Retrospective analysis shows significant reductions in postsurgical pain and opioid requirements with Exparel in Cesarean Section patients.- Pacira Pharma

Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced the publication of new data from a retrospective investigator-initiated study analyzing the use of Exarel (bupivacaine liposome injectable suspension) administered as a transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block to manage postsurgical pain following cesarean section (C-section) procedures. Findings show that patients receiving Exparel had a significant reduction in opioid consumption and pain intensity, as well as significantly improved discharge- and postanesthesia care unit (PACU)-ready times, functional recovery and reduced length of stay (LOS). The study results were published this week in The Journal of Pain Research.

Study researchers reviewed the charts of 201 consecutive women who underwent C-section procedures and received a multimodal pain management protocol with or without a TAP block utilizing 266 mg of Exparel. The study population included patients who underwent elective, unscheduled waiting list, or emergency cesarean delivery with anesthesia and post-cesarean pain management by one anesthesiologist at Texas Children�s Hospital Pavilion for Women between 2012 and 2015. Compared to patients who received multimodal pain control without the use of Exparel, patients who received a TAP block demonstrated a statistically significant: Decrease in postsurgical opioid consumption by 47%, (79.6 mg vs 41.9 mg, respectively; P<0.001) expressed in oral morphine equivalent dosing. decrease in postsurgical pain intensity by 46 p><0.001) measured using the area under the curve from day 0 to 3 of pain intensity scores assessed on a numeric rating scale. decrease in pacu-ready times 138 vs 163 minutes p="0.028)" and los 2.9 vs 3.9 days p><0.001). decrease in average time to ambulation and solid food by 39 and 31 p><0.01 each respectively. additionally a significantly greater percentage of patients treated with exparel 12 compared exparel l 34 compared to those without exparel 50 reported any adverse event p="0.026)." comparable rates of opioid-related adverse events of interest ie. nausea pruritus vomiting were observed.>

See- "Transversus abdominis plane block with liposomal bupivacaine for pain control after cesarean delivery: a retrospective chart review"-Baker BW, Villadiego LG, Lake YN, Amin Y, Timmins A. et al.10 December 2018 Volume 2018:11 Pages 3109�3116.https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S184279.