Publications by authors named "V K Kontinen"
Background: Paracetamol-codeine combination tablet is widely used in pain management after day surgery. For safety reasons, its use has decreased in recent years. Codeine is a prodrug metabolised in the liver by the cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) enzyme to morphine that produces the analgesic effect of codeine.
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- Researchers studied how different genetic variations in the CYP2D6 enzyme affect the body's ability to metabolize codeine into morphine, which is vital for determining pain relief and potential side effects.
- A clinical trial involving 1000 patients was conducted, where their CYP2D6 genotypes were analyzed after they were given a standard dose of codeine, and the relationship between their genetic makeup and morphine exposure was modeled.
- The results showed that individuals with certain genetic variations (like CYP2D6*10 and *41) had less effective metabolism of codeine, leading to significantly higher or lower morphine levels in the bloodstream, highlighting the importance of genetic testing for safer opioid prescribing.
Background: The aim of this study was to compare thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) with transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in post-operative pain management after laparoscopic colon surgery.
Methods: One hundred thirty-six patients undergoing laparoscopic colon resection randomly received either TEA or TAP with ropivacaine only. The primary endpoint was opioid requirement up to 48 h postoperatively.
Article Synopsis
- Spinal fusion surgery results in severe pain, and while strong opioids like oxycodone are commonly used, they can have side effects; this study explored the use of S-ketamine as an adjunct to help reduce opioid consumption.
- In a randomized, double-blind trial with 107 patients, different doses of S-ketamine were compared to placebo in conjunction with oxycodone patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) following major lumbar spinal fusion surgery.
- Results showed that the highest dose of 0.75 mg/ml S-ketamine led to a 25% reduction in cumulative oxycodone use and improved pain intensity at rest without increasing adverse effects compared to lower doses or oxycodone alone.