This study aims to determine if administration of gabapentin preoperatively followed by a standing postoperative course is effective in reducing and possibly eliminating the use of opioid analgesics following this procedure. As a secondary outcome, it will evaluate the possible improvement in post tonsillectomy pain control with the use of a standing dose of gabapentin.
This is a prospective, randomized, non-blinded control trial designed to determine if administration of gabapentin postoperatively is effective in reducing and possibly eliminating the use of opioid analgesics following tonsillectomies in the adolescent population.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
17
Patients in the gabapentin arm may at any point call the Pediatric ENT clinic if pain is not adequately controlled. Patients will be prescribed hydrocodone acetaminophen solution 7.5mg-325mg/15mL 5mL for ages 12-14 yrs and 10 mL for ages 15-18yrs, q 4-6 hours as needed for pain. Patients will be informed to stop taking gabapentin.
Patients in the hydrocodone group will receive scheduled doses of hydrocodone, acetaminophen and ibuprofen at scheduled doses. Acetaminophen 15mg/kg (max 1 gm) every 4-6 hours as needed for pain, max dose 4 gm per day; Ibuprofen 4-10 mg/kg PO divided over 8 hours as needed for pain, max dose 40 mg/kg/day; hydrocodone acetaminophen solution 7.5mg-325mg/15mL 5mL for ages 12-14yrs and 10 mL for ages 15-18yrs, q 4-6 hours as needed for pain.
Albany Medical Center
Albany, New York, United States
Total opioid equivalent dose
The primary outcome variable will be the total opioid equivalent dose recorded over two weeks. The proposed study will test the null hypothesis that the two population (gabapentin and placebo) means are equal. The criterion for significance (alpha) has been set at 0.050. The test is 2-tailed, which means that an effect in either direction will be interpreted.
Time frame: Through completion of the study. Time frame per subject is 7 days.
Post operative pain score determined by Visual Analog Survey Scale
Pain severity, The pain VAS is a unidimensional measure of pain intensity. Scale ranges from 1-10. Score of 0 indicates no pain. Score of 1-3 indicates mild pain, score of 4-6 indicates moderate pain, score of 6 is severe pain, score of 7-9 is very severe pain, and a score of 10 is worst pain possible.
Time frame: Through completion of the study. Time frame per subject is 7 days.
Medication Adverse Effect
Patient reported adverse effect to medications given
Time frame: Through completion of the study. Time frame per subject is 7 days.
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