A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study of low-dose intravenous Lorazepam to reduce procedural pain during bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous lorazepam as premedication for bone marrow aspiration and biopsy (BMAB).


METHODS
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled.


METHODS
One hundred and thirty-eight consenting patients planned to receive BMAB.


METHODS
Patients were randomly assigned to receive either intravenous lorazepam 1 mg or placebo just prior to BMAB.


METHODS
Tertiary referral center, inpatient setting.


METHODS
A questionnaire was used to determine the patient perception about the procedure and pain at baseline, which was completed just after the procedure, and the next day after the BMAB. Pain was rated using a 10-cm linear visual analog scale (VAS).


RESULTS
The mean VAS scores measured during the BMAB examination were 6.0 for lorazepam vs 6.2 for placebo. Few adverse events were noted during intravenous lorazepam administration. The patients in the lorazepam group were more likely to accept the next BMAB (P = 0.044).


CONCLUSIONS
Intravenous lorazepam was safe in patients undergoing BMAB and was more effective than placebo in enhancing cooperation during BMAB and willingness to undergo another procedure. However, use of lorazepam 1 mg provided no reduction in the pain associated with BMAB. Further studies should focus on providing appropriate analgesia for this potentially painful procedure.
Park
Se Hoon
SH
Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea.
Bang
Soo-Mee
SM
Nam
Eunmi
E
Cho
Eun Kyung
EK
Shin
Dong Bok
DB
Lee
Jae Hoon
JH
Ahn
Jeong Yeal
JY
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000473:pathology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008140:Lorazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010919:Placebos; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D010919:Placebos; D008140:Lorazepam