The effect of pregabalin and s-ketamine in total knee arthroplasty patients: A randomized trial

• Published in: Journal of anaesthesiology, clinical pharmacology Vol. 32; no. 4; pp. 476 - 482
• Main Authors: Kadic, Lajla, van Haren, Frank, Wilder-Smith, Oliver, Bruhn, Jorgen, Driessen, Jacques, de Waal Malefijt, Maarten
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Wolters Kluwer India Pvt. Ltd 01-10-2016; Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd; Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
• Subjects: Dosage and administration; Health aspects; Knee replacement arthroplasty; Original; Pregabalin; s-ketamine; total knee arthroplasty; India; s-ketamine; total knee arthroplasty; pregabalin
• ISSN: 0970-9185; 2231-2730
• DOI: 10.4103/0970-9185.194762

Background and Aims: Pain reduction is important for rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty. Intra- and peri-articular infiltration with local anesthetics may be an alternative to commonly used locoregional techniques. Adding pregabalin orally and s-ketamine intravenously may further reduce postoperative pain.
Material and Methods: This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study compared two methods of perioperative analgesia. Control patients received a standardized multimodal postoperative analgesic regime of paracetamol, diclofenac, and piritramide-patient-controlled analgesia, including ropivacaine knee infiltration during surgery. The study group received pregabalin orally and s-ketamine intravenously as an additional medication to the standard multimodal regimen. The control group received placebo.
Results: The study group showed lower piritramide consumption during the first 24 h (P: 0.043), but with more side effects such as diplopia and dizziness.
Conclusion: Addition of pregabalin and s-ketamine resulted in lower piritramide consumption during the first 24 h postoperatively. However, more investigation on benefits versus side effects of this medication is required.