Prescripción de analgésicos no opioides en un Servicio de Ortopedia / Prescription of non-opioid analgesics in an Orthopedics Service

Introducción: El dolor asociado a las alteraciones del sistema musculoesquelético debe ser tratado frecuentemente por los especialistas en Ortopedia. Los analgésicos no opioides se ubican dentro de los fármacos que más se prescriben en este Servicio, aunque no siempre de modo adecuado, según los principios de la prescripción racional. Objetivo: Caracterizar el uso de analgésicos no opioides en el servicio de Ortopedia del Hospital Dr. Salvador Allende. Material y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de utilización de medicamentos del tipo prescripción-indicación y esquema terapéutico. Se revisaron las historias clínicas de 70 pacientes ingresados en el Servicio de Ortopedia del Hospital Dr. Salvador Allende, durante el período comprendido desde septiembre de 2018 hasta enero de 2019. Resultados: Predominó el sexo femenino y la media de edad de 71,3 años en los pacientes estudiados con una desviación estándar de 22.2 años. Los analgésicos más prescritos fueron dipirona, diclofenaco y paracetamol, en indicaciones aprobadas donde destacaron las fracturas, la celulitis y la seudoartrosis. En la totalidad de los casos, las dosis empleadas fueron adecuadas, no así los intervalos de administración ni la duración del tratamiento. Conclusiones: Es alentador el predominio de la prescripción de analgésicos no opioides con buena relación beneficio-riesgo. No obstante, la presencia de prescripciones irracionales en cuanto a intervalos de administración y duración del tratamiento, indica un déficit en la práctica de la terapéutica analgésica que no debe ser ignorado(AU)

Introduction: The pain associated with alterations of the musculoskeletal system should be frequently treated by the specialist in Orthopedics. Non-opioid analgesics are the most prescribed drugs in this medical service although they are not always used appropriately according to the principles of national prescription. Objective: To characterize the use of non-opioid analgesics in the orthopedics service of the Dr. Salvador Allende Hospital. Material and Methods: A descriptive study of the use of prescription-indication medications and therapeutic scheme was conducted. Medical records of 70 patients admitted to the orthopedics service of the Dr. Salvador Allende Hospital during the period between September 2018 and January 2019 were reviewed. Results: The female sex and a mean age of 71.3 years with standard deviation of 22,2 years predominated in the study. The most frequently used analgesics, which were indicated in the treatment of fractures, cellulitis and pseudarthrosis, were dipyrone, diclofenac and paracetamol. In all cases, the doses used were adequate, but not the administration intervals or the duration of treatment. Conclusions: The predominance of the prescription of non-opioid analgesics with a good benefit-risk ratio is encouraging. However, the presence of irrational prescriptions regarding administration intervals and duration of treatment indicates a deficit in analgesic therapy that should not be ignored(AU)

Impact of post-thoracotomy analgesia with dexmedetomidine and morphine on immunocytes: a randomized clinical trial / Impacto da analgesia pós-toracotomia com dexmedetomidina e morfina em imunócitos: estudo randomizado

Abstract Objective This study aimed to investigate the impact of post-thoracotomy analgesia with dexmedetomidine and morphine on immunocytes. Methods A total of 118 patients with post-thoracotomy Patient-Controlled Intravenous Analgesia (PCIA) in our hospital from March 2016 to July 2018 were randomly selected and divided into the Composite (COM) Group (57 patients administered with dexmedetomidine [1.0 µg.kg-1 body weight] and morphine [0.48 mg.kg-1 body weight]) and the Morphine (MOR) group (61 patients administered with morphine [0.48 mg.kg-1]). The values of lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+) and Natural Killer cells in the peripheral blood of these two groups were detected by FACSCalibur flow cytometry at different time points (before anesthesia induction [T0], immediately after tracheal extubation [T1], 12 hours after surgery [T2], 24 hours after surgery [T3], 48 hours after surgery [T4], 72 hours after surgery [T5], and 7 days after surgery [T6]). The doses of morphine at T3 to T5 and the adverse reactions between the two groups were also recorded and compared. Results The CD3+ level and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio at T2 to T5 and the CD4+ level and NK cells at T3 to T5 were significantly higher in the COM Group than in the MOR Group (p< 0.05). The postoperative morphine dose and the incidence of postoperative itching, nausea, and vomiting were significantly lower in the COM Group than in the MOR Group (p< 0.05). Conclusions Dexmedetomidine combined with morphine for post-thoracotomy PCIA can improve the function of immunocytes, reduce morphine consumption, and reduce the adverse reactions during analgesia induction.

Resumo Objetivo Estudar o impacto em linfócitos causado pelo uso da dexmedetomidina associada à morfina para analgesia pós-toracotomia. Método Um total de 118 pacientes utilizando Analgesia Intravenosa Controlada pelo Paciente (AICP) pós-toracotomia em nosso hospital, de março de 2016 a julho de 2018, foram selecionados aleatoriamente e divididos em dois grupos: o Grupo Combinado [COM, 57 pacientes que receberam dexmedetomidina (1,0 µg.kg-1 de peso corpóreo) associada à morfina (0,48 mg.kg-1 de peso corpóreo)] e o Grupo Morfina [MOR, 61 pacientes, que receberam somente morfina (0,48 mg.kg-)]. Os valores dos subconjuntos de linfócitos (CD3+, CD4+ e CD8+) e das células NK no sangue periférico desses dois grupos foram medidos por citometria de fluxo FACSCalibur em diferentes momentos do estudo [antes da indução anestésica (T0), imediatamente após extubação traqueal (T1), 12 horas após a cirurgia (T2), 24 horas após a cirurgia (T3), 48 horas após a cirurgia (T4), 72 horas após a cirurgia (T5) e 7 dias após a cirurgia (T6)]. As doses de morfina do momento T3 ao T5 e as reações adversas entre os dois grupos também foram registradas e comparadas. Resultados O nível de CD3+ e a razão CD4+/CD8+ de T2 a T5, e o nível de CD4+ e as células NK de T3 a T5 do Grupo COM foram significantemente maiores (p< 0,05) quando comparados ao Grupo MOR. A dose de morfina no pós-operatório e a incidência de prurido, náusea e vômito no pós-operatório foram significantemente menores no grupo MOR (p< 0,05). Conclusões Dexmedetomidina combinada com morfina para AICP no período pós-toracotomia pode melhorar a função dos linfócitos, reduzir o consumo de morfina e diminuir reações adversas durante a analgesia.

Compromiso neuropático y autonómico en Enfermedad de Fabry: presentación de casos clínicos / Neuropathy and Fabry's disease: report of five cases

Fabry's disease is an X-linked multisistemic lisosomal storage disorder caused by deficiency or absence in α-Galatosidase A. Symptoms develop early in childhood with small fiber neuropathy, autonomic disorders and skin lesions (angiokeratomas). More severe in males, patients develop over years heart disease (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, bradycardia), proteinuria, renal failure, transient ischemic attacks and stroke, associated with decreased life expectancy. We report five patients with Fabry's disease aged between 21 to 56 years and with family history. Neuropathic symptoms are described and neurophysiological testing findings of nerve conduction studies, quantitative sensory testing, autonomic testing and sympathetic skin response are presented.

The effect of dexmedetomidine on the acute pain after cardiothoracic surgeries: a systematic review

Abstract Introduction: Acute post-operative pain remains a troublesome complication of cardiothoracic surgeries. Several randomized controlled trials have examined the efficacy of dexmedetomidine as a single or as an adjuvant agent before, during and after surgery. However, no evidence-based conclusion has been reached regarding the advantages of dexmedetomidine over the other analgesics. Objective: To review the effect of dexmedetomidine on acute post-thoracotomy/sternotomy pain. Methods: Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were used to search for randomized controlled trials that investigated the analgesia effect of dexmedetomidine on post-thoracotomy/sternotomy pain in adults' patients. The outcomes were postoperative pain intensity or incidence, postoperative analgesia duration, and the number of postoperative analgesic requirements. Results: From 1789 citations, 12 trials including 804 subjects met the inclusion criteria. Most studies showed that pain score was significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine group up to 24 hours after surgery. Two studies reported the significant lower postoperative analgesia requirements and one study reported the significant lower incidence of acute pain after surgery in dexmedetomidine group. Ten studies found that the total consumption of narcotics was significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine group. The most reported complications of dexmedetomidine were nausea/vomiting, bradycardia and hypotension. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine can be used as a safe and efficient analgesic agent for reducing the postoperative pain and analgesic requirements up to 24 hours after cardiothoracic surgeries. However, further well-designed trials are needed to find the optimal dosage, route, time, and duration of dexmedetomidine administration.

Amitriptyline and intraoral devices for migraine prevention: a randomized comparative trial / Amitriptilina e dispositivos intraorais para a prevenção da migrânea: estudo randomizado e comparativo

ABSTRACT Objectives: Nonpharmacological treatments, such as the Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibition Tension Suppression System (NTI-tss), are approved for migraine prophylaxis. We aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the NTI-tss and to compare its efficacy with amitriptyline and with a sham intraoral device in the preventive treatment of migraine. Methods: Consecutive patients with migraine were randomized to receive 25 mg of amitriptyline/day (n = 34), NTI-tss (n = 33) and a non-occlusal splint (n = 30). The headache frequency was evaluated at six and 12 weeks. Results: The amitriptyline group showed, respectively, 60% and 64% reduction in attack frequency at six and 12 weeks (P = 0.000). In the NTI-tss and non-occlusal splint groups, reduction was 39% and 30%, respectively, at six weeks and 48% for both groups at 12 weeks. Conclusions: Amitriptyline proved superior to the NTI-tss and the non-occlusal splint. Despite its approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration, the NTI-tss was not superior to a sham device.

RESUMO Objetivo: Tratamentos não farmacológicos como o Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibition Tension Suppression System (NTI-tss), são aprovados para a prevenção da migrânea. Avaliamos a eficácia do NTI-tss no tratamento preventivo da migrânea e comparamos sua eficácia com a de um medicamento tradicional (amitriptilina) e com um dispositivo intraoral que não interfere com a oclusão (placa palatina). Métodos: Pacientes consecutivos com migrânea foram randomizados e receberam 25mg de amitriptilina/dia (n = 34), NTI-tss (n = 33) ou placa palatina não oclusal (n = 30). A frequência da cefaleia foi comparada após seis e 12 semanas. Resultados: No grupo da amitriptilina houve redução de 60% em seis semanas e de 64% em 12 semanas (P = 0.000). Nos grupos do NTI-tss e da placa não oclusal a redução foi respectivamente de 39% e 30% após seis semanas, e de 48% para ambos em 12 semanas. Conclusões: Amitriptilina foi superior ao NTI-tss e à placa palatina no tratamento da migrânea sem aura. O NTI-tss obteve resultados similares aos da placa não oclusal.

Postpartum hemorrhage and pregnancy induced hypertension during emergency lower segment cesarean section: dexmedetomidine to our rescue / Hemorragia pós-parto e hipertensão induzida pela gravidez durante cesariana de emergência em segmento uterino inferior: dexmedetomidina para nosso resgate

Abstract Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective α-2 agonist which has recently revolutionized our anesthesia and intensive care practice. An obstetric patient presented for emergency cesarean delivery under general anesthesia, with pre-eclampsia and postpartum hemorrhage. In carefully selected cases with refractory hypertension and postpartum hemorrhage, dexmedetomidine can be used for improving overall patient outcome. It was beneficial in controlling both the blood pressure and uterine bleeding during cesarean section in our patient.

Resumo Dexmedetomidina é um α2-agonista altamente seletivo que recentemente revolucionou a nossa prática de anestesia e tratamento intensivo. Uma paciente obstétrica foi admitida para cesariana de emergência sob anestesia geral, com pré-eclâmpsia e hemorragia pós-parto. Em casos cuidadosamente selecionados com hipertensão refratária e hemorragia pós-parto, dexmedetomidina pode ser usada para melhorar o resultado geral da paciente. O fármaco foi benéfico no controle tanto da pressão arterial quanto do sangramento uterino durante cesariana em nossa paciente.

Comparison of two combinations of opioid and non-opioid analgesics for acute periradicular abscess: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract Acute periradicular abscess is a condition characterized by the formation and propagation of pus in the periapical tissues and generally associated with debilitating pain. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the overall analgesic effectiveness of two combinations of opioid and non-opioid analgesics for acute periradicular abscess. Material and Methods: This study included 26 patients who sought emergency care in a Brazilian dental school. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: Co/Ac - oral prescription of codeine (30 mg) plus acetaminophen (500 mg), every 4 h, for 3 days or Tr/Ac - oral prescription of tramadol hydrochloride (37.5 mg) plus acetaminophen (500 mg) on the same schedule. Two factors were evaluated: (1) pain scores recorded by the patients in a pain diary 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after treatment, using the Visual Analogue Scale; and (2) the occurrence of adverse effects. Results: In both groups, there was a reduction in pain scores over time. For the Co/Ac group, there was a significant reduction in the scores 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after treatment (P<0.05). In the Tr/Ac group, the scores significantly decreased over time from time point 6 h (P<0.05). Comparing the pain at each time point, the groups were not significantly different (P>0.05), i.e., both treatments were effective in controlling pain caused by APA; however, the combination of Tr/Ac caused more adverse reactions as two patients had to stop using the medication. Conclusion: This study suggests that, considering both analgesic efficacy and safety, the combination of codeine and acetaminophen is more effective to control moderate to severe pain from acute periradicular abscesses.

The use of alpha-1 adrenergic blockers in children with distal ureterolithiasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: Urinary lithiasis is the main urologic cause of emergency treatment in adult patient. In the past years, the incidence in children population has increased. However, literature about the use of alpha-1 adrenergic blockers in pediatric population with distal ureterolithiasis is still scarce. The drug acts by decreasing ureter contractions, especially in the distal portion, facilitating calculus expulsion. Objective: This review has the objective to evaluate the use of alpha-1 adrenergic blockers as medical expulsive treatment in children with distal ureterolithiasis. Evidence Acquisition: An electronic literature search was performed using the MEDLINE, COCHRANE, and LILACS databases. We further searched manually the references of the primary studies. Searches were concluded on October 4th, 2014. Articles were selected, independently and in pairs, by the respective titles and summaries. Any divergence was resolved by consensus. Evidence Synthesis: Alpha-1 adrenergic antagonists increased the probability of calculus expulsion by 27% (NNT=4). Calculi smaller than 5mm, increased by 33% (NNT=3). Larger than 5mm, increased by 34% (NNT=3). Conclusion: Alpha-1 adrenergic blocker use is related with a greater incidence of expulsion of ureteral calculi, smaller or greater than 5mm, and fewer episodes of pain when compared to ibuprofen. However it is necessary larger samples to enhance the power analysis of the expulsion of ureteral calculi larger than 5mm and the episodes of pain. Patient Summary: This review analyzed the outcome of alpha adrenergic antagonist in children with ureteral calculi. We conclude that it is the best medicine for use, since it helps the expulsion of the stone.

Comparison of different postoperative paın managements in patients submitted to transperitoneal laparoscopic renal and adrenal surgery

ABSTRACTPurpose:We compared the effects of local levobupivacaine infiltration, intravenous paracetamol, intravenous lornoxicam treatments on postoperative analgesia in patients submitted to transperitoneal laparoscopic renal and adrenal surgery.Materials and Methods:Sixty adult patients 26 and 70 years who underwent laparoscopic renal and adrenal surgery were randomized into three groups with 20 patients each: Group 1 received local 20mL of levobupivacaine 0.25% infiltration to the trocar incisions before skin closure. In group 2, 1g paracetamol was given to the patients intravenously 30 minutes before extubation and 5g paracetamol was given intravenoulsy in the 24 postoperative period. In group 3, 8mg lornoxicam i.v. was given 30 minutes before extubation and 8mg lornoxicam i.v. was given in the 24 postoperative period. In the postoperative period, pain scores, cumulative tramadol, and additional pethidine consumption were evaluated.Results:Postoperative pain scores significantly reduced in each group (p < 0.05). Although pain levels of the groups were not significantly different at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours postoperatively, cumulative tramadol consumptions were higher in group 1 than the others. (Group 1 = 370.6 ± 121.6mg, Group 2: 220.9 ± 92.5mg, Group 3 = 240.7 ± 100.4mg.) (p < 0.005). The average dose of pethidine administered was significantly lower in groups 2 and 3 compared with group 1 (Group 1: 145mg, Group 2: 100mg, Group 3: 100mg) (p = 0.024).Conclusions:Levobupivacaine treated group required significantly more intravenous tramadol when compared with paracetamol and lornoxicam groups in patients submitted to transperitoneal laparoscopic renal and adrenal surgery.

Amitriptyline and aerobic exercise or amitriptyline alone in the treatment of chronic migraine: a randomized comparative study / Amitriptilina e exercício aeróbico ou amitriptilina isolada no tratamento da migrânea crônica: um estudo randomizado e comparativo

To compare the preventive treatment benefits of amitriptyline and aerobic exercise or amitriptyline alone in patients with chronic migraine. Method Sixty patients, both genders, aged between 18 and 50 years, with a diagnosis of chronic migraine, were randomized in groups called amitriptyline and aerobic exercise or amitriptyline alone. The following parameters were evaluated: headache frequency, intensity and duration of headache, days of the analgesic medication use, body mass index (BMI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scores. Results In the evaluated parameters, was observed decrease in headache frequency (p=0.001), moderate intensity (p=0.048), in headache duration (p=0.001), the body mass index (p=0.001), Beck Depression Inventory (p=0.001) and Beck Anxiety Inventory scores (p=0.001), when groups were compared in the end of third month. Conclusion In this study, the amitriptyline was an effective treatment for chronic migraine, but its efficacy was increased when combined with aerobic exercise. .

Comparar os benefícios do tratamento preventivo em pacientes com migrânea crônica utilizando a amitriptilina associada ao exercício aeróbico ou amitriptilina isolada. Método Sessenta pacientes de ambos os sexos com idade entre 18 e 50 anos e com diagnóstico de migrânea crônica foram randomizados para receber amitriptilina e orientados a: praticar exercícios aeróbicos ou somente a amitriptilina isolada. Os seguintes parâmetros foram avaliados: frequência, intensidade e duração da cefaleia, dias de uso de medicação analgésica, índice de massa corporal (IMC), e pontuação nas escalas de Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) e Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Resultados Nos parâmetros avaliados, houve redução na frequência da cefaleia (p=0,001), intensidade moderada (p=0,048), na duração (p=0,001), no índice de massa corporal (p=0,001), e pontuação nas escalas Beck Depression Inventory (p=0,001) e Beck Anxiety Inventory (p=0,001), quando os grupos foram comparados ao final do terceiro mês. Conclusão A amitriptilina foi um tratamento eficaz para a migrânea crônica, mas sua eficácia foi maior quando combinada com exercício aeróbio. .

Effect of vitamin D therapy in addition to amitriptyline on migraine attacks in pediatric patients

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of supplementary vitamin D therapy in addition to amitriptyline on the frequency of migraine attacks in pediatric migraine patients. Fifty-three children 8-16 years of age and diagnosed with migraine following the International Headache Society 2005 definition, which includes childhood criteria, were enrolled. Patients were classified into four groups on the basis of their 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels. Group 1 had normal 25(OH)D levels and received amitriptyline therapy alone; group 2 had normal 25(OH)D levels and received vitamin D supplementation (400 IU/day) plus amitriptyline; group 3 had mildly deficient 25(OH)D levels and received amitriptyline plus vitamin D (800 IU/day); and group 4 had severely deficient 25(OH)D levels and was given amitriptyline plus vitamin D (5000 IU/day). All groups were monitored for 6 months, and the number of migraine attacks before and during treatment was determined. Calcium, phosphorus alkaline phosphatase, parathormone, and 25(OH)D levels were also determined before and during treatment. Results were compared between the groups. Data obtained from the groups were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance. The number of pretreatment attacks in groups 1 to 4 was 7±0.12, 6.8±0.2, 7.3±0.4, and 7.2±0.3 for 6 months, respectively (all P>0.05). The number of attacks during treatment was 3±0.25, 1.76±0.37 (P<0.05), 2.14±0.29 (P<0.05), and 1.15±0.15 (P<0.05), respectively. No statistically significant differences in calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, or parathormone levels were observed (P>0.05). Vitamin D given in addition to anti-migraine treatment reduced the number of migraine attacks.

The role of xerostomia in burning mouth syndrome: a case-control study / O papel da xerostomia na sindrome da ardencia bucal: estudo caso controle

Objective : To assess the efficacy of anti-xerostomic topical medication (urea 10%) in patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS). Method : Thirty-eight subjects diagnosed with BMS according to the International Association for the Study of Pain guidelines were randomized to either placebo (5% sodium carboxymethylcellulose, 0.15% methyl paraben, and 10% glycerol in distilled water qsp 100 g) or treatment (urea 10%) to be applied to the oral cavity 3-4 times per day for 3 months. The patients were evaluated before and after treatment with the following instruments: the EDOF-HC protocol (Orofacial Pain Clinic – Hospital das Clínicas), a xerostomia questionnaire, and quantitative sensory testing. Results : There were no differences in salivary flow or gustative, olfactory, or sensory thresholds (P>0.05). Fifteen (60%) patients reported improvement with the treatments (P=0.336). Conclusion : In conclusion, there were no differences between groups, and both exhibited an association between reported improvement and salivation. .

Objetivo : Avaliar a eficácia do uso de medicação tópica anti xerostomica (ureia 10%) em pacientes com síndrome de ardência bucal. Método : Trinta e oito sujeitos diagnosticados com síndrome de ardência bucal de acordo com os critérios da Associação Internacional para Estudo da Dor foram randomizados para grupo placebo (5% de carboximetilcelulose de sódio, 0,15% de metilparabeno e 10% de glicerol em água destilada qsp 100g) ou grupo tratamento (ureia 10%) para ser aplicada na cavidade oral 3-4 vezes ao dia, durante três meses. Os pacientes foram avaliados antes e depois do tratamento: protocolo EDOF-HC, questionário de xerostomia, testes sensitivos quantitativos. Resultados : Não houve diferenças no fluxo salivar, limiares gustativos, olfativos e somestésicos (Mann-Whitney P>0,05). Quinze (60%) dos pacientes tiveram melhora com o tratamento (P=0,336, oneway ANOVA ). Conclusão : Em conclusão não houve diferenças entre os grupos, ambos apresentaram uma associação entre melhora e salivação. .

Effects of Panax ginseng extract in patients with fibromyalgia: a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of an extract of Panax ginseng in patients with fibromyalgia. A randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial was carried out over 12 weeks to compare the effects of P. ginseng (100 mg/d) with amitriptyline (25 mg/d) and placebo in 38 patients with fibromyalgia: 13 in Group I (amitriptyline), 13 in Group II (placebo), and 12 in Group III (P. ginseng). Ratings on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) revealed a reduction in pain in the P. ginseng group (p < .0001), an improvement in fatigue (p < .0001) and an improvement in sleep (p < .001), with respect to baseline characteristics, but there were no differences between the three groups. With respect to anxiety, improvements occurred in the P. ginseng group compared to baseline (p < .0001); however, amitriptyline treatment resulted in significantly greater improvements (p < .05). P. ginseng reduced the number of tender points and improved patients' quality of life (using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire - FIQ); however, there were no differences between groups. The beneficial effects experienced by patients for all parameters suggest a need for further studies to be performed on the tolerability and efficacy of this phytotherapic as a complementary therapy for fibromyalgia.

Uso de paracetamol en el control del dolor en ortodoncia / Use of paracetamol in pain control in orthodontics

Se realizó un ensayo clínico aleatorizado para determinar el efecto del uso de paracetamol en la percepción del dolor en pacientes de ortodoncia posterior a la aplicación de separaciones molares. En 30 alumnos entre 16 y 23 años se les aplicó separaciones elásticas entre los primeros molares permanentes. Los voluntarios fueron designados en dos grupos: 15 pacientes en el grupo experimental quienes recibieron paracetamol cada 8 hrs. por 3 días y 15 pacientes en el grupo control quienes no recibieron ningún medicamento. En total 60 molares fueron incluidos en cada grupo. La percepción del dolor fue evaluada a las 3, 12, 24 horas y a los días 2, 3, 4, 5 y 7 a través de un cuestionario estándar de autollenado haciendo uso de la escala visual análoga del dolor (EVA). El 96,7 por ciento de los pacientes presentaron algún grado de dolor tanto del grupo de intervención como el de control. Recién en el tercer día el paracetamol presentó un mejor comportamiento en relación al control, pero la diferencia no fue estadísticamente significativas (p=0.56). La intensidad también fue menor a partir del día para el grupo del paracetamol, mostrando diferencias estadísticamente significativa en cuanto a intensidad del dolor con una media según EVA de 1.13 + 1.07 en el grupo A y de 1,63 + 1,38 en el grupo control (p=0.028), alcanzando su punto máximo al séptimo día con promedios de 0,60 + 0,79 y 1,30 + 1,38 respectivamente (p=<0,001). Por lo tanto, el paracetamol demostró ser efectivo en el control del dolor sólo 36 hrs posterior a la aplicación de separaciones molares.

We performed a randomized clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of acetaminophen to decrease the perception of pain after application of orthodontic molar separations. In 30 students between 16 and 23 years was applied elastic separation between the first permanent molars. Volunteers were assigned into two groups: 15 patients in the experimental group who received acetaminophen every 8 hrs. for 3 days and 15 patients in the control group who received no medication. A total of 60 molars were included in each group. Pain perception was assessed at 3, 12, 24 hours and on days 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 through auto-fill standard questionnaire using visual analog scale of pain (VAS). 96.7 percent of patients had some degree of pain both in the intervention group and control groups. Not until the third day the acetaminophen presented a better performance in relation to control, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.56). The intensity was also lower on the day for the acetaminophen group, showing statistically significant differences in intensity of pain with an average VAS of 1.13 + 1.07 in group A and 1.63 + 1.38 in the group control (p = 0.028), surtoing on the seventh day with averages of 0.60 + 1.30 + 0.79 and 1.38 respectively (p = <0.001). Therefore, acetaminophen was effective in pain control only 36 hrs after application of separations molars.

Removal of oral lichen planus by CO2 laser

The aim of this case report is to present a histologically diagnosed oral lichen planus excised by the CO2 laser. Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disease of unknown etiology. Different treatments have been used to manage this condition. A 46 year-old female was referred to the Laser Clinic of the Dental School of the Federal University of Bahia to excise a lesion characterized by white patches on the oral mucosa, which was causing pain and burning sensation and had not respond to treatment with triamcinolone and corticosteroids for 3 months. CO2 laser was used to remove the lesion and the conclusive histopathological diagnosis was oral lichen planus. The patient was followed up over 1year with no signs of lesion recurrence. The use of the CO2 laser was found to be useful and effective to treat lichen planus.

O objetivo deste relato de caso é apresentar a remoção cirúrgica com o laser de CO2 de um líquen plano diagnosticado histologicamente. O líquen plano da cavidade oral é uma doença muco-cutânea crônica de etiologia desconhecida. Tratamentos diferentes têm sido usados para sua resolução. Uma paciente do sexo feminino de 46 anos de idade foi encaminhada para a Clinica de Laser da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal da Bahia para a remoção de uma lesão na boca caracterizada pela presença de manchas brancas que estava causando dor e ardimento não havia respondido a tratamento com triamcinolone e corticoides durante 3 meses. O laser de CO2 foi utilizado para remover a lesão e o diagnóstico histopatológico conclusivo foi o de líquen plano de cavidade oral. A paciente foi acompanhada durante 1 ano sem sinal de recorrência da lesão. O uso do laser de CO2 foi considerado útil e efetivo no tratamento do líquen plano.

Evaluation of gastric tolerability, antinociceptive and antiinflammatory activity of combination NSAIDs in rats.

Background : Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in clinical practice. Presently, several varieties of fixed dose combinations (FDCs) of NSAIDs are available over the counter and are being prescribed too. There is paucity of literature regarding comparative efficacy of these combinations against their individual component. Various clinical studies have documented increased incidence of gastric ulcerations with usage of more than one NSAID simultaneously. Objectives : To study gastric tolerability, antinociceptive and antiinflammatory activity of combination NSAIDs in rats. Materials and Methods : Gastric tolerability of different NSAIDs was observed after administration of drugs for 7 days orally. On 7 th day, 4 h after drug administration, rats were sacrificed and stomach mucosa was examined for ulcerations. Analgesic or antinociceptive activity of single and combination NSAIDs was evaluated using Writhing test model. For induction of writhing, 4% normal saline (hypertonic saline) was injected (0.1 ml/10 gm) intraperitoneally. Evaluation of antiinflammatory activity for FDCs of NSAIDs was done by using rat paw edema model with the aid of plethysmometer. Paw edema was induced by injecting 0.1 ml of 1% formalin in sub-planter region of hind paw. Results : Analgesic activity was found to be enhanced or significant only in the group pretreated with combination of nimesulide with ibuprofen as compared to ibuprofen-alone group (P = 0.01). Decrease in mean paw edema (antiinflammatory activity) was not significant in rats pretreated with combination NSAIDs as compared to NSAID-alone group. Mean gastric ulcer index was significant in groups pretreated with diclofenac alone (P = 0.03) and in combination groups of nimesulide with diclofenac and ibuprofen with paracetamol as compared to control (P = 0.03, P = 0.007). Conclusion : Addition of ibuprofen to paracetamol and combining diclofenac to nimesulide, significantly increased severity of gastric ulcerations. Fixed dose combination does not possess additional analgesic activity over their individual components, only exception being combination of nimesulide with ibuprofen, which has additional analgesic activity over ibuprofen alone, and this combination was not found to be ulcerogenic. Antiinflammatory activity of ibuprofen, paracetamol and nimesulide was significantly enhanced after addition of diclofenac.

Utilização de medicamentos e fatores associados entre crianças residentes em áreas pobres / Utilización de medicamentos y factores asociados entre niños residentes en áreas pobres / Drug use and associated factors in children living in poor areas

OBJETIVO: Descrever o perfil de uso de medicamentos entre crianças residentes em áreas pobres e fatores associados. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal de base populacional que incluiu 1.382 crianças entre quatro e 11 anos de idade, selecionadas por amostragem aleatória de 24 micro-áreas representativas das zonas mais pobres da população residente no município de Salvador, BA, em 2006. A variável dependente foi o consumo de medicamentos nos 15 dias anteriores à realização dos inquéritos. Foram considerados três grupos de variáveis explanatórias: socioeconômicas, estado de saúde da criança e utilização dos serviços de saúde. A análise ajustada utilizou regressão de Poisson seguindo um modelo conceitual hierarquizado. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de consumo de medicamentos em crianças foi de 48 por cento. As crianças do sexo feminino apresentaram prevalência de utilização de medicamentos superior ao sexo masculino, 50,9 por cento e 45,4 por cento, respectivamente (p=0,004). A prevalência de uso de medicamentos diminuiu significativamente com a idade (p<0,001) em ambos os sexos. Os grupos farmacológicos mais utilizados foram os analgésicos/antitérmicos (25,5 por cento), antibacterianos sistêmicos (6,5 por cento) e antitussígenos/expectorantes (6,2 por cento). Na análise multivariada os fatores determinantes de maior utilização de medicamentos foram: idade (quatro a cinco, seis, sete a oito anos), sexo feminino, mães de cor da pele branca, pior percepção de saúde, interrupção de atividades por problemas de saúde e atendimento de saúde independentemente de estar doente nos últimos 15 dias, gasto com medicamentos no último mês e realização de consultas ao médico nos últimos três meses. CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de uso de medicamentos entre crianças pobres estudadas foi inferior à verificada em outros estudos populacionais no Brasil, mas semelhante à de adultos. A identificação de grupos mais sujeitos ao uso excessivo de medicamentos pode embasar estratégias ...

OBJECTIVE: To describe drug use profile in children living in poor areas and associated factors. METHODS: Population-based, cross-sectional study, including 1,382 children aged between four and 11 years. These children were selected by random sampling of 24 micro-areas, representative of the poorest segments of the population living in the city of Salvador, Northeastern Brazil, in 2006. The dependent variable was drug use in the 15 days preceding the surveys. A total of three groups of explanatory variables were considered: socioeconomic variables, child health status, and use of health services. Adjusted analysis used Poisson regression, following a hierarchical conceptual model. RESULTS: Drug use prevalence in children was 48 percent. Female children showed higher drug use prevalence than males, 50.9 percent and 45.4 percent, respectively (p=0.004). Drug use prevalence decreased significantly with age (p<0.001) in both sexes. Most used pharmacological groups were: analgesics/antipyretics (25.5 percent), systemic antibiotics (6.5 percent), and anti-cough /expectorant drugs (6.2 percent). In the multivariate analysis, factors determining greater drug use were: age (four to five, six, seven to eight years); female sex; white mother; poorer health perception; interruption of activities due to health problems and health care, whether ill or not, in the last 15 days; drug spending in the last month; and medical visits in the last three months. CONCLUSIONS: Drug use prevalence in the poor children studied was below that observed in other population-based studies in Brazil, yet similar to that of adults. The identification of groups most subject to excessive drug use may serve as the basis for strategies to promote their rational use.

OBJETIVO: Describir el perfil de uso de medicamentos entre niños residentes en áreas pobres y factores asociados. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal de base poblacional que incluyó 1.382 niños entre cuatro y 11 años de edad, seleccionadas por muestreo aleatorio de 24 micro-áreas representativas de las zonas más pobres de la población residente en el municipio de Salvador, Noreste de Brasil, en 2006. La variable dependiente fue el consumo de medicamentos en los 15 días anteriores a la realización de las pesquisas. Fueron considerados tres grupos de variables explicatorios: socioeconómicas, estado de salud del niño y utilización de los servicios de salud. El análisis ajustado utilizó regresión de Poisson siguiendo un modelo conceptual jerarquizado. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de consumo de medicamentos en niños fue de 48 por ciento. Los niños del sexo femenino presentaron prevalencia de utilización de medicamentos superior al sexo masculino, 50,9 por ciento y 45,4 por ciento, respectivamente (p=0,004). La prevalencia de uso de medicamentos disminuyó significativamente con la edad (<0,001) en ambos sexos. Los grupos farmacológicos más utilizados fueron los analgésicos/antitérmicos (25,5 por ciento), antibacterianos sistémicos (6,5 por ciento) y antitusígenos/expectorantes (6,2 por ciento). En el análisis multivariado los factores determinantes de mayor utilización de medicamentos fueron: edad (cuatro a cinco, seis, siete a ocho años), sexo femenino, madres de color de piel blanca, peor percepción de salud, interrupción de actividades por problemas de salud y atención de salud independientemente de estar enfermo en los últimos 15 días, gasto con medicamentos en el último mes y realización de consultas con médico en los últimos tres meses. CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia de uso de medicamentos entre niños pobres estudiados fue inferior a la verificada en otros estudios poblacionales en Brasil, pero semejante a la de adultos. La identificación de grupos ...

Antipyretic effect of ketoprofen.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and side effect profile of ketoprofen as well as compliance with respect to the taste of the drug and compare these parameters with those of acetaminophen and ibuprofen. METHODS: A total of 301 patients between 1-14 years of age who applied to emergency rooms of three medical centers with the complaint of fever that required antipyretic therapy were included in the study. Fever was measured with the aid of a tympanic thermometer (Braun Kronberg 6014) and followed for 4-6 hours. The measurement was repeated at 30, 60, 120 minutes, and again 4-6 hours after the initial assessment. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 47.8+/-41.1 months. The patients randomly received 15 mg/kg/dose of acetaminophen (n=112 group 1), 0.5 mg/kg/dose of ketoprofen (n=105, group 2), or 10 mg/kg/dose of ibuprofen (n=84, group 3). Fever was 38.4+/-0.7 degrees C, 38.4+/-0.7 degrees C, and 38.5+/-0.5 degrees C at 30 minutes; 38.0+/-0.7 degrees C, 37.9+/-0.7 degrees C, and 38.0+/-0.6 degrees C at 60 minutes (p>0.05), 37.7+/-0.6 degrees C, 37.6+/-0.7 degrees C, and 37.7+/-0.5 degrees C at 120 minutes (p>0.05); 37.5+/-0.7 degrees C, 37.3+/-0.6 degrees C, and 37.4+/-0.6 degrees C at 4-6 hours after admission (p>0.05). The fever was significantly lower at 30, 60, and 120 minutes in all group s (p<0.05). Early vomiting after medication (<6 hours) was observed in 3.8%, 13.5%, and 9.6% whereas late vomiting (6-48 hours) occurred in 1.3%, 2.7%, and 5.8% respectively (p>0.05). Bad taste was expressed by 5.1%, 12.2%, and 5.8% early (<6 hours), and 3.9%, 8.1%, and 3.8% late (6-48 hours) (p>0.05). There were no differences between age groups for antipyretic effect, taste and adverse effect in three drugs (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: All three drugs were similar in terms of efficacy, adverse effects, and compliance within 48 hours of therapy. These results suggest that ketoprofen may be used for antipyresis as an alternative to acetaminophen and ibuprofen.