Diagnóstico y tratamiento del dolor irruptivo oncológico: recomendaciones de consenso / Diagnosis and treatment of breakthrought pain: consensus document

Introducción y objetivos: el dolor irruptivo oncológico (DIO) es una exacerbación aguda del dolor que presenta diferentes criterios diagnósticos y de tratamiento por parte de los distintos especialistas implicados en su manejo. Para facilitar la toma de decisiones en la práctica clínica habitual, ocho especialistas de referencia de cuatro sociedades científicas implicadas en el manejo del paciente oncológico handiseñado este documento. Métodos: tras una búsqueda bibliográfica en las publicaciones más relevantes sobre DIO se establecieron las recomendaciones preliminares. El grupo de expertos realizó una reunión de trabajo siguiendo la metodología Metaplan® en la que se debatieron las recomendaciones que incorporar al documento. Cada una de las afirmaciones y recomendaciones fueron clasificadas según su grado de recomendación, atendiendo a las categorías del sistema SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network). Resultados: el manejo del DIO requiere una anamnesis completa tanto del DIO como del dolor basal y una exploración física del paciente asociada a pruebas complementarias cuando sean precisas. Los fármacos de elección para el tratamiento del DIO deben ser aquellos que muestren una analgesia potente, con rápido inicio, de efectos secundarios mínimos y de fácil administración. El fentanilo administrado por vía transmucosa es actualmente el principio activo más adecuado a las necesidades analgésicas del dolor irruptivo, con independencia del opioide mayor utilizado para el control del dolor basal. Conclusión: este consenso puede ser una herramienta útil para la mejora de la calidad de vida del paciente con cáncer, ya que permite un mejor diagnóstico y tratamiento del DIO (AU)

Introduction and objectives: Breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) is an acute exacerbation of baseline pain. The clinicians involved in its management have different diagnostic and therapeutic criteria. In order to facilitate decision making in usual clinical practice, 8 reference experts from 4 scientific associations involved in the management of patients with cancer pain have developed this Consensus Document. Methods: After an initial search on the most relevant publicationsin BTcP literature, a set of preliminary recommendations were established. A working meeting was subsequently held with the experts, following the Metaplan® methodology -a structured brainstorming technique- that produced a first version of theConsensus Document which, after several review rounds, was validated by all the participants. Every statement and recommendation was sorted according to its degree of recommendation, following the categories in the SIGN (Scottish IntercollegiateGuidelines Network) system. Results: The management of BTcP requires a full anamnesis, both of BTcP itself and of baseline pain, a physical examination and the supplementary tests that are deemed necessary. The drugs of choice for the treatment of BTcP must be those with a potent and rapid analgesic effect a short duration, minimal side effects and easy administration. Transmucosal fentanyl is currently the active ingredient most fitting to the analgesic needs of BTcP, regardless of the major opioid used for control of the baseline pain. Conclusion: This Consensus can be a very useful tool to improve the quality of life in cancer patients, because it guidesthe clinician towards a better diagnose and treatment of BTcP (AU)

Diagnóstico y tratamiento del dolor irruptivo oncológico: recomendaciones de consenso / No disponible

Introducción y objetivos: El dolor irruptivo oncológico (DIO) es una exacerbación aguda del dolor que presenta diferentes criterios diagnósticos y de tratamiento por parte de los diferentes especialistas implicados en su manejo. Para facilitar la toma de decisiones en la práctica clínica habitual, ocho especialistas de referencia de 4 sociedades científicas implicadas en el manejo del paciente oncológico, han diseñado este documento de consenso. Métodos: Tras una búsqueda bibliográfica en las publicaciones más relevantes sobre DIO, se establecieron las recomendaciones preliminares. El grupo de expertos realizó una reunión de trabajo siguiendo la metodología Metaplan®, donde se debatieron las recomendaciones a incorporar al documento. Cada una de las afirmaciones y recomendaciones fueron clasificadas según su grado de recomendación, atendiendo a las categorías del sistema SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network). Resultados: El manejo del DIO requiere de una anamnesis completa, tanto del DIO como del dolor basal, y una exploración física del paciente asociada a pruebas complementarias cuando sean precisas. Los fármacos de elección para el tratamiento del DIO deben ser aquellos que muestren una analgesia potente, con rápido inicio de acción, efectos secundarios mínimos y de fácil administración. El fentanilo administrado por vía transmucosa es actualmente el principio activo más adecuado a las necesidades analgésicas del dolor irruptivo, con independencia del opioide mayor utilizado para el control del dolor basal. Conclusión: Este consenso puede ser una herramienta útil para la mejora de la calidad de vida del paciente con cáncer, ya que permite un mejor diagnóstico y tratamiento del DIO (AU)

Introduction objectives: Breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) is an acute exacerbation of baseline pain. The clinicians involved n its management have different diagnostic and therapeutic criteria. In order to facilitate decision making in usual clinical practice, 8 reference experts from 4 scientific associations involved in the management of patients with cancer pain have developed this Consensus Document. Methods: After an initial search on the most relevant publications in BTcP literature, a set of preliminary recommendations were established. A working meeting was subsequently held with the experts, following the Metaplan® methodology –a structured brainstorming technique– that produced a first version of the Consensus Document which, after several review rounds, was validated by all the participants. Every statement and recommendation was sorted according to its degree of recommendation, following the categories in the SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) system. Outcomes: The management of BTcP requires a full anamnesis, both of BTcP itself and of baseline pain, a physical examination and the supplementary tests that are deemed necessary. The drugs of choice for the treatment of BTcP must be those with a potent and rapid analgesic effect a short duration, minimal side effects and easy administration. Transmucosal fentanyl is currently the active ingredient most fitting to the analgesic needs of BTcP, regardless of the major opioid used for control of the baseline pain (AU)

Análisis de la eficacia y seguridad del bloqueo iliofascial continuo para analgesia postoperatoria de artroplastia total de rodilla / No disponible

Objetivo: la importancia del dolor agudo postoperatorio radica en su alta frecuencia, en su inadecuado tratamiento y en las repercusiones que tiene en la evolución y en la recuperación del paciente. El bloqueo iliofascial puede ser una técnica adecuada para analgesia postoperatoria en la artroplastia total de rodilla. El objetivo de este estudio es valorar la eficacia y seguridad del bloqueo iliofascial, en comparación con el bloqueo epidural, a efectos de analgesia postquirúrgica en pacientes sometidos a artroplastia total de rodilla bajo anestesia subaracnoidea. Se valoró además si la realización del bloqueo iliofascial es una técnica analgésica segura, las complicaciones derivadas de la misma, los efectos secundarios y el grado de satisfacción del paciente. Material y métodos: estudio multicéntrico, prospectivo, aleatorio, observacional, controlado, con evaluador ciego, en 54 pacientes, adultos, ASA I-III, de ambos sexos, sometidos a cirugía de artroplastia total de rodilla bajo anestesia intradural. Los pacientes incluidos en el estudio se dividieron en dos grupos, BIF y BE. En el grupo BIF (n = 27) se colocó un catéter iliofascial, mientras que en el otro grupo BE (n = 27) se colocó un catéter epidural lumbar (a nivel L3-L4), en ambos casos para la analgesia postoperatoria continua. Ambos grupos recibieron el mismo protocolo analgésico con paracetamol y metamizol pautados, y rescate con bolos de morfina intravenosa. Se utilizó t-Student para comparar las variables cuantitativas. Se consideró significativo (p < 0,05). Resultados: no hubo diferencias entre ambos grupos en el dolor postoperatorio, medido a través de la escala EVA en la primera hora tras la intervención y a las 8, 12, 24 y 48 horas. El consumo de analgesia suplementaria fue similar en ambos grupos. La facilidad para realizar ambas técnicas fue similar y no se evidenciaron complicaciones relacionadas con ninguna de ellas. Tampoco se encontraron diferencias en los efectos secundarios, en el nivel de bloqueo motor, en el grado de satisfacción por la analgesia recibida o en calidad de sueño. Discusión: según nuestro estudio, tanto el catéter epidural como el catéter iliofascial aportan un buen control del dolor postoperatorio en artroplastia total de rodilla, con un grado de satisfacción por parte de los pacientes de bueno a muy bueno. En base a nuestros resultados, parece que el bloqueo iliofascial es una técnica efectiva y segura, por lo que podría incorporarse al protocolo analgésico de artroplastia de rodilla (AU)

Objective: the importance of acute postoperative pain lies in its high frequency, where inadequate treatment and the impact it has on the evolution and the patient’s recovery. Iliofascial block may be a suitable technique for postoperative analgesia after total knee arthroplasty. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of the blockade iliofascial compared with epidural analgesia in postoperative effects in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia. We also evaluate if the iliofascial block is a safe analgesic technique, the complications, the adverse effects and the patient satisfaction. Material and methods: multicenter, prospective, randomized, observational, controlled, assessor blind, in 54 adult patients, ASA I-III, of both sexes, for total knee arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia. Patients included in the study were divided into two groups, BIF and BE. In the BIF group (n = 27), a iliofascial catheter was placed, while in the other group BE (n = 27), a lumbar epidural catheter (at L3-L4) was placed, both for continuous postoperative analghesia. Both groups received the same protocol with paracetamol and metamizol, and rescue with intravenous morphine bolus. Student t test was used to compare quantitative variables. p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: There were no differences between groups in postoperative pain measured by VAS scale in the first hour after surgery and at 8, 12, 24 and 48 hours. The supplemental analgesia consumption was similar in both groups. Both techniques were easy and showed no complications related to any of them. No differences in side effects, motor block level, the degree of satisfaction with the analgesia received or sleep quality. Discussion: in our study as the epidural catheter as the catheter iliofascial provide good control of postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty, with a degree of satisfaction of patients as good to very good. According to our results we think that the iliofascial block seems a safe and effective technique, so we could join to the analgesic protocol of knee arthroplasty (AU)

[Massive intravascular hemolysis secondary to sepsis due to Clostridium perfringens]. / Hemólisis masiva intravascular secundaria a sepsis por Clostridium perfringens.

Massive hemolysis secondary to sepsis caused by Clostridium perfringens is a rare entity but appears fairly often in the literature. In nearly all published reports, the clinical course is rapid and fatal. We describe the case of a 75-year-old woman with diabetes who was admitted with symptoms consistent with acute cholecystitis. Deteriorating hemodynamics and laboratory findings were consistent with intravascular hemolysis, coagulation disorder, and renal failure. Gram-positive bacilli of the Clostridium species were detected in blood along with worsening indicators of hemolysis. In spite of antibiotic and surgical treatment, hemodynamic support and infusion of blood products, the patient continued to decline and died in the postoperative recovery unit 14 hours after admission. Mortality ranges from 70% to 100% in sepsis due to Clostridium perfringens, and risk of death is greater if massive hemolysis is present, as in the case we report. Only a high degree of clinical suspicion leading to early diagnosis and treatment can improve the prognosis. This bacterium should therefore be considered whenever severe sepsis and hemolysis coincide.

Analgesia epidural para trabajo de parto en una paciente diagnosticada de esclerosis múltiple / Epidural analgesia for labor and chilbirth in a patient with multiple sclerosis

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[Continuous infusion of epidural morphine to relieve postoperative pain. Protocol and results]. / Infusión continua de morfina epidural para alivio del dolor postoperatorio. Protocolo y resultados.

We have evaluated the efficaciousness and side effects of continuous administration of morphine by lumbar epidural route for relieving postoperative pain in major surgery of the abdomen and orthopedic surgery. Lumbar epidural catheters were placed to 25 patients (mean age, 52 years) before induction of general anesthesia. All patients received a 4 mg bolus dose of morphine sulfate 1 hour before finalization of general anesthesia and subsequently they were placed on a continuous infusion of morphine sulfate at 0.3-1 mg/h. All patients achieved analgesia which maintained then pain-free and allowed early ambulation and initiation of active respiratory physiotherapy. Duration of continuous analgesia varied from 3 to 5 days. No patient presented respiratory depression; four presented nausea and eight had urinary retention. We believe that continuous epidural infusion of morphine is efficacious and safe for the treatment of acute postoperative pain in patients undergoing abdomen major surgery and orthopedic surgery.

[Epidural anesthesia for cesarean section in a patient with Eisenmenger's syndrome]. / Anestesia epidural para una cesárea en una paciente con síndrome de Eisenmenger.

A case of a 21 year old pregnant patient with a Eisenmenger's syndrome is reported. She was in her 38th weeks of pregnancy and submitted to a cesarean section under epidural anaesthesia. In spite of a FiO2 1 administered through a nonrebreathing mask, she presented refractory hypoxemia. Hypotension during delivering was observed and treated with sympathomimetic drugs. Four days later, the patient presented a pulmonary thromboembolic clinical phenomena and died. Eisenmenger's syndrome during pregnancy is reviewed. Maternal mortality rate is higher in cesarean section (75%) when compared with vaginal delivery. We conclude that epidural anaesthesia can be an useful technique for these patients under a careful hemodynamic management and a proper dose of local anaesthetics.