Peripartal pain perception and pain therapy: introduction and validation of a questionnaire as a quality instrument.

BACKGROUND: Labor pain is difficult to measure. The aim of this proof-of-concept study is to implement and test a questionnaire assessing pain sensation during and after vaginal deliveries. Its key aspect is a highly standardized survey of patient-reported outcome (PRO) by staff not involved in routine care. METHODS: Between January and November 2015 339 women were assessed 24-48 h after spontaneous or operative-vaginal delivery of a singleton. German language skills were a prerequisite to participate. The test-retest reliability was calculated in 38 women 24-36 and 48-72 h postpartum between July and October 2017. Primiparae after spontaneous delivery and multiparae with no history of operative deliveries were compared in a subgroup analysis. RESULTS: Maximum labor pain and post-partum pain were reported a median of 9 [8-10] and 4 [3-6]. Higher ratings were associated with younger age, higher gestational ages, infant's biometrics, and the duration of laboring. Only regional analgesia tended to reduce pain perception (NRS 8 vs. 9). Higher-degree injuries were associated with less pain postpartum. The questionnaire proved to be reliable in most aspects (Cronbach's α > 0.6 for 19/21 questions) and showed an acceptable content and criterion validity (Cohen correlation > ± 0.3, interrelation between items). CONCLUSION: Labor is a very painful experience, irrespective of previous obstetric history. Ratings indicate inadequateness of treatment except for patients receiving preventive postoperative pain management. Systematic postpartum pain assessment, hence, is still a pending issue. Adjustments will be made concerning language skills and specific questions on effectiveness of analgesia otherwise good reliability and validity of the questionnaire were proven.

Targeting alpha-synuclein or tau for treating neurodegenerative movement disorders.

The two commonest groups of neurodegenerative disorders causing movement disorders are synucleinopathies and tauopathies. These disorders are characterised by the accumulation of abnormally misfolded forms of α-synuclein and tau proteins. Our current understanding of their pathogenesis suggests that extracellular forms of these proteins are of major relevance to the mechanism of pathology propagation throughout the brain and disease progression. The most novel approaches to find disease-modifying therapies aim to reduce or block these forms of tau and α-synuclein. This article reviews therapeutic strategies targeting α-synuclein and tau protein which have entered clinical development.

[Pain management in departments of internal medicine : Results of a national survey on structures and processes of care]. / Schmerzmanagement in der Inneren Medizin : Ergebnisse einer bundesweiten Erhebung zu Struktur- und Prozessdaten.

BACKGROUND, OBJECTIVES: Deficits in the quality of pain management in hospitals have been described for years. The aim of this study was to assess structures and processes of pain management in departments for internal medicine in German hospitals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected using a standardized telephone interview (non-university hospital departments) on a randomized sample of hospitals (circa 1/3 of hospitals); all German departments of university hospitals were invited to participate and questioned separately using an online questionnaire (SurveyMonkey®). RESULTS: Data from 139 non-university departments (response rate: 21%) and 33 university hospital departments (only 21 questionnaires were fully answered, response rate 17 and 11%, respectively) were collected. Of 619 non-university hospital departments contacted, 441 explicitly refused to participate in the survey, most often on the grounds that there was no interest in pain management. Pain was regularly recorded as an independent parameter during the medical visit in 89% of the non-university hospital and 96% of the university hospital departments; written standardized treatment protocols for pain therapy were available in 57% of the non-university hospital departments (54% university hospital departments). In 76% of the non-university hospitals departments (100% university hospital departments), an acute pain service was also available for patients of internal medicine departments for co-treatment. Written cooperation agreements were less common (35% non-university hospital departments, 18% university hospital departments). CONCLUSION: The described implementation of pain management was satisfying in the participating departments. However, in consideration of the low participation and high rejection of participation due to explicit disinterest in the topic, the results should be critically assessed and presumably characterized by a significant positive bias.

Staff and organizational requirements for pain services in hospitals : A recommendation from the German Society for Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine.

Although pain services have been established in many hospitals, there is considerable heterogeneity among them with respect to organization of service, staff and qualifications of staff, and treatment approaches.With this recommendation, the German Society for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine defines requirements for pain services in hospitals with respect to organizational standards and staff qualifications. The therapy offered by pain services supplements the treatment provided by the other departments involved, ensuring the high quality of specialized pain management in all areas of the hospital. Pain services shall oversee treatment with specialized analgesia techniques as well as the involvement of consultants, bringing together in-hospital pain medicine expertise in one service with availability 24 h and 7 days per week via a single contact. The medical head of the pain service shall be a qualified provider of pain medicine as defined by the German Medical Association and as a minimum should also have undergone additional training in basic psychosomatic medicine. Further members of the medical staff should possess the credentials of a medical specialist: non-medical staff should have completed continuing education in the treatment of pain. Minimal guidelines for personnel resources were defined: these included a specific time frame for first contacts (20 min) and follow-up (10 min) for specific analgesic techniques and for the involvement of consultants (first contact 45 min, follow-up 20 min), with additional time for travel, set-up, training and quality management. In addition to definition of the space and equipment needed, each service should draft its own budget, and this should be adequate and plannable. Written agreements between the disciplines and transparent documentation, including patient-reported outcomes, are recommended to ensure quality. The provision of specialized pain therapy should have high priority over all disciplines or departments.

Implementation of anesthesia quality indicators in Germany : A prospective, national, multicenter quality improvement study.

BACKGROUND: In 2016 the German Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (DGAI) and the Association of German Anesthetists (BDA) published 10 quality indicators (QI) to compare and improve the quality of anesthesia care in Germany. So far, there is no evidence for the feasibility of implementation of these QI in hospitals. OBJECTIVE: This study tested the hypothesis that the implementation of the 10 QI is feasible in German hospitals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective three-phase national multicenter quality improvement study was conducted in 15 German hospitals and 1 outpatient anesthesia center from March 2017 to February 2018. The trial consisted of an initial evaluation of pre-existing structures and processes by the heads of the participating anesthesia departments, followed by a 6-month implementation phase of the QI as well as a final re-evaluation phase. The implementation procedure was supported by web-based implementation aids ( www.qi-an.org ) and internal quality management programs. The primary endpoint was the difference in the number of implemented QI per center before and after implementation. Secondary endpoints were the number of newly implemented QI per center, the overall number of successful implementations of each QI, the identification of problems during the implementation as well as the kind of impediments preventing the QI implementation. RESULTS: The average number of implemented QI increased from 5.8 to 6.8 (mean of the differences 1.1 ± 1.3; P < 0.01). Most frequently the QI perioperative morbidity and mortality report (5 centers) and the QI temperature management (4 centers) could be implemented. After the implementation phase, the QI incidence management and patient blood management were implemented in all 16 centers. Implementation of other quality indicators failed mainly due to a lack of time and lack of structural resources. CONCLUSION: In this study the implementation of QI was proven to be mostly feasible in the participating German hospitals. Although several QI could be implemented with minor effort, more time, financial and structural resources would be required for some QI, such as the QI postoperative visit.

Management of rare movement disorders in Europe: outcome of surveys of the European Reference Network for Rare Neurological Diseases.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The diagnosis of rare movement disorders is difficult and specific management programmes are not well defined. Thus, in order to capture and assess care needs, the European Reference Network for Rare Neurological Diseases has performed an explorative care need survey across all European Union (EU) countries. METHODS: This is a multicentre, cross-sectional study. A survey about the management of different rare movement disorders (group 1, dystonia, paroxysmal dyskinesia and neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation; group 2, ataxias and hereditary spastic paraparesis; group 3, atypical parkinsonism; group 4, choreas) was sent to an expert in each group of disorders from each EU country. RESULTS: Some EU countries claimed for an increase of teaching courses. Genetic testing was not readily available in a significant number of countries. Regarding management, patients' accessibility to tertiary hospitals, to experts and to multidisciplinary teams was unequal between countries and groups of diseases. The availability of therapeutic options, such as botulinum toxin or more invasive treatments like deep brain stimulation, was limited in some countries. CONCLUSIONS: The management of these conditions in EU countries is unequal. The survey provides evidence that a European care-focused network that is able to address the unmet rare neurological disease care needs and inequalities is highly warranted.

Factors influencing GPs' perception of specialised palliative homecare (SPHC) importance - results of a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: General Practitioners (GPs) are the main providers of primary palliative care (PPC). At the same time they are the main initiators of specialised palliative homecare (SPHC). In Germany, little is known about factors which influence GPs in their involvement of SPHC. Aim of our study is to identify factors that drive GPs to give value to and involve SPHC. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was performed. In 2018, questionnaires were mailed to 6000 randomly selected GPs from eight German federal states, focusing on the extent of GPs' palliative care activities and their involvement of SPHC. RESULTS: With a response rate of 19.4% and exclusion of GPs working in SPHC-teams, n = 1026 questionnaires were appropriate for analysis. GPs valued SPHC support as the most "important/very important" for both "technical/invasive treatment measures" (95%) and availability outside practice opening hours (92%). The most relevant factor influencing perceived SPHC-importance was GPs' self-reported extent of engagement in palliative care (ß = - 0.283; CI 95% = - 0.384;-0.182), followed by the perceived quality of utilised SPHC (ß = 0.119; CI 95% = 0.048;0.190), involvement in treatment of palliative patients after SPHC initiation (ß = 0.088; CI 95% = 0.042;0.134), and conviction that palliative care should be a central part of GPs' work (ß = - 0.062; CI 95% = - 0.116;-0.008). Perceived SPHC-importance is also associated with SPHC-referrals (ß =0.138; p < 0.001). The lower the engagement of GPs in palliative care, the more they involve SPHC and vice versa. CONCLUSIONS: GPs with low reported activity in palliative care are more likely to initialise SPHC for palliative care activities they do not deliver themselves for various reasons, which might mean that the involvement of SPHC is substitutive instead of complementary to primary palliative care. This finding and its interpretation should be given more attention in the future policy framework for (specialised) palliative homecare. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00014726 , 14.05.2018.

[Clinical application of the Bregma test : Point prevalence in healthy, pain-free and chronic pain patients and change of test results during interdisciplinary multimodal pain therapy]. / Klinische Anwendung des Bregmatests : Punktprävalenz an Gesunden, Nichtschmerzpatienten und chronischen Schmerzpatienten sowie Änderung der Testergebnisse während einer interdisziplinären multimodalen Schmerztherapie.

BACKGROUND: The Bregma test as an investigation of sensorimotor deficits has not yet been broadly applied. It is considered to be a test for the presentation of general sensorimotor abilities in a standing position. Pain patients often show disorders in physical perception and movement. OBJECTIVE: Are there differences in the point prevalence of the Bregma test in patients (with and without diagnosis F45.41) or healthy persons? In a second part the development of pathological Bregma test values was observed in the context of an interdisciplinary multimodal pain therapy (IMST). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Point prevalence of pathological test results in 3 groups, total n = 218. Monitoring of the course of an IMST at the beginning and end of a day clinic setting, n = 60. RESULTS: Healthy and "non-F45.41" patients showed a <15% frequency of pathological Bregma test results. In "F45.41 patients" the frequency was >50%. Within the framework of an IMST the pathological movements could be reduced to approximately 33%. CONCLUSION: Increased body perception disorders are known in chronic pain patients. The Bregma test is able to detect at least some of the patients with sensorimotor deficits. Chronic pain patients significantly differ from healthy or other patient groups. The deficits in the controllability of myofascial tissue (coordination) can also be improved during a 4-week IMST.

[Implementation of anesthesia quality indicators in Germany : A prospective, national, multicenter quality improvement study]. / Implementierung anästhesiologischer Qualitätsindikatoren in Deutschland : Eine prospektive, nationale, multizentrische Qualitätssteigerungsstudie German version.

BACKGROUND: In 2016 the German Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (DGAI) and the Association of German Anesthetists (BDA) published 10 quality indicators (QI) to compare and improve the quality of anesthesia care in Germany. So far, there is no evidence for the feasibility of implementation of these QI in hospitals. OBJECTIVE: This study tested the hypothesis that the implementation of the 10 QI is feasible in German hospitals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective three-phase national multicenter quality improvement study was conducted in 15 German hospitals and 1 outpatient anesthesia center from March 2017 to February 2018. The trial consisted of an initial evaluation of pre-existing structures and processes by the heads of the participating anesthesia departments, followed by a 6-month implementation phase of the QI as well as a final re-evaluation phase. The implementation procedure was supported by web-based implementation aids ( www.qi-an.org ) and internal quality management programs. The primary endpoint was the difference in the number of implemented QI per center before and after implementation. Secondary endpoints were the number of newly implemented QI per center, the overall number of successful implementations of each QI, the identification of problems during the implementation as well as the kind of impediments preventing the QI implementation. RESULTS: The average number of implemented QI increased from 5.8 to 6.8 (mean of the differences 1.1 ± 1.3; P < 0.01). Most frequently the QI perioperative morbidity and mortality report (5 centers) and the QI temperature management (4 centers) could be implemented. After the implementation phase, the QI incidence management and patient blood management were implemented in all 16 centers. Implementation of other quality indicators failed mainly due to a lack of time and lack of structural resources. CONCLUSION: In this study the implementation of QI was proven to be mostly feasible in the participating German hospitals. Although several QI could be implemented with minor effort, more time, financial and structural resources would be required for some QI, such as the QI postoperative visit.

[Quality assurance in specialized palliative home care (QUAPS): a questionnaire's feasibility]. / Qualitätssicherung in der spezialisierten ambulanten Palliativversorgung (QUAPS) ­ Praktikabilität eines Fragebogens.

BACKGROUND: Structure and process parameters are not sufficient for adequate quality assurance in specialized palliative home care (SAPV). Asking the patients and their relatives for their assessment is crucial. A focus group in Jena, Germany, developed the quality assurance in specialized palliative home care (QUAPS) questionnaire for this assessment of outcome parameters, which was tested in two studies. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of a questionnaire for patients, relatives and SAPV teams. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The questionnaire collects outcome parameters on a Likert scale as well as the distress of respondents using the numeric rating scale (NRS). In the pilot study, QUAPS I was tested in three SAPV teams. The survey was simplified in the follow-up study, QUAPS II, where 17 teams were included. Both studies were conducted with an ex-post-facto design. RESULTS: In QUAPS I, complete datasets could be obtained for 43 out of 308 surveyed cases. In QUAPS II, 169 complete datasets resulted from 371 surveyed cases. The SAPV staff assessed the QUAPS II survey as being organizationally feasible. The questionnaire shows good internal consistency and high approval for the surveyed aspects of SAPV care. Ceiling effects occurred. More than 70% of respondents reported a distress score >5. CONCLUSIONS: The simplified survey in QUAPS II resulted in a higher rate of complete datasets. The detected ceiling effects restrict the conclusions of the survey. Biases like social desirability cannot be ruled out. In the future, a combination of different questionnaires (e. g. integrated palliative outcome score [IPOS] and QUAPS) should be explored.

[Agreement of the Professional Association of German Anesthesiologists and the Professional Association of German Surgeons for the Organization of Postoperative Pain Therapy for Surgical Patients (revised version 2019)]. / Vereinbarung zur Organisation der Schmerztherapie chirurgischer Patienten des Berufsverbandes Deutscher Anästhesisten und des Berufsverbandes der Deutschen Chirurgen (Neufassung 2019).

The treatment of any causal, procedure-specific and/or concomitant acute pain is an essential quality feature in any surgical subspecialty. An interdisciplinary and interprofessional pain therapy aims for an immediate improvement of the patients' quality of life, a reduction of the risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality in the medium term, prevention of any pain chronification in the long run as well as a reduction of hospitalization and sick leave. The "Agreement of the Professional Association of German Anesthesiologists and the Professional Association of German Surgeons for the Organization of Postoperative Pain Therapy" exists since 1992. In view of the continuously developing scientific evidence, updated guideline recommendations and interprofessionally designed treatment pathways, these agreements have been adapted to the current requirements and structural conditions of the German healthcare system. Thus, both aforementioned professional associations promote an up to date version of an "Agreement for the Organization of Pain Therapy for Surgical Patients", a precise recommendation and a manual for the acting partners in order to realize the abovementioned goals.

[Recommendations for the perioperative use of dipyrone : Expert recommendation of the working group on acute pain of the German Pain Society, the scientific working group on pain medicine of the German Society for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine and the surgical working group on acute pain of the German Society for Surgery with participation of representatives of the Drug Commission of the German Medical Association]. / Empfehlungen zur perioperativen Anwendung von Metamizol : Expertenempfehlung des Arbeitskreises Akutschmerz der Deutschen Schmerzgesellschaft, des Wissenschaftlichen Arbeitskreises Schmerzmedizin der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin und der Chirurgischen Arbeitsgemeinschaft Akutschmerz der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Chirurgie unter Beteiligung von Vertretern der Arzneimittelkommission der deutschen Ärzteschaft.

BACKGROUND: Dipyrone (metamizole) is widely used for perioperative pain management in countries where it is marketed; however, uncertainty exists concerning the safe use of this drug, specifically considering the rare adverse event of an agranulocytosis. METHODS: As evidence from published studies was lacking, an expert panel developed recommendations for the perioperative use of dipyrone. After a formal, structured consensus process, the recommendations were approved by the involved medical societies. RESULTS: The panel agreed that blood cell counts shall not be standard for short-term perioperative use in patients unless they are at risk for neutropenia. The medical staff shall be aware of the symptoms and course of action when agranulocytosis is suspected. Patients shall be informed about the risks and benefits of dipyrone and about potential alternatives. The expert group concluded that dipyrone has a relatively positive risk-benefit ratio compared to other nonopioid analgesics. The group strongly recommended educating patients about the symptoms of agranulocytosis if they have received dipyrone over several days and/or treatment is to be continued after discharge, because agranulocytosis can occur several days after discontinuation of metamizole. Further recommendations refer to the information of the physician taking over the patient's care after discharge and the avoidance of re-exposure in patients having previously suffered from dipyrone-induced agranulocytosis. CONCLUSION: The group's recommendations shall be communicated in order to raise medical staff's and patients' awareness of the appropriate use of dipyrone in the perioperative period.

[Staff and organizational requirements for pain services in hospitals : A recommendation from the German Society for Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine]. / Personelle und organisatorische Voraussetzungen für Schmerzdienste in Krankenhäusern : Empfehlung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin e. V.

Although pain services have been established in many hospitals, there is considerable heterogeneity among them with respect to organization of service, staff and qualifications of staff, and treatment approaches.With this recommendation, the German Society for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine defines requirements for pain services in hospitals with respect to organizational standards and staff qualifications. The therapy offered by pain services supplements the treatment provided by the other departments involved, ensuring the high quality of specialized pain management in all areas of the hospital. Pain services shall oversee treatment with specialized analgesia techniques as well as the involvement of consultants, bringing together in-hospital pain medicine expertise in one service with availability 24 h and 7 days per week via a single contact. The medical head of the pain service shall be a qualified provider of pain medicine as defined by the German Medical Association and as a minimum should also have undergone additional training in basic psychosomatic medicine. Further members of the medical staff should possess the credentials of a medical specialist: non-medical staff should have completed continuing education in the treatment of pain. Minimal guidelines for personnel resources were defined: these included a specific time frame for first contacts (20 min) and follow-up (10 min) for specific analgesic techniques and for the involvement of consultants (first contact 45 min, follow-up 20 min), with additional time for travel, set-up, training and quality management. In addition to definition of the space and equipment needed, each service should draft its own budget, and this should be adequate and plannable. Written agreements between the disciplines and transparent documentation, including patient-reported outcomes, are recommended to ensure quality. The provision of specialized pain therapy should have high priority over all disciplines or departments.

[Agreement of the Professional Association of German Anesthesiologists and the Professional Association of German Surgeons for the Organization of Postoperative Pain Therapy for Surgical Patients (revised version 2019)]. / Vereinbarung zur Organisation der Schmerztherapie chirurgischer Patienten des Berufsverbandes Deutscher Anästhesisten und des Berufsverbandes der Deutschen Chirurgen (Neufassung 2019).

The treatment of any causal, procedure-specific and/or concomitant acute pain is an essential quality feature in any surgical subspecialty. An interdisciplinary and interprofessional pain therapy aims for an immediate improvement of the patients' quality of life, a reduction of the risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality in the medium term, prevention of any pain chronification in the long run as well as a reduction of hospitalization and sick leave. The "Agreement of the Professional Association of German Anesthesiologists and the Professional Association of German Surgeons for the Organization of Postoperative Pain Therapy" exists since 1992. In view of the continuously developing scientific evidence, updated guideline recommendations and interprofessionally designed treatment pathways, these agreements have been adapted to the current requirements and structural conditions of the German healthcare system. Thus, both aforementioned professional associations promote an up to date version of an "Agreement for the Organization of Pain Therapy for Surgical Patients", a precise recommendation and a manual for the acting partners in order to realize the abovementioned goals.

[Recommendations for the perioperative use of dipyrone : Expert recommendation of the working group on acute pain of the German Pain Society, the scientific working group on pain medicine of the German Society for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine and the surgical working group on acute pain of the German Society for Surgery with participation of representatives of the Drug Commission of the German Medical Association]. / Empfehlungen zur perioperativen Anwendung von Metamizol : Expertenempfehlung des Arbeitskreises Akutschmerz der Deutschen Schmerzgesellschaft, des Wissenschaftlichen Arbeitskreises Schmerzmedizin der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin und der Chirurgischen Arbeitsgemeinschaft Akutschmerz der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Chirurgie unter Beteiligung von Vertretern der Arzneimittelkommission der deutschen Ärzteschaft.

BACKGROUND: Dipyrone (metamizole) is widely used for perioperative pain management in countries where it is marketed; however, uncertainty exists concerning the safe use of this drug, specifically considering the rare adverse event of an agranulocytosis. METHODS: As evidence from published studies was lacking, an expert panel developed recommendations for the perioperative use of dipyrone. After a formal, structured consensus process, the recommendations were approved by the involved medical societies. RESULTS: The panel agreed that blood cell counts shall not be standard for short-term perioperative use in patients unless they are at risk for neutropenia. The medical staff shall be aware of the symptoms and course of action when agranulocytosis is suspected. Patients shall be informed about the risks and benefits of dipyrone and about potential alternatives. The expert group concluded that dipyrone has a relatively positive risk-benefit ratio compared to other nonopioid analgesics. The group strongly recommended educating patients about the symptoms of agranulocytosis if they have received dipyrone over several days and/or treatment is to be continued after discharge, because agranulocytosis can occur several days after discontinuation of metamizole. Further recommendations refer to the information of the physician taking over the patient's care after discharge and the avoidance of re-exposure in patients having previously suffered from dipyrone-induced agranulocytosis. CONCLUSION: The group's recommendations shall be communicated in order to raise medical staff's and patients' awareness of the appropriate use of dipyrone in the perioperative period.

[Agreement of the Professional Association of German Anesthesiologists and the Professional Association of German Surgeons for the Organization of Postoperative Pain Therapy for Surgical Patients (revised version 2019)]. / Vereinbarung zur Organisation der Schmerztherapie chirurgischer Patienten des Berufsverbandes Deutscher Anästhesisten und des Berufsverbandes der Deutschen Chirurgen (Neufassung 2019).

The treatment of any causal, procedure-specific and/or concomitant acute pain is an essential quality feature in any surgical subspecialty. An interdisciplinary and interprofessional pain therapy aims for an immediate improvement of the patients' quality of life, a reduction of the risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality in the medium term, prevention of any pain chronification in the long run as well as a reduction of hospitalization and sick leave. The "Agreement of the Professional Association of German Anesthesiologists and the Professional Association of German Surgeons for the Organization of Postoperative Pain Therapy" exists since 1992. In view of the continuously developing scientific evidence, updated guideline recommendations and interprofessionally designed treatment pathways, these agreements have been adapted to the current requirements and structural conditions of the German healthcare system. Thus, both aforementioned professional associations promote an up to date version of an "Agreement for the Organization of Pain Therapy for Surgical Patients", a precise recommendation and a manual for the acting partners in order to realize the abovementioned goals.

Pain after orthopaedic surgery: differences in patient reported outcomes in the United States vs internationally. An observational study from the PAIN OUT dataset.

BACKGROUND: A previous PAIN OUT study found that American orthopaedic-surgical patients rated 'worst pain' higher than did similar European patients. This study aims to confirm these findings in a larger, international patient sample, explore whether risk factors for greater postoperative pain exist disproportionately in the American population, and confirm the findings for one procedure. METHODS: Surveyors collected patient reported outcomes (PROs) and perioperative pain management practices using PAIN OUT methodology. Most PROs used 11-point numerical rating scales (0=null, 10=worst possible). Risk factors included: female gender, younger age, high BMI, chronic pain, and opioid use before surgery. Initial analysis used a mixed patient cohort. A secondary analysis used only patients undergoing total knee replacement (TKR). Inference was based primarily on effect size using Cohen's d. RESULTS: 13,770 patients in 13 European and non-European countries (international ) and 564 patients from the United States (US) contributed data on the 1st postoperative day. Three of 11 PROs differed between the cohorts: 'worst pain' {US 7.5 (2.5) vs international 5.6 (2.8); d=0.66 [confidence interval (CI) 0.58-0.75]}; proportion 'receiving information about treatment options' [US 0.86 vs international 0.66; d=0.53 (CI 0.39-0.66)]; reporting adverse effects and their severity [US 0.87 vs international 0.73; d=0.52 (CI 0.38-0.66)]. Risk factors did not differ between the two cohorts. PROs and management patterns in TKR patients were similar to the mixed cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Three PROs differed between international and US patients, with higher 'worst pain' for US patients. Neither risk factors, nor patient mix accounted for the observed differences for 'worst pain'. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT 02083835.

[Oxycodone, piritramide and tramadol for the management of postoperative pain : A registry study on use and effectiveness in clinical routine]. / Oxycodon, Piritramid und Tramadol zur postoperativen Schmerztherapie : Eine Registerstudie zur Verwendung und Wirksamkeit.

BACKGROUND: In the context of improving perioperative pain management and shortening hospital stays, potent oral analgesics, such as slow release opioids, are gaining increasingly in importance. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the use and effectiveness of different opioids in postoperative pain treatment in Germany. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using data from the QUIPS database, the records of 5249 patients were evaluated. The total study population was divided into four groups: group 1 (10 mg oxycodone with or without naloxone 5 mg), group 2 (20 mg oxycodone with or without naloxone 10 mg), group 3 (piritramide) and group 4 (tramadol). Maximum pain intensity, pain-related interference with sleep and respiration, vomiting, postoperative fatigue, desire for more pain treatment and satisfaction with pain management were evaluated. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The differences in pain intensity were statistically significant between groups. Patients with piritramide reported more pain, more interference with sleep and respiration and more fatigue compared to those from the other groups. In the group with 10 mg oxycodone, the desire for additional pain medication was the lowest. Postoperative vomiting and satisfaction with pain management differed significantly between the four groups. Procedure-specific analysis has shown that differences between sub-groups were also significant following cholecystectomy and total knee arthroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, our findings suggest that postoperative pain treatment with slow release oral oxycodone does not show disadvantages compared to tramadol or piritramide with regard to pain-related impairments and opioid-induced side effects. This hypothesis needs to be further analyzed in controlled studies.

Factors associated with spousal burden in Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease is characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms, which can lead to progressive disability that, in turn, can lead to a burden on caregivers. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine correlations between intensity of disease burden and characteristics of patients and their spouses. The study included 38couples (patients and spouses) living at home with no severe comorbidities. The following patients' characteristics were measured: disease severity (MDS-UPDRS); cognitive status (MoCA); non-motor signs (NMSS); quality of life (PDQ-8); anxiety and depression (HADS); and levodopa equivalent dose. The Zarit Burden Interview, quality of life questionnaire (EQ-5D-VAS) and HADS were administered to spouses. The average caregiver burden score was 14.4±12.7, and correlated (in descending order) with severity of non-motor signs (R2=0.46, P<0.0001), anxiety and depression in caregivers and patients (R2=0.35, P<0.0001 and R2=0.26, P<0.0001, respectively), motor severity (R2=0.3, P<0.0001), patients' quality of life (R2=0.27, P=0.0125), levodopa equivalent dose (R2=0.13, P=0.0261) and duration of illness (R2=0.12, P=0.0307). The severity of non-motor signs, patients' and caregivers' mood, and motor disease severity are the main determinants of caregiver burden, making them important targets in the management of Parkinson's disease.

Epidural needle insertion : A large registry analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dural puncture, paraesthesia and vascular puncture are the most common complications of epidural catheter insertion. Their association with variation in midline needle insertion depth is unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the risk of dural and vascular punctures and the unwanted events paraesthesia and multiple skin punctures related to midline needle insertion depth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 14,503 epidural catheter insertions including lumbar (L1-L5; n = 5367), low thoracic (T7-T12, n = 8234) and upper thoracic (T1-T6, n = 902) insertions, were extracted from the German Network for Regional Anaesthesia registry between 2007 and 2015. The primary outcomes were compared with logistic regression and adjusted (adj) for confounders to determine the risk of complications/events. Results are presented as odds ratios (OR, [95% confidence interval]). MAIN RESULTS: Midline insertion depth depended on body mass index, sex, and spinal level. After adjusting for confounders increased puncture depth (cm) remained an independent risk factor for vascular puncture (adjOR 1.27 [1.09-1.47], p = 0.002) and multiple skin punctures (adjOR 1.25 [1.21-1.29], p < 0.001). In contrast, dural punctures occurred at significantly shallower depths (adjOR 0.73 [0.60-0.89], p = 0.002). Paraesthesia was unrelated to insertion depth. Body mass index and sex had no influence on paraesthesia, dural and vascular punctures. Thoracic epidural insertion was associated with a lower risk of vascular puncture than at lumbar sites (adjOR 0.39 [0.18-0.84], p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Variation in midline insertion depth is an independent risk factor for epidural complications; however, variability precludes use of depth as a reliable guide to insertion in individual patients.