised with the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. Random-effects modeling was used to calculate the effect sizes of included RCTs. The quality of evidence was evaluated with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The primary outcome was pain intensity measured by the Brief Pain Inventory, Numerical Rating Scale, Visual Analog Scale, or Verbal Rating Scale.
RESULTS
A total of 17 RCTs (with 1111 patients) were included in the systematic review, and data from 14 RCTs (with 920 patients) were used in the meta-analysis. Seven sham-controlled RCTs (35%) were notable for their high quality, being judged to have a low risk of bias for all of their domains, and showed that real (compared with sham) acupuncture was associated with reduced pain intensity (mean difference [MD], -1.38 points; 95% CI, -2.13 to -0.64 points; I2 = 81%). A favorable association was also seen when acupuncture and acupressure were combined with analgesic therapy in 6 RCTs for reducing pain intensity (MD, -1.44 points; 95% CI, -1.98 to -0.89; I2 = 92%) and in 2 RCTs for reducing opioid dose (MD, -30.00 mg morphine equivalent daily dose; 95% CI, -37.5 mg to -22.5 mg). The evidence grade was moderate because of the substantial heterogeneity among studies.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
This systematic review and meta-analysis found that acupuncture and/or acupressure was significantly associated with reduced cancer pain and decreased use of analgesics, although the evidence level was moderate. This finding suggests that more rigorous trials are needed to identify the association of acupuncture and acupressure with specific types of cancer pain and to integrate such evidence into clinical care to reduce opioid use.
Topics: Acupressure; Acupuncture Therapy; Cancer Pain; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 31855257
DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2019.5233 -
Anaesthesia Aug 2021The aim of this systematic review was to develop recommendations for the management of postoperative pain after primary elective total hip arthroplasty, updating the...
The aim of this systematic review was to develop recommendations for the management of postoperative pain after primary elective total hip arthroplasty, updating the previous procedure-specific postoperative pain management (PROSPECT) guidelines published in 2005 and updated in July 2010. Randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses published between July 2010 and December 2019 assessing postoperative pain using analgesic, anaesthetic, surgical or other interventions were identified from MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases. Five hundred and twenty studies were initially identified, of which 108 randomised trials and 21 meta-analyses met the inclusion criteria. Peri-operative interventions that improved postoperative pain include: paracetamol; cyclo-oxygenase-2-selective inhibitors; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; and intravenous dexamethasone. In addition, peripheral nerve blocks (femoral nerve block; lumbar plexus block; fascia iliaca block), single-shot local infiltration analgesia, intrathecal morphine and epidural analgesia also improved pain. Limited or inconsistent evidence was found for all other approaches evaluated. Surgical and anaesthetic techniques appear to have a minor impact on postoperative pain, and thus their choice should be based on criteria other than pain. In summary, the analgesic regimen for total hip arthroplasty should include pre-operative or intra-operative paracetamol and cyclo-oxygenase-2-selective inhibitors or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, continued postoperatively with opioids used as rescue analgesics. In addition, intra-operative intravenous dexamethasone 8-10 mg is recommended. Regional analgesic techniques such as fascia iliaca block or local infiltration analgesia are recommended, especially if there are contra-indications to basic analgesics and/or in patients with high expected postoperative pain. Epidural analgesia, femoral nerve block, lumbar plexus block and gabapentinoid administration are not recommended as the adverse effects outweigh the benefits. Although intrathecal morphine 0.1 mg can be used, the PROSPECT group emphasises the risks and side-effects associated with its use and provides evidence that adequate analgesia may be achieved with basic analgesics and regional techniques without intrathecal morphine.
Topics: Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; Humans; Pain Management; Pain, Postoperative; Practice Guidelines as Topic
PubMed: 34015859
DOI: 10.1111/anae.15498 -
British Journal of Anaesthesia Dec 2022Preemptive analgesia may improve postoperative pain management, but the optimal regimen is unclear. This study aimed to compare the effects and adverse events of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Preemptive analgesia may improve postoperative pain management, but the optimal regimen is unclear. This study aimed to compare the effects and adverse events of preemptive analgesia on postoperative pain and opioid consumption.
METHODS
In this network meta-analysis, 19 preemptive analgesia regimens were compared. Two authors independently searched databases, selected studies, and extracted data. Primary outcomes were the intensity of postoperative pain and opioid consumption. Secondary outcomes included the time to first analgesia rescue and incidence of postoperative nausea or vomiting (PONV).
RESULTS
In total, 188 studies were included (13 769 subjects). Ten of 19 regimens reduced postoperative pain intensity compared with placebo, with mean differences 100-point scale ranging from -4.79 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -8.61 to -0.96.) for gabapentin at 48 h to -21.99 (95% CI: -36.97 to -7.02) for lornoxicam at 6 h. Eight regimens reduced opioid consumption compared with placebo, with mean differences ranging from -0.48 mg (95% CI: -0.89 to -0.08) i.v. milligrams of morphine equivalents (IMME) for acetaminophen at 12 h to -2.27 IMME (95% CI: -3.07 to -1.46) for ibuprofen at 24 h. Five regimens delayed rescue analgesia from 1.75 (95% CI: 0.59-2.91) h for gabapentin to 7.35 (95% CI: 3.66-11.04) h for epidural analgesia. Five regimens had a lower incidence of PONV compared with placebo, ranging from an odds ratio of 0.22 (95% CI: 0.11-0.42) for ibuprofen to 0.59 (95% CI: 0.40-0.87) for pregabalin.
CONCLUSIONS
Use of preemptive analgesia reduces postoperative pain, opioid consumption, and postoperative nausea or vomiting, and delays rescue analgesia.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW PROTOCOL
PROSPERO CRD42021232593.
Topics: Humans; Analgesia, Epidural; Analgesics, Opioid; Gabapentin; Ibuprofen; Network Meta-Analysis; Pain, Postoperative; Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting
PubMed: 36404458
DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2022.08.038 -
Anaesthesia May 2021Caesarean section is associated with moderate-to-severe postoperative pain, which can influence postoperative recovery and patient satisfaction as well as breastfeeding...
Caesarean section is associated with moderate-to-severe postoperative pain, which can influence postoperative recovery and patient satisfaction as well as breastfeeding success and mother-child bonding. The aim of this systematic review was to update the available literature and develop recommendations for optimal pain management after elective caesarean section under neuraxial anaesthesia. A systematic review utilising procedure-specific postoperative pain management (PROSPECT) methodology was undertaken. Randomised controlled trials published in the English language between 1 May 2014 and 22 October 2020 evaluating the effects of analgesic, anaesthetic and surgical interventions were retrieved from MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases. Studies evaluating pain management for emergency or unplanned operative deliveries or caesarean section performed under general anaesthesia were excluded. A total of 145 studies met the inclusion criteria. For patients undergoing elective caesarean section performed under neuraxial anaesthesia, recommendations include intrathecal morphine 50-100 µg or diamorphine 300 µg administered pre-operatively; paracetamol; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; and intravenous dexamethasone administered after delivery. If intrathecal opioid was not administered, single-injection local anaesthetic wound infiltration; continuous wound local anaesthetic infusion; and/or fascial plane blocks such as transversus abdominis plane or quadratus lumborum blocks are recommended. The postoperative regimen should include regular paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with opioids used for rescue. The surgical technique should include a Joel-Cohen incision; non-closure of the peritoneum; and abdominal binders. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation could be used as analgesic adjunct. Some of the interventions, although effective, carry risks, and consequentially were omitted from the recommendations. Some interventions were not recommended due to insufficient, inconsistent or lack of evidence. Of note, these recommendations may not be applicable to unplanned deliveries or caesarean section performed under general anaesthesia.
Topics: Analgesics, Opioid; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Cesarean Section; Dexamethasone; Female; Humans; Injections, Spinal; Pain Management; Pain, Postoperative; Pregnancy
PubMed: 33370462
DOI: 10.1111/anae.15339 -
Academic Emergency Medicine : Official... Apr 2021There has been increased interest in the use of low-dose ketamine (LDK) as an alternative analgesic for the management of acute pain in the emergency department (ED).... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
There has been increased interest in the use of low-dose ketamine (LDK) as an alternative analgesic for the management of acute pain in the emergency department (ED). The objective of this systematic review was to compare the analgesic effectiveness and safety profile of LDK and morphine for acute pain management in the ED.
METHODS
Electronic searches of Medline and EMBASE were conducted and reference lists were hand-searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing LDK to morphine for acute pain control in the ED were included. Two reviewers independently screened abstracts, assessed quality of the studies, and extracted data. Data were pooled using random-effects models and reported as mean differences and risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach to assess the certainty of the evidence.
RESULTS
Eight RCTs were included with a total of 1,191 patients (LDK = 598, morphine = 593). There was no significant difference in reported mean pain scores between LDK and morphine within the first 60 minutes after analgesia administration and a slight difference in pain scores favoring morphine at 60 to 120 minutes. The need for rescue medication was also similar between groups (RR = 1.26, 95% CI = 0.50 to 3.16), as was the proportion of patients who experienced nausea (RR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.63 to 1.49) and hypoxia (RR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.10 to 1.41). All outcomes were judged to have low certainty in the evidence.
CONCLUSION
Low-dose ketamine and morphine had similar analgesic effectiveness within 60 minutes of administration with comparable safety profiles, suggesting that LDK is an effective alternative analgesic for acute pain control in the ED.
Topics: Acute Pain; Analgesics; Emergency Service, Hospital; Humans; Ketamine; Pain Management
PubMed: 33098707
DOI: 10.1111/acem.14159 -
Journal of Psychiatric Research Jun 2020We performed a network meta-analysis to build clear hierarchies of efficacy and tolerability of pharmacological interventions for the treatment and prevention of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
We performed a network meta-analysis to build clear hierarchies of efficacy and tolerability of pharmacological interventions for the treatment and prevention of delirium. Electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO, and MEDLINE were searched published up to February 22, 2019. A total of 108 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating pharmacotherapy on delirium were included for analysis, and the strength of evidence (SoE) was evaluated for critical outcomes. In terms of treatment, quetiapine (low SoE), morphine (low SoE), and dexmedetomidine (moderate SoE) were effective in the intensive care unit (ICU) patients. In terms of prevention, dexmedetomidine (high SoE) and risperidone (high SoE) significantly reduced the incidence of delirium in ICU surgical patients, while ramelteon (high SoE) reduced the incidence of delirium in ICU medical patients. Despite the efficacy, dexmedetomidine and risperidone demonstrated higher drop-out rate (moderate to high SoE). Haloperidol and other antipsychotics, except for quetiapine and risperidone, showed no benefit. None of the agents showed benefit in non-ICU patients. In conclusion, dexmedetomidine may be a drug of choice for both treating and preventing delirium of the ICU and postsurgical patients. However, it may be less tolerable, and side-effects should be adequately managed. Current evidence does not support the routine use of antipsychotics. For medical patients, oral ramelteon might be useful for prevention.
Topics: Antipsychotic Agents; Delirium; Haloperidol; Humans; Network Meta-Analysis; Risperidone
PubMed: 32302794
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.03.012 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jun 2023Pain is a common symptom in people with cancer; 30% to 50% of people with cancer will experience moderate-to-severe pain. This can have a major negative impact on their... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Pain is a common symptom in people with cancer; 30% to 50% of people with cancer will experience moderate-to-severe pain. This can have a major negative impact on their quality of life. Opioid (morphine-like) medications are commonly used to treat moderate or severe cancer pain, and are recommended for this purpose in the World Health Organization (WHO) pain treatment ladder. Pain is not sufficiently relieved by opioid medications in 10% to 15% of people with cancer. In people with insufficient relief of cancer pain, new analgesics are needed to effectively and safely supplement or replace opioids.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the benefits and harms of cannabis-based medicines, including medical cannabis, for treating pain and other symptoms in adults with cancer compared to placebo or any other established analgesic for cancer pain.
SEARCH METHODS
We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date was 26 January 2023.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We selected double-blind randomised, controlled trials (RCT) of medical cannabis, plant-derived and synthetic cannabis-based medicines against placebo or any other active treatment for cancer pain in adults, with any treatment duration and at least 10 participants per treatment arm.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard Cochrane methods. The primary outcomes were 1. proportions of participants reporting no worse than mild pain; 2. Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) of much improved or very much improved and 3. withdrawals due to adverse events. Secondary outcomes were 4. number of participants who reported pain relief of 30% or greater and overall opioid use reduced or stable; 5. number of participants who reported pain relief of 30% or greater, or 50% or greater; 6. pain intensity; 7. sleep problems; 8. depression and anxiety; 9. daily maintenance and breakthrough opioid dosage; 10. dropouts due to lack of efficacy; 11. all central nervous system adverse events. We used GRADE to assess certainty of evidence for each outcome.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified 14 studies involving 1823 participants. No study assessed the proportions of participants reporting no worse than mild pain on treatment by 14 days after start of treatment. We found five RCTs assessing oromucosal nabiximols (tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)) or THC alone involving 1539 participants with moderate or severe pain despite opioid therapy. The double-blind periods of the RCTs ranged between two and five weeks. Four studies with a parallel design and 1333 participants were available for meta-analysis. There was moderate-certainty evidence that there was no clinically relevant benefit for proportions of PGIC much or very much improved (risk difference (RD) 0.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.01 to 0.12; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 16, 95% CI 8 to 100). There was moderate-certainty evidence for no clinically relevant difference in the proportion of withdrawals due to adverse events (RD 0.04, 95% CI 0 to 0.08; number needed to treat for an additional harmful outcome (NNTH) 25, 95% CI 16 to endless). There was moderate-certainty evidence for no difference between nabiximols or THC and placebo in the frequency of serious adverse events (RD 0.02, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.07). There was moderate-certainty evidence that nabiximols and THC used as add-on treatment for opioid-refractory cancer pain did not differ from placebo in reducing mean pain intensity (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.19, 95% CI -0.40 to 0.02). There was low-certainty evidence that a synthetic THC analogue (nabilone) delivered over eight weeks was not superior to placebo in reducing pain associated with chemotherapy or radiochemotherapy in people with head and neck cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (2 studies, 89 participants, qualitative analysis). Analyses of tolerability and safety were not possible for these studies. There was low-certainty evidence that synthetic THC analogues were superior to placebo (SMD -0.98, 95% CI -1.36 to -0.60), but not superior to low-dose codeine (SMD 0.03, 95% CI -0.25 to 0.32; 5 single-dose trials; 126 participants) in reducing moderate-to-severe cancer pain after cessation of previous analgesic treatment for three to four and a half hours (2 single-dose trials; 66 participants). Analyses of tolerability and safety were not possible for these studies. There was low-certainty evidence that CBD oil did not add value to specialist palliative care alone in the reduction of pain intensity in people with advanced cancer. There was no difference in the number of dropouts due to adverse events and serious adverse events (1 study, 144 participants, qualitative analysis). We found no studies using herbal cannabis.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is moderate-certainty evidence that oromucosal nabiximols and THC are ineffective in relieving moderate-to-severe opioid-refractory cancer pain. There is low-certainty evidence that nabilone is ineffective in reducing pain associated with (radio-) chemotherapy in people with head and neck cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. There is low-certainty evidence that a single dose of synthetic THC analogues is not superior to a single low-dose morphine equivalent in reducing moderate-to-severe cancer pain. There is low-certainty evidence that CBD does not add value to specialist palliative care alone in the reduction of pain in people with advanced cancer.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Analgesics, Opioid; Cancer Pain; Cannabis; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Codeine; Lung Neoplasms; Medical Marijuana; Morphine; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37283486
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD014915.pub2 -
Journal of Palliative Medicine May 2023The objective of this systematic review is to consolidate the existing evidence on opioid use, including administration, dosing, and efficacy, for the relief of dyspnea... (Review)
Review
The objective of this systematic review is to consolidate the existing evidence on opioid use, including administration, dosing, and efficacy, for the relief of dyspnea at end of life. The overarching goal is to optimize clinical management of dyspnea by identifying patterns in opioid use, improving opioid management of dyspnea, and to prioritize future research. Opioids are commonly used in the management of dyspnea at end of life, yet specific administration guidelines are limited. A greater understanding of the effectiveness of opioids in relieving end-of-life dyspnea with consideration of study design, patients, and opioids, including dyspnea evaluation tools and outcomes, will leverage development of standardized administration and dosing. A PRISMA-guided systematic review using six databases identified quality studies of opioid management for patients with dyspnea at end of life. Twenty-three references met review inclusion criteria, which included terminally ill cancer and noncancer patients with various diagnoses. Studies included two randomized controlled trials, and three nonrandomized experimental, three prospective observational, one cross-sectional, and one case series. Thirteen retrospective chart reviews were also included due to the limited rigorous studies rendered by the search. Thirteen studies evaluated morphine, followed by fentanyl (6), oxycodone (5), general opioid use (4), and hydromorphone (2). Routes of administration were parenteral, oral, combination, and nebulization. Dyspnea was evaluated using self-reporting and non-self-reporting evaluation tools. Sedation was the most reported opioid-related adverse effect. Challenges persist in conducting end-of-life research, preventing consensus on standardization of opioid treatment for dyspnea within this specific palliative time frame. Future robust prospective trials using specific, accurate assessment with reassessment of dyspnea/respiratory distress, and consideration of opioid tolerance, polypharmacy, and comorbidities are required.
Topics: Humans; Analgesics, Opioid; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Drug Tolerance; Morphine; Dyspnea; Death; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 36453988
DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0311 -
Journal of Clinical Anesthesia Jun 2022Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) has gained popularity for perioperative analgesia in various surgeries. However, its efficacy in lumbar surgery remains unclear. This... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
STUDY OBJECTIVE
Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) has gained popularity for perioperative analgesia in various surgeries. However, its efficacy in lumbar surgery remains unclear. This review aimed to determine whether ESPB could improve analgesic efficacy in lumbar spine surgery.
DESIGN
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
SETTING
Perioperative setting.
PATIENTS
Patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery under general anesthesia.
INTERVENTIONS
We searched the databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science etc. for published eligible controlled trials comparing ESPB with control (no block/sham block) in lumbar spine surgery.
MEASUREMENTS
The primary outcome was opioid consumption in the first 24 h after surgery.
MAIN RESULTS
Twelve studies comprising 665 participants were included. Compared to the control, ESPB reduced the opioid (morphine milligram equivalents) consumption significantly 24 h after surgery [mean difference (MD) = -14.55; 95% confidence interval (CI), -21.03 to -8.07; P < 0.0001] and lowered the pain scores at various time points (at rest or during movement) for 48 h after surgery. ESPB increased the patient satisfaction score (0-10) (MD = 2.38; 95% CI, 2.10 to 2.66; P < 0.0001), decreased the postoperative nausea and vomiting [risk ratio (RR) = 0.36; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.67; P = 0.001], and minimized the length of hospital stay (MD = -1.24 days; 95% CI, -2.31 to -0.18; P = 0.02). Furthermore, subgroup analysis revealed additional reduction in opioid consumption by the block approach at the vertebral level of incision/operation than that at the fixed thoracic/lumbar level. However, considerable heterogeneity and low-grade quality of evidence were observed.
CONCLUSIONS
ESPB provided effective postoperative analgesia resulting in better patient satisfaction and recovery with decreased postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing lumbar surgery compared to the control. However, the low-grade quality of evidence compromised the findings, therefore further high-quality of evidence is required. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021233362.
Topics: Analgesics, Opioid; Humans; Nerve Block; Pain, Postoperative; Paraspinal Muscles; Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting
PubMed: 35030493
DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinane.2022.110647 -
Journal of Clinical Anesthesia Feb 2021To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of S-ketamine for pain relief and analgesic consumption in surgical patients. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
STUDY OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of S-ketamine for pain relief and analgesic consumption in surgical patients.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
SETTING
Perioperative setting.
PATIENTS
A total of 905 adult patients undergoing surgery using general anesthesia: 504 patients in the S-ketamine group and 401 patients in the placebo group.
INTERVENTION
Intravenous S-ketamine as an adjuvant to general anesthesia compared with placebo.
MEASUREMENTS
The primary outcomes were resting and movement pain scores (VAS/NRS 0-10) and morphine consumption within 4, 12, 24 and 48 h after surgery. The secondary outcomes included postoperative complications such as nausea, vomiting, and psychotomimetic adverse events. We used the guidelines of the Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system to evaluate the level of certainty for the main results.
MAIN RESULTS
A total of 12 studies were included. The types of surgery included abdominal surgery, thoracotomy, gynecologic surgery, arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament repair, cardiac surgery, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, lumbar spinal fusion surgery, radical prostatectomy, and hemorrhoidectomy. There were significant improvements in resting pain scores at 4, 12 and 24 h with S-ketamine versus placebo [4 h: standardized mean difference (SMD) -1.11; 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.53, -0.68, p < 0.00001; GRADE = moderate; 12 h: SMD -0.88; 95%CI: -1.42, -0.34, p = 0.001; GRADE = moderate; 24 h: SMD -0.39; 95%CI: -0.73, -0.06, p = 0.02; GRADE = moderate]. The incidence of pain scores at 48 h showed no statistical difference between the two groups (SMD -0.27; 95%CI: -1.12, 0.58, p = 0.53, GRADE = moderate). The movement pain scores were not significantly different between the two groups at each time point (4 h: SMD -0.34; 95%CI: -0.73, 0.05, p = 0.09, GRADE = moderate; 12 h: SMD -0.42; 95%CI: -1.46, 0.63, p = 0.44, GRADE = low; 24 h: SMD -0.58; 95%CI: -1.25, 0.09, p = 0.09, GRADE = moderate; 48 h: SMD -0.49; 95%CI: -1.11, 0.14, p = 0.13, GRADE = low). At 4 and 12 h after surgery, the consumption of morphine was significantly reduced in the S-ketamine group (4 h: SMD -0.98; 95%CI: -1.37, -0.06, p < 0.00001, GRADE = moderate; 12 h: SMD -1.36; 95%CI: -2.26, -0.46, p = 0.003, GRADE = low). There were no significant differences in morphine use at 24 and 48 h between the two groups (24 h: SMD -0.70; 95%CI: -1.42, 0.02, p = 0.06, GRADE = low; 48 h: SMD -0.79; 95%CI: -2.26, 1.03, p = 0.39, GRADE = low). The risk for nausea [relative risk (RR) = 1.04; 95%CI: 0.83, 1.30, p = 0.73], vomiting (RR = 1.07; 95%CI: 0.84, 1.38, p = 0.57), and psychotomimetic adverse events (RR = 1.57; 95%CI: 0.82, 2.99, p = 0.17) showed no significant increase in the S-ketamine group.
CONCLUSIONS
Intravenous S-ketamine as an adjunct to general anesthesia is effective for assisting analgesia and decreases the intensity of pain and opioid requirements in a short period of time after surgery, but it may increase the psychotomimetic adverse event rate. Overall, the level of certainty is moderate to low.
Topics: Adult; Analgesics, Opioid; Humans; Ketamine; Male; Pain Measurement; Pain, Postoperative
PubMed: 33007645
DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinane.2020.110071