Journal of Clinical and Experimental Investigations

Abstract

Objectives: Paracetamol has a widespread use for fever and symptomatic relief of pain in children. The aim of this study was to compare analgesic effects of preemptive intravenous (i.v.) paracetamol, and caudal block with levobupivacaine.
Materials and methods: A total of 60 children with ASA I-II physical status, aged 5-15 years and undergoing inguinal hernia repair, were randomly allocated to three groups so that each group contained 20 patients. Group P children received i.v. 15mg/kg paracetamol. Group C received only caudal block with levobupivacaine, and Group PC received both i.v. paracetamol, and caudal block with levobupivacaine. Pain level assessed by modified Eastern Ontario Children’s Hospital pain scale (mCHEOPs), sedation status by Ramsey sedation scale at postoperative 5, 15, 30 min and 1,3, and 6^th hours.
Results: No significant differences were found in age, gender distribution, body weight, ASA status, type and duration of surgery between three groups (p>0.05). Although significant difference were found in mCHEOPs scores within groups by repeated measures, no difference of pain scores was observed between three groups (p>0.05). There were no significant differences in the hemodynamic parameters (heart rate, blood pressure) both within groups and between groups (p>0.05).
Conclusions: Preemptive intravenous paracetamol had similar analgesic effects compared with caudal block with levobupivacaine with regard to postoperative pain scores in children undergoing inguinal hernia repair. No hemodynamic or other adverse effects were observed with intravenous paracetamol.