The efficacy and safety of parecoxib for reducing pain and opioid consumption following total knee arthroplasty: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: The goal of the current meta-analysis is to make a credible and overall assessment about the efficacy and safety of parenteral parecoxib for pain control in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS: The following online electronic databases, such as PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, were searched to identify the qualified studies updated to August 2018 according to the index words. Weight mean difference (WMD) or risk difference (RD) along with 95% confidence interval (CI) was utilized to analyze the main outcomes. To assess the heterogeneity of study trial and determine the model for analysis (random-effect model or fixed-effect model), I2 tests and Chi-squared were conducted. We utilized the STATA 10.0 (TX, USA) to perform all statistical analyses.

RESULT: Totally, four studies were involved in the meta-analysis with 418 patients. The present meta-analysis indicated that intravenous parecoxib was associated with a significantly improved pain relief and opioid consumption after TKA. There was no increased risk of adverse effects related to parecoxib.

CONCLUSION: Intravenous parecoxib is effective in reducing knee pain and opioid consumption in patient with TKA. Further well-designed research with large simple sizes is necessary to confirm our conclusion.