Comparing block characteristics of mixtures of short/intermediate- and long-acting local anesthetics for peripheral nerve block: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: Results from Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) on mixed Local Anesthetics (LA) are conflicting. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on whether using mixed LA leads to faster onset of surgical block. Method: We conducted systemic review and meta-analysis of RCTs. Medlin...

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Main Authors: Cheng Lin, Ana Larissa Guerrero, Joshua Jesin, Rohin Tangri, Nasong Anthony Luginaah, Kamal Kumar, Christopher Hansebout
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-05-01
Series:Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0104001425000338
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author Cheng Lin
Ana Larissa Guerrero
Joshua Jesin
Rohin Tangri
Nasong Anthony Luginaah
Kamal Kumar
Christopher Hansebout
author_facet Cheng Lin
Ana Larissa Guerrero
Joshua Jesin
Rohin Tangri
Nasong Anthony Luginaah
Kamal Kumar
Christopher Hansebout
author_sort Cheng Lin
collection DOAJ
description Introduction: Results from Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) on mixed Local Anesthetics (LA) are conflicting. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on whether using mixed LA leads to faster onset of surgical block. Method: We conducted systemic review and meta-analysis of RCTs. Medline and Embase without language restriction from inception to June 15, 2024, were searched. Included RCTs had to compare mixed LA to long-acting LA in adult surgical patients for onset or duration of nerve blocks. Onset time to surgical block was the primary outcome. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool with GRADE methodology was utilized to assess evidence quality. Results: Nineteen trials including 1060 participants met the inclusion criteria. Mixed LA modestly reduced time to surgical block (-8.4 minutes; 95% CI -12.0 to -4.8 minutes; p = 0.0001; I2 = 0.99), sensory block duration (-226.2 minutes; 95% CI -352.2 to -100.1 minutes; p = 0.002; I2 = 0.98) and motor block duration (-259.2 minutes; 95% CI -399.5 to -119.0 minutes; p = 0.003; I2 = 0.98) but not time to analgesic request duration (-130.5 minutes; 95% CI -265.9 to 4.9 minutes; p = 0.057; I2 = 0.98). GRADE scoring ranged from low to very low. Conclusion: The existing evidence showed mixed LA led to a modest reduction in surgical block latency but also shortened block duration. Future studies should evaluate the role of mixed LA in lower limb blocks and optimal dosing of long-acting LA to balance onset latency and analgesic duration. PROSPERO registration: CRD42024552801.
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spelling doaj-art-a48c29bce5484570856347a93548fbc82025-08-20T02:55:20ZengElsevierBrazilian Journal of Anesthesiology0104-00142025-05-0175384461710.1016/j.bjane.2025.844617Comparing block characteristics of mixtures of short/intermediate- and long-acting local anesthetics for peripheral nerve block: a systematic review and meta-analysisCheng Lin0Ana Larissa Guerrero1Joshua Jesin2Rohin Tangri3Nasong Anthony Luginaah4Kamal Kumar5Christopher Hansebout6Western University, Schulich School of Medicine, London, Ontario, Canada; Corresponding author.Western University, Schulich School of Medicine, London, Ontario, CanadaUniversity of Toronto, Department of Anesthesia, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaWestern University, Schulich School of Medicine, London, Ontario, CanadaWestern University, Schulich School of Medicine, London, Ontario, CanadaWestern University, Schulich School of Medicine, London, Ontario, CanadaWestern University, Schulich School of Medicine, London, Ontario, CanadaIntroduction: Results from Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) on mixed Local Anesthetics (LA) are conflicting. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on whether using mixed LA leads to faster onset of surgical block. Method: We conducted systemic review and meta-analysis of RCTs. Medline and Embase without language restriction from inception to June 15, 2024, were searched. Included RCTs had to compare mixed LA to long-acting LA in adult surgical patients for onset or duration of nerve blocks. Onset time to surgical block was the primary outcome. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool with GRADE methodology was utilized to assess evidence quality. Results: Nineteen trials including 1060 participants met the inclusion criteria. Mixed LA modestly reduced time to surgical block (-8.4 minutes; 95% CI -12.0 to -4.8 minutes; p = 0.0001; I2 = 0.99), sensory block duration (-226.2 minutes; 95% CI -352.2 to -100.1 minutes; p = 0.002; I2 = 0.98) and motor block duration (-259.2 minutes; 95% CI -399.5 to -119.0 minutes; p = 0.003; I2 = 0.98) but not time to analgesic request duration (-130.5 minutes; 95% CI -265.9 to 4.9 minutes; p = 0.057; I2 = 0.98). GRADE scoring ranged from low to very low. Conclusion: The existing evidence showed mixed LA led to a modest reduction in surgical block latency but also shortened block duration. Future studies should evaluate the role of mixed LA in lower limb blocks and optimal dosing of long-acting LA to balance onset latency and analgesic duration. PROSPERO registration: CRD42024552801.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0104001425000338Conduction anesthesiaLocal anestheticNerve block
spellingShingle Cheng Lin
Ana Larissa Guerrero
Joshua Jesin
Rohin Tangri
Nasong Anthony Luginaah
Kamal Kumar
Christopher Hansebout
Comparing block characteristics of mixtures of short/intermediate- and long-acting local anesthetics for peripheral nerve block: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology
Conduction anesthesia
Local anesthetic
Nerve block
title Comparing block characteristics of mixtures of short/intermediate- and long-acting local anesthetics for peripheral nerve block: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_full Comparing block characteristics of mixtures of short/intermediate- and long-acting local anesthetics for peripheral nerve block: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_fullStr Comparing block characteristics of mixtures of short/intermediate- and long-acting local anesthetics for peripheral nerve block: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_full_unstemmed Comparing block characteristics of mixtures of short/intermediate- and long-acting local anesthetics for peripheral nerve block: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_short Comparing block characteristics of mixtures of short/intermediate- and long-acting local anesthetics for peripheral nerve block: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_sort comparing block characteristics of mixtures of short intermediate and long acting local anesthetics for peripheral nerve block a systematic review and meta analysis
topic Conduction anesthesia
Local anesthetic
Nerve block
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0104001425000338
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