ABSTRACT
AIM: To evaluate the changes in blood pressure (BP), the severity of pain syndrome and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use patterns in patients hospitalized for elective arthroplasty of large joints of the lower extremities during the postoperative period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 374 patients. In all patients, medical history, antihypertensive therapy and history of NSAIDs usage were collected, BP was measured, and the severity of pain was assessed via a 10-point scale before surgery, as well as 1 and 3 months after arthroplasty. RESULTS: The study included 132 (35.3%) males and 242 (64.7%) females. Among these, 289 (77.3%) patients had hypertension [grade 1 - 35 patients, grade 2 - 136 patients, grade 3 - 118 (25.0%) patients]; 280 (74.9%) patients were taking NSAIDs (121 - daily, 135 - 2-3 times per week). The median pain severity before surgery was 8 points [7; 9], 1 month after surgery - 2 points [1; 4], 3 months after surgery - 1 point [0; 3]. At 1 month after arthroplasty, 23 (7.9%) patients reported a decrease in BP. In 17 (5.9%) patients, correction of previously prescribed antihypertensive therapy with a decrease in drug doses was required. At 1 month after arthroplasty, 256 patients discontinued NSAIDs. The analysis of the relationship between the severity of pain, NSAIDs use and the level of BP revealed a significant effect of pain syndrome (p<0.0001) and the use of NSAIDs (p=0.014). CONCLUSION: In the population of patients with elective arthroplasty of large joints of the lower extremities, a significant incidence of hypertension and a high prevalence of NSAIDs use are noted. During the postoperative period, a significant trend towards a decrease in the severity of pain was found, as well as the relationship of pain and NSAIDs with a decrease in BP.
