Introduction
Materials and methods
Study design
Development of the guide
-
DRUGDEX® system. Dosage, pharmacokinetics, cautions, interactions, clinical applications, and comparative drug efficacy.
-
MARTINDALE. Electronic version of the Martindale textbook published by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. Offers extensive information on international drug products. Especially useful when searching for European drugs, and can be searched by brand name or generic name.
-
Alternative medicine. Includes monographs on herbal, vitamin, mineral, and other dietary supplements, based on scientific evidence as well as historical and common uses.
Validation of the guide
Participants
Training course
Source of patients
Study procedure
Statistical analysis
Results
Development of the guidelines
Class | Benefits in continuing therapy | Risks in continuing therapy | Considerations | Recommendation |
---|---|---|---|---|
A: Alimentary tract and metabolism
| ||||
A02B: Drugs for peptic ulcer and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) | Prevents stress-related mucosal damage caused by surgery, decreases gastric volume and raises gastric fluid pH, reducing the risk of chemical pneumonitis from aspiration | PPIs increase the risk of Clostridium difficile infection | Essential prior to anesthesia | Continue as usual |
A03A: Drugs for functional gastrointestinal disorders | Promotes gastric emptying | No known perioperative adverse effects | Baseline ECG required to document QT interval | Continue as usual |
A06: Drugs for constipation | No known perioperative adverse effects | Continue as usual | ||
A07E: Intestinal antiinflammatory agents | Increased bleeding risk due to antiplatelet effects | Discontinue | ||
A10A: Insulins and analogues | Hyperglycemia increases the risk of perioperative infections | Induces hypoglycemia | Basal insulin therapy is necessary in all insulin-treated diabetic patients | Continue with adjustments |
A10B: Blood-glucose-lowering drugs excl. insulins | Avoids perioperative hyperglycemia | Significant risk of hypoglycemia Metformin: contraindicated in conditions that increase the risk of renal hypoperfusion, lactate accumulation, and tissue hypoxia Thiazolidinediones: could precipitate congestive heart failure due to fluid retention and peripheral edema DPP4 inhibitors and GLP-1 analogs: alter gastrointestinal motility | Monitor blood glucose frequently | Should be taken until the day before the operation but discontinued the day of the operation |
A12: Mineral supplements | Ensure that electrolyte balance is controlled | Discontinue | ||
B: Blood and blood-forming organs
| ||||
B01: Antithrombotic agents | Increased bleeding risk | Refer to perioperative management of antiplatelet therapy guide | ||
B03A: Iron preparations | Constipation risk in bedridden patients, which is increased with opioid therapy | Severe iron-deficiency anemia may require a blood transfusion | Discontinue | |
B03B: Vitamin B12 and folic acid | Discontinue | |||
C: Cardiovascular system
| ||||
C01AA: Digitalis glycosides | Management of underlying atrial fibrillation or congestive heart failure | Narrow therapeutic window. Check digoxin levels | Continue as usual | |
C01BD: Antiarrhythmics, class III | Possibility of recurrence of arrhythmias if stopped | Bradycardia, electrolyte imbalances may exacerbate risk of QT prolongation with amiodarone | Amiodarone: long half-life | Should be continued until and including the day of the operation |
C01DA: Organic nitrates | May precipitate chest pain if withheld | Hypotension | Should be continued until and including the day of the operation | |
C02CA: Alpha-adrenoreceptor antagonists | Risk of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) with cataract surgery. Hypotension | Continue | ||
C03: Diuretics | Prevent decompensation of congestive heart failure (CHF) | Tissue damage and reduced kidney perfusion immediately postoperatively may contribute to the development of hyperkalemia, which may be additive with concurrent potassium-sparing diuretics | Should be taken until the day before the operation but discontinued the day of the operation, except in patients with CHF | |
C04: Peripheral vasodilators | Increased bleeding risk | Discontinue | ||
C07: Beta-blocking agents | Reduce ischemia by decreasing myocardial oxygen demand due to increased catecholamine. Help to prevent or control arrhythmias | Bradycardia and hypotension Interacts with epinephrine | Rebound hypertension can occur if stopped abruptly Monitor blood pressure closely postoperatively Only some drugs are available as injections; it may be necessary to change to an alternative drug if an oral route is not available | Should be continued until and including the day of operation |
C08: Calcium channel blockers | May precipitate chest pain if withheld | Rebound hypertension can occur if stopped abruptly | Monitor blood pressure closely postoperatively Only some drugs are available as injections; it may be necessary to change to an alternative drug if an oral route is not available | Should be continued until and including the day of the operation |
C09: Agents acting on the renin–angiotensin system | Management of postoperative hypertension | Can decrease blood pressure at induction of anesthesia, and many drugs within this class have differing half-lives | Should be continued until the day before the operation but discontinued on the day of the operation. Last dose should be given 10 h before induction of anesthesia | |
C10: Lipid-modifying agents (non-statin) | Niacin and fibric acid derivatives: may increase risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis, especially when used in combination with statins Bile acid sequestrants: interfere with the absorption of other medications | Discontinue | ||
C10AA: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors | Provide cardiovascular protection | May increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis | Continue as usual | |
G: Genitourinary system and sex hormones
| ||||
G03A: Hormonal contraceptives for systemic use | Increased risk of postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) | Estrogen-containing oral contraceptives: discontinue 4–6 weeks prior to surgery in patients with a high risk of VTE | ||
G04BD: Drugs for urinary frequency and incontinence | Risk of arrhythmias | Continue as usual | ||
H: Systemic hormonal preparations, excl. sex hormones and insulins
| ||||
H02AB: Glucocorticoids | Increased risk of Addisonian crisis if stopped | Impaired wound healing, increased superficial blood vessels, risk of fractures, infections, and gastrointestinal ulcer | Continue—add stress dosing if > 5 mg prednisone per day (or equivalent) in six months prior to surgery, or on chronic therapy | |
H03: Thyroid therapy | No known perioperative adverse events | Thyroid function should ideally be checked preoperatively to ensure euthyroid state | Should be continued until and including the day of the operation | |
J: Antiinfectives for systemic use
| ||||
J05A: Direct-acting antivirals | Incidence of postoperative bacterial complications and sepsis is increased in patients with lower CD4 cell counts if antiretroviral agents are discontinued | Most data regarding surgical morbidity and mortality in the HIV-infected patient predate the availability of effective antiretroviral therapy | Continue as usual | |
L: Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents
| ||||
L01AB: Alkyl sulfonates | No studies suggest that stopping preoperatively reduces the incidence of infection or improves wound healing | The use of lower doses may permit safer use. Monitor renal function and blood count postoperatively | Continue as usual | |
L01XX: Other antineoplastic agents | Discontinue 3–4 days prior to surgery | |||
L02BA: Anti-estrogens | If used for cancer treatment, disease progression may be of concern once treatment interrupted | Increased risk of venous thromboembolism | Discontinue 4–6 weeks prior to surgery in hip and knee surgery | |
L02BG: Aromatase inhibitors | If used for cancer treatment, disease progression may be of concern once treatment interrupted | Unknown perioperative effects | Continue as usual | |
L04AA: Selective immunosuppressants | Controlling rheumatoid response | Increased risk of myelosuppression and wound-healing complications postoperatively | Abatacept: discontinue prior to surgery at 2 months | |
L04AB: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-Α) inhibitors | Controlling rheumatoid response | Increased risk of myelosuppression and wound-healing complications postoperatively | Discontinue prior to surgery at a timing equal to 2–5 half-lives of the respective drug Mean half-life (days): infliximab (8–9, 5), etanercept (4–5), adalimumab (15–19) | |
M: Musculoskeletal system
| ||||
M03BX: Other centrally acting agents | Abrupt withdrawal of intrathecal baclofen may result in severe sequelae (hyperpyrexia, rebound/exaggerated spasticity, muscle rigidity, and rhabdomyolysis), leading to organ failure and fatality | Continue as usual | ||
M04A: Antigout preparations | Surgery could precipitate acute gouty arthropathy | Continue as usual. Held on the morning of surgery | ||
M05BA: Bisphosphonates | Esophagitis in bedridden patients | Discontinue | ||
N: Nervous system
| ||||
N02A: Opioids | Abrupt withdrawal can cause yawning, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, anxiety, and salivation | Should be continued until and including the day of the operation without exception | ||
N02B: Other analgesics and antipyretics | Aspirin (ASA) withdrawal linked to cardiovascular events | Continuation may cause perioperative hemorrhage | Continue ASA for secondary cardiovascular prevention Discontinue ASA for primary cardiovascular prevention | |
N03: Antiepileptics | Possibility of precipitating convulsions if stopped | Phenytoin: levels may fluctuate in response to perioperative situations Carbamazepine: interactions with medications administered in the perioperative period Valproic acid: thrombocytopenia | Check serum drug level | Should be continued until and including the day of the operation |
N04: Antiparkinson drugs | Avoid symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (agitation, rigidity) | Metabolite of levodopa, dopamine can cause arrhythmias, hypotension or hypertension | Should be continued until and including the day of the operation | |
N05A: Antipsychotics | Withdrawal symptoms can occur if stopped abruptly plus severe agitation | Some agents are associated with QT prolongation, and occasionally cause hypotension or arrhythmias | A routine ECG should be performed on all patients preoperatively | Continue as usual |
N05AN: Lithium | Decreases the release of neurotransmitters and may prolong the effect of neuromuscular blockers | Close monitoring of fluid and electrolytes is essential due to the narrow therapeutic index of lithium and the usual changes in electrolyte levels postoperatively | Should be continued until and including the day of the operation | |
N05B: Anxiolytics | Continue these agents to avoid withdrawal; however, the patient will likely have decreased anesthesia requirements | Risk of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions with drugs used in the perioperative setting | If a benzodiazepine becomes necessary, consider using short–medium half-lives | Continue if indicated |
N06AA: Nonselective monoamine reuptake inhibitors | Withdrawal symptoms can occur if stopped abruptly | Arrhythmias with anesthetics | Continue as usual. Discontinue if arrythmia occurs | |
N06AB: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors | Withdrawal symptoms can occur if stopped abruptly | Bleeding risk, drug interactions | Continue as usual | |
N06AG: Monoamine oxidase A inhibitors | Risk of withdrawal symptoms | Interactions with medications used in the perioperative setting (hypertension) | Avoid administration of meperidine/dextromethorphan/ephedrine and monitor closely while on narcotics (potential for reactions consisting of rigidity, hallucinating, fever, confusion, coma, and death) | Discontinue |
N06D: Antidementia drugs | Through their effects on acetylcholinesterase, these agents are likely to exaggerate muscle relaxation during anaesthesia produced by suxamethonium, hence prolonging neuromuscular blockade | The relevant pharmaceutical manufacturers recommend discontinuation of both of these agents preoperatively to avoid these effects | ||
N07C: Antivertigo preparations | Continue as usual | |||
R: Respiratory system
| ||||
R03: Drugs for obstructive airway diseases | Inhaled bronchodilators: may precipitate bronchospasm if withheld | Theophylline: risk of arrhythmias and neurotoxicity | Theophylline: narrow therapeutic range | Continue as usual Theophylline: discontinue evening before surgery |
S: Sensory organs
| ||||
S01: Ophthalmologicals | No known perioperative adverse effects | Continue as usual | ||
S02: Otologicals | No known perioperative adverse effects | Continue as usual | ||
V: Various | ||||
V03AE: Drugs for treatment of hyperkalemia and hyperphosphatemia | No known perioperative adverse effects | Continue as usual | ||
V03AF: Detoxifying agents for antineoplastic treatment | No known perioperative adverse effects | Continue as usual | ||
Phytotherapy | No evidence that phytotherapy improves surgical outcomes | Ephedra: increases the risk of heart attack and stroke Garlic: increases the risk of bleeding Ginkgo: increases the risk of bleeding Ginseng: lowers blood sugar and increases the risk of bleeding Valerian: increases the sedative effects of anesthetics and is associated with benzodiazepine-like withdrawal Echinacea: allergic reactions and immune stimulation | Should be discontinued at least one full week prior to the planned surgical procedure |
Validation of the guidelines
Sample of patients selected for the observational concordance study
DRG | n (%) | Sex | Median age (years) | Median number of comorbidities per patient | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
M | F | ||||
209—Major joint and limb reattachment procedures for a lower extremity | 9 (45.0) | 2 | 7 | 78.56 | 3.44 |
211—Hip and femur procedures excluding a major joint, age > 17 years, without complications or comorbidities | 2 (10.0) | 2 | 0 | 73 | 4.5 |
218—Lower extremity and humerus procedures excluding hip, foot, and femur, age > 17 years, with complications or comorbidities | 1 (5.0) | 1 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
219—Lower extremity and humerus procedures excluding hip, foot, and femur, age > 17 years, without complications or comorbidities | 2 (10.0) | 1 | 1 | 47.5 | 3 |
251—Fracture, sprain, strain, and dislocation of forearm, hand, or foot, age > 17 years, without complications or comorbidities | 1 (5.0) | 0 | 1 | 38 | 4 |
807—Anterior and posterior spinal fusion combined, without complications | 1 (5.0) | 0 | 1 | 86 | 4 |
818—Hip replacement without complications | 4 (20.0) | 0 | 4 | 81.25 | 3.75 |
Total | 20 (100.0) | 6 | 14 | 70.45 | 3.60 |
Drugs reviewed in the study
Medicine class | n (%) | Kappa value | Agreement |
---|---|---|---|
A02: Drugs for acid-related disorders | 16 (11.4) | 1 | Almost perfect |
A07: Antidiarrheals, intestinal anti-inflammatory/anti-infective agents | 1 (0.7) | p < 0.01 | Poor |
A10: Drugs used in diabetes | 8 (5.7) | 0.69 | Substantial |
A11: Vitamins | 1 (0.7) | 1 | Almost perfect |
A12: Mineral supplements | 2 (1.4) | 0.75 | Substantial |
B01: Antithrombotic agents | 10 (7.1) | 0.16 | Slight |
B03: Antianemic preparations | 4 (2.9) | 0.81 | Almost perfect |
C01: Cardiac therapy | 4 (2.9) | 1 | Almost perfect |
C02: Antihypertensives | 1 (0.7) | 1 | Almost perfect |
C03: Diuretics | 11 (7.9) | 0.51 | Moderate |
C05: Vasoprotectives | 1 (0.7) | 1 | Almost perfect |
C07: Beta-blocking agents | 1 (0.7) | 1 | Almost perfect |
C08: Calcium channel blockers | 3 (2.1) | 1 | Almost perfect |
C09: Agents acting on the renin-angiotensin system | 9 (6.4) | 0.83 | Almost perfect |
C10: Lipid-modifying agents | 6 (4.3) | 0.33 | Fair |
D11: Other dermatological preparations | 1 (0.7) | < 0.01 | Poor |
G03: Sex hormones and modulators of the genital system | 1 (0.7) | 1 | Almost perfect |
G04: Urologicals | 2 (1.4) | 0.55 | Moderate |
H02: Corticosteroids for systemic use | 2 (1.4) | 1 | Almost perfect |
H03: Thyroid therapy | 3 (2.1) | 1 | Almost perfect |
J05: Antivirals for systemic use | 1 (0.7) | 0.50 | Moderate |
L01: Antineoplastic agents | 1 (0.7) | 1 | Almost perfect |
L02: Endocrine therapy | 1 (0.7) | 1 | Almost perfect |
L04: Immunosuppressants | 1 (0.7) | 1 | Almost perfect |
M01: Anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic products | 1 (0.7) | 1 | Almost perfect |
M04: Antigout preparations | 1 (0.7) | 1 | Almost perfect |
N02: Analgesics | 10 (7.1) | 0.60 | Moderate |
N03: Antiepileptics | 5 (3.6) | 1 | Almost perfect |
N04: Antiparkinson drugs | 2 (1.4) | 0.46 | Moderate |
N05: Psycholeptics | 14 (10.0) | 0.93 | Almost perfect |
N06: Psychoanaleptics | 11 (7.9) | 0.76 | Substantial |
N07: Other nervous system drugs | 1 (0.7) | 0.50 | Moderate |
R03: Drugs for obstructive airway diseases | 1 (0.7) | 1 | Almost perfect |
S01: Ophthalmologicals | 1 (0.7) | 1 | Almost perfect |
Phytotherapeutics | 2 (1.4) | 0.43 | Moderate |
Agreement between observers
Agreement between each observer and the expert pharmacist
Observer | Kappa value | SE |
p
| 95% CI | Agreement |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Observer 1 | 0.82 | 0054 | < 0.001 | 0.71–0.92 | Almost perfect |
Observer 2 | 0.83 | 0050 | < 0.001 | 0.73–0.93 | Almost perfect |
Observer 3 | 0.75 | 0059 | < 0.001 | 0.64–0.87 | Substantial |
Observer 4 | 0.77 | 0060 | < 0.001 | 0.65–0.88 | Substantial |
Observer 5 | 0.79 | 0057 | < 0.001 | 0.68–0.90 | Substantial |
Observer 6 | 0.81 | 0054 | < 0.001 | 0.70–0.91 | Almost perfect |
Observer 7 | 0.74 | 0062 | < 0.001 | 0.62–0.86 | Substantial |
Observer 8 | 0.75 | 0061 | < 0.001 | 0.63–0.87 | Substantial |
Discussion
-
This study focused only on the diagnosis of each patient undergoing an orthopedic procedure. Thus, previous comorbidities could have affected patient health.
-
This study should have considered patients from different ethnic groups, given that the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs can vary among ethnic groups [20].
-
This study was carried out in just one hospital; in the future, the guide should be validated further and its reproducibility should be checked by applying it in different clinical settings in the same hospital and in different hospitals.