10% Lidocaine spray as a local anesthetic in blood gas sampling: A randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled study

AimRadial artery blood gas sampling is a very common procedure undertaken in the emergency department to evaluate respiratory and metabolic parameters. This intervention causes both anxiety and pain for the patient. Therefore, the current study aimed to examine the analgesic efficacy of lidocaine spray compared to a placebo during radial artery blood gas sampling.MethodsThis study was conducted in the emergency department of a tertiary hospital with a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. A total of 144 patients were randomly divided into two groups: One group (n = 72) received 10% lidocaine spray and the other (n = 72) was the placebo group. The analgesic efficacy of the 10% lidocaine spray was compared with the placebo group using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).ResultsIn the evaluation of the analgesic efficacy of the 10% lidocaine spray, the VAS score was 1.5 [interquartile range (IQR): 2.0] for the lidocaine group and 5 (IQR: 2.0) for the placebo group. The role of lidocaine spray in reducing pain was statistically significant compared to the placebo (p = 0.000).ConclusionIn blood gas sampling, 10% lidocaine spray has analgesic efficacy. Therefore, we recommend the use of lidocaine spray while performing arterial blood gas sampling in emergency departments.     

The effect of using vapocoolant spray for pain reduction in arteriovenous fistula cannulation among patients undergoing hemodialysis: A randomized control trial

AimThe aim of this study was to assess the effects of alkane vapocoolant spray in reducing pain during arteriovenous access cannulation in adult patients undergoing hemodialysis.BackgroundDeveloping and applying various approaches for pain relief remain important responsibility for nurses.MethodsThis study was designed as an experimental study with a cross-over design. Thirty-eight patients on hemodialysis volunteered to undergo cannulation of their arteriovenous access, after the application of vapocoolant or placebo spray or no intervention. Subjective and objective pain levels were assessed, along with various physiological parameters pre- and post-cannulation.ResultsStatistically significant between-group differences were observed in subjective pain at the venous (F = 4.97, p = 0.009) and arterial (F = 6.91, p = 0.001) puncture sites. The mean arterial site subjective pain scores were 4.45 ± 1.31 (no treatment), 4.04 ± 1.82 (placebo), and 2.98 ± 1.53 (vapocoolant spray). Significant between-group differences were observed in objective pain scores during arteriovenous fistula puncture (F = 5.13, p = 0.007). The mean objective pain scores after arteriovenous fistula puncture were 3.25 ± 2.66 (no treatment), 2.17 ± 1.76 (placebo), and 1.78 ± 1.66 (vapocoolant spray). Post-hoc test results indicated vapocoolant spray application was associated with significantly lower pain scores than no treatment or placebo. Patient blood pressure and heart rate recordings did not differ among the interventions.ConclusionVapocoolant application was significantly more effective than the placebo or no treatment in reducing the pain of cannulation in adult patients undergoing hemodialysis.     

Reducing Pain During Emergency Arterial Sampling Using Three Anesthetic Methods: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

BackgroundTaking a sample of arterial blood is widely reported as a cause of significant pain.ObjectivesTo compare three anesthetic methods with standard practice (no anesthesia) to establish which was the most effective in reducing pain caused by radial artery puncture in patients requiring an arterial blood gas test in the emergency department (ED).MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the effectiveness between anesthetic cream, cryoanalgesia, and subcutaneous mepivacaine in reducing pain caused by radial artery puncture in ED patients.ResultsAfter comparing perceived pain during arterial puncture, the lowest median score was obtained in the mepivacaine group (1 interquartile range 0.6–1.3) and the highest median score in the control group (5 interquartile range 4.0–7.0). When comparing the control group with the three intervention groups, the Kruskal-Wallis test showed that mepivacaine (p = 0.023) and cryoanalgesia (p = 0.012) were associated with significantly lower pain scores. The anesthetic cream (p = 0.861) intervention group did not produce a statistically significant median difference compared with the control group.ConclusionsThe results of this study encourage the use of anesthetic methods like cryoanalgesia or mepivacaine for their proven effectiveness in reducing or eliminating pain during arterial puncture.     

Intranasal ketamine reduces pain of digital nerve block; a double blind randomized clinical trial

BackgroundLow dose ketamine can be used as analgesic in acute pain management in the emergency department (ED).ObjectiveEfficacy of IN ketamine in acute pain management in the ED.MethodThis is a double blind randomized clinical trial on patients older than 15 years who needed digital nerve block (DNB). Participants randomly received IN Ketamine (1 ml = 50 mg) or placebo (normal saline, 1 ml) 5 min before DNB. In both groups, patients' pain score was recorded by visual analogue score (VAS) at baseline, after DNB and 45 min after completion of DNB. Adverse effects of ketamine and changes in vital signs were also recorded and compared with placebo group.ResultsA total number of 100 patients were enrolled in the study with the median (IQR) age of 36.5 (26) years, including 65 men and 35 women. IN ketamine resulted in less pain compared to placebo after performing DNB and 45 min after the procedure. Median (IQR) basic VAS score was 50 (15) in ketamine group, and 49 (27) in control group. Median (IQR) block pain VAS score was 28.5 (19) in ketamine group and 47.5 (31) in control group. Median (IQR) procedural pain VAS score was 21.5 (16) in ketamine group and 43.5 (29) in control group. Only 7 patients had adverse effects in either group.ConclusionThe findings of this study suggest that IN ketamine can be effective in reducing pain in patients with acute pain, without adding significant side effects.     

Do clowns attenuate pain and anxiety undergoing botulinum toxin injections in children?

ObjectiveBotulinum toxin injection (BTI) is the primary treatment for spasticity in children. Anxiety and pain are important concerns to address to attenuate the discomfort of BTI. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of medical clowns and usual distractions, both added to nitrous oxide (N₂O) and analgesic cream, on pain and anxiety during BTI sessions in children.MethodsThe primary outcome was pain evaluated by the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale. Secondary criteria were pain rated on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) by the child and parent, anxiety rated on a VAS before and during BTIs by the child and parent(s), rating of the success of the sessions on a 4-point Likert scale by the physician and parent(s), and rating of the benefits of the distraction by the parent(s). Non-parametric tests were used for between-group comparisons.ResultsBaseline group characteristics of the clown and control groups did not differ. During 88 BTI sessions (40 with clown distraction and 48 with control distraction) in 59 children (35 boys; 52 with cerebral palsy, 12 with moderate to severe cognitive disorders), median maximal FLACC score was 2.5 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1–4) in the clown group and 3 (IQR: 1–4.3) in the control group. VAS self-reported pain score was 2.5 (IQR: 0–5) and 3 (IQR: 1–6.3) in the clown and control groups (P = 0.56), and VAS proxy-reported pain score was 2.5 (IQR: 0.3–3.4) and 3 (IQR: 1–4.5) (P = 0.25). After BTI sessions, the 2 groups did not differ in VAS self- and proxy-reported anxiety (P = 0.83 and P = 0.81). Physician and parent ratings of the success of sessions were similar between the groups (P = 0.89 and P = 0.11). Parent ratings of the perceived benefits of distraction were higher in the clown than control group (P = 0.004).ConclusionsAlthough clown distraction was particularly appreciated by parents, it did not significantly reduce pain or anxiety in children as compared with usual distraction.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03149263.     

Evaluation of vapocoolant spray effect on pain reduction during digital nerve block: A randomized clinical trial

IntroductionThe digital nerve block is an effective method of anesthesia before minor surgical interventions on the fingers. However, patients may experience a lot of pain and anxiety during this procedure. The efficacy of topical vapocoolant spray during minor procedures has been demonstrated in previous studies. we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of topical vapocoolant spray in reducing pain during digital nerve block.MethodsThis prospective, randomized clinical study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of vapocoolant spray application in reducing pain during digital block. The patients were categorized into 2 groups as spray-treated and control group. A routine digital block process was applied to the control group. Spray application was performed in two groups of 50 each, in a manner of bilateral and unilateral to the finger. Demographic data of the patients, such as gender, age, dominant hand, injury patterns, injection site and injury sites, were recorded. After the application, the patients' visual analog scale (VAS) was evaluated.ResultsOf the participants, 100 were randomly assigned to the vapocoolant spray-treated group, and 50 were included in the control group. The VAS pain score during penetration in both spray groups was significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.001). Pain change during penetration was found to be significantly lower in the bilateral spray-treated group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Pain change during infiltration was significantly lower in both spray groups compared to the control group (p < 0.001).ConclusionsSpray application prior to digital nerve blocking can be used to reduce needle penetration pain associated with this procedure and pain associated with local anesthetic infiltration.     

Comparison of effectiveness coolant spray and placebo in patients with acute ankle trauma prospective randomized controlled trial

IntroductionCoolant spray application in musculoskeletal injuries is an effective and harmless method to treat pain and reduce functional limitation. This study assessed the clinical value of coolant spray application on patient comfort before and during the radiographic imaging process along with its early analgesic and anti-edema effects.MethodsA total of 155 patients, admitted to the emergency department between April 1, 2019, and June 31, 2019, were included in this study. The patients were randomly assigned to either a coolant spray or a saline spray (placebo) group. To the coolant spray group patients, Cryos ®Spray (Phyto Performance, Italy) was applied. To the placebo group patients, a normal saline solution in a bottle covered with white opaque paper and refrigerated at 4 °C was sprayed. Radiographic images of the patients were scored for appropriateness of the standard imaging characteristics.ResultsThe mean scores were 8.13 ± 1.8 and 6.58 ± 2.2 for the coolant spray and normal saline spray groups, respectively; the differences were statistically significant between the two groups (mean difference: -1.56, 95% CI:-2.20 to −0.92; p = .000). Patients with fractures on their radiographs and treated with coolant spray received higher scores than similar patients treated with normal saline spray (mean difference:-1.92, 95% CI:-3.28 to −0.55; p = .009). The proportion of patients requesting analgesic treatment before discharge was statistically lower in the coolant spray group compared to the normal saline group (p = .025).ConclusionsThe radiographic images taken after coolant spray intervention in patients with acute ankle trauma were more successful in showing the target structures.     

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for treating dyspareunia: A prospective,randomized, double-blind,placebo-controlled study

BackgroundDyspareunia is a genital pain during or after penile-vaginal sexual intercourse. It is a painful spasm of the pelvic muscles that partly or entirely disables vaginal penetration.ObjectivesWe examined the effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on idiopathic non-organic dyspareunia in women. A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted.MethodsThe study included 62 women who reported dyspareunia. Patients in the treatment and placebo groups received ESWT perineally weekly for 4 consecutive weeks; placebo patients received placebo stand-off treatment. The grade of dyspareunia was estimated by using the Marinoff Dyspareunia Scale and subjective pain intensity on a visual analog scale (VAS) before and after treatment. Follow-ups were conducted 1, 4 and 12 weeks after the final ESWT session.ResultsThe study included 61 women. The treatment but not placebo group differed by the Marinoff Dyspareunia Scale and VAS. Differences before and after treatment within groups were all P < 0.001 and between groups, P < 0.001. Pain reduction was always > 30%. The effect sizes were both large: Marinoff 0.825 and VAS 0.883.ConclusionsESWT significantly reduced subjective pain in our women treated for dyspareunia.     

The efficacy of intravenous lidocaine and its side effects in comparison with intravenous morphine sulfate in patients admitted to the ED with right upper abdominal pain suspected of biliary colic

BackgroundIntravenous (IV) Lidocaine can be used as analgesic in acute pain management in the emergency department (ED).ObjectiveEfficacy of IV Lidocaine in comparison with IV morphine in acute pain management in the ED.MethodThis is a double-blind randomized clinical trial on adult (18–64 year) patients with right upper abdominal pain suspected of biliary colic who needed pain management. Participants randomly received IV lidocaine (5 cc = 100 mg) or morphine sulfate (5 cc = 5 mg). In both groups, patients' pain scores were recorded and assessed by Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) at baseline, 10, 20, 30, 45, 60 and 120 min after drug administration. Adverse side effects of lidocaine and morphine sulfate and changes in vital signs were also recorded and compared.ResultsA total number of 104 patients were enrolled in the study, including 49 men and 55 women. IV lidocaine reduced pain in less time in comparison with morphine sulfate. Mean (±SD) basic pain score was 8.23 (±1.76) in the lidocaine group and 8.73 (±0.96) in the morphine group. Patients' mean (±SD) pain score in both groups had no significant difference during the study except that of NRS2 (10 min after drug administration), which was 5.05 (±2.69) in lidocaine group compared with 6.39 (±2.06) in the morphine group and NRS4 (30 min after drug administration), which was significantly lower (P-value = 0.01) in the morphine group [3.84(±1.73) vs 4.41(±2.82)]. Only 9 patients had adverse effects in either group.ConclusionThe findings of this study suggest that IV lidocaine can be a good choice in pain management in biliary colic and can reduce pain in less time than morphine sulfate (in 10 min) without adding significant side effects; however, our primary outcome was the comparison of these two drugs after 60 min of drug administration in pain reduction which showed no significant difference between two groups.     

A Phase I Study to Assess the Effect of Speed of Injection on Pain,Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics After High-volume Subcutaneous Administration of Gantenerumab in Healthy Volunteers

PurposeGantenerumab, a fully human anti–amyloid-β IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds to aggregated forms of amyloid-β, is being investigated as a potential disease-modifying treatment for early (prodromal to mild) Alzheimer disease (AD). Our study compared the pain associated with 5- and 15-s subcutaneous injections of gantenerumab and evaluated the tolerability and pharmacokinetic properties of subcutaneous gantenerumab.MethodsThis randomized, open-label, single-active-dose, placebo-controlled crossover study was conducted in 50 healthy volunteers aged 40–80 years with no history of clinically significant disorders, drug or alcohol abuse, familial history of early-onset AD, or prior gantenerumab exposure. Eligible participants were randomized to a sequence of one 300-mg SC gantenerumab injection into the abdomen and 2 SC placebo injections (1 into the abdomen and 1 into the thigh) during 5 or 15 s. All injections were administered at least 90 min apart. Participants were assessed for local pain by visual analog scale (VAS) and verbal rating scale; safety profiles were assessed by recording adverse events (AEs), and plasma pharmacokinetic properties were also evaluated.FindingsImmediately after the subcutaneous gantenerumab injection, the pain VAS score was numerically higher without reaching statistical significance in the 5-s versus 15-s injection group (VAS least-squares mean difference, 7.492 mm; 95% CI, −4.439–19.423 mm). In both injection speed groups, the mean pain VAS score was comparable after subcutaneous gantenerumab and placebo injections into the abdomen. Pain was reported after needle insertion and immediately after dosing, subsiding within 5 min after the dose. The pain VAS score was numerically higher after SC placebo injection into the thigh versus abdomen (5-s injection group: mean [SD] VAS score, 26.68 [27.83] vs 19.20 [25.60] mm; 15-s injection group: mean [SD] VAS score, 14.16 [20.62] vs 9.48 [12.04] mm). No serious AEs were reported; no participants withdrew because of an AE. All AEs were of mild intensity, were transient, and had resolved without sequelae at follow-up. The most common AEs were injection site reactions; redness was the most frequently observed skin reactivity event after subcutaneous gantenerumab administration (5-s injection group: 36%; 15-s injection group: 32%). After subcutaneous administration, gantenerumab reached a peak plasma concentration at a median time of 119 h (approximately 5 days); plasma concentrations declined in a monoexponential manner. Comparable pharmacokinetic profiles were observed between the injection speed groups.ImplicationsSubcutaneous gantenerumab injections at speeds of 5 and 15 s were well tolerated in healthy volunteers and could enable at-home administration by patients with AD or their caregivers. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02882009.     

Analgesic Effects and Adverse Reactions of Lidocaine for Patient-Controlled Intravenous Analgesia on Patients Undergoing Open Hepatectomy: A Retrospective Analysis

PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of lidocaine for patient controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) in patients who underwent open hepatectomy.DesignA retrospective analysis.MethodsA total of 281 patients who underwent open hepatectomy from July 2018 to December 2018 were included. All patients were assigned into two groups: the lidocaine group (PCIA consisted of lidocaine, sufentanil, tramadol and granisetron) and the control group (PCIA consisted of sufentanil, tramadol and granisetron). The postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) and complications (including respiratory depression, hypotension, nausea and vomiting, pruritus, numbness of the corners of the mouth, dizziness) between the groups were compared.FindingsThere were no significant differences between the characteristics, duration of surgery and anesthesia, and recovery of postoperative activity between the two groups. In the first 3 days after the operation, the postoperative VAS score of the lidocaine group was lower than that of the control group at resting state, while after activity, the postoperative VAS contrast results were completely opposite. In particularly, the resting state at 48 hours (h) (1.05 ± 1.25 vs 1.57 ± 1.54) after surgery and the activity state at 72 h (3.02 ± 1.51 vs 2.2 ± 1.66) after surgery (P < 0.05). The incidence of mouth numbness and dizziness were significantly increased in the lidocaine group (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe addition of lidocaine in PCIA was not beneficial to improve the pain during activities and increased the incidence of perioral numbness and dizziness.     

复方利多卡因乳膏在分娩镇痛穿刺点涂抹效果分析

目的评价复方利多卡因乳膏在分娩镇痛穿刺点涂抹的镇痛效果。方法采用前瞻性分析方法,选取2018年7月至2019年7月美中宜和妇儿医院行椎管内分娩镇痛的孕足月单活胎初产妇[美国麻醉医师协会(American Society of Anesthesiologists,ASA)分级为Ⅰ或Ⅱ级]400例。采用随机数字表法随机分为两组(各200例),复方利多卡因乳膏局部涂抹组为A组,安慰剂涂抹组作为对照组(B组)。复方利多卡因乳膏及安慰剂在产妇分娩镇痛操作前15 min均匀涂抹于分娩镇痛穿刺点及周围。宫口开2 cm时行分娩镇痛,按照视觉模拟评分法(visual analogue scale,VAS)评估分娩镇痛操作时疼痛情况和分娩镇痛后72 h内腰背痛情况。结果A组有18例改行剖宫产,B组19例改行剖宫产,均剔除本研究。两组产妇麻醉操作时均无无痛和轻度疼痛发生。A组中度疼痛为100%(182/182),无重度疼痛例数;B组中度疼痛为27.07%(49/181),重度疼痛为72.93%(132/181);两组比较,A组疼痛程度明显减轻,差异有统计学意义(Z=208.575,P<0.001)。分娩镇痛后72 h内腰背痛发生情况无、轻度、中度、重度A组分别为136、27、15、4例,B组分别为89、54、27、11例,两组比较A组疼痛程度明显减轻,差异有统计学意义(Z=25.510,P<0.001)。结论复方利多卡因乳膏涂抹分娩镇痛穿刺点有助于减轻分娩镇痛操作时产生的穿刺痛和分娩镇痛后出现的腰背痛。     

Effect of Topical Anesthetic Cream on Pain During Periareolar Injection of Technetium Tc99m Sulfur Colloid for Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Breast Cancer: A Randomized Control Trial

BackgroundInjection of Tc99m to localize nodes for sentinel lymph node biopsy is reported by patients as very painful. The purpose of this study was to determine if anesthetic cream reduces pain associated with periareolar injection of Tc99m and to help elucidate conflicting literature regarding the efficacy of anesthetic cream for this procedure.MethodsA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled methodology was used for adult females with breast cancer undergoing periareolar injection of Tc99m for sentinel lymph node biopsy. Pain levels were compared using anesthetic cream (2.5% lidocaine/2.5% prilocaine) vs. placebo. Patient exclusion criteria included use of opioids or adjuvant pain medication or injecting Tc99m the day before surgery. The Numerical Rating Scale was used to assess pain levels immediately after the injections.ResultsComparing 23 experimental and 26 control patients, there was no significant difference between the experimental (median = 4) and the control group (median = 5) on level of pain experienced U= 0.492, P > .05.ConclusionsThe experimental group had a slightly lower median pain score; however, there was no statistically significant difference between those who used the cream compared with those who used a placebo, supporting the conclusion that anesthetic cream does not reduce pain during Tc99m injections. This study adds to the current literature to provide a stronger position that there is no benefit to using anesthetic cream for this procedure.     

Efficacy and Safety of an Intravenous Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen Fixed-dose Combination After Bunionectomy: a Randomized,Double-blind,Factorial, Placebo-controlled Trial

PurposeMultimodal analgesia with acetaminophen and/or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is recommended for the treatment of postoperative pain. Although oral fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) are available, parenteral administration may be clinically justified. The goal of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of an intravenous FDC of ibuprofen and acetaminophen after bunionectomy.MethodsThis study was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled factorial clinical trial conducted at 2 clinical research centers in the United States between November 2016 and June 2017. Eligible patients (male and female subjects, aged 18–65 years, reporting pain intensity levels ≥40 mm on a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) after distal, first metatarsal bunionectomy) were randomized (3:3:3:2) to receive the FDC (ibuprofen 300 mg + acetaminophen 1000 mg), ibuprofen 300 mg, acetaminophen 1000 mg, or placebo (vehicle), administered as 15-minute intravenous infusions every 6 hours for 48 hours. The primary efficacy end point was the time-adjusted sum of pain intensity differences from baseline over 48 hours (SPID₄₈). In addition to VAS pain intensity scores, pain relief scores, time to perceptible and meaningful pain relief, the use of rescue medication, and participant's global evaluations of the study drug were recorded. Adverse events occurring during the 48-hour treatment period were included in the safety analysis.FindingsA total of 276 participants were enrolled; most were female (82%), the mean age was 42.4 years, and the median baseline VAS was 67 mm, indicating moderate to severe pain. SPID₄₈ was significantly higher for the FDC (23.4 [2.5] mm) than for ibuprofen (9.5 [2.5] mm), acetaminophen (10.4 [2.5] mm), and placebo (−1.3 [3.1] mm; all, P < 0.001). The superior analgesic effect of the FDC was supported by a range of secondary end points, including reduced opioid usage rates (75% for FDC, 92% for ibuprofen, 93% for acetaminophen, and 96% for placebo; all, P < 0.005). The safety profile of the FDC was comparable to that of intravenous ibuprofen or acetaminophen alone. Three participants withdrew from the study due to adverse events: 2 in the ibuprofen group and 1 in the acetaminophen group.ImplicationsThe study found that repeated administration of an intravenous FDC of ibuprofen and acetaminophen provided statistically significant improvement in SPID₄₈ over comparable doses of either monotherapy without an increase in adverse events. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02689063.     

Ultrasound guidance for radial arterial puncture: a randomized controlled trial

Study Objective and Background

Arterial puncture for blood gas analysis is a frequent procedure and could be difficult in the emergency setting. The aim of the study was to compare ultrasonographically guided arterial radial puncture vs conventional sampling.

Materials and Methods

This is a prospective, randomized study. The inclusion criteria are all patients needing arterial blood gas at admission in the emergency unit. The exclusion criteria are the following: Hallen test positive, local sepsis, local trauma, known sever local arteriopathy, refusal of consent by the patient, participation in another study, and cardiac arrest. Patients were randomized into 2 groups: radial arterial puncture obtained through an ultrasonographically guided technique (group 1) or radial arterial puncture by conventional method (group 2). The main objective is the number of attempts after enrollment. The secondary objectives are time to success, patient satisfaction and pain, and physician satisfaction. Immediate complications were collected. Groups were compared with nonparametric analysis.

Results

The data were usable for 72 of 74 patients included. Lung disease (acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia) at 45% (n = 32) and suspicion of pulmonary embolism in 31% (n = 22) were the most common reasons. Demographics data were comparable in the 2 groups. In group 1, the number of attempts significantly increased (2.35 [1-3] vs 1.66 [1-2] [P = .017]), and the sample was 2.4 times longer (132 seconds [50-200] vs 55 [20-65] [P < .01] by standard method). There was no significant difference in terms of pain (visual analog scale [VAS], 3.6 [2-5] for both groups [P = .743]), patient satisfaction (VAS, 7.2 [5-9] vs 6.8 [5-9] [P = .494]), and physician satisfaction (VAS, 6.0 [3.5-8] vs 6.9 [5-9] [P = .233]). No immediate complications were found in the 2 groups.

Conclusion

Ultrasonographically guided arterial puncture increases the number and duration of implementations. This technique, however, does not alter the patient's pain, the number of immediate complications, or patient and physician satisfaction.     

A randomized,controlled study comparing a lidocaine patch,a placebo patch,and anesthetic injection for treatment of trigger points in patients with myofascial pain syndrome: Evaluation of pain and somatic pain thresholds

Background: Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), a regional pain condition caused by trigger points in muscle or muscle fascia, produces muscle pain, tenderness, and disability. The gold standard of treatment for MPS—infiltration of trigger points with anesthetic—may provoke discomfort to the patients and require medical intervention.Objectives: This study was designed to compare the effects of a topical lidocaine patch, a placebo patch, and injection of anesthetic (infiltration) for the symptoms of MPS in terms of pain, disability, and local tissue hypersensitivity, and to determine the acceptability of the lidocaine patch to the patients.Methods: Patients were randomly allocated to receive 1 of 3 treatments: a lidocaine patch applied to the trigger point for 4 days (replacement every 12 hours; total daily dose, 350 mg), a placebo patch applied to the trigger point for 4 days (replacement every 12 hours), or infiltration of the trigger point with two 1-mL injections of 0.5% bupivacaine hydrochloride given 2 days apart. Treatment with the patches was double-blinded, whereas treatment with infiltration was single-blinded. The number of pain attacks, pain intensity at rest and on movement, and pain-related interference with daily activity, work activity, mood, and quality of life were recorded before, during, and after treatment using a visual analog scale (VAS). Pressure and electrical pain thresholds of the skin, subcutis, and muscle in the trigger point, target area, and a pain-free area were evaluated before starting therapy (day 1) and on days 5 and 9. A VAS was used to measure discomfort from therapy, and a diary was given to each patient to record requests for additional treatment (if needed) and adverse effects.Results: Sixty white patients (46 women and 14 men) 19 to 76 years of age were studied. Mean (SD) age was 46.88 (15.37) years, and mean (SD) weight was 69.58 (13.94) kg. Twenty patients were assigned to each treatment group. Subjective symptoms did not change with placebo, but decreased significantly with the lido-caine patch and infiltration (both, P < 0.001) relative to baseline. Pain thresholds did not vary with the placebo patch, but increased significantly with the lidocaine patch and infiltration (all, P < 0.001); effects at muscle trigger points and target areas were greater with infiltration. Discomfort from therapy was greater with infiltration than with the lidocaine patch. Only patients in the placebo group requested additional treatment (P < 0.001). No adverse events occurred in any group.Conclusion: Lidocaine patches were effective in, and highly acceptable to, these patients with MPS and high tissue hypersensitivity.     

Ultrasound-guided,minimally invasive,percutaneous needle puncture treatment for tennis elbow

Introduction  This report evaluates the efficacy of percutaneous needle puncture under sonographic guidance in treating lateral epicondylitis (tennis-elbow). Methods  Ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle puncture was performed on 76 patients who presented with persistent elbow pain. Under a local anesthetic and sonographic guidance, a needle was advanced into the calcification foci and the calcifications were mechanically fragmented. This was followed by a local injection of 25 mg prednisone acetate and 1% lidocaine. If no calcification was found then multiple punctures were performed followed by local injection of 25 mg prednisone acetate and 1% lidocaine. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the degree of pain pre-and posttreatment at 1 week to 24 weeks. Elbow function improvement and degree of self-satisfaction were also evaluated. Results  Of the 76 patients, 55% were rated with excellent treatment outcome, 32% good, 11% average, and 3% poor. From 3 weeks posttreatment, VAS scores were significantly reduced compared with the pretreatment score (P<0.05) and continued to gradually decline up to 24 weeks posttreatment. Sonography demonstrated that the calcified lesions disappeared completely in 13% of the patients, were reduced in 61% of the patients, and did not change in 26% of the patients. Color Doppler flow signal used to assess hemodynamic changes showed a significant improvement after treatment in most patients. Conclusion  Ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle puncture is an effective and minimally invasive treatment for tennis elbow. Sonography can be used to accurately identify the puncture location and monitor changes.     

Enhanced central pain processing of fibromyalgia patients is maintained by muscle afferent input: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Fibromyalgia (FM) syndrome is characterized by pain and widespread hyperalgesia to mechanical, thermal, and electrical stimuli. Despite convincing evidence for central sensitization of nociceptive pain pathways, the role of peripheral tissue impulse input in the initiation and maintenance of FM is unclear. Therefore this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 22 female normal controls (NCs) and 28 female FM subjects tested the effects of trapezius muscle (TrapM) tender point injections with 1% lidocaine on local pain thresholds as well as on remote heat hyperalgesia at the forearm. Prior to muscle injections shoulder pain was standardized by tonic mechanical muscle stimulation, resulting in local pain ratings of 4.0 ± 0.5 VAS units. Tonic muscle stimulation was interrupted for the TrapM injections but was continued afterwards at the same level. NC as well as FM subjects experienced significant increases of TrapM pressure pain thresholds from lidocaine injections but not from placebo injections (p < 0.001). Additionally, heat hyperalgesia of FM participants was significantly reduced at areas remote from the injection site (forearm) by lidocaine but not by placebo (p = 0.02). Neither lidocaine nor saline injections significantly affected clinical FM pain ratings, a result most likely due to the very low dose of lidocaine (50 mg) used in this trial. Conclusion: Lidocaine injections increased local pain thresholds and decreased remote secondary heat hyperalgesia in FM patients, emphasizing the important role of peripheral impulse input in maintaining central sensitization in this chronic pain syndrome; similar to other persistent pain conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and complex regional pain syndrome.     

Reducing Pain Associated with Arterial Punctures for Blood Gas Analysis

Arterial punctures for arterial blood gases (ABGs) analysis are described as the most painful laboratory procedure and are performed without the benefit of pain management. This study originated from one nurse's concern about the level of pain her hospitalized patients endured when she drew their ABGs. A review of the literature found that ABG pain relief has not been studied in hospitalized patients. Therefore, this study explored the question “Can the pain of arterial blood gas draws be reduced through the use of infiltration with a local anesthetic agent?” This study compared the pain scores of 40 hospitalized patients who received either no intervention or one of three analgesic interventions (infiltration of 0.7 ml 1% lidocaine, 0.7 ml buffered 1% lidocaine, or 0.7 ml of bacteriostatic saline at the arterial puncture site). Results showed that, although lidocaine and buffered lidocaine are effective in reducing the pain associated with the arterial puncture, plain lidocaine was the only intervention in which the pain rating score for the overall experience was significantly diminished. This study is limited by partial randomization, small sample size, and patient duress; however, it provides a foundation for further nursing research that explores methods to reduce the pain associated with this very painful procedure. Future studies should be directed at larger, diverse populations, multiple operators, and comparison of interventions to topical analgesics and nonpharmacological measures.