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A Comparison of IV Versus PO Acetaminophen Postoperatively for Opioid Consumption After Cesarean Section

Phase 4
Conditions
Postoperative Pain
Cesarean Section
Acetaminophen
Interventions
Drug: Placebos
Registration Number
NCT04290208
Lead Sponsor
Main Line Health
Brief Summary

This randomized controlled study will compare narcotic consumption between two groups: patients that receive a perioperative dose of IV acetaminophen versus patients that receive a perioperative dose of oral liquid acetaminophen for scheduled cesarean section.

Detailed Description

"Enhanced recovery" is an alternate management protocol described by a multi-modal, evidence based approach to peri-operative care, with the goal of accelerating recovery and return to normal activity after surgery. Results have shown stable pain control with a decrease in narcotic consumption, a quicker return of bowel function, and decreased length of hospital stay and cost with no change in level of patient satisfaction, morbidity, or readmission rate. An aspect of some alternate management protocols is the administration of acetaminophen.

The concentration of acetaminophen in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is directly proportional to the analgesic activity of acetaminophen. Acetaminophen relies on a high concentration gradient from the plasma to the CSF in order to passively diffuse into the central nervous system (CNS), its principal site of action. A 2012 study, comparing plasma and CSF pharmacokinetics of intravenous (IV), oral (PO), or rectal (PR) acetaminophen, concluded that IV administration of acetaminophen results in higher plasma and CSF concentration values. Therefore, IV acetaminophen produces better CNS penetration compared to PO or PR methods.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
UNKNOWN
Sex
Female
Target Recruitment
130
Inclusion Criteria
  • Women age 18 or older
  • Scheduled to undergo a cesarean section
Exclusion Criteria
  • Existing diagnosis of chronic pain
  • Need to undergo a vertical skin incision
  • Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) > 50, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) > 70
  • Platelets below 80,000 on admission
  • Need to undergo general anesthesia
  • Tubal ligation at time of Cesarean section
  • Prior or known allergy to any of the medications being utilized in this study

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Per Oral Administration of AcetaminophenPlacebosA pre-operative liquid dose of acetaminophen 1000mg orally in the on-call to Operative Room.
Intravenous Administration of AcetaminophenPlacebosA single peri-operative dose of acetaminophen 1000 mg IV over 15 minutes after skin is closed.
Per Oral Administration of AcetaminophenAcetaminophenA pre-operative liquid dose of acetaminophen 1000mg orally in the on-call to Operative Room.
Intravenous Administration of AcetaminophenAcetaminophenA single peri-operative dose of acetaminophen 1000 mg IV over 15 minutes after skin is closed.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Narcotic Utilization6 hours post operative

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention Morphine Milligram Equivalent Score will be used to calculate total narcotic use (conversion factor for administered opioid x milligrams administered) while the patient remains as an inpatient.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Post-operative Pain LevelEvery hour for six hours post-op

Pain will be measured via the visual analog Postoperative Pain Scale and gathered by nursing. The visual analogue Postoperative Pain Scale indicates the level of pain the patient is feeling or felt in the indicated period from 0 (no pain) to 100 (the worst pain possible).

Postoperative complications during the inpatient stayUp to 24 hours

Postoperative complications will be noted during the inpatient stay.

Patient SatisfactionUp to 24 hours

Patient satisfaction will be assessed using the validated survey used in the Mayo Clinical Trial.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Lankenau Medical Center

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Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, United States

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