Effect of preoperative gabapentin on pain intensity and development of chronic pain after carpal tunnel syndrome surgical treatment in women: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES: Effective postoperative analgesia is important for reducing the incidence of chronic pain. This study evaluated the effect of preoperative gabapentin on postoperative analgesia and the incidence of chronic pain among patients undergoing carpal tunnel syndrome surgical treatment. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: Randomized, double-blind controlled trial, Federal University of São Paulo Pain Clinic. METHODS: Forty patients aged 18 years or over were randomized into two groups: Gabapentin Group received 600 mg of gabapentin preoperatively, one hour prior to surgery, and Control Group received placebo. All the patients received intravenous regional anesthesia comprising 1% lidocaine. Midazolam was used for sedation if needed. Paracetamol was administered for postoperative analgesia as needed. Codeine was used additionally if the paracetamol was insufficient. The following were evaluated: postoperative pain intensity (over a six-month period), incidence of postoperative neuropathic pain (over a six-month period), need for intraoperative sedation, and use of postoperative paracetamol and codeine. The presence of neuropathic pain was established using the DN4 (Douleur Neuropathique 4) questionnaire. Complex regional pain syndrome was diagnosed using the Budapest questionnaire. RESULTS: No differences in the need for sedation, control over postoperative pain or incidence of chronic pain syndromes (neuropathic or complex regional pain syndrome) were observed. No differences in postoperative paracetamol and codeine consumption were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative gabapentin (600 mg) did not improve postoperative pain control, and did not reduce the incidence of chronic pain among patients undergoing carpal tunnel syndrome surgery

High dose gabapentin does not alter tumor growth in mice but reduces arginase activity and increases superoxide dismutase, IL-6 and MCP-1 levels in Ehrlich ascites

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of gabapentin on Ehrlich tumor growth in Swiss mice, a highly aggressive and inflammatory tumor model. Mice were grouped into sets of 5 animals and treated from days 2 to 8 with gabapentin 30 mg/kg body weight (G30) or 100 mg/kg body weight (G100), or normal sterile saline (control). Results The mice were euthanized on day 10. Tumor growth, tumoricidal agents and inflammatory cytokines levels were assessed. At day 10, G30 and G100 mice gained weight, but there were no differences in tumor cell count or in ascites volume. In G100, there was a reduction in arginase and an increase in SOD activities. There was an increase in IL-6 and MCP-1 levels, especially in G100, but no alterations in TNF-α. There was no direct evidence of tumor induction by gabapentin. However, the findings suggest that its use modulates immune response to a more effector and less deleterious profile, with increase in activity of anti-oxidant enzymes and in cytokines that favor activation of macrophages, which could improve the general status of the tumor host

Intensive insulin therapy versus conventional glycemic control in patients with acute neurological injury: a prospective controlled trial Insulinoterapia intensiva versus controle glicêmico em pacientes com injuria neurológica aguda: estudo prospectivo randomizado

OBJECTIVE: To compare intensive insulin therapy to conventional glycemic control in patients with acute neurological injury evaluating neurological outcome and morbimortality. METHOD: Patients with two glycemias above 150 mg/dL 12 hours after admission were randomized to receive intensive insulin therapy (G1) or conventional treatment (G2). We evaluated a subgroup of patients with acute brain injury from July, 2004 to June, 2006. RESULTS: G1 patients (n=31) received 70.5 (45.1-87.5) units of insulin/day while G2 patients (n=19) received 2 (0.6-14.1) units/day (p<0.0001). The median glycemia was comparable in both groups (p=0.16). Hypoglycemia occurred in 2 patients (6.4%) in G1 and in 1 patient (5.8%) in G2 (p=1.0). Mortality in G1 was of 25.8% and of 35.2% in G2 (relative reduction of 27%). Neurological outcome was similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: A less strict intensive insulin therapy can reduce hypoglycemia and still maintain its benefits.<br>OBJETIVO: Comparar insulinoterapia intensiva com controle convencional da glicemia em pacientes com injuria cerebral aguda avaliando evolução neurológica e morbimortalidade. MÉTODO: Pacientes com duas glicemias acima de 150 mg/dL nas primeiras 12 horas após admissão foram randomizados para insulinoterapia intensiva (Grupo 1) ou tratamento convencional (Grupo 2). Avaliamos um subgrupo de pacientes com injuria cerebral aguda admitidos de julho/2004 a junho/2006. RESULTADOS: O Grupo 1 (n=31) recebeu 70,5 (45,1-87,5) unidades de insulina/dia enquanto o Grupo 2 (n=19) recebeu 2 (0,6-14,1) unidades/dia (p<0,0001). A glicemia mediana foi comparável nos dois grupos (p=0,16). Hipoglicemia ocorreu em 2 pacientes (6,4%) no Grupo 1 e em 1 paciente (5,8%) no Grupo 2. A mortalidade no Grupo 1 foi 25,8% contra 35,2% no Grupo 2 (redução relativa de 27%). A evolução neurológica foi semelhante nos dois grupos. CONCLUSÃO: Insulinoterapia intensiva com controle mais flexível da glicemia reduz a incidência de hipoglicemia mantendo os benefícios do tratamento