Antiemetic Effect of Pregabalin in Postbariatric Breast Reconstructions: Randomized, Double-blind Study

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are frequent complications following general anesthesia.
• Pregabalin is being investigated for its potential to mitigate PONV incidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the antiemetic efficacy of pregabalin in reducing PONV within 24 hours post-surgery.
• To evaluate secondary outcomes including pain, opioid-sparing effects, and adverse events.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 52 female patients undergoing postbariatric breast reconstruction.
• Patients received either 75 mg pregabalin twice or a placebo, with outcomes assessed over 24 hours postoperatively.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences were observed in the incidence of nausea or vomiting between the pregabalin and placebo groups.
• Pregabalin did not show significant benefits in reducing postoperative pain, need for rescue antiemetics/analgesics, chronic pain development, or adverse events.

Conclusions:

• Pregabalin administration within 24 hours post-surgery did not significantly decrease PONV in patients undergoing postbariatric breast reconstruction.
• The study did not support the use of pregabalin for preventing PONV in this specific patient population.