Bomba de infusión intratecal programable de morfina en paciente con dolor oncológico refractario / Programmable intrathecal morphine infusion pump in a patient with refractory oncological pain / Bomba de infusão intratecal programável de morfina em paciente com dor oncológica refratária

El control del dolor es uno de los desafíos más importantes en el ámbito de cuidados paliativos y tiene un profundo impacto en la calidad de vida de los pacientes. En la mayoría de los casos, el dolor crónico oncológico severo puede ser controlado con opioides; sin embargo, hay una población de pacientes, estimada entre 10 a 20%, que experimenta dolor refractario que requiere abordajes más complejos. En pacientes con dolor intratable o efectos adversos intolerables, la terapia basada en la infusión intratecal de opioides debe ser considerada como parte de la estrategia terapéutica. Presentamos el caso de una paciente con un tumor maligno de mediastino anterior con dolor refractario a pesar de altas dosis de opioides y coadyuvantes. Dada la refractariedad del síntoma, se decide colocar bomba intratecal de morfina para disminuir dosis de opioides y optimizar analgesia. La dosis inicial se titula progresivamente en respuesta al reporte de la paciente y la evaluación clínica. La paciente falleció tranquila y sin dolor, con una dosis de morfina intratecal de 4500 µg/día. Se concluye que la administración intratecal de analgésicos opioides mediante el implante de dispositivos programables de infusión continua para pacientes con dolor oncológico refractario es una estrategia efectiva y segura, basada en la evidencia, que permite optimizar la analgesia cuando otras técnicas han fallado.

Pain control is one of the most important challenges in the field of palliative care and has a profound impact on patients' quality of life. In most cases, severe oncological chronic pain can be managed with opioids; however, there is a population of patients, estimated to be between 10% and 20%, who experience refractory pain that requires more complex approaches. In patients with intractable pain or intolerable adverse effects, therapy based on intrathecal opioid infusion should be considered as part of the therapeutic strategy. We present the case of a patient with a malignant tumor in the anterior mediastinum who had refractory pain despite high doses of opioids and adjuvants. Given the refractory nature of the symptom, it was decided to place an intrathecal morphine pump to reduce opioid doses and optimize analgesia. The initial dose is titrated progressively in response to the patient's reports and clinical evaluation. The patient passed away peacefully and painlessly, with an intrathecal morphine dose of 4500 µg/day. It is concluded that the intrathecal administration of opioid analgesics through the implantation of programmable continuous infusion devices for patients with refractory oncological pain is an effective and safe strategy, based on evidence, that allows for the optimization of analgesia when other techniques have failed.

O controle da dor é um dos desafios mais importantes no campo dos cuidados paliativos e tem um profundo impacto na qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Na maioria dos casos, a dor crônica oncológica severa pode ser controlada com opioides; no entanto, há uma população de pacientes, estimada entre 10% e 20%, que experimenta dor refratária e requer abordagens mais complexas. Em pacientes com dor intratável ou efeitos adversos intoleráveis, a terapia baseada na infusão intratecal de opioides deve ser considerada como parte da estratégia terapêutica. Apresentamos o caso de uma paciente com um tumor maligno no mediastino anterior que apresentava dor refratária, apesar de altas doses de opioides e coadjuvantes. Dada a refratariedade do sintoma, decidiu-se implantar uma bomba intratecal de morfina para reduzir as doses de opioides e otimizar a analgesia. A dose inicial é titulada progressivamente em resposta aos relatos da paciente e à avaliação clínica. A paciente faleceu tranquila e sem dor, com uma dose de morfina intratecal de 4500 µg/dia. Conclui-se que a administração intratecal de analgésicos opioides por meio do implante de dispositivos programáveis de infusão contínua para pacientes com dor oncológica refratária é uma estratégia eficaz e segura, baseada em evidências, que permite otimizar a analgesia quando outras técnicas falharam.

Administración prolongada de morfina intratecal por bomba de infusión implantada, en un caso de dolor crónico no oncológico / Prolonged administration of intratecal morphine by infusion pump implanted in a case of non-oncological chronic pain / Administração prolongada de morfina intratecal por bomba de infusão implantada, em caso de dor crônica não oncológica

Introducción: Se describe la evolución de un paciente que recibe morfina intratecal mediante una bomba de infusión, que le fuera implantada hace 14 años para tratamiento de su dolor lumbar crónico post-laminectomía. Material y método: Requería la administración de 60 mg/día de morfina subcutánea que le provocaban efectos secundarios que no toleraba, y múltiples internaciones para control del dolor. Se le implantó una bomba de infusión continua (Isomed) conectada a un catéter subaracnoideo, que libera 1 ml/día, y requiere ser llenada cada 60 días. Resultados: Se observó una disminución del dolor promedio de 50% al año, y de 75% a los 6 y 14 años. Requirió un aumento progresivo de las dosis de llenado, que pasaron de 30 mg de morfina (0.5 mg/día) al inicio, a 40 mg de morfina (0.66 mg /día) al año, a 70 mg de morfina (1.16 mg/día) a los 6 años, a 140 mg (2.33 mg/día) a los 14 años. No se registraron complicaciones médicas graves. Mantuvo constipación y sudoración durante todo el período, e instaló un hipogonadismo secundario con trastornos de la libido y de la erección que fueron corregidos con la administración de testosterona. No requirió más internaciones por dolor. No se observaron complicaciones relacionadas con el funcionamiento o llenado de la bomba, ni vinculadas al catéter. El paciente manifestó estar satisfecho con el implante. Discusión: A pesar del aumento de las dosis de llenado, expresión del desarrollo de tolerancia, las dosis de morfina/día requeridas son francamente inferiores al límite recomendado. Conclusiones: El balance del riesgo-beneficio del implante resultó positivo, considerando el mejor control del dolor logrado, las menores dosis de morfina utilizadas, así como la ausencia de complicaciones graves y de internaciones para control del dolor.

Introduction: The evolution of a patient receiving intrathecal morphine through an infusion pump that was implanted 14 years ago for the treatment of chronic post-laminectomy low back pain is described. Material and method: It required the administration of 60 mg / day of subcutaneous morphine that caused side effects that did not tolerate, and multiple hospitalizations for pain control. He was implanted with a continuous infusion pump (Isomed) connected to a subarachnoid catheter, which releases 1 ml / day, and needs to be filled every 60 days. Results: An average pain decrease of 50% per year, and 75% at 6 and 12 years was observed. It required a progressive increase in filling doses, which went from 30 mg of morphine (0.5 mg / day) at the beginning, to 40 mg of morphine (0.66 mg / day at the first year, to 70 mg of morphine (1.16 mg / day) at the sixth year, at 140 mg (2.33 mg / day) at the fourteen year. No serious medical complications were recorded, he maintained constipation and sweating throughout the period, and installed secondary hypogonadism with libido and erection disorders, that were corrected with the administration of testosterone. No further hospitalizations were required due to pain. No complications were observed related to the operation or filling of the pump or linked to the catheter. The patient stated that he was satisfied with the implant. Discussion: Despite the increase in filling doses, expression of tolerance development, the required morphine / day doses are frankly below the recommended limit. Conclusions: The risk-benefit balance of the implant was positive, considering the best pain control, the lowest doses used, the absence of serious complications, and the lack of hospitalizations for pain control.

Introdução: Descreve-se a evolução de um paciente que recebeu morfina intratecal através de uma bomba de infusão, implantada há 14 anos para o tratamento de lombalgia crônica pós-laminectomia. Material e método: Necessitou de administração de 60 mg/dia de morfina por via subcutânea, que provocou efeitos colaterais intolerantes, e múltiplas internações para controle da dor. Foi implantada uma bomba de infusão contínua (Isomed) conectada a um cateter subaracnóideo, que libera 1 ml/dia, necessitando de reenchimento a cada 60 dias. Resultados: Observou-se redução média da dor de 50% em um ano e 75% em 6 e 14 anos. Foi necessário um aumento progressivo das doses de enchimento, que passaram de 30 mg de morfina (0,5 mg/dia) no início, para 40 mg de morfina (0,66 mg/dia) por ano, para 70 mg de morfina (1,16 mg/dia) dia) aos 6 anos, para 140 mg (2,33 mg/dia) aos 14 anos. Não foram registradas complicações médicas graves. Manteve constipação e sudorese durante todo o período e desenvolveu hipogonadismo secundário com distúrbios de libido e ereção que foram corrigidos com administração de testosterona. Ele não necessitou de mais hospitalizações por dor. Não foram observadas complicações relacionadas à operação ou enchimento da bomba, ou relacionadas ao cateter. O paciente afirmou estar satisfeito com o implante. Discussão: Apesar do aumento das doses de enchimento, expressão do desenvolvimento da tolerância, as doses necessárias de morfina/dia são francamente inferiores ao limite recomendado. Conclusões: A relação risco-benefício do implante foi positiva, considerando o melhor controle da dor alcançado, as menores doses de morfina utilizadas, bem como a ausência de complicações graves e internações para controle da dor.

Morfina intratecal en analgesia poscesárea / Intratecal morphine in cesarian section

The Cesarean section is the most frequently performed surgical intervention in most countries, in Chile there are approximately 80,000 cases per year. In the postoperative period, effective analgesia is essential since patients define the absence of intra- and post-cesarean pain as priorities. On the other hand, entities such as cronical pain and postpartum depression have been associated with persistent postoperative pain and difficulty in mother-child interaction. Intrathecal morphine (ITM) was first described in obstetric analgesia in the 1980s and has since become widely used for post-cesarean section analgesia due to its prolonged analgesic action. In this review we will focus on the most relevant aspects that may lead to the incorporation of MIT in the Analgesia protocols for Cesarean section in our country.

La Operación Cesárea es la intervención quirúrgica más frecuentemente realizada en la mayoría de los países, en Chile son aproximadamente 80.000 casos por año. En su posoperatorio la analgesia eficaz es fundamental, dado que las pacientes definen la ausencia de dolor intra y poscesárea como prioritarios. Por otra parte, entidades como dolor cónico y depresión posparto han sido asociados con dolor posoperatorio persistente y dificultad en la interacción madre-hijo. La morfina intratecal (MIT) se describió por primera vez en analgesia obstétrica en la década de 1980 y desde entonces se ha vuelto ampliamente utilizada para la analgesia poscesárea debido a su prolongada acción analgésica. En esta revisión nos centraremos en los aspectos más relevantes que puedan conducir a la incorporación de MIT en los protocolos de Analgesia para Cesárea en nuestro país.

Low dose intrathecal morphine for hip arthroplasty / Dosis baja de morfina intratecal para artroplastía de cadera

OBJETIVES: 100 mcg intrathecal morphine (ITM) for hip arthroplasty provides adequate functional recovery and reduces associated complications but is not exempt from opioid-related adverse effects. We evaluate efficacy of a reduced dose of ITM (80 mcg) in terms of anesthetic quality, postoperative analgesia, complication rates and early recovery. METHODS: Case-control study. Patients under hip arthroplasty were treated on a specific protocol, using neuraxial anesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine 10.5-13.5 mg plus 80 mcg ITM versus controls with 100 mcg ITM. Demographic variables, intra and perioperative course were extracted from medical records. Pain severity and morphine associated complications were blindly assessed at regular intervals postoperatively. p < 0.01 were considered significant. RESULTS: 82 patients were analyzed. Mean age was 64.21 years, 62.20% women and 70.73% ASA-2. Main endoprosthesis indication was arthrosis (58.53%). No statistically significant differences in demographic and operative data were found between groups, including surgical time, ambulation time, length of stay, and patient satisfaction for pain management. Mean VAS for pain during first 24 hours was 0.24 for the low ITM group and 0.22 for control. Rescue intravenous morphine was the same between groups. Compared to 80 mcg ITM, 100 mcg showed trends for higher complication rates for respiratory depression (OR 2.58, CI 95% 0.45-14.54, p = 0.28), nausea without vomiting (OR 1.82, CI 95% 0.82-4.01, p = 0.13), urinary retention (OR 2.02, CI 95% 0.88-4.61, p = 0.09) and significantly higher rates of pruritus (OR 3.55, CI 95% 1.61-7.82, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: 80 mcg ITM during spinal anesthesia for hip arthroplasty provided comparable postoperative analgesia and lower incidence of opioid-related adverse effects.

OBJETIVOS: 100 mcg morfina intratecal (ITM), en artroplastia de cadera, proporciona una recuperación funcional adecuada y reduce complicaciones asociadas, pero no está exento de efectos adversos conocidos asociados a opioides. Evaluamos eficacia de reducir dosis (80 mcg ITM) en términos de calidad anestésica, analgesia, complicaciones y recuperación postoperatoria. MÉTODOS: Estudio de casos y controles. Pacientes sometidos a artroplastia de cadera fueron tratados con anestesia espinal con bupivacaína hiperbárica 10,5-13,5 mg más 80 mcg ITM y controles de manera similar pero con 100 mcg ITM. Variables demográficas, así como intra y perioperatorio, se extrajeron de registros médicos. Severidad del dolor, y complicaciones asociadas a ITM, se evaluaron a ciegas según protocolo, p < 0,01 fue considerado significativo. RESULTADOS: 82 pacientes analizados. Edad promedio fue 64,21 años, 62,20% fueron mujeres y 70,73% ASA-2. Principal indicación de prótesis fue artrosis (58,53%). No se encontraron diferencias estadísticas entre variables demográficas, tiempo quirúrgico, tiempo deambulación, duración hospitalización y satisfacción paciente. EVA promedio dolor, primeras 24 horas, fue 0,24 para grupo 80 mcg ITM y 0,22 para control (100 mcg ITM). Morfina intravenosa de rescate fue similar entre grupos. En comparación con 80 mcg, 100 mcg presentó mayores tasas de complicaciones para depresión respiratoria (OR 2,58, IC95% 0,45-14,54, p = 0,28), náuseas y vómitos (OR 1,82, CI95% 0,82-4,01, p = 0,13), retención urinaria (OR 2,02, CI95% 0,88-4,61, p = 0,09) y prurito (OR 3,55, CI95% 1,61-7,82, p < 0,01). CONCLUSIONES: 80 mcg ITM, en anestesia espinal para artroplastia cadera, proporciona analgesia postoperatoria comparable a 100 mcg pero con menor incidencia de efectos adversos relacionados a opioides.

Low dose intrathecal morphine for hip arthroplasty / Dosis baja de morfina intratecal para artroplastía cadera

OBJECTIVES: 100 mcg intrathecal morphine (ITM) for hip arthroplasty provides adequate functional recovery and reduces associated complications but is not exempt from opioid-related adverse effects. We evaluate efficacy of a reduced dose of ITM (80 mcg) in terms of anesthetic quality, postoperative analgesia, complication rates and early recovery. METHODS: Case control study. Patients under hip arthroplasty were treated on a specific protocol, using neuraxial anesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine 10.5-13.5 mg plus 80 mcg ITM versus controls with 100 mcg ITM. Demographic variables, intra and perioperative course were extracted from medical records. Pain severity and morphine associated complications were blindly assessed at regular intervals postoperatively. p < 0.01 were considered significant. RESULTS: 82 patients were analyzed. Mean age was 64.21 years, 62.20% women and 70.73% ASA-2. Main endoprosthesis indication was arthrosis (58.53%). No statistically significant differences in demographic and operative data were found between groups, including surgical time, ambulation time, length of stay, and patient satisfaction for pain management. Mean VAS for pain during first 24 hours was 0.24 for the low ITM group and 0.22 for control. Rescue intravenous morphine was the same between groups. Compared to 80 mcg ITM, 100 mcg showed trends for higher complication rates for respiratory depression (OR 2.58, CI 95% 0.4514.54, p = 0.28), nausea without vomiting (OR 1.82, CI 95% 0.82-4.01, p = 0.13), urinary retention (OR 2.02, CI95% 0.88-4.61, p = 0.09) and significantly higher rates of pruritus (OR 3.55, CI 95% 1.61-7.82, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: 80 mcg ITM during spinal anesthesia for hip arthroplasty provided comparable postoperative analgesia and lower incidence of opioid-related adverse effects.

OBJETIVOS: 100 mcg morfina intratecal (ITM), en artroplastía de cadera, proporciona una recuperación funcional adecuada y reduce complicaciones asociadas, pero no está exento de efectos adversos conocidos asociados a opioides. Evaluamos eficacia de reducir dosis (80 mcg ITM) en términos de calidad anestésica, analgesia, complicaciones y recuperación postoperatoria. MÉTODOS: Estudio de casos y controles. Pacientes sometidos a artroplastía de cadera fueron tratados con anestesia espinal con bupivacaína hiperbárica 10,5-13,5 mg más 80 mcg ITM y controles de manera similar, pero con 100 mcg ITM. Variables demográficas, así como intra y perioperatorio, se extrajeron de registros médicos. Severidad del dolor, y complicaciones asociadas a ITM, se evaluaron a ciegas según protocolo. p < 0,01 fue considerado significativo. RESULTADOS: 82 pacientes analizados. Edad promedio fue 64,21 años, 62,20% fueron mujeres y 70,73% ASA-2. Principal indicación de prótesis fue artrosis (58,53%). No se encontraron diferencias estadísticas entre variables demográficas, tiempo quirúrgico, tiempo deambulación, duración hospitalización y satisfacción paciente. EVA promedio dolor, primeras 24 horas, fue 0,24 para grupo 80 mcg ITM y 0,22 para control (100 mcg ITM). Morfina intravenosa de rescate fue similar entre grupos. En comparación con 80 mcg, 100 mcg presentó mayores tasas de complicaciones para depresión respiratoria (OR 2,58, IC 95% 0,45-14,54, p = 0,28), náuseas y vómitos (OR 1,82, CI 95% 0,82-4,01, p = 0,13), retención urinaria (OR 2,02, CI 95% 0,88-4,61, p = 0,09) y prurito (OR 3,55, CI 95% 1,61-7.82, p < 0,01). CONCLUSIONES: 80 mcg ITM, en anestesia espinal para artroplastía cadera, proporciona analgesia postoperatoria comparable a 100 mcg, pero con menor incidencia de efectos adversos relacionados a opioides.

Anestesia espinal con morfina y bupivacaína en la cirugía de próstata / Spinal anesthesia with morphine and bupivacaine in prostate surgery

Introducción: El dolor posoperatorio constituye la principal causa de dolor agudo en el mundo. Brindar analgesia adecuada en el posquirúrgico garantiza la disminución de la estadía hospitalaria y tiene un impacto positivo en el resultado final de las intervenciones. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de la analgesia posoperatoria con bupivacaína más morfina intratecal en la cirugía de próstata. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación cuasiexperimental, entre enero de 2015 y enero de 2018. La muestra quedó conformada de manera no probabilística por los pacientes que dieron su consentimiento informado y reunieron criterios para entrar en el estudio. Quedaron distribuidos de manera aleatoria en dos grupos denominados bupivacaína (B) y morfina-bupivacaína (MB). Para recolectar la información se emplearon las historias clínicas anestésicas y un formulario elaborado al efecto. Los resultados se mostraron en tablas y gráficos, se expresaron en frecuencias absolutas y en porcientos, se determinaron algunas medidas descriptivas de interés que mostraron el comportamiento de las variables que lo requirieron. Resultados: El resultado más relevante fue el efecto analgésico muy significativo en el grupo MB en las primeras 24 h del posoperatorio. La reacción adversa más frecuente fue el prurito y solo se presentó en el grupo que recibió morfina. Conclusiones: La anestesia espinal con morfina y bupivacaína es efectiva y segura, proporcionando mejor analgesia en el posoperatorio inmediato cuando se compara con bupivacaína sola(AU)

Introduction: Postoperative pain is the main cause of acute pain worldwide. Providing suitable analgesia in the postoperative period guarantees the reduction of hospital stay and has a positive impact on the final outcome of the interventions. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of postoperative analgesia with intrathecal administration of bupivacaine plus morphine in prostate surgery. Methods: A quasiexperimental research was carried out between January 2015 and January 2018. The sample was nonprobabilistic and made up by the patients who gave their informed consent and met criteria to enter the study. They were randomly distributed into two groups called bupivacaine (B) and morphine-bupivacaine (MB). To collect the information, the anesthetic medical records and a form prepared for this purpose were used. The results were shown in tables and graphs, expressed in absolute frequencies and percentages, some descriptive measures of interest were determined which showed the behavior of the variables that required it. Results: The most relevant result was the very significant analgesic effect in the MB group in the first 24 hours after surgery. The most frequent adverse reaction was pruritus and only occurred in the group that received morphine. Conclusions: Spinal anesthesia with morphine and bupivacaine is effective and safe, providing better analgesia in the immediate postoperative period when compared with bupivacaine alone(AU)

Evaluation of the efficacy of 150 micrograms of intrathecal morphine with bupivacaine compared to 250 micrograms for postoperative analgesia following abdominal hysterectomy: a double blinded randomized control study

Background:Public awareness about the importance of clinical research (CR) is crucial for patient’s participation in clinical trials. Their enrollmentmay be impacted by their levels of awareness and attitudes toward participation. Our study aimed to assess the Saudi cancer patient’s knowledge and perception about CR, and determine the influencing factors and barriers affecting participation.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in 300 cancer patients attending the Oncology Department at King AbdulAziz Medical City (KAMC) Riyadh between February2011 and February2012 using a survey covering the demographic data, knowledge of clinical research, and attitude toward participation; followed by statistical analysis.Results:A total of 300 patients were enrolled in the study with a median age of 53.6 (42.2-64.01); 62.67% of which were females. The majority of patients (97.31%) were not aware of Institutional Review Board (IRB). However, (75.33%) showed interest in CR participation, if offered. The advanced disease (86.67%), and the lack of other treatment options (85.33%) were the top two encouraging factors, while fear of adverse side effects (58.33%), and the unknown efficacy of treatment (58.32%) were the top two barriers against participation. Respondents younger than 45 years, and educated ones were significantly more interested in participation in CR with Pvalues P=0.0136 and P=0.0239 respectively. Conclusions: There is an apparent gap in cancer patient’s awareness about CR. However, there is an obvious interest in participation in CR especially in younger and educated patients. Enhancing public awareness is crucial to improve participation in CR

Efectividad de la anestesia espinal con morfina y bupivacaína en la cirugía de próstata / Effectiveness of spinal anesthesia with morphine and bupivacaine in prostate surgery

Introducción: El dolor posoperatorio constituye la principal causa de dolor agudo en el mundo. Brindar analgesia adecuada en el posquirúrgico garantiza la disminución del tiempo de estancia hospitalaria y tiene un impacto positivo en el resultado final de los pacientes. Objetivo: Evaluar la calidad de la analgesia posoperatoria con bupivacaína más morfina intratecal en la cirugía electiva de próstata, así como la incidencia de efectos adversos. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación cuasiexperimental, entre enero de 2014 y julio de 2017. La muestra quedó conformada de manera no probabilística por los pacientes que dieron su consentimiento informado y reunieron criterios para entrar en el estudio. Quedaron distribuidos de manera aleatoria en dos grupos denominados bupivacaína (B) y morfina-bupivacaína (MB). Para recolectar la información se emplearon las historias clínicas anestésicas y un formulario elaborado al efecto. Los datos se mostraron en tablas y gráficos, los resultados se expresaron numéricamente y en porcientos, se determinaron algunas medidas descriptivas de interés que mostraron el comportamiento de las variables que lo requirieron. Resultados: El resultado más relevante fue el efecto analgésico muy significativo en el grupo MB en las primeras 24 h del posoperatorio. La reacción adversa más frecuente fue el prurito y solo se presentó en el grupo que recibió morfina. Conclusiones: La anestesia espinal con morfina y bupivacaína es efectiva y segura, proporcionando mejor analgesia en el posoperatorio inmediato cuando se compara con bupivacaína sola(AU)

Introduction: Postoperative pain is the main cause of acute pain worldwide. Providing adequate analgesia postoperatively guarantees hospital stay reduction and positively affects patient outcome. Objective: To evaluate the quality of postoperative analgesia with bupivacaine plus intrathecal morphine in elective prostate surgery, as well as the incidence of adverse effects. Methods: A quasiexperimental research was carried out between January 2014 and July 2017. The sample was chosen in a non-probabilistic way and made up by the patients who gave their informed consent and met the inclusion criteria to enter the study. They were randomly distributed into two groups identified as bupivacaine (B) and morphine-bupivacaine (MB). To collect the information, the anesthetic medical records were used, together with a form prepared for such purpose. The data were shown in charts and graphs, the results were expressed numerically and in percentages, some descriptive measures of interest were determined that showed the behavior of the variables that required it. Results: The most relevant outcome was the very significant analgesic effect in the MB group in the first 24 hours after surgery. The most common adverse reaction was pruritus and only occurred in the group that received morphine. Conclusions: Spinal anesthesia with morphine and bupivacaine is effective and safe because it provides better analgesia in the immediate postoperative period in comparison to bupivacaine alone(AU)

Retrospective analysis of the financial break-even point for intrathecal morphine pump use in Korea

BACKGROUND: The high cost of intrathecal morphine pump (ITMP) implantation may be the main obstacle to its use. Since July 2014, the Korean national health insurance (NHI) program began paying 50% of the ITMP implantation cost in select refractory chronic pain patients. The aims of this study were to investigate the financial break-even point and patients' satisfaction in patients with ITMP treatment after the initiation of the NHI reimbursement. METHODS: We collected data retrospectively or via direct phone calls to patients who underwent ITMP implantation at a single university-based tertiary hospital between July 2014 and May 2016. Pain severity, changes in the morphine equivalent daily dosage (MEDD), any adverse events, and patients' satisfaction were determined. We calculated the financial break-even point of ITMP implantation via investigating the patient's actual medical costs and insurance information. RESULTS: During the studied period, 23 patients received ITMP implantation, and 20 patients were included in our study. Scores on an 11-point numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain were significantly reduced compared to the baseline value (P < 0.001). The MEDD before ITMP implantation was 0.59 [IQR: 0.55–0.82]. The total MEDD increased steadily to 0.77 [IQR: 0.53–1.08] at 1 year, which was 126% of the baseline (P < 0.001). More than a half (60%) responded that the ITMP therapy was somewhat satisfying. The financial break-even point was 28 months for ITMP treatment after the NHI reimbursement policy. CONCLUSIONS: ITMP provided effective chronic pain management with improved satisfaction and reasonable financial break-even point of 28 months with 50% financial coverage by NHI program.

Eficacia analgésica y seguridad de dosis única de morfina intratecal / Analgesic effectiveness and safety of single-dose intrathecal morphine

Introducción: el dolor posoperatorio del hemiabdomen superior es intenso y su control es imprescindible para evitar complicaciones. Objetivos: evaluar la eficacia analgésica y seguridad de dosis única de morfina intratecal en el posoperatorio de la cirugía de hemiabdomen superior de gran envergadura. Método: ensayo clínico aleatorizado a simple ciegas en 40 pacientes, tras intervenciones de hemiabdomen superior. Se emplearon dosis única de morfina intratecal (MIT) de 1 o 2 µg/kg de peso del paciente de acuerdo al grupo de tratamiento. Análisis estadístico con las pruebas Chi cuadrado (x2), exacta de Fisher, análisis de varianza univariado, la prueba de W de Mauchly y la prueba F univariada; nivel de significación de 0,05. Resultados: la administración de opioides durante el acto quirúrgico fue similar en ambos grupos (3,1 ± 2,2 mL vs. 4,1 ± 2,7 mL). En el grupo de dosis de 2 µg/kg de peso de MIT a las 12 y 24 h los pacientes no refirieron dolor; existieron diferencias entre los tratamientos en cuanto al alivio del dolor (p< 0,001) y también entre los momentos en que se midió el mismo (p= 0,001). Se utilizó analgesia de rescate en 25 por ciento de los pacientes. Solo se presentó como complicación la depresión respiratoria. Conclusiones: la dosis única de 2 µg/kg de morfina intratecal es un método eficaz para la analgesia posoperatoria en la cirugía de hemiabdomen superior, la incidencia de complicaciones fue baja y se demostró que ambas dosis son seguras(AU)

Introduction: The superior hemiabdomen postoperative pain is severe and essential to be managed in order to avoid complications. Objectives: To assess the analgesic effectiveness and safety of single-dose intrathecal morphine in the postoperative period of the upper hemiabdomen major surgery. Method: Single-blind randomized clinical trial in 40 patients, after upper hemiabdomen interventions. We used single doses of intrathecal morphine (ITM) of 1 or 2 mg/kg per patient weight according to the treatment group. The statistical analysis used the Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, univariate analysis of variance, Mauchly's test and Univariate F-test; the significance level was 0.05. Results: Opioids administration during surgery was similar in both groups (3.1 ± 2.2 mL vs. 4.1 ± 2.7 mL). In the 2 mg/kg of ITM dose group, the patients reported no pain after 12 and 14 hours; there were differences between treatments regarding pain relief (p< 0.001) and also between the time when it was measured (p= 0.001). Rescue analgesia was used in 25 percent of the patients. Respiratory depression was the only onset complication. Conclusions: ITM at a single dose of 2 µg/kg is an effective method for postoperative analgesia in upper hemiabdomen surgery, the incidence of complications was low and both doses proved safe(AU)

The Analgesic and Adverse Effects of Intrathecal Opioids for Cesarean Section: 11 Years’ Experience in 10,061 Cases.

Purposes: To evaluate analgesic effect and adverse effects of intrathecal morphine and fentanyl in parturients undergoing cesarean section. Methods: This is a retrospective, descriptive study from anesthetic and recovery room records from January 2001 to August 2011. Results: From this 11-year retrospective, descriptive analysis in 10,061 patients undergoing cesarean section who received intrathecal opioids, it had been found that their pain scores both at rest and with movement were mild and moderate, respectively. Nausea / vomiting and pruritus were common complications but no patient experienced respiratory depression. Conclusions: Intrathecal morphine is effective for controlling postcesarean pain with minor adverse effects.

Anestesia en artrodesis de columna secundaria a síndrome de Marfán / Anaesthesia in a spinal column arthodesis secondary to Marfan Syndrome

Introducción: el síndrome de Marfán es un trastorno hereditario del tejido conjuntivo que cursa con enfermedades valvulares, aneurisma de la aorta torácica y laxitud articular del esqueleto. Los pacientes pueden tener importantes problemas respiratorios como la restricción de la función pulmonar debido a alteraciones de la pared torácica y cifoescoliosis, que requieren corrección quirúrgica. Objetivos: exponer la conducta anestésica seguida en una paciente se presentó para una corrección quirúrgica de escoliosis secundaria a síndrome de Marfan. Métodos: después de una valoración preoperatoria adecuada se realizó anestesia general con la técnica total intravenosa con propofol, fentanil y vecuronio. Se utilizó la hipotensión controlada y antifibrinolíticos como técnicas de ahorro de sangre y se administró morfina intratecal, que además de proporcionar adecuada analgesia posoperatoria contribuyó con la técnica de hipotensión controlada. Resultados: la paciente no presentó complicaciones quirúrgicas ni anestésicas. El sangramiento fue de 1 000 mL. Se obtuvieron buenas condiciones de analgesia durante el posoperatorio. Conclusiones: En un paciente con síndrome de Marfán la evaluación preoperatoria se debe centrar en las alteraciones respiratorias y cardiovasculares. Se obtuvieron condiciones adecuadas de analgesia con la administración de morfina intratecal.

Background: Marfan Syndrome is a hereditary disorder of the conjunctive tissue that presents with valve diseases, aneurism of the thoracic aeorta and articular lax of the skeleton. Patients can present important respiratory problems such as the restraint of the pulmonary function due to both alterations in the thoracic wall and Kyphoscoliosis that require surgical correction. Objectives: To show an anaesthetic behaviour in a patient that presented to hospital for a surgical correction of scoliosis secondary to Marfan Syndrome. Methods: General anaesthesia with the total intravenous technique with Propofol, Fentanyl and Vecuronio was given after an adequate preoperative assessment. Controlled hypotension and antifibrinolitics were used as blood-saving techniques and intrathecal Morphine was administered which, apart from providing an adequate postoperative analgesia, contributed to the controlled hypotension technique. Results: The patient presented neither surgical complications nor anaesthetic ones. Bleeding was of 1 000 mL. Good analgesic conditions were obtained during the postoperative phase. Conclusions: In a patient suffering from Marfan Syndrome, the preoperative evaluation should be focused to both respiratory and cardiovascular alterations. Adequeate analgesic conditions were obtained with the administration of intrathecal Morphine.

Continuous Intrathecal Morphine Administration for Cancer Pain Management Using an Intrathecal Catheter Connected to a Subcutaneous Injection Port: A Retrospective Analysis of 22 Terminal Cancer Patients in Korean Population

BACKGROUND: Intrathecal opioid administration has been used widely in patients suffering from severe cancer pain that is not managed with conventional modalities. However, the potential serious neurological complications from the procedure and the side effects of intrathecal opioids have made many clinicians reluctant to employ continuous intrathecal analgesia as a first-line therapeutic option despite its dramatic effect on intractable pain. We retrospectively investigated the efficacy, side effects, and complications of intrathecal morphine administration through intrathecal catheters connected to a subcutaneous injection port (ICSP) in 22 Korean terminal cancer patients with successful intrathecal morphine trials. METHODS: Patient demographic data, the duration of intrathecal opioid administration, preoperative numerical pain rating scales (NRS) and doses of systemic opioids, side effects and complications related to intrathecal opioids and the procedure, and the numerical pain rating scales and doses of intrathecal and systemic opioids on the 1st, 3rd, 7th and 30th postoperative days were determined from medical records. RESULTS: Intrathecal morphine administration for 46.0 +/- 61.3 days significantly reduced NRS from baseline on all the postoperative days. A significant increase in intrathecal opioids with a nonsignificant decrease in systemic opioids was observed on the 7th and 30th postoperative days compared to the 1st postoperative day. The most common side effects of intrathecal opioids were nausea/vomiting (31.8%) and urinary retention (38.9%), which were managed with conservative therapies. CONCLUSIONS: Intrathecal morphine administration using ICSP provided immediate and beneficial effects on pain scores with tolerable side effects in terminal cancer patients.

Intrathecal morphine is superior to intravenous PCA in patients undergoing minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

Aim of our study was to evaluate the beneficial effect of low dose intrathecal morphine on postoperative analgesia, over the use of intravenous patient controlled anesthesia (PCA), in patients undergoing fast track anesthesia during minimally invasive cardiac surgical procedures. A randomized controlled trial was undertaken after approval from local ethical committee. Written informed consent was obtained from 61 patients receiving mitral or tricuspid or both surgical valve repair in minimal invasive technique. Patients were assigned randomly to 2 groups. Group 1 received general anesthesia and intravenous patient controlled analgesia (PCA) pump with Piritramide (GA group). Group 2 received a single shot of intrathecal morphine (1.5 μg/kg body weight) prior to the administration of general anesthesia (ITM group). Site of puncture was confined to lumbar (L1-2 or L2-3) intrathecal space. The amount of intravenous piritramide used in post anesthesia care unit (PACU) and the first postoperative day was defined as primary end point. Secondary end points included: time for tracheal extubation, pain and sedation scores in PACU upto third postoperative day. For statistical analysis Mann-Whitney-U Test and Fishers exact test (SPSS) were used. We found that the demand for intravenous opioids in PACU was significantly reduced in ITM group (P <0.001). Pain scores were significantly decreased in ITM group until second postoperative day (P <0.01). There was no time delay for tracheal extubation in ITM group, and sedation scores did not differ in either group. We conclude that low dose single shot intrathecal morphine provides adequate postoperative analgesia, reduces the intravenous opioid consumption during the early postoperative period and does not defer early extubation.

Analgesia postoperatoria con morfina intratecal en cirugía proctológica / Postoperative anesthesia using intrathecal morphine in proctologic surgery

Introducción: El dolor postoperatorio es un tipo especial de dolor agudo, de gran repercusión en el sector de la salud. Un control óptimo del mismo en procederes proctológicos y del periné es un verdadero reto. Su tratamiento correcto puede aliviar el sufrimiento y permitir la movilización temprana y acortar la estadía hospitalaria. Objetivos: Identificar la utilidad de opioides en analgesia postoperatoria en cirugía proctológica. Método: Se realizó un estudio experimental, a simple ciegas, comparativo y prospectivo, para seleccionar la dosis de morfina intratecal a utilizar para la analgesia postoperatoria en pacientes a quienes se les realizó cirugía proctológica en el Servicio de Anestesia y Reanimación del Hospital Docente Clínico Quirúrgico Dr. Salvador Allende durante el 2009. La muestra estuvo constituida por 210 pacientes, seleccionados de forma aleatoria. Se agruparon en tres grupos según la dosis de morfina administrada: Grupo I (74 pacientes) se administró 3 µg/Kg; Grupo II (68 pacientes) 4 µg/Kg y en el Grupo III (68 pacientes) 5 µg/Kg. Resultados: El valor medio de la duración de la analgesia en horas en el Grupo I fue de 11,97 ± 1,67 DS, en el grupo II fue de 21,54 ± 2,29 y en el III de 21,4 ± 2,03. El prurito fue el efecto adverso con mayor incidencia, seguido por la retención urinaria, las nauseas y los vómitos. Conclusiones: La dosis de 4 µg/Kg parece ser la más recomendable para la analgesia postoperatoria con morfina intratecal en cirugía proctológica si se toma en cuenta la duración de la analgesia y los efectos adversos encontrados en nuestro estudio.

Postoperative pain is a special type of acute pain of a great repercussion in the health sector. Its optimal control in proctologic procedures and of perineum is a real challenge. Its appropriate treatment may to relief suffering allowing an early mobilization and to shorten the hospital stay. Objectives: to identify the usefulness of opioids in postoperative surgery in proctologic anesthesia. Method: A prospective, comparative, double blind and experimental study was conducted to choice the dose of intrathecal morphine to be used for postoperative analgesia in patients underwent proctologic surgery in the Service of Anesthesia and Resuscitation of the "Dr. Salvador Allende" Clinical Surgical Teaching Hospital during 2009. Sample included 210 randomized patients divided into three groups according the dose of morphine administered: I Group (74 patients) received 3 µg/Kg; II Group (68 patients) received 4 µg/Kg and III group (68 patients) received 5 µg/Kg. Results: The mean value in hours of analgesia length in I group was of 11,97 ± 1,67 DS, in the II group it was of 21,54 ± 2,29, and in the III group, it was of 21,4 ± 2,03. Pruritus had the higher incidence as adverse effect, followed by urinary retention, nauseas and vomiting. Conclusions: Dose of 4 µg/Kg seems to be the more recommendable for the postoperative analgesia using intrathecal morphine in proctologic surgery if we take into account the analgesia length and the adverse effects found in our study.

Hydroxyzine for the prevention of pruritus and nausea vomiting from spinal morphine in patients having transabdominal hysterectomy under combined spinal-general anesthesia: A randomized control trial.

Background: Pruritus and nausea vomiting are common side effects of spinal morphine and general anesthesia. Hydroxyzine is one of the antihistamines that are used for treating pruritic and nauseous patients. A randomized prospective double-blind study was undertaken in order to identify the preventive effects of hydroxyzine to prevent pruritus and nausea vomiting in patients who have transabdominal hysterectomy under combined spinal-general anesthesia. Methods: 80 patients scheduled for elective transabdominal hysterectomy under combined spinal-general anesthesia were randomized to receive either hydroxyzine 75 mg and oral midazolam 7.5 mg (atarax or ATR group) or placebo and oral midazolam 7.5 mg (control or C group) as premedication at least half an hour before their operation. Clinical data (vital signs, pruritic score, nauseous score, sedation score, etcetera) were recorded at pre-operative, intraoperative and 48-hour post-operative periods. All patients had spinal block with 0.5% heavy bupivacaine 2 ml with 0.3 mg preservative free morphine and general anesthesia with thiopenthal sodium 5 mg/kg as induction, intubated with atracurium 0.6 mg/kg and maintenance with nitrous oxide in 50% oxygen and isoflurane. A conventional reversal technique was done in all patients. Intravenous fentanyl was used for pain as needed, oral chropheniramine syrup 2 tsp (4 mg/10 ml) every 4 hours was used for pruritus and intravenous ondanzetron (8 mg) was used for nausea/vomiting in the post-operative period. Results: Pruritus and nausea vomiting were observed blindly 24 and 48 hours post-operation. At 24 hours post-operation, there were 5 patients in the ATR group (12.5%) and 6 patients in the control group (15%) who had mild pruritus. There was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.745). At 48 hours post-operation, all patients were free of pruritus. There were 2 patients who had mild nausea (5%) and 2 patients who had moderate nausea (5%) in the control group within 24 hours post-operation. In the ATR group there was no patient who had mild or moderate nausea. There was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.152). At 48 hours post-operation, there was 1 patient in each group who had mild nausea (2.5%), which had no significant difference. At 24 and 48 hours post-operation, all patients were free of vomiting. Conclusion: Hydroxyzine cannot prevent pruritus and nausea/vomiting from spinal morphine in patients having transabdominal hysterectomy under combined spinal-general anesthesia.

Optimizing the dose of intrathecal morphine when combined with continuous 3-in-1 nerve block after total knee replacement / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Continuous femoral 3-in-1 block alone is insufficient for the treatment of severe pain after total knee replacement (TKR). Intrathecal (IT) morphine provides effective postoperative analgesia but may result in many side effects. The optimal dose of spinal morphine when combined with continuous 3-in-1 block after TKR is not known. METHODS: Patients were randomized to receive IT morphine in five groups (n = 20 per group): 1) 0.0 mg, 2) 0.05 mg, 3) 0.1 mg, 4) 0.15 mg, and 5) 0.2 mg. All patients received continuous 3-in-1 block performed with 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.125% bupivacaine at the rate of 2 ml/h plus PCA boluses of 1 ml with a lockout of 10 minutes. The intensity of pain at rest and on movement of the knee was assessed by using a visual analog scale for the first two postoperative days. RESULTS: All treatment groups produced effective pain relief and decreased cumulative femoral PCA bolus use of 0.125% bupivacaine compared with control, respectively (P < 0.05); however, there were no significant differences among the treatment groups. The incidence of vomiting was significantly more frequent with 0.1-0.2 mg IT morphine groups compared with control, respectively (P < 0.05). The rate of administration of antipruritic medication was increased as IT morphine dose increased (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Use of 0.05 mg IT morphine would appear to provide the optimal balance between pain relief and adverse effects following TKR.

Implantable Intrathecal Drug Delivery Pump in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Patient : A case report

Implantable intrathecal pump is one of the therapeutic options for intractable pain. A 24-year-old male with complex regional pain syndrome was suffering from right lower extremity pain. He had all modalities of treatment including spinal cord stimulator. However, his pain had been worse in the past 6 months. His visual analogue pain scale (VAS) was 8-10 and he could not sit or walk. Only opioid was thought to be effective. Then, intrathecal pump was considered. We estimated the minimal effective dose of spinal morphine before implantation. 0.3 mg of morphine was injected intrathecally as a starting dose. Dosage had been increased up to 0.8 mg in 10 days. His VAS score decreased from 8 to 5. He could sleep without pain and walk with crutch. Therefore, intrathecal pump was inserted. He could tolerate to pain. This case suggests that intrathecal morphine delivery can provide effective treatment for intractable non-malignant pain.

The Effect of Intrathecal Morphine Added to Continuous Femoral 3-in-1 Nerve Block for Analgesia after Total Knee Replacement / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Most of the patients who received a 3-in-1 nerve block for analgesia after total knee replacement (TKR) complained of pain in the back of the knee. We investigated the value of an intrathecal (IT) morphine in patients receiving continuous 3-in-1 nerve block with a PCA technique for pain control after unilateral TKR. METHODS: Group 1 (n = 20) received spinal anesthesia with IT fentanyl 10microgram. Group 2 (n = 20) received spinal anesthesia with IT morphine 0.1 mg. All patients received continuous 3-in-1 nerve block performed with 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine with epinephrine 1 : 200000, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.125% bupivacaine at the rate of 2 ml/h plus PCA boluses of 1 ml with a lockout of 10 min. The intensity of pain at rest and on movement was assessed by the patients using a visual analog scale (VAS) for the first 2 postoperative days. RESULTS: Patients in Group 2 reported significantly lower VAS pain scores at rest than those in Group 1 for the first 1 day (P < 0.05). Cumulative PCA bolus use of 0.125% bupivacaine in Group 2 was significantly lower than those in Group 1 for the first 2 days (P < 0.05). The incidences of pruritus in Groups 1 and 2 were 0 and 50%, respectively (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We determined that the addition of IT morphine 0.1 mg to continuous femoral 3-in-1 nerve block improves postoperative analgesia after TKR.

Prolongation of Tetracaine - Spinal Anesthesia by Intrathecal Morphine / 대한마취과학회지

Narcotic analgesics may be added to spinal anesthetics solution to improve the quality of sensorimotor blockade and to produce postoperative pain relief. The opioid-related side effects of respiratory depression, pruritus, nausea, and urinary retension also occur with intrathecal administration and the effects are dose-related. It is difficult to select morphine with spinal anesthetic solution due to fatal side-effect, respiratory depression. Intrathecal morphine dose used for our study was less than 1mg, thereby the risk of respiratory depression was decreased. There was no report that the addition of morphine affected the motor block produced by the local anesthetics in spinal anesthesia. But in our study, we found that 0.9 mg of intrathecal morphine produced prolongation of optimal condition for operation(more than 3 hours duration), and sufficient postoperative pain relief(for about 20 hours) without respiratory depression in 28 out of 30 spinal anesthesia cases. On the other hand, 0.5 mg or 0.7 mg of intrathecal morphine produced sufficient postoperative pain relief without respiratory depression(for about 20 hours), but insufficient prolongation of optimal condition for operation in each 30 cases of spinal anesthesia.