A nitrous oxide/oxygen fixed mixture to reduce pain induced by the hypodermic injection: study protocol for a...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pain Management
• Anesthesiology

Background:

• Procedural pain from recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor injections is common in hematological malignancy patients.
• Immediate pain relief remains a challenge in clinical settings.
• This study addresses pain management during these critical treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and analgesic efficacy of a fixed nitrous oxide/oxygen mixture.
• To assess pain reduction during recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor injections.
• To provide data on nitrous oxide/oxygen therapy for procedural pain in oncology.

Main Methods:

• A single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
• 54 patients with hematological malignancies were randomized to nitrous oxide/oxygen or oxygen.
• Pain, anxiety, physiological parameters, and satisfaction were monitored post-injection.

Main Results:

• The nitrous oxide/oxygen group reported significantly lower pain scores.
• Reduced fear of pain and anxiety were observed in the treatment group.
• Improved patient and nurse satisfaction and acceptance were noted.

Conclusions:

• Fixed nitrous oxide/oxygen mixture is safe and effective for managing procedural pain.
• This therapy offers a feasible solution for pain relief in hematological malignancy patients.
• The findings support wider administration of nitrous oxide/oxygen for procedural pain in oncology departments.