Relationship between the pain severity, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and blood pressure in elective large joint arthroplasty of the lower extremities

Aim. To evaluate the changes in blood pressure (BP), the severity of pain syndrome and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use patterns in patients hospitalized for elective arthroplasty of large joints of the lower extremities during the postoperative period.

Materials and methods. This study included 374 patients. In all patients, medical history, antihypertensive therapy and history of NSAIDs usage were collected, BP was measured, and the severity of pain was assessed via a 10-point scale before surgery, as well as 1 and 3 months after arthroplasty.

Results. The study included 132 (35.3%) males and 242 (64.7%) females. Among these, 289 (77.3%) patients had hypertension [grade 1 – 35 patients, grade 2 – 136 patients, grade 3 – 118 (25.0%) patients]; 280 (74.9%) patients were taking NSAIDs (121 – daily, 135 – 2–3 times per week). The median pain severity before surgery was 8 points [7; 9], 1 month after surgery – 2 points [1; 4], 3 months after surgery – 1 point [0; 3]. At 1 month after arthroplasty, 23 (7.9%) patients reported a decrease in BP. In 17 (5.9%) patients, correction of previously prescribed antihypertensive therapy with a decrease in drug doses was required. At 1 month after arthroplasty, 256 patients discontinued NSAIDs. The analysis of the relationship between the severity of pain, NSAIDs use and the level of BP revealed a significant effect of pain syndrome (p<0.0001) and the use of NSAIDs (p=0.014).

Conclusion. In the population of patients with elective arthroplasty of large joints of the lower extremities, a significant incidence of hypertension and a high prevalence of NSAIDs use are noted. During the postoperative period, a significant trend towards a decrease in the severity of pain was found, as well as the relationship of pain and NSAIDs with a decrease in BP.