Efficacy of perioperative pregabalin in acute and chronic post-operative pain after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery: A randomized, double-blind placebo controlled trial

Aims and Objectives: We evaluated the efficacy of perioperative pregabalin on acute and chronic post-operative pain after off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery. Materials and Methods: Forty patients undergoing elective OPCAB surgery were randomized to pregabalin and control groups. Pregabalin group received 150 mg pregabalin 2 h prior to induction of anesthesia and 75 mg twice daily for 2 post-operative days whereas the control group received placebo at similar timings; pregabalin and placebo were administered by an anesthesiologist blinded to the drugs. Pain scores (visual analogue scale [VAS]) and sedation scores were observed at 0, 4, 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h after extubation. Time to extubation, tramadol consumption and side-effects were noted. VAS score was analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test. The analysis of variance test for repeated measures was used for comparison of the means of continuous variables. Group comparisons were made using the Chi-square-test. Results: Pain-scores at 6, 12, 24 and 36 h from extubation at rest and at deep breath were less in pregabalin treated patients (P < 0.05). Tramadol consumption was reduced by 60% in pregabalin group (P < 0.001). Extent of sedation, extubation times and incidence of nausea were comparable. The effect on chronic post-operative pain was not significant. Conclusions: Perioperative pregabalin reduced pain scores at rest and deep breath and reduced consumption of tramadol in the post-operative period without delaying extubation and causing excessive sedation.