Effect of Duloxetine on Pain Relief in Patients Undergoing Arthoplasty

Abstract

Objective: This trial was executed for investigating potential of duloxetine on alleviating pain in patients underwent arthroplasty surgery.

Study Design: Randomized controlled trial study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Government Hospital Karachi from January 2021 to January 2023.

Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at Government Hospital Karachi, comprising total of 140 patients undergoing arthroplasty surgery. Patients were stratified into two groups; Group A received duloxetine 60mg daily, and Group B received a placebo. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was implied for pain assessment at baseline, post-surgery and endpoint and the improvement of pain alleviation was statistically compared. The primary outcome measure was change in pain scores from baseline to 6 months post-surgery.

Results: Mean age was 56.19+14.27 years, and 65.7% were females. Baseline VAS score for duloxetine was 6.5, while the endpoint VAS score was 2.9, indicating a significant improvement in pain reduction (p<0.05). The baseline VAS score for the Placebo group was 6.4, while the endpoint VAS score is 6.1, indicating a minor improvement in pain reduction. Thus the duloxetine was significantly more effective (p<0.05) in curtailing pain than placebo, as demonstrated by the significantly greater improvement in VAS score and the significant p-value (p<0.05). Incidence of adverse impacts was lower in patients treated with duloxetine.

Conclusion: Duloxetine is effective in reducing pain in patients undergoing arthroplasty surgery. It significantly improves pain relief at baseline, 24, 48 hours and 6 months after surgery. Therefore, it can be considered a safe and effective option to manage pain post arthroplasty surgery.