Abstract

Introduction: Desmopressin is a synthetic antidiuretic hormone (ADH) analogue. When it is compared to ADH, the anti-diuretic effect is more and longer. In recent years it is used to relieve pain in patients with acute renal colic. In the present study we evaluated the effect of combined therapy of intranasal desmopressin spray and sublingual piroxicam in patients with acute renal colic.

Materials and Methods: Forty-five patients with renal colic included into the study. Patients were randomized into 3 groups. The first group (n=15) received 40 µg intranasal desmopressin spray, the second group (n=15) 40 mg sublingual piroxicam and the third group (n=15) received 40 µg intranasal desmopressin spray in addition to 40 mg sublingual piroxicam. To evaluate the intensity of pain, visual analogue scale (VAS) was used and the patients were asked to grade the pain ranging from 0-10.

Results: Mean pain scores 10 and 20 minutes after the treatment was lower in group 3 when compared to the other groups and there was not any significant difference between group 1 and 2. Mean pain scores 30 minutes after the treatment in group 1 was significantly higher when compared to other groups and there was not any significant difference in groups 2 and 3. Need for additional treatment (intramuscular 50 mg pethidin) was significantly lower in group 3 (59.1%, 27.3% and 13.6% respectively).

Conclusion: Our data demonstrated that combined therapy of sublingual piroxicam and intranasal desmopressin was effective to relieve pain in patients with acute renal colic.

Key Words: Desmopressin, Piroxicam, Acute Renal Colic