Phantom limb pain may reduce ambulation and mobility in amputees, resulting in diminished quality of life. We conducted a prospective study to compare the perioperative analgesic use of intravenous morphine infusion in 27 patients (Group A) and intramuscular diclofenac sodium in 28 patients (Group B) in patients undergoing lower limb amputation. All patients underwent amputation under spinal anaesthesia and reported a Modified Verbal Numerical Pain Score of less than two prior to the procedure. Presence of phantom pain was assessed on the first, second, third and seventh day as well as at the third month and sixth month post-operatively. Twelve (44 %) patients from group A and 21 patients (75 %) from group B developed phantom limb pain following amputation, a statistically significant difference between groups (p<0.05). We conclude that intravenous morphine infusion is more effective than intramuscular diclofenac sodium in preventing the occurrence of phantom limb pain following amputation.

INTRODUCTION: Lactogenesis II (LaII) failure can be prevented in at-risk mothers with simple proactive interventions. In a randomised trial, we investigated the efficacy of early and regular breast milk expression in establishing LaII, using an electric double-breast pump. METHODS: Mothers with uncomplicated singleton deliveries were randomised to intervention (n = 31) or control (n = 29) groups. The former commenced breast milk expression with an electric pump within one hour of delivery and maintained regular expression with direct breastfeeding. Control mothers directly breastfed without regular pump expression. Expressed milk volumes were analysed for citrate, lactose, sodium and protein. RESULTS: Median time of LaII was Day 3 (interquartile range [IQR] 1 day) with intervention and on Day 4 (IQR 1 day) among controls (p = 0.03). Biochemical steady-state concentrations were achieved around early Day 4 (sodium, total protein) and Days 4-5 (citrate, lactose). Sodium, protein and lactose levels were similar in both groups over seven days, at 5.80 mM, 0.68 mM and -13.38 mM, respectively. Mean daily milk volume with intervention was 73.9 mL on Day 3 and 225.2 mL on Day 7, greater than controls (25.4 mL on Day 3 and 69.2 mL on Day 7; p < 0.2). Mean infant weights were similar on Day 8 at 3,477 g with intervention and 3,479 g among controls. CONCLUSION LaII is established by postnatal Day 3 with early initiation of regular breast milk expression, a useful intervention for mothers at risk of early-onset breastfeeding failure.
Adult ; Breast Feeding ; methods ; Breast Milk Expression ; methods ; Citrates ; analysis ; Female ; Humans ; Infant Formula ; Infant, Newborn ; Lactation ; physiology ; Milk, Human ; chemistry ; physiology ; Mothers ; Proteins ; analysis ; Sodium ; analysis ; Young Adult