A Comprehensive Review of the Treatment and Management of Pain in Sickle Cell Disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hematological disorder which leads to serious complications in multiple organ systems. While significant research has addressed many of the effects of acute pain episodes and end-organ damage connected to this disease, little has approached the chronic pain state associated with this condition. RECENT FINDINGS: Associated chronic pain represents a significant detractor from the quality of life experienced by these patients, affecting over half of those with SCD on more days than not. Current treatment typically is centered upon preventing and responding to acute vasoocclusive crises, presumably because this is the most common reason for hospitalization in these patients. The lack of management of chronic pain symptoms leaves many with SCD in a state of suffering. In this review, the treatment methodologies of SCD patients are examined including alternative treatments, both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical, as well as procedural approaches specifically aimed at reducing chronic pain in these patients.

A Comprehensive Review of the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of Urologic Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome (UCPPS) is a chronic, noncyclic pain condition which can lead to significant patient morbidity and disability. It is defined by pain in the pelvic region, lasting for greater than 3 to 6 months, with no readily identifiable disease process. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive update of diagnosis and treatment of UCPPS. RECENT FINDINGS: UCPPS encompasses chronic pelvic pain syndrome or chronic prostatitis (CP/CPPS) in men and interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) in women. Underlying inflammatory, immunologic, and neuropathic components have been implicated in the pathogenesis of UCPPS. For optimal patient management, an individualized and multimodal approach is recommended. Medical management and physical therapy are the mainstays of treatment. Injection therapy may offer additional relief in medically refractory patients. Further minimally invasive management may include spinal cord and peripheral nerve stimulation, though evidence supporting efficacy is limited.

A Comprehensive Update on the Treatment and Management of Postdural Puncture Headache.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this manuscript is to provide a comprehensive review of postdural puncture headache (PDPH) with a focus on epidemiology, pathophysiology, treatment, and prophylaxis. RECENT FINDINGS: PDPH is an adverse iatrogenic complication of neuraxial anesthesia that occurs following inadvertent puncture of the dura after epidural or spinal anesthesia. The overall incidence of PDPH after neuraxial procedures varies from 6 to 36%. The occurrence of PDPH can lead to increased patient morbidity, delayed discharge, and increased readmission. PDPH is a self-limiting postural headache that most often will resolve within 1 week, without need for treatment. Various prophylactic measures have been studied; however, more studies have been recommended to be undertaken in order to establish a proven benefit. For mild PDPH, conservative treatments are currently focused around bed rest, as well as oral caffeine. For moderate-to-severe PDPH, epidural blood patch (EBP) remains the most effective treatment; however, this invasive treatment is not without inherent risks. Further less invasive treatments have been explored such as epidural saline, dextran 40 mg solutions, hydration, caffeine, sphenopalatine ganglion blocks, greater occipital nerve blocks, and surgical closure of the gap; all have shown promise. Further studies are essential to prove efficacy as well as safety over the proven treatment of epidural blood patches. There is still limited evidence in literature about the understanding of PDPH and optimal treatment.

Current Concepts in the Management of Vertebral Compression Fractures.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This comprehensive review of current concepts in the management of vertebral compression fractures is a manuscript of vertebral augmentation literature of risk factors, clinical presentation, and management. The objective of this review is to compare outcomes between multiple augmentation techniques and ongoing discussions of effectiveness of vertebral augmentation procedures. RECENT FINDINGS: Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are a prevalent disease affecting approximately 1.5 million US adults annually. VCFs can cause severe physical limitations, including back pain, functional disability, and progressive kyphosis of the thoracic spine that ultimately results in decreased appetite, poor nutrition, impaired pulmonary function, and spinal cord compression with motor and sensory deficits. The deconditioning that affects patients with vertebral compression fractures leads to mortality at a far higher rate than age-matched controls. The management of vertebral compression fractures has been extensively discussed with opponents arguing in favor or restricting conservative management and against augmentation, while proponents argue in favor of augmentation. The literature is well established in reference to the effects on mortality when patients undergo treatment with vertebral augmentation; in over a million patients with vertebral compression fractures treated with vertebral augmentation as compared with patients treated with non-surgical management, the patients receiving augmentation performed well with a decrease in morbidity and mortality. Summary of the literature review shows that understanding the risk factors, appropriate clinical evaluation, and management strategies are crucial. Analysis of the evidence shows, based on level I and II studies, balloon kyphoplasty had significantly better and vertebroplasty tended to have better pain reduction compared with non-surgical management. In addition, balloon kyphoplasty tended to have better height restoration than vertebroplasty.

Dexmedetomidine in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocols for Postoperative Pain.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Effective acute pain management has evolved considerably in recent years and is a primary area of focus in attempts to defend against the opioid epidemic. Persistent postsurgical pain (PPP) has an incidence of up to 30-50% and has negative outcome of quality of life and negative burden on individuals, family, and society. The 2016 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) guidelines states that enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) forms an integral part of Perioperative Surgical Home (PSH) and is now recommended to use a multimodal opioid-sparing approach for management of postoperative pain. As such, dexmedetomidine is now being used as part of ERAS protocols along with regional nerve blocks and other medications, to create a satisfactory postoperative outcome with reduced opioid consumption in the Post anesthesia care unit (PACU). RECENT FINDINGS: Dexmedetomidine, a selective alpha2 agonist, possesses analgesic effects and has a different mechanism of action when compared with opioids. When dexmedetomidine is initiated at the end of a procedure, it has a better hemodynamic stability and pain response than ropivacaine. Dexmedetomidine can be used as an adjuvant in epidurals with local anesthetic sparing effects. Its use during nerve blocks results in reduced postoperative pain. Also, local infiltration of IV dexmedetomidine is associated with earlier discharge from PACU. Perioperative use of dexmedetomidine has significantly improved postoperative outcomes when used as part of ERAS protocols. An in-depth review of the use of dexmedetomidine in ERAS protocols is presented for clinical anesthesiologists.

A Comprehensive Review of the Treatment and Management of Myofascial Pain Syndrome.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a musculoskeletal pain condition that stems from localized, taut regions of skeletal muscle and fascia, termed trigger points. The purpose of this comprehensive review is to provide updated information on prevalence, pathophysiology, and treatment modalities with a focus on interventional modalities in managing MPS. RECENT FINDINGS: Though MPS can present acutely, it frequently presents as a chronic condition, affecting up to 85% of adults during their lifetime. MPS is an often-overlooked component of pain with overarching effects on society, including patient quality of life, physical and social functioning, emotional well-being, energy, and costs on health care. The prevalence of MPS is generally increased among patients with other chronic pain disorders and has been associated with various other conditions such as bladder pain syndrome, endometriosis, and anxiety. MPS is poorly understood and remains a challenging condition to treat. Non-pharmacologic treatment modalities such as acupuncture, massage, transcutaneous electrical stimulation, and interferential current therapy may offer relief to some patients with MPS. Additional studies are warranted to get a better understanding of managing myofascial pain.

A Comprehensive Review of the Celiac Plexus Block for the Management of Chronic Abdominal Pain.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Chronic abdominal pain (CAP) is a significant health problem that can dramatically affect quality of life and survival. Pancreatic cancer is recognized as one of the most painful malignancies with 70-80% suffering from substantial pain, often unresponsive to typical medical management. Celiac plexus neurolysis and celiac plexus block (CPB) can be performed to mitigate pain through direct destruction or blockade of visceral afferent nerves. The objective of this manuscript is to provide a comprehensive review of the CPB as it pertains to CAP with a focus on the associated anatomy, indications, techniques, neurolysis/blocking agents, and complications observed in patients who undergo CPB for the treatment of CAP. RECENT FINDINGS: The CAP is difficult to manage due to lack of precision in diagnosis and limited evidence from available treatments. CAP can arise from both benign and malignant causes. Treatment options include pharmacologic, interventional, and biopsychosocial treatments. Opioid therapy is typically utilized for the treatment of CAP; however, opioid therapy is associated with multiple complications. CPB has successfully been used to treat a variety of conditions resulting in CAP. The majority of the literature specifically related to CPB is surrounding chronic pain associated with pancreatic cancer. The literature shows emerging evidence in managing CAP with CPB, specifically in pancreatic cancer. This review provides multiple aspects of CAP and CPB, including anatomy, medical necessity, indications, technical considerations, available evidence, and finally complications related to the management.

A Comprehensive Review of the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of Postmastectomy Pain Syndrome.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Postmastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) remains poorly defined, although it is applied to chronic neuropathic pain following surgical procedures of the breast, including mastectomy and lumpectomy in breast-conserving surgery. It is characterized by persistent pain affecting the anterior thorax, axilla, and/or medial upper arm following mastectomy or lumpectomy. Though the onset of pain is most likely to occur after surgery, there may also be a new onset of symptoms following adjuvant therapy, including chemotherapy or radiation therapy. RECENT FINDINGS: The underlying pathophysiology is likely multifactorial, although exact mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. In this regard, neuralgia of the intercostobrachial nerve is currently implicated as the most common cause of PMPS. Numerous pharmacological options are available in the treatment of PMPS, including gabapentinoids, tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, NMDA receptor antagonists, and nefopam (a non-opioid, non-steroidal benzoxazocine analgesic). Minimally invasive interventional treatment including injection therapy, regional anesthesia, botulinum toxin, and neuromodulation has been demonstrated to have some beneficial effect. A comprehensive update highlighting current perspectives on the treatment of postmastectomy pain syndrome is presented with emphasis on treatments currently available and newer therapeutics currently being evaluated to alleviate this complex and multifactorial condition.

Considerations and Implications of Cannabidiol Use During Pregnancy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cannabis is a naturally occurring plant that is composed of over sixty phytocannabinoids, of which cannabidiol (CBD) has been recently identified as having therapeutic potential. RECENT FINDINGS: Although not clearly understood in its mechanism of action, CBD contains potent anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperalgesia, and analgesic qualities now being further analyzed for its use in the treatment of a plethora of diseases. Related to its large safety profile and lack of psychoactive effects typically associated with cannabis and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is being used more frequently for self-treatment of chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. With the help of broad marketing, CBD is being used by numerous people, including pregnant women who use CBD as an anti-emetic. Since marijuana is legalized in many states in the USA, the use of CBD has increased not only in the general population but also in specific groups such as pregnant women with chronic pain. Despite CBD's accessibility, there are limited studies showing its safety during pregnancy. While the use of cannabis has been well explored in terms of the effects on pregnancy, the use of CBD during pregnancy thus far has limited literature. The goal of this investigation is to impart the current understanding of CBD and its effects of pregnancy.

Minimally Invasive Therapies for Osteoarthritic Hip Pain: a Comprehensive Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent cause of chronic hip pain, affecting 27% of adults aged over 45 years and 42% of adults aged over 75 years. Though OA has traditionally been described as a disorder of "wear-and-tear," recent studies have expanded on this understanding to include a possible inflammatory etiology as well, damage to articular cartilage produces debris in the joint that is phagocytosed by synovial cells which leads to inflammation. RECENT FINDINGS: Patients with OA of the hip frequently have decreased quality of life due to pain and limited mobility though additional comorbidities of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, poor sleep quality, and obesity have been correlated. Initial treatment with conservative medical management can provide effective symptomatic relief. Physical therapy and exercise are important components of a multimodal approach to osteoarthritic hip pain. Patients with persistent pain may benefit from minimally invasive therapeutic approaches prior to consideration of undergoing total hip arthroplasty. The objective of this review is to provide an update of current minimally invasive therapies for the treatment of pain stemming from hip osteoarthritis; these include intra-articular injection of medication, regenerative therapies, and radiofrequency ablation.

The Role of the Cannabinoid System in Pain Control: Basic and Clinical Implications.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive update of the different known components of the endogenous cannabinoid system and the mechanisms of action, as it applies to analgesia. RECENT FINDINGS: Following the discovery of the endogenous cannabinoid system in the early 1990s and the subsequent characterization of the cannabinoid receptor, there has been a renewed interest in cannabinoid research. Recent work has demonstrated its efficacy as a pharmacologic agent. There is limited evidence in the literature about the understanding of the endocannabinoid system and its role in the treatment and management of acute and chronic pain. Further work may elucidate additional roles for the endocannabinoid system within our nervous system and, moreover, additional subtypes of cannabinoid receptors have yet to be discovered. Cannabinoid compounds mediate their biological effects via binding and subsequent activation of cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are located throughout the body and make up the endocannabinoid system. These receptors are best understood and have been cloned, type 1 (CB1) and type 2 (CB2) [ (1, 2)] [ (1, 2)] [ (1, 2)] [ (1, 2)] [ (1, 2)] [ (1, 2)] [ (1, 2)] [ (1, 2)] [ (1, 2)] [ (1, 2)] [ (1, 2)] [ (1, 2)] [ (1, 2)] [ (1, 2)] [ (1, 2)] [ (1, 2)] [ (1, 2)] [ (1, 2)] [ (1, 2)] [ (1, 2)] [ (1, 2)] [ (1, 2)] [ (1, 2)]. The CB2 receptor is located primarily in the immune system. CB1 receptors are primarily located in the nervous system with the highest concentrations in the brain and lower concentrations in the spine and peripheral nervous tissues. Cannabinoids may be promising treatments for neuropathic pain with limited evidence, whereas, the evidence for other uses is insufficient.

Exparel for Postoperative Pain Management: a Comprehensive Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Multimodal pain management is the most effective way to treat postsurgical pain. However, the use of opioids for acute pain management has unfortunately been a significant contributor to the current opioid epidemic. The use of opioids should be limited and only considered a "rescue" pain medication after other modalities of pain management have been utilized. RECENT FINDINGS: It may be difficult to curtail the use of opioids in the treatment of chronic pain; however, in the postsurgical setting, there is compelling evidence that an opioid-centric analgesic approach is not necessary for good patient outcomes and healthcare cost benefits. Opioid-related adverse effects are the leading cause of preventable harm in the hospital setting. After the realization in recent years of the many harmful effects of opioids, alternative regimens including the use of multimodal analgesia have become a standard practice in acute pain management. Exparel, a long-lasting liposomal bupivacaine local anesthetic agent, has many significant benefits in the management of postoperative pain. Overall, the literature suggests that Exparel may be a significant component for postoperative multimodal pain control owing to its efficacy and long duration of action.

Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of Dejerine-Roussy Syndrome: a Comprehensive Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Post-stroke pain represents a complex condition with few standardized diagnostic criteria. As such, the array of symptoms is often difficult to categorize and diagnose. Central post-stroke pain (CPSP), also known as Dejerine-Roussy syndrome, presents as painful paresthesia in any part of the body that is usually coupled with sensory abnormalities. RECENT FINDINGS: In patients who had experienced a cerebrovascular accident, CPSP typically affects the same areas of the body that are also impacted by the general motor and sensory deficits that result from stroke. Though it is generally debated, CPSP is thought to result from a lesion in any part of the central nervous system. Pain usually presents in the range of 3-6 months after the occurrence of stroke, manifesting contralaterally to the lesion, and most commonly involving the upper extremities. For the most accurate diagnosis of CPSP, a thorough history and clinical examination should be supplemented with imaging. Infarcted areas of the brain can be visualized using either CT or MRI. First-line treatment of CPSP is pharmacologic and consists of a three-drug regimen. Despite this, CPSP is often refractory to medical management producing only modest pain reduction in a limited subset of patients. Adverse effects associated with pharmacologic management of CPSP and frequent recalcitrance to treatment have driven alternative minimally invasive methods of pain control which include transcranial stimulation, deep brain stimulation, and neuromodulation. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive update to recent advances in the understanding of the treatment and management of CPSP.

Current Concepts of Minimally Invasive Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis: a Comprehensive Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Chronic foot pain constitutes a large portion of the chronic pain burden in the overall population. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common and most easily identifiable causes of chronic foot pain. The syndrome has been estimated to cause 11 to 15% of foot pain visits, requiring professional care. Moreover, studies have suggested that 1 in 10 people will develop plantar fasciitis at some point in their life. Conservative management has been shown to be effective and considered first-line treatment. Minimally invasive treatment options are typically reserved for those who fail conservative management. With the advent of new techniques and improvements in current therapeutic options, there has been an expansion of available minimally invasive treatment options. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive update on the current understanding of minimally invasive treatments of plantar fasciitis. RECENT FINDINGS: This review shows that conservative management continues to be the first-line therapy, whereas other treatment options were those who failed conservative management using modern techniques that have shown improving effectiveness, with successful restoration of patient functionality, recovery, and satisfaction. However, a multitude of these minimally invasive treatment options are evolving. CONCLUSION: While conservative management continues to be the mainstay of treatment for plantar fasciitis, multiple minimally invasive treatment options are emerging with potential effectiveness in reducing pain and improving the function.

Minimally Invasive Treatment of Chronic Ankle Instability: a Comprehensive Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Chronic ankle pain is a prevalent and significant cause of chronic pain. While the definition of chronic ankle pain is heterogeneous and poorly defined in the literature, systematic reviews and meta-analyses have estimated this condition to be a prevalent and debilitating source of chronic pain. The most identifiable and prominent cause of chronic ankle pain is chronic ankle instability (CAI), a condition defined by instability of the ankle-joint complex. It is a common consequence of lateral ankle sprains or ligamentous injuries and can be described as a failure of the lateral ankle joint complex after an acute, or recurring, ankle injury. The objective of this manuscript is to provide a comprehensive review of CAI diagnosis and our current understanding of minimally invasive treatment options. RECENT FINDINGS: First-line treatment is conservative management, some of which includes neuromuscular rehabilitation, balance training, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), manual mobilization, ice therapy, and compression. While conservative management is effective, additional treatments for those who fail conservative management, or who seek alternative options also have been explored. Recent advances and modern techniques have expanded available treatment options, many of which are becoming less invasive, and have shown improving functionality, recovery, and patient satisfaction. Minimally invasive treatments highlighted in this review include: arthroscopic surgery, steroid injections, plasma-rich plasma injections, hyaluronic acid (HA) injections, medicinal signaling cell injections, radiofrequency therapies, and shockwave therapies. This review will discuss some of these current treatments for minimally invasive treatment of CAI, as well as suggest novel treatments for clinical trials and further investigation.

Sacral Insufficiency Fractures: a Review of Risk Factors, Clinical Presentation, and Management.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: Sacral insufficiency fractures (SIF) are a common and often underdiagnosed source of low back pain. In patients with SIF, there is both a compromised sacroiliac joint and weakened sacrum, resulting in decreased resistance to torsional stress, leading to fracture. While conservative medical management is a safe option, minimally invasive intervention may provide improved short and long-term relief of low back pain in patients presenting with SIF. This comprehensive review is undertaken to provide an update to the current understanding of SIF with description of risk factors, clinical presentation, and management. RECENT FINDINGS: Sacroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure in which polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement is inserted into bone to improve its structural integrity and alleviate symptoms. Balloon sacroplasty (BSP) has also been successful in alleviating pain with minimal cement leakage in SIF patients. Various other interventional techniques, including navigation-assisted screw fixation have been used to address SIF and have shown improvement in pain with minimal side effects. This review included various modalities of treatments available to manage SIF. This review shows that in comparison with nonsurgical management, sacroplasty has been shown to have greater pain reduction and improved mobility.

Novel propofol derivatives and implications for anesthesia practice.

Propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol) is the most commonly used intravenous agent for induction of anesthesia. It is also used for maintenance of anesthesia and sedation in both Intensive Care Units and outpatient procedural settings. Its success in the clinical setting has been a result of its rapid onset, short duration of action, and minimal side effects despite disadvantages associated with its oil emulsion formulation. Early attempts to alter the standard emulsion or to develop new formulations with cyclodextrins and micelles to resolve issues with pain upon injection, the need for antimicrobial agents, and possible hyperlipidemia have mostly failed. With these challenges in the foreground, attention has now shifted to the use of more prodrugs and exogenous alternatives, the success of which is yet to be determined. These new agents must offer significant clinical advantages over the well-entrenched, generic propofol oil emulsion to justify higher costs and to be well received in the increasingly cost-conscious healthcare marketplace.

The role of neurokinin-1 (substance P) antagonists in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) can be very debilitating for surgical patients, and effective management reduces potential morbidity, aiding in patient satisfaction, and minimizing the need for unintended hospital stays. Risk factors include female sex, nonsmoker, and having a previous history of motion sickness or PONV. Anesthetic risk factors include receiving opioids, not receiving a total intravenous anesthetic (TIVA), exposure to nitrous oxide, and extended length of anesthetic. Many treatments, including serotonin antagonists, dopamine antagonists, corticosteroids, inhaled isopropyl alcohol, and anticholinergics, as well as techniques such as TIVA, have been utilized over recent decades in an attempt to reduce PONV incidence. However, it remains a problem for a significant number of surgical patients. Aprepitant is a neurokinin-1 (substance P) antagonist, which exerts its effects via a final common pathway of the emetic centers after crossing the blood brain barrier. Aprepitant is commonly used in the cancer population to help prevent cancer chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and has shown great promise in both acute and delayed phase PONV. Published data has shown improved efficacy when compared with ondansetron administered prior to surgery. The use of aprepitant in combination with other antiemetics potentially may help decrease unplanned hospital admissions and potentially, reduce costs associated with PONV.

Drug Formulation Advances in Extended-Release Medications for Pain Control.

Prescription opioid abusers frequently tamper with opioid tablets in order to either accelerate the delivery of the euphoria-inducing agent or to alter the route of delivery, such that it may be delivered intranasally or intravenously. As one strategy to combat the opioid epidemic in the USA, drug manufacturers have begun to explore formulations which resist such tampering by abusers. Techniques to prevent tampering consist of physical barriers to crushing, chewing, and drug extraction, or aversive or antagonistic agents, incorporated within the formulation itself. Recent years have seen the development of numerous extended-release opioid agents, which are described in this review. This article provides a comprehensive summary of the pharmacology, benefits, risks, and processes behind the development of currently available extended-release opioid drugs, as well as a glimpse into promising future formulations.

Post-herpetic Neuralgia: a Review.

Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a chronic neuropathic pain condition that persists 3 months or more following an outbreak of shingles. Shingles, also known as acute herpes zoster, is associated with the reactivation of the dormant varicella zoster virus in an individual who has experienced chicken pox. PHN is associated with persistent and often refractory neuropathic pain. Patients may experience multiple types of pain including a constant deep, aching, or burning pain; a paroxysmal, lancinating pain; hyperalgesia (painful stimuli are more painful than expected); and allodynia (pain associated with typically non-painful stimuli). The pharmacological treatment of PHN may include a variety of medications including alpha-2 delta ligands (gabapentin and pregabalin), other anticonvulsants (carbamazepine), tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, nortriptyline, doxepin), topical analgesics (5 % lidocaine patch, capsaicin) tramadol, or other opioids. The considerable side effect profiles of the commonly used oral medications often limit their practical use, and a combination of both topical and systemic agents may be required for optimal outcomes. Physicians and other treatment providers must tailor treatment based on the response of individual patients.