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OBJECTIVE: The chronic pain syndromes (CPS) include syndromes such as chronic widespread pain (CWP), dry eye disease (DED) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Highly prevalent and lacking pathognomonic biomarkers, the CPS are known to cluster in individuals in part due to their genetic overlap, but patient diagnosis can be difficult. The success of quantitative sensory testing (QST) and inflammatory biomarkers as phenotyping tools in conditions such as painful neuropathies warrant their investigation in CPS. We aimed to examine whether individual QST modalities and candidate inflammatory markers were associated with CWP, DED or IBS in a large, highly phenotyped population sample. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Community-dwelling cohort. PARTICIPANTS: Twins from the TwinsUK cohort PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: We compared 10 QST modalities, measured in participants with and without a CWP diagnosis between 2007 and 2012. We investigated whether inflammatory markers measured by Olink were associated with CWP, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, IL-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and tumour necrosis factor. All analyses were repeated in DED and IBS with correction for multiple testing. RESULTS: In N=3022 twins (95.8% women), no association was identified between individual QST modalities and CPS diagnoses (CWP, DED and IBS). Analyses of candidate inflammatory marker levels and CPS diagnoses in n=1368 twins also failed to meet statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Our findings in a large population cohort suggest a lack of true association between singular QST modalities or candidate inflammatory markers and CPS.
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Dolor Crónico , Síndromes de Ojo Seco , Síndrome del Colon Irritable , Humanos , Estudios Transversales , Masculino , Femenino , Dolor Crónico/diagnóstico , Persona de Mediana Edad , Síndrome del Colon Irritable/diagnóstico , Adulto , Síndromes de Ojo Seco/diagnóstico , Anciano , Biomarcadores/sangre , Interleucina-6/sangre , Interleucina-8/sangre , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/sangre , Quimiocina CCL2/sangre , Reino Unido/epidemiología , Interleucina-10/sangre , Dimensión del Dolor/métodosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Whether regional anesthesia impacts the development of chronic postsurgical pain is currently debateable, and few studies have evaluated an effect on prolonged opioid use. We sought to systematically review the effect of regional anesthesia for adults undergoing noncardiac elective surgery on these outcomes. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and CINHAL for randomized controlled trials (from inception to April 2022) of adult patients undergoing elective noncardiac surgeries that evaluated any regional technique and included one of our primary outcomes: (1) prolonged opioid use after surgery (continued opioid use ≥2 months postsurgery) and (2) chronic postsurgical pain (pain ≥3 months postsurgery). We conducted a random-effects meta-analysis on the specified outcomes and used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) approach to rate the quality of evidence. RESULTS: Thirty-seven studies were included in the review. Pooled estimates indicated that regional anesthesia had a significant effect on reducing prolonged opioid use (relative risk [RR] 0.48, 95% CI, 0.24-0.96, P = .04, I 2 0%, 5 trials, n = 348 patients, GRADE low quality). Pooled estimates for chronic pain also indicated a significant effect favoring regional anesthesia at 3 (RR, 0.74, 95% CI, 0.59-0.93, P = .01, I 2 77%, 15 trials, n = 1489 patients, GRADE moderate quality) and 6 months (RR, 0.72, 95% CI, 0.61-0.85, P < .001, I 2 54%, 19 trials, n = 3457 patients, GRADE moderate quality) after surgery. No effect was found in the pooled analysis at 12 months postsurgery (RR, 0.44, 95% CI, 0.16-1.17, P = .10). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that regional anesthesia potentially reduces chronic postsurgical pain up to 6 months after surgery. Our findings also suggest a potential decrease in the development of persistent opioid use.
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Analgésicos Opioides , Anestesia de Conducción , Dolor Crónico , Dolor Postoperatorio , Ensayos Clínicos Controlados Aleatorios como Asunto , Humanos , Dolor Postoperatorio/diagnóstico , Dolor Postoperatorio/prevención & control , Dolor Postoperatorio/etiología , Dolor Postoperatorio/tratamiento farmacológico , Dolor Crónico/diagnóstico , Dolor Crónico/tratamiento farmacológico , Dolor Crónico/prevención & control , Anestesia de Conducción/efectos adversos , Analgésicos Opioides/efectos adversos , Analgésicos Opioides/administración & dosificación , Atención Perioperativa/métodos , Resultado del Tratamiento , Factores de Tiempo , Trastornos Relacionados con Opioides/prevención & control , Trastornos Relacionados con Opioides/diagnóstico , Trastornos Relacionados con Opioides/epidemiología , Trastornos Relacionados con Opioides/etiologíaRESUMEN
Increasing evidence is present to enable pain measurement by using frontal channel EEG-based signals with spectral analysis and phase-amplitude coupling. To identify frontal channel EEG-based biomarkers for quantifying pain severity, we investigated band-power features to more complex features and employed various machine learning algorithms to assess the viability of these features. We utilized a public EEG dataset obtained from 36 patients with chronic pain during an eyes-open resting state and performed correlation analysis between clinically labelled pain scores and EEG features from Fp1 and Fp2 channels (EEG band-powers, phase-amplitude couplings (PAC), and its asymmetry features). We also conducted regression analysis with various machine learning models to predict patients' pain intensity. All the possible feature sets combined with five machine learning models (Linear Regression, random forest and support vector regression with linear, non-linear and polynomial kernels) were intensively checked, and regression performances were measured by adjusted R-squared value. We found significant correlations between beta power asymmetry (r = -0.375), gamma power asymmetry (r = -0.433) and low beta to low gamma coupling (r = -0.397) with pain scores while band power features did not show meaningful results. In the regression analysis, Support Vector Regression with a polynomial kernel showed the best performance (R squared value = 0.655), enabling the regression of pain intensity within a clinically usable error range. We identified the four most selected features (gamma power asymmetry, PAC asymmetry of theta to low gamma, low beta to low/high gamma). This study addressed the importance of complex features such as asymmetry and phase-amplitude coupling in pain research and demonstrated the feasibility of objectively observing pain intensity using the frontal channel-based EEG, that are clinically crucial for early intervention.
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Biomarcadores , Dolor Crónico , Electroencefalografía , Neuralgia , Humanos , Electroencefalografía/métodos , Masculino , Femenino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Dolor Crónico/fisiopatología , Dolor Crónico/diagnóstico , Neuralgia/fisiopatología , Neuralgia/diagnóstico , Adulto , Aprendizaje Automático , Anciano , Dimensión del Dolor/métodos , Descanso/fisiologíaRESUMEN
Assessing physical activity is important in the treatment of chronic conditions, including chronic low back pain (cLBP). ActiGraph™, a widely used physical activity monitor, collects raw acceleration data, and processes these data through proprietary algorithms to produce physical activity measures. The purpose of this study was to replicate ActiGraph™ algorithms in MATLAB and test the validity of this method with both healthy controls and participants with cLBP. MATLAB code was developed to replicate ActiGraph™'s activity counts and step counts algorithms, to sum the activity counts into counts per minute (CPM), and categorize each minute into activity intensity cut points. A free-living validation was performed where 24 individuals, 12 cLBP and 12 healthy, wore an ActiGraph™ GT9X on their non-dominant hip for up to seven days. The raw acceleration data were processed in both ActiLife™ (v6), ActiGraph™'s data analysis software platform, and through MATLAB (2022a). Percent errors between methods for all 24 participants, as well as separated by cLBP and healthy, were all less than 2%. ActiGraph™ algorithms were replicated and validated for both populations, based on minimal error differences between ActiLife™ and MATLAB, allowing researchers to analyze data from any accelerometer in a manner comparable to ActiLife™.
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Algoritmos , Ejercicio Físico , Dolor de la Región Lumbar , Humanos , Dolor de la Región Lumbar/fisiopatología , Dolor de la Región Lumbar/diagnóstico , Ejercicio Físico/fisiología , Masculino , Femenino , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Actigrafía/métodos , Actigrafía/instrumentación , Acelerometría/métodos , Acelerometría/instrumentación , Dolor Crónico/fisiopatología , Dolor Crónico/diagnóstico , Estudios de Casos y ControlesRESUMEN
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This paper is an update of the publications on Transitional Pain Services and explores the viability of a dedicated transitional pain service for women. RECENT FINDINGS: We address common pain pathologies establishing referral criteria, pathways, and effective strategies to decrease chronification of pain during pregnancy. SUMMARY: This review highlights the importance establishing transitional pain service models at every institution and in particular in obstetric population as pain is normalized by Society during pregnancy.
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Manejo del Dolor , Humanos , Femenino , Embarazo , Manejo del Dolor/métodos , Manejo del Dolor/normas , Complicaciones del Embarazo/terapia , Cuidado de Transición/normas , Cuidado de Transición/organización & administración , Derivación y Consulta , Dolor Crónico/terapia , Dolor Crónico/diagnóstico , Clínicas de Dolor/organización & administración , Clínicas de Dolor/normasRESUMEN
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: It is estimated that approximately a third of patients undergoing certain surgeries may report some degree of persistent pain postoperatively. Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) reduces quality of life, is challenging to treat, and has significant socio-economic impact. RECENT FINDINGS: From an epidemiological perspective, factors that predispose patients to the development of CPSP may be considered in relation to the patient, the procedure or, the care environment. Prevention or management of transition from acute to chronic pain often need a multidisciplinary approach beginning early in the preoperative period and continuing beyond surgical admission. The current concepts regarding the role of central and peripheral nervous systems in chronification of pain may provide targets for future therapies but, the current evidence seems to suggest that a multimodal analgesic approach of preventive analgesia along with a continued follow-up and treatment after hospital discharge may hold the key to identify and manage the transitioning of acute to chronic pain. SUMMARY: A comprehensive multidisciplinary approach with prior identification of risk factors, minimizing the surgical insult and a culture of utilizing multimodal analgesia and continued surveillance beyond the period of hospitalization is an important step towards reducing the development of chronic pain. A transitional pain service model may accomplish many of these goals.
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Dolor Agudo , Dolor Crónico , Manejo del Dolor , Dolor Postoperatorio , Humanos , Dolor Postoperatorio/prevención & control , Dolor Postoperatorio/etiología , Dolor Postoperatorio/diagnóstico , Dolor Postoperatorio/terapia , Dolor Crónico/prevención & control , Dolor Crónico/terapia , Dolor Crónico/etiología , Dolor Crónico/diagnóstico , Manejo del Dolor/métodos , Dolor Agudo/prevención & control , Dolor Agudo/etiología , Dolor Agudo/terapia , Dolor Agudo/diagnóstico , Factores de Riesgo , Analgesia/métodos , Analgésicos/uso terapéutico , Analgésicos/administración & dosificación , Calidad de VidaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Calf circumference is currently recommended as a case-finding marker for sarcopenia, but its usefulness has not been determined in chronic pain conditions. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the predictive performance of calf circumference in diagnosing sarcopenia in older patients with chronic low back pain. METHODS: Ambulatory adult patients aged ≥ 65 years with chronic low back pain were enrolled. A diagnosis of sarcopenia was established based on the criteria outlined by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia in 2019. Patient demographics, pain-related factors, clinical factors, and sarcopenia-related measurements were compared between non-sarcopenic and sarcopenic patients. Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the correlation of calf circumference with muscle mass, strength, and physical performance. Also, a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for calf circumference in predicting sarcopenia was conducted; and area under the curve (AUC) values, along with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI), were calculated. RESULTS: Data from 592 patients were included in the analysis. Eighty-five patients were diagnosed with sarcopenia (14.3%), 71 of whom had severe sarcopenia (11.9%). A higher prevalence of sarcopenia was observed in female patients (9.0% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.016). After adjusting for age, BMI, and comorbidities, calf circumference correlated positively with muscle mass but not with muscle strength and physical performance. The AUC values for sarcopenia were 0.754 (95% CI = 0.636-0.871, p = 0.001) in males and 0.721 (95% CI = 0.657-0.786, p < 0.001) in females. The cut-offs for calf circumference in predicting sarcopenia were 34 cm (sensitivity 67.1%, specificity 70.6%) in males, and 31 cm (sensitivity 82.5%, specificity 51.5%) in females. CONCLUSIONS: Even though sex differences in its predictive value for sarcopenia should be considered, our findings suggest that calf circumference can be used as an indicator for predicting muscle mass and may serve as a potential marker for identifying sarcopenia in older patients with chronic low back pain.
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Pierna , Dolor de la Región Lumbar , Sarcopenia , Humanos , Sarcopenia/diagnóstico , Sarcopenia/epidemiología , Masculino , Femenino , Anciano , Estudios Transversales , Estudios Retrospectivos , Dolor de la Región Lumbar/diagnóstico , Dolor de la Región Lumbar/epidemiología , Dolor Crónico/diagnóstico , Dolor Crónico/epidemiología , Fuerza Muscular/fisiología , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Valor Predictivo de las Pruebas , Músculo Esquelético/patología , Músculo Esquelético/fisiopatologíaRESUMEN
PURPOSE: To assess the test-retest and inter-rater reliability of goniometry and fleximetry in measuring cervical range of motion in individuals with chronic neck pain. METHODS: A reliability study. Thirty individuals with chronic neck pain were selected. Cervical range of motion was measured by goniometry and fleximetry at two time points 7 days apart. To characterize the sample, we used the numerical pain rating scale, Pain-Related Catastrophizing Thoughts Scale, and Neck Disability Index. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimum detectable change (MDC) were calculated. Correlations between goniometry and fleximetry measurements were performed using Spearman's correlation coefficient (rho). RESULTS: For goniometry, we found excellent test-retest reliability (ICC ≥ 0.986, SEM ≤ 1.89%, MDC ≤ 5.23%) and inter-rater reliability (ICC ≥ 0.947, SEM ≤ 3.91%, MDC ≤ 10.84%). Similarly, we found excellent test-retest reliability (ICC ≥ 0.969, SEM ≤ 2.71%, MDC ≤ 7.52%) and inter-rater reliability (ICC ≥ 0.981, SEM ≤ 1.88%, MDC ≤ 5.20%) for fleximetry. Finally, we observed a strong correlation between the goniometry and the fleximetry for all cervical movements (rho ≥ 0.993). CONCLUSION: Goniometry and fleximetry measurements are reliable for assessing cervical range of motion in individuals with chronic neck pain.
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Artrometría Articular , Vértebras Cervicales , Dolor Crónico , Dolor de Cuello , Rango del Movimiento Articular , Humanos , Dolor de Cuello/fisiopatología , Dolor de Cuello/diagnóstico , Rango del Movimiento Articular/fisiología , Femenino , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Masculino , Dolor Crónico/fisiopatología , Dolor Crónico/diagnóstico , Artrometría Articular/métodos , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Vértebras Cervicales/fisiopatología , Dimensión del Dolor/métodos , Variaciones Dependientes del ObservadorRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: People with chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMSP) often have low physical activity. Various factors can influence the activity level. The aim of this study was to monitor physical activity, assessed by the number of steps per day, over time in people with CMSP and identify factors that could be associated with this activity feature. METHODS: This prospective study involved people undergoing rehabilitation following an orthopedic trauma that had led to CMSP. At entry, participants completed self-reported questionnaires assessing pain, anxiety, depression, catastrophyzing, kinesiophobia, and behavioural activity patterns (avoidance, pacing and overdoing). They also underwent functional tests, assessing walking endurance and physical fitness. To determine daily step counts, participants wore an accelerometer for 1 week during rehabilitation and 3 months post-rehabilitation. The number of steps per day was compared among three time points: weekend of rehabilitation (an estimate of pre-rehabilitation activity; T1), weekdays of rehabilitation (T2), and post-rehabilitation (T3). Linear regression models were used to analyze the association between daily steps at T2 and at T3 and self-reported and performance-based parameters. RESULTS: Data from 145 participants were analyzed. The mean number of steps was significantly higher during T2 than T1 and T3 (7323 [3047] vs. 4782 [2689], p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.769, and 4757 [2680], p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.693), whereas T1 and T3 results were similar (p = 0.92, Cohen's d = 0.008). Correlations of number of steps per day among time points were low (r ≤ 0.4). Multivariable regression models revealed an association between daily steps at T2 and pain interfering with walking, anxiety and overdoing behaviour. Daily steps at T3 were associated with overdoing behaviour and physical fitness. CONCLUSIONS: Despite chronic pain, people in rehabilitation after an orthopedic trauma increased their physical activity if they were given incentives to do so. When these incentives disappeared, most people returned to their previous activity levels. A multimodal follow-up approach could include both therapeutic and environmental incentives to help maintain physical activity in this population.
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Dolor Crónico , Ejercicio Físico , Dolor Musculoesquelético , Caminata , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Dolor Crónico/rehabilitación , Dolor Crónico/diagnóstico , Dolor Crónico/psicología , Dolor Crónico/fisiopatología , Estudios Prospectivos , Dolor Musculoesquelético/diagnóstico , Dolor Musculoesquelético/psicología , Dolor Musculoesquelético/rehabilitación , Dolor Musculoesquelético/fisiopatología , Ejercicio Físico/fisiología , Adulto , Caminata/fisiología , Anciano , Autoinforme , Acelerometría , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
STUDY OBJECTIVE: Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is characterized by the congenital absence of the uterus and vagina, sometimes with associated extragenital anomalies. Currently, there is limited literature on pelvic pain and comorbid pain syndromes in people with MRKH. The aims of this scoping review were to summarize existing literature on pelvic and generalized persistent pain syndromes associated with MRKH and to identify knowledge gaps for further research into this field. METHODS: This scoping review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute framework. The population of interest was patients with a diagnosis of MRKH. MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane, Embase, and Emcare databases were searched. Articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria or critical appraisal standards were excluded. The resultant articles were reviewed by 2 independent researchers, and a third was used in cases of disagreement. A descriptive analytical method was used for data analysis. RESULTS: We screened 3348 articles for eligibility. Of these, 39 articles, which described 1353 cases of MRKH, met the criteria. Four studies described baseline pelvic pain in MRKH, 19 described acute presentations, and 13 described postintervention pain levels. CONCLUSION: Despite the paucity of research, this review found that cyclic pelvic pain was mostly present in women with uterine remnants, whereas pelvic pain in those without remnants was poorly understood. There were no studies exploring generalized persistent pain syndromes in MRKH. Further cross-sectional studies are needed to elucidate the prevalence and levels of pain syndromes in MRKH.
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Trastornos del Desarrollo Sexual 46, XX , Anomalías Congénitas , Conductos Paramesonéfricos , Dolor Pélvico , Humanos , Dolor Pélvico/etiología , Dolor Pélvico/diagnóstico , Femenino , Conductos Paramesonéfricos/anomalías , Trastornos del Desarrollo Sexual 46, XX/complicaciones , Trastornos del Desarrollo Sexual 46, XX/diagnóstico , Anomalías Congénitas/diagnóstico , Dolor Crónico/diagnóstico , Dolor Crónico/etiologíaRESUMEN
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Consequences of the expanding commercial spaceflight industry include an increase in total number of spaceflight participants and an accompanying surge in the average number of medical comorbidities compared with government-based astronaut corps. A sequela of these developments is an anticipated rise in acute and chronic pain concerns associated with spaceflight. This review will summarize diagnostic and therapeutic areas of interest that can support the comfort of humans in spaceflight. RECENT FINDINGS: Painful conditions that occur in space may be due to exposure to numerous stressors such as acceleration and vibration during launch, trauma associated with extravehicular activities, and morbidity resulting directly from weightlessness. Without normal gravitational forces and biomechanical stress, the hostile environment of space causes muscle atrophy, bone demineralization, joint stiffness, and spinal disc dysfunction, resulting in a myriad of pain generators. Repeated insults from abnormal environmental exposures are thought to contribute to the development of painful musculoskeletal and neuropathic conditions. SUMMARY: As humanity invests in Lunar and Martian exploration, understanding the painful conditions that will impede crew productivity and mission outcomes is critical. Preexisting pain and new-onset acute or chronic pain resulting from spaceflight will require countermeasures and treatments to mitigate long-term health effects.
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Vuelo Espacial , Ingravidez , Humanos , Ingravidez/efectos adversos , Manejo del Dolor/métodos , Dolor Crónico/terapia , Dolor Crónico/etiología , Dolor Crónico/diagnóstico , Dolor Crónico/fisiopatología , Astronautas , Dolor/etiología , Dolor/diagnósticoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine administration during video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for lung cancer on perioperative inflammatory response and chronic post-surgical pain. METHODS: A cohort of 152 patients with lung cancer scheduled for elective video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery participated in this randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups and administered an equivalent volume of dexmedetomidine (n = 63) or normal saline (n = 63). Dexmedetomidine was administered at a dose of 0.6 µg/kg 10 minutes before anesthesia induction and maintained at 0.5 µg/kg/h until 0.5 hours before surgery completed. Anesthesia and postoperative pain management protocols were standardized for both groups. The analysis included vital signs, numerical rating scales of pain, blood inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers, pain type and location, patient-controlled intravenous analgesia usage, consumption of general anesthetics and pain rescue medications, as well as complications. RESULTS: The administration of dexmedetomidine resulted in decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, alongside tumor necrosis factor-alpha) and oxidative stress biomarkers (reactive oxygen species alongside malondialdehyde) but elevated levels of interleukin-10 and superoxide dismutase. In addition, the dexmedetomidine group showed lower postoperative numerical rating scale scores, reduced consumption of anesthetics, faster chest-tube removal, fewer patient-controlled intravenous analgesia presses, and shorter postoperative hospital stays. CONCLUSION: The administration of dexmedetomidine effectively attenuated surgical inflammation, oxidative stress, and postoperative pain, thereby promoting patient recovery after lung cancer surgery without increasing the risk of adverse effects or complications.
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Dolor Crónico , Dexmedetomidina , Neoplasias Pulmonares , Dolor Postoperatorio , Cirugía Torácica Asistida por Video , Humanos , Dexmedetomidina/administración & dosificación , Dexmedetomidina/uso terapéutico , Cirugía Torácica Asistida por Video/efectos adversos , Cirugía Torácica Asistida por Video/métodos , Neoplasias Pulmonares/cirugía , Femenino , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Dolor Postoperatorio/etiología , Dolor Postoperatorio/diagnóstico , Dolor Postoperatorio/prevención & control , Dolor Postoperatorio/tratamiento farmacológico , Anciano , Dolor Crónico/etiología , Dolor Crónico/prevención & control , Dolor Crónico/diagnóstico , Dolor Crónico/tratamiento farmacológico , Analgésicos no Narcóticos/administración & dosificación , Analgésicos no Narcóticos/uso terapéutico , Inflamación/prevención & control , Inflamación/etiología , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Método Doble CiegoRESUMEN
Joint hypermobility syndromes, particularly chronic pain associated with this condition, including Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), present diagnostic challenges due to their multifactorial origins and remain poorly understood from biomechanical and genomic-molecular perspectives. Recent diagnostic guidelines have differentiated hEDS, HSD, and benign joint hypermobility, providing a more objective diagnostic framework. However, incorrect diagnoses and underdiagnoses persist, leading to prolonged journeys for affected individuals. Musculoskeletal manifestations, chronic pain, dysautonomia, and gastrointestinal symptoms illustrate the multifactorial impact of these conditions, affecting both the physical and emotional well-being of affected individuals. Infrared thermography (IRT) emerges as a promising tool for joint assessment, especially in detecting inflammatory processes. Thermal distribution patterns offer valuable insights into joint dysfunctions, although the direct correlation between pain and inflammation remains challenging. The prevalence of neuropathies among hypermobile individuals accentuates the discordance between pain perception and thermographic findings, further complicating diagnosis and management. Despite its potential, the clinical integration of IRT faces challenges, with conflicting evidence hindering its adoption. However, studies demonstrate objective temperature disparities between healthy and diseased joints, especially under dynamic thermography, suggesting its potential utility in clinical practice. Future research focused on refining diagnostic criteria and elucidating the underlying mechanisms of hypermobility syndromes will be essential to improve diagnostic accuracy and enhance patient care in this complex and multidimensional context.
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Dolor Crónico , Inestabilidad de la Articulación , Termografía , Humanos , Termografía/métodos , Inestabilidad de la Articulación/diagnóstico , Inestabilidad de la Articulación/fisiopatología , Dolor Crónico/diagnóstico , Dolor Crónico/fisiopatología , Síndrome de Ehlers-Danlos/diagnóstico , Síndrome de Ehlers-Danlos/fisiopatología , Inflamación/diagnóstico , Rayos InfrarrojosRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterised by chronic widespread pain, often associated with fatigue, sleep disturbance, cognitive and mood impairment. Pain is a complex and multidimensional experience that significantly impacts personal, social, and professional functioning. Psychological factors related to chronic pain include catastrophising and self-efficacy in managing the painful condition. Therefore, this study explores the influence of chronic pain and related psychological factors on functional outcomes in FM patients. METHODS: In this study, 91 Italian patients with FM were assessed using an online questionnaire. The questionnaire included instruments to assess pain, such as the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), psychological characteristics, such as the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ) and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and health-related quality of life with the 12-item Short Form Survey (SF-12). Multiple regression models were run, using the Interference subscale of the BPI and the physical and mental components of the SF-12 as outcomes, and the NRS, PCS and PSEQ scales as predictors. RESULTS: Our analysis revealed that in our model, both PCS and PSEQ were significant predictors of BPI-Interference (PCS: ß=0.29; p=0.001; PSEQ: ß=-0.36; p<0.001); NRS and PSEQ significantly predicted SF-12-Physical score (NRS: ß=-0.32; p=<0.001; PSEQ: ß=.50; p<0.001); PCS was found to be the only significant predictor of SF-12-Mental scores (ß=-0.53; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that psychological variables such as catastrophic thinking and self-efficacy play a significant role in determining daily functioning and physical and mental health status in FM patients, showing greater influence than pain intensity.
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Catastrofización , Dolor Crónico , Fibromialgia , Estado Funcional , Dimensión del Dolor , Calidad de Vida , Autoeficacia , Humanos , Fibromialgia/psicología , Fibromialgia/fisiopatología , Fibromialgia/diagnóstico , Femenino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Masculino , Dolor Crónico/psicología , Dolor Crónico/fisiopatología , Dolor Crónico/diagnóstico , Adulto , Catastrofización/psicología , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Italia , Anciano , Costo de EnfermedadRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Chronic pain is a debilitating and common health issue. General Practitioners (GPs) often prescribe opioids to treat chronic pain, despite limited evidence of benefit and increasing evidence of harms, including prescription Opioid Use Disorder (pOUD). Australian GPs are worried about the harms of long-term opioids, but few are involved in the treatment of pOUD. There is little research on GPs' experiences diagnosing and managing pOUD in their chronic pain patients. METHODS: This qualitative research used semi-structured interviews and a case study to investigate GPs' experiences through the lens of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). TPB describes three factors, an individual's perceived beliefs/attitudes, perceived social norms and perceived behavioural controls. Participants were interviewed via an online video conferencing platform. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. RESULTS: Twenty-four GPs took part. Participants were aware of the complex presentations for chronic pain patients and concerned about long-term opioid use. Their approach was holistic, but they had limited understanding of pOUD diagnosis and suggested that pOUD had only one treatment: Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT). Participants felt uncomfortable prescribing opioids and were fearful of difficult, conflictual conversations with patients about the possibility of pOUD. This led to avoidance and negative attitudes towards diagnosing pOUD. There were few positive social norms, few colleagues diagnosed or managed pOUD. Participants reported that their colleagues only offered positive support as this would allow them to avoid managing pOUD themselves, while patients and other staff were often unsupportive. Negative behavioural controls were common with low levels of knowledge, skill, professional supports, inadequate time and remuneration described by many participants. They felt OAT was not core general practice and required specialist management. This dichotomous approach was reflected in their views that the health system only supported treatment for chronic pain or pOUD, not both conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Negative beliefs, negative social norms and negative behavioural controls decreased individual behavioural intention for this group of GPs. Diagnosing and managing pOUD in chronic pain patients prescribed opioids was perceived as difficult and unsupported. Interventions to change behaviour must address negative perceptions in order to lead to more positive intentions to engage in the management of pOUD.
Asunto(s)
Analgésicos Opioides , Dolor Crónico , Medicina General , Trastornos Relacionados con Opioides , Investigación Cualitativa , Humanos , Dolor Crónico/tratamiento farmacológico , Dolor Crónico/psicología , Dolor Crónico/diagnóstico , Analgésicos Opioides/uso terapéutico , Analgésicos Opioides/efectos adversos , Masculino , Femenino , Australia , Trastornos Relacionados con Opioides/diagnóstico , Trastornos Relacionados con Opioides/tratamiento farmacológico , Trastornos Relacionados con Opioides/psicología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Médicos Generales/psicología , Adulto , Pautas de la Práctica en Medicina , Actitud del Personal de Salud , Teoría Psicológica , Entrevistas como Asunto , Teoría del Comportamiento PlanificadoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Neck pain is a prevalent global musculoskeletal issue, significantly contributing to the loss of years of healthy life due to disability. Chronic nonspecific neck pain (CNNP) involves diverse symptoms impacting mobility and quality of life. While therapeutic exercises demonstrate efficacy, the role of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) remains uncertain. This study aims to assess the additional effects of PBMT within a multimodal therapeutic intervention for CNNP. METHODS: A randomized, two-arm, controlled, blind clinical trial follows CONSORT and SPIRIT guidelines. Participants diagnosed with CNNP will receive a stand-alone multimodal therapeutic intervention or the same program with additional PBMT. The primary outcomes will be assessed by the functional disability identified through applying the NDI (Neck Disability Index). Secondary outcomes will be pain intensity during rest and active neck movement, catastrophizing and kinesiophobia, functionality, and disability assessed at baseline, after 8 weeks, and at a 4-week follow-up. Both groups receive pain education before personalized interventions, including resistance exercises, neuromuscular activities, mobility, and body balance. The PBMT group undergoes low-level light therapy. Intention-to-treat analysis, using linear mixed models, employs data presented as mean, standard deviation, and differences with a 95% confidence interval. Non-normally distributed variables transform. Statistical significance is set at 5%. DISCUSSION: This study addresses a critical gap in understanding the combined effects of PBMT and therapeutic exercises for CNNP. The findings aim to guide clinicians, researchers, and CNNP sufferers through rigorous methodology and diverse outcome assessments, offering valuable insights into evidence-based practices for CNNP management. Data confidentiality is maintained throughout, ensuring participant privacy during statistical analysis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Effects of adding photobiomodulation to a specific therapeutic exercise program for the treatment of individuals with chronic nonspecific neck pain, registration number: NCT05400473, on 2022-05-27.
Asunto(s)
Dolor Crónico , Terapia por Luz de Baja Intensidad , Dolor de Cuello , Ensayos Clínicos Controlados Aleatorios como Asunto , Humanos , Dolor de Cuello/terapia , Dolor de Cuello/fisiopatología , Dolor de Cuello/diagnóstico , Terapia por Luz de Baja Intensidad/métodos , Dolor Crónico/terapia , Dolor Crónico/fisiopatología , Dolor Crónico/diagnóstico , Terapia Combinada , Resultado del Tratamiento , Dimensión del Dolor , Evaluación de la Discapacidad , Adulto , Femenino , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Terapia por Ejercicio/métodos , Factores de Tiempo , Calidad de VidaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this qualitative analysis was to better understand what pain management strategies adults with opioid-treated chronic low back pain (CLBP) found most helpful. DESIGN: A subgroup of participants from a larger randomized control trial of two psychological interventions were asked: "What helps your back pain?" at baseline and 12 months (exit) in brief, video-recorded interviews. Videos were analyzed using qualitative thematic content analysis utilizing Transana™. SETTING: Participants were recruited from the community and outpatient clinics in three United States sites. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-nine adults with long-term (≥3 months) opioid-treated (≥15 mg/day morphine equivalent) CLBP. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Participants' baseline and exit qualitative responses to the question "What helps your back pain?" RESULTS: At baseline, participants identified medication (n = 63), body position (n = 59), thermal application (n = 50), physical activity (n = 49), and stretching (n = 24) as the CLBP management strategies they found helpful. At exit, the reports of medication (n = 55), physical activity (n = 41), and stretching (n = 21) were often considered helpful for CLBP and remained relatively stable, while position (n = 36) and thermal application (n = 35) strategies were mentioned less frequently and psychological strategies (n = 29) were mentioned more frequently (up from n = 5) compared to baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Over time, the reports of medication and active pain management strategies, eg, physical activity, remained stable, while the reports of some passive pain management strategies, eg, position and thermal, declined over time. Increased use of psychological strategies implies that study interventions were incorporated as useful pain self-management strategies.
Asunto(s)
Analgésicos Opioides , Dolor Crónico , Dolor de la Región Lumbar , Manejo del Dolor , Humanos , Dolor de la Región Lumbar/tratamiento farmacológico , Dolor de la Región Lumbar/terapia , Dolor de la Región Lumbar/psicología , Analgésicos Opioides/uso terapéutico , Femenino , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Dolor Crónico/tratamiento farmacológico , Dolor Crónico/psicología , Dolor Crónico/diagnóstico , Dolor Crónico/terapia , Manejo del Dolor/métodos , Adulto , Investigación Cualitativa , Anciano , Dimensión del Dolor , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Recruitment for clinical trials and large-scale studies is challenging, especially for patients with complex conditions like chronic pain. Email recruitment has the potential to increase efficiency, to reduce costs, and to improve access for underrepresented patient populations. The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness, efficiency, and equitability of email versus postal mail recruitment for the Learning to Apply Mindfulness to Pain (LAMP) study, a three-site clinical trial of mindfulness-based interventions for chronic pain. METHODS: Patients with chronic pain diagnoses were recruited from three United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities using the VA electronic health record (EHR). Recruitment materials were sent using either postal mail (n = 7986) or email (n = 19,333). Patients in the email recruitment group were also mailed introductory postcards before any emails. Mailing addresses and email addresses were obtained from the EHR. Effectiveness was measured by the response rate of patients who logged into the secure LAMP study website. Efficiency was measured by the number of days from when the recruitment materials were sent to when patients logged into the LAMP portal as well as the estimated costs of each recruitment approach. To assess equitability, we examined whether email recruitment was less effective for underrepresented populations, based on demographic information from the EHR. RESULTS: Effectiveness-unadjusted response rates were greater for email versus postal-mail recruitment (18.9% versus 6.3%), and adjusted response rates were over three times greater for email recruitment (RR = 3.5, 95% CI 3.1-3.8) based on a multivariable analysis controlling for age, gender, race, ethnicity, rurality, and site. Efficiency-email recruitment had a significantly lower mean response time (1 day versus 8 days) and a lower cost. Equity-email recruitment led to higher response rates for all subpopulations, including older, non-White, Hispanic, rural, and female Veterans. CONCLUSIONS: Email recruitment is an effective, efficient, and equitable way to recruit VA patients to large-scale, chronic pain clinical trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT04526158. Patient enrollment began on December 4, 2020.