The Effect of Ibuprofen Dosing Interval on Post-Tonsillectomy Outcomes in Children: A Quality Improvement Study

In this Quality Improvement (QI project) it was hypothesized that an increase in dosing intervals for postoperative analgesia when alternating Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen would reduce post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage (PTH) rates for those undergoing tonsillectomies with or without adenoidectomy, while maintaining the standard of postoperative analgesia and reducing visits to the Emergency Room (ER) for reasons other than PTH. Data was collected from 353 children. Utilizing run chart analysis, it was determined that patients experiencing the 4-hour dosing interval had lower rates of PTH, fewer ER visits, and no increase in postoperative phone calls from caregivers.

Patients were treated with standing Acetaminophen 15 mg/kg q6h and Ibuprofen 10 mg/kg q6h for postoperative analgesia from July of 2017 until January of 2018. Starting January of 2018 through November of 2018, the dosage interval was lengthened 1 hour. Data relating to PTH, ER visits for reasons other than bleeding, and phone calls from caregivers was collected.

Run charts were used to assess outcomes regarding PTH, postoperative visits to the ER for reasons other than PTH, and phone calls from caregivers. Our results suggest that a standing protocol of alternating Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen given every 4 hours improves the post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage rate without increasing ER visits or calls about pain.

This data shows promise in reducing PTH and ER visits with a longer dose interval when alternating Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen for postoperative analgesia in tonsillectomy patients. A randomized clinical trial should be carried out to further validate these claims.