Analgesic effectiveness of flurbiprofen axetil after uterine curettage on abortion: A randomized controlled trial

Background

Pain after uterine curettage has not been clearly evaluated. This study was designed to investigate the hypothesis that flurbiprofen axetil used prior to curettage on abortion could decrease 50% pain from uterine contraction.

Methods

Ninety seven ASA physical status I–II patients, undergoing elective uterine apoxesis, were allocated to this randomized double-blind controlled study and assigned into one of two groups (n = 45). In the flurbiprofen group, patients received an i.v. injection of flurbiprofen 50 mg in 5 ml 10 min prior to propofol anesthesia. The control group received the same volume of saline injection. Morphine 0.04 mg/kg was used as the rescue drug for uncontrolled pain. Visual analog scale for analgesia at rest, satisfaction with analgesia, morphine consumption and side effects were recorded.

Results

A total of 87 patients completed the study. The intention-to-treat number of patients was 45 in each group. Flurbiprofen group evidenced effective analgesia (vs. saline P = 0.019), with better satisfaction (P = 0.015), lower incidence of nausea, dizziness and drowsiness, pruritus, dry mouth and uterine bleeding than the saline control. The flurbiprofen group consumed less morphine in 1 h 0.6 mg (interquartile 0.1–1.2), vs. saline group 3.7 mg (interquartile 1.5–4.6) (P = 0.049). The number of patients needed to treat was 2 in the flurbiprofen group.

Conclusion

Preoperative flurbiprofen axetil 50 mg is a clinically effective analgesic means after uterine curettage on abortion.