Evaluation of the effect of preoperative use of pregabalin on pain in patients with metabolic syndrome during knee arthroscopy

Abstract

nee arthroscopy is a common surgical procedure often accompanied by significant postoperative pain syndrome. As pain limits patient mobility and prolongs patients’ hospitalization, the development of optimal pain management with minimal side effects for early activation and full recovery of patients is urgent. Objective — to assess the impact of preoperative administration of pregabalin on postoperative pain syndrome in patients with metabolic syndrome after arthroscopic knee surgery. Materials and methods. A double‑blind, placebo‑controlled study was conducted, involving 50 patients admitted to the Orthopedic Department of the State Scientific Institution «Center for Innovative Medical Technologies of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine» between the years 2020 and 2023. Patients, scheduled for knee arthroscopy, were randomly divided into two equal groups, receiving placebo or pregabalin at a dose of 300 mg 2 hours before surgery, the drug was administered orally 12 hours later. Results. The results demonstrated a reduction in static pain intensity within 24 hours and a decrease in dynamic pain intensity after 48 hours among patients who received pregabalin before the surgery. Pregabalin administration prior to knee arthroscopy in patients with metabolic syndrome was associated with lower opioid consumption at 24 hours. Conclusions. The effectiveness of the preoperative pregabalin administration in reducing the postoperative pain syndrome in patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery on the knee joint has been established. However, further research is warranted to determine the optimal dosage and timing of pregabalin administration for this specific patient population.