The Effectiveness of Intravenous lidocaine in Burn Pain Relief: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objectives: Poor pain control in burn patients as a great public health problem disrupts the healing and rehabilitation process and results in several adverse outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of intravenous lidocaine in reducing the pain of burn injuries. Materials and Methods: From August 2014 to March 2015, 66 eligible burn patients participated in the study and were randomly divided into two groups of lidocaine (L) and placebo (P). In group L, lidocaine 2% was injected at a bolus dose of 1.5 mg/kg followed by infusion at the dosage of 1.5 mg/kg/h, and in group P, saline was administrated. Pain severity was measured during 24 hours at baseline and 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24 hours after intervention based on Numerical Rating Scale (NRS-11). Morphine consumption, Ramsay score, and side effects were also documented. Results: Finally the data from 60 patients were analyzed. Comparing baseline with 24 hours after intervention, NRS-11 scores decreased from 7.12±1.42 to 3.33±0.76 (P<0.001) in group P and from 6.45±1.02 to 2.50±0.72 (P<0.001) in group L. Moreover, the mean of NRS scores during 24 hours in the lidocaine group was significantly lower compared to the placebo group, 3.93±0.72 vs 4.73 ±1.14, (P=0.03). The mean amounts of morphine consumption in group L were significantly lower compared to group P, 14.41 ± 4.86 vs 21.07±6.86, (P=0.001). The mean of Ramsay score in group L was significantly lower compared to group P, 1.38±0.59 vs 1.45±0.6, (P=0.014). Conclusions: This study revealed that intravenous lidocaine was an effective and safe drug for pain reduction in burn patients.

Beyond the burn: An observational study of cardiovascular risk in burn survivors in the north of Iran

“…Even minor burns can expose the patient to psychological damage by causing pain, itching and worrying about the final shape of the wound. In extensive burns, the occurrence of disorders such as delirium, time and place recognition disorder, transient psychosis, anxiety disorder, sleep disorder and aggression are relatively common 22,23 . All these factors cause the relationship between burn level and abnormal metabolic indicators in our study.…”

“…In extensive burns, the occurrence of disorders such as delirium, time and place recognition disorder, transient psychosis, anxiety disorder, sleep disorder and aggression are relatively common. 22,23 All these factors cause the relationship between burn level and abnormal metabolic indicators in our study. In significant burns, systemic complications are more important than local findings.…”