Clinical evaluation of preoperative three -item questionnaire and pain experienced on infiltration of local anesthetics to predict severity of acute pain after caesarean section

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Several studies have attempted to identify patients at risk of developing severe pain after caesarean section (CS) by utilizing preoperative experimental pain application and clinical tests. The three-item questionnaire and reported pain intensity on infiltration of local anesthetic (LA) on the back of patient just before administration of spinal anesthesia, are two simple tests previously shown to be promising. We aimed to study utility of these two tools in Indian patients undergoing CS and find their correlation with postoperative pain and analgesic consumption. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 150 parturients undergoing elective CS were enrolled. Preoperatively patients were asked to rate their level of anxiety, anticipated postoperative pain and analgesic need after surgery (three-item questionnaire). The pain intensity reported by patient upon LA injection for spinal anesthesia were recorded. In the postoperative period, pain intensity at rest, evoked pain and need for rescue analgesics were recorded. The correlation between three item questionnaire and pain on LA infiltration to postoperative pain were evaluated. To see relationship between the predictor variables to outcome, a multiple regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: The predictors variables and postoperative pain were found to have mild correlation (r = 0.124 to 0.239). The predictor variables were significantly correlated with postoperative pain at rest but their association was not significant to evoked pain intensity. Multiple regression analysis showed that change in the predictors explains only 7-8% variance in postoperative pain outcomes. CONCLUSION: The three -item questionnaire and pain intensity reported upon LA infiltration for spinal anesthesia have mild correlation to postoperative pain in Indian parturients undergoing CS. As these variables predicts only 8% variance in pain experienced after CS, further studies are required for accurate prediction and targeted treatment of post CS pain.