[Prophylactic use of pregabalin for prevention of succinylcholine-induced fasciculation and myalgia: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study].

BACKGROUND Succinylcholine is commonly used to achieve profound neuromuscular blockade of rapid onset and short duration. OBJECTIVE The present study compared the efficacy of pregabalin for prevention of succinylcholine-induced fasciculation and myalgia. DESIGN Prospective, randomized, placebo controlled, double blinded study. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients of both genders undergoing elective spine surgery were randomly assigned to two groups. Patients in Group P (pregabalin group) received 150mg of pregabalin orally 1h prior to induction of anesthesia with sips of water and patients in Group C (control group) received placebo. Anesthesia was induced with fentanyl 1.5mcg/kg, propofol 1.5-2.0mg/kg followed by succinylcholine 1.5mg/kg. The intensity of fasciculations was assessed by an observer blinded to the group allotment of the patient on a 4-point scale. A blinded observer recorded postoperative myalgia grade after 24h of surgery. Patients were provided patient-controlled analgesia with fentanyl for postoperative pain relief. RESULTS Demographic data of both groups were comparable (p>0.05). The incidence of muscle fasciculation's was not significant between two groups (p=0.707), while more patients in group C had moderate to severe fasciculation's compared to group P (p=0.028). The incidence and severity of myalgia were significantly lower in group P (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Pregabalin 150mg prevents succinylcholine-induced fasciculations and myalgia and also decreases the fentanyl consumption in elective sine surgery.