Effect of Pregabalin as Preemptive Analgesia after Abdominal Hysterectomy on Respiratory Rate: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Pregabalin is used as preemptive analgesia postoperatively. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of preemptive pregabalin analgesia after abdominal hysterectomy on respiratory rate. Methodology: This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in the Department of Anesthesia, Analgesia and Intensive Care Medicine at Banghabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, from July 2010 to June 2012 for a period of two years. Women aged between 40 and 60 years scheduled for abdominal hysterectomy under sub-arachnoid block were selected as the study population. A total of one hundred and twenty women meeting the above-mentioned criteria were randomly allocated into two equal groups by card sampling. Around 120 cards, 60 for each group, were prepared by another person who was not aware of the study. Group A was known as the study group and received 300mg oral pregabalin one hour before performance of SAB, and group B was known as the control group and received a matching placebo one hour before SAB. The patients were examined preoperatively, and preoperative baseline parameters, including respiratory rate and oxygen saturation in blood, were recorded immediately before subarachnoid block (SAB). Patients were visited by the investigators at ½, 1, 2, 4, 12, and 24 h after operation. In each visit, respiratory rate was measured and recorded. Results: The present study was conducted on 120 women undergoing abdominal hysterectomy. Of them, 60 received a preemptive single oral dose (300mg) of pregabalin (Group A), and the remaining 60 received matching placebos (Group B) 1hr before surgery. Oxygen saturation of both groups was recorded. Mean values of SpO2 in Group A varied from those of Group B, which is significant at 2hr in the postoperative period (P<0.05). Respiratory rate of both groups is displayed. Mean values of the respiratory rate in Group A vary from those of Group B, which is significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, the mean respiratory rate significantly changes in women after abdominal hysterectomy to whom pregabalin as preemptive analgesia. Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, January 2026;12(1):115-119