Comparing the effects of ketorolac and Paracetamol on postoperative pain relief after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. A randomized clinical trial

IntroductionPain management after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery remains challenging.ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the effects of Ketorolac and Paracetamol on postoperative CABG pain relief.MethodThis double-blind randomized clinical trial study was conducted in Ahvaz, Iran, from September 2018-December 2019. Two consecutive groups of 60 patients undergoing elective on-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery.InterventionThe patients were divided into 0.5mg/kg of ketorolac mg/dl and 10mg/kg of Paracetamol after surgery for pain management. Primary outcomes were: visual analog pain scale (VAS) at the time point immediately after extubation (baseline) and at 6, 12, 24 and 48h and the total dose of morphine consumption. Secondary outcomes included the hemodynamic variables, weaning time, chest tube derange, in-hospital mortality and myocardial infarction.Statistical analysis: The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22(SPSS, Chicago, IL). The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare demographic data, VAS scores, vital signs, and side effects. Repeated measurements were tested within groups using Friedman's ANOVA and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Values were expressed as means standard deviations. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value <0.05.ResultsCompared with baseline scores, there were significant declines in VAS scores in both groups throughout the time sequence (P< 0.05). The statistical VAS score was slightly higher in the Paracetamol group at most time points, except for the time of 6h. However, at 24 and 48h, the VAS score in group Paracetamol was significantly higher than in group Ketorolac. There were no significant differences between groups about hemodynamic variables.ConclusionThe efficacy of ketorolac is comparable to that of Paracetamol in postoperative CABG pain relief.Trial registry p id=Par IRCT20150216021098N5. Registered at 2019-09-12.