Time until first analgesic requirement, post caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia, in HIV-positive patients at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital

Abstract

BACKGROUND Multiple studies have been conducted comparing the efficacy and duration of analgesia obtained from spinal anaesthesia containing local anaesthetics as well as opioids. The literature available has not considered the individual‟s HIV status as a variable. Postoperative analgesic duration and requirements in this group of patients may differ due to the occurrence of acute and chronic pain syndromes, pain arising from the disease itself, side effects of treatment for HIV infection, or opportunistic infections. Response to opioid analgesia may be altered due to previous opioid exposure, potential increase in nociception, drug interactions and emotional status. OBJECTIVES The primary objective of this study was to determine the time to post-operative analgesic request in HIV-positive and negative individuals having caesarean sections under spinal anaesthesia containing bupivacaine or bupivacaine and fentanyl. The secondary objectives of this study were to determine if factors such as height, ethnicity, level of education, CD4 count, and antiretroviral therapy impacted on the duration of analgesia obtained.