J Korean Pain Soc.
2000 Jun;13(1):31-37.
Effects of Preincisional Administration of Magnesium Sulfate on Postoperative
Pain and Recovery of Pulmonary Function in Patients Undergoing Gastrectomy
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Anesthesiology, Chonbuk National University Medical School and Hospital, Chonju, Korea.
Abstract
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BACKGROUND: Recent studies suggested that a preoperative block of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)
receptors with NMDA antagonists may reduce postoperative pain. In this double-blind study,
magnesium sulfate, a natural NMDA receptor antagonist, was administered preoperatively to
investigate the effects of magnesium sulfate on postoperative pain and pulmonary function.
METHODS
Seventy patients who were to undergo gastrectomy under general anesthesia were
randomly assigned to one of three groups. Groups 2 and 3 received intravenous magnesium,
preoperatively (Group 2: 50 mg/kg bolus, 7.5 mg/kg/hr for 20 hr, Group 3: 50 mg/kg bolus,
15 mg/kg/hr for 20 hr). Group 1 received normal saline as the control group. Visual analog
scale (VAS) for postoperative pain and mood, cumulative analgesic consumption, recovery of
pulmonary function and side effects were evaluated at 6, 24, 48 and 72 hours after the
operation.
RESULTS
In Groups 2 and 3, plasma concentration of magnesium were significantly higher
than in Group I at 6 and 20 hours after infusion (P < 0.05). There were no significant
differences in the analgesic consumption, and recovery of pulmonary function and the
incidence of side effects at 6, 24, 48 and 72 hours after the operation among the three
groups. In Group 3, pain scores at rest measured 24 and 48 hours after operation were
lower than the control group, and pain scores when deep breathing were significantly lower
than the control group at postoperative 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours.
CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that intravenous infusion of greater amount of magnesium has
little effectiveness in reducing postoperative pain. However, further studies are needed
to characterize the clinical significance of these effects on postoperative pain.