Anesthesia & Clinical Research
Open Access
ISSN: 2155-6148
ISSN: 2155-6148
Ronald B. George, Dolores M. McKeen, Colin Boyd J and Geoff A. Porter
Objectives: Multimodal analgesia may reduce both postoperative pain and the risk of adverse effects associated with opioid-use. Pregabalin has emerged as a potential perioperative analgesic with an improved pharmacokinetic profile. However, data regarding its analgesic efficacy and optimal dose following breast surgeries are conflicting. This study was designed to determine if perioperative treatment with pregabalin could reduce pain scores and oxycodone consumption following elective surgery for possible breast cancer.
Methods: Fifty-nine women undergoing elective breast cancer surgery (mastectomies and lumpectomies) were recruited for this study. Patients were randomized to pregabalin (150 mg) or placebo, both administered prior to surgery and 12 hours postoperatively. Pain and nausea intensity were measured using an 11-point numerical rating scale 2, 24, and 48 h postoperatively. Acetaminophen, naprosyn, and oxycodone were available in both groups postoperatively.
Results: At 24 hours post-op there were no differences in average pain intensity at rest (placebo 1.3 vspregabalin 0.6; difference=0.65, 95% CI: -0.09 to 1.39, p=0.08), pain following movement (placebo 1.3 vs P150 1.2; difference=0.14, 95% CI: -0.59 to 0.88, p=0.70, or average oxycodone tablet consumption (placebo 0.7 vs P150 1.0, difference=0.26, 95% CI: -1.86 to 1.35, p=0.72) postoperatively.
Conclusion: Pregabalin given preoperatively and 12 h postoperatively did not improve pain or oxycodone consumption 24 h following breast surgery. Further research regarding the appropriate dose and timing of pregabalin administration surrounding breast surgery is required.