title: The median effective dose of preemptive gabapentin on postoperative morphine consumption after posterior lumbar spinal fusion.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A single dose of preemptive gabapentin reduces postoperative pain and postoperative analgesic consumption. However, the optimal dose of preemptive gabapentin remains to be evaluated.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this prospective study, we defined the median effective analgesic dose using an up-and-down sequential allocation technique of preemptive gabapentin in 67 patients undergoing elective posterior lumbar spinal fusion. The efficacy of the study drug was assessed by morphine consumption during the first 24 h postoperatively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The median effective analgesic dose (median value and 95% confidence interval) of gabapentin was 21.7 mg/kg (19.9-23.5 mg/kg).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Given the large dose of gabapentin needed, further powered studies are warranted to assess side effects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Centre Médico-Chirurgical Saint Paul, Fort-de-France, Martinique, France. alainvanel@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Alain C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Van Elstraete
authors.forename: Myriam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tirault
authors.forename: Thierry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lebrun
authors.forename: Ignace
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Sandefo
authors.forename: Jean-Christophe
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Bernard
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Polin
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vally
authors.forename: Jean-Xavier
authors.initials: JX
authors.lastname: Mazoit
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000588:Amines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016058:Analgesia, Patient-Controlled; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009020:Morphine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013123:Spinal Fusion; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000588:Amines; D000700:Analgesics; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin; D009020:Morphine