In a study of patients who underwent spinal surgery, what medication was given during surgery that resulted in a 20% reduction of opiate use postoperatively compared to placebo?
N-acetylcysteine was given at a dose of 150 mg/kg and resulted in a 20% decrease in opiate use post-operatively, as well as a 59% longer median time to first opiate use.
Wilson SH, Sirianni JM, Bridges KH, Wolf BJ, Valente IE, Scofield MD. The impact of intraoperative N-acetylcysteine on opioid consumption following spine surgery: A randomized pilot trial. Pain Management. 2023 Oct;13(10):593-602.
Contributed by Kristine Nanagas, MD
Posted in Question Of The Day