Efficacy of gabapentin for prevention of post-thoracotomy pain syndrome / 中华麻醉学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of gabapentin for prevention of post-thoracotomy pain syndrome (PTPS).Methods Sixty-nine ASA physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients of both sexes,aged 46-69 yr,weighing 47-78 kg,scheduled for elective resection for lung cancer under general anesthesia combined with epidural block,were randomly divided into 2 groups using a random number tablegroup A (n =36) and group B (n =33).In group A,gabapentin 300 mg was given orally at 2 h before operation and gabapentin 100 mg was given orally three times a day from 1st day after operation until 10th day after operation.Group B received placebo instead of gabapentin.Epidural blockade with ropivacaine and sufentanil was performed before induction of anesthesia and the level of block was controlled at T4-10.Patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) was performed within 3 days after operation and VAS scores were maintained ≤ 3.The development of pain (numeric rating scale score ＞ 4) within 6 months after operation and the duration were recorded.The consumption of propofol and remifentanil during operation and the number of attempts for PCEA after operation were recorded.The adverse reactions such as postoperative drowsiness,dizziness,fatigue were also recorded.Results Compared with B group,the incidence of pain within 6 months after operation was significantly decreased,the duration of pain was shortened (P ＜ 0.05),and no significant changes were found in the consumption of propofol and remifentanil during operation and the number of attempts for PCEA after operation in A group (P ＞ 0.05).No adverse reactions developed in group B.Mild dizziness and fatigue occurred in 2 patients in group A.Conclusion Gabapentin (continuous application at 2 h before operation and 10 days after operation) can reduce the development of PTPS in patients with no obvious adverse reactions.