The median effective dose of preemptive gabapentin on postoperative morphine consumption after posterior lumbar spinal fusion.
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.
Van Elstraete
Alain C
AC
Department of Anesthesiology, Centre Médico-Chirurgical Saint Paul, Fort-de-France, Martinique, France. alainvanel@hotmail.com
Tirault
Myriam
M
Lebrun
Thierry
T
Sandefo
Ignace
I
Bernard
Jean-Christophe
JC
Polin
Bruno
B
Vally
Patrick
P
Mazoit
Jean-Xavier
JX
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*
D000588:Amines; D000700:Analgesics; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin; D009020:Morphine