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Gao YH, Wang XY, Zhao XY, et al. Prevention of Pregabalin-Related Side Effects Using Slow Dose Escalation Before Surgery: A Trial in Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty Within the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Pathway. J Arthroplasty. 2023 Feb 1:S0883-5403(23)00059-1. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2023.01.039. (Original study)
Abstract

BACKGROUND: The side effects of pregabalin likely occur after the first dose. We aimed to evaluate the effect of 75 milligrams (mg) of pregabalin prescribed as an initial dose with a slow dose escalation for primary total joint arthroplasty within the enhanced recovery after surgery pathway.

METHODS: Participants were randomly assigned to two groups. Fifty-eight patients were enrolled, and twenty-nine were assigned to each group. Group 1 (G1) received pregabalin (37.5 mg) twice on the day before surgery, as well as pregabalin 75 mg two hours pre-operatively; Group 2 (G2) received none on the day before surgery and the same dose of pregabalin at two hours pre-operatively. The primary outcome was dizziness assessed by severity; secondary outcomes included nausea, vomiting, sedation, opioid consumption, independent transfer at six hours post-operatively, time to readiness for independent transfers, time to readiness for discharge, and pain.

RESULTS: At two, four, and six hours post-operatively, the proportion of patients experiencing dizziness and nausea was significantly greater in G2 than in G1, and opioid consumption was significantly greater in G2 than in G1 (P = .012). The proportion of independent transfers at six hours post-operatively was significantly greater in G1 than in G2 (P = .010). The time to readiness for independent transfers was significantly shorter in G1 than in G2 (P = .016).

CONCLUSION: Prescription of pregabalin 37.5 mg twice on the day before surgery was effective in reducing early postoperative dizziness and nausea after receiving pregabalin 75 mg two hours pre-operatively. It also promoted early independent transfers and reduced opioid consumption.

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Physician rater

Interesting RCT on pre-operative loading doses of Pregabalin a day prior to total joint arthroplasty (TJA). This regimen is reported to help reduce the incidence of post-operative dizziness and nausea. This in turn leads to an earlier and more confident patient mobilisation. This regimen could be considered a potential refinement in the ERAS pathway (if these results can be reproduced in other centres).
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