Prevalence and patterns of neuropathic pain in people with chronic post-surgical pain after total knee arthroplasty.

Aims: The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and patterns of neuropathic pain over one year in a cohort of patients with chronic post-surgical pain at three months following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: Between 2016 and 2019, 363 patients with troublesome pain, defined as a score of ≤ 14 on the Oxford Knee Score pain subscale, three months after TKA from eight UK NHS hospitals, were recruited into the Support and Treatment After Replacement (STAR) clinical trial. Self-reported neuropathic pain and postoperative pain was assessed at three, nine, and 15 months after surgery using the painDETECT and Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) questionnaires collected by postal survey. Results: Symptoms of neuropathic pain were common among patients reporting chronic pain at three months post-TKA, with half reporting neuropathic pain on painDETECT (191/363; 53%) and 74% (267/359) on DN4. Of those with neuropathic pain at three months, half continued to have symptoms over the next 12 months (148/262; 56%), one-quarter had improved (67/262; 26%), and for one-tenth their neuropathic symptoms fluctuated over time (24/262; 9%). However, a subgroup of participants reported new, late onset neuropathic symptoms (23/262; 9%). Prevalence of neuropathic symptoms was similar between the screening tools when the lower cut-off painDETECT score (≥ 13) was applied. Overall, mean neuropathic pain scores improved between three and 15 months after TKA. Conclusion: Neuropathic pain is common in patients with chronic pain at three months after TKA. Although neuropathic symptoms improved over time, up to half continued to report painful neuropathic symptoms at 15 months after TKA. Postoperative care should include screening, assessment, and treatment of neuropathic pain in patients with early chronic postoperative pain after TKA.

Association between gabapentin use and risk of dementia in adults with chronic pain: A nested case-control study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between gabapentin use and the risk of dementia in patients with chronic pain, considering the rising concerns of dementia in an aging population and the potential cognitive impacts of chronic pain management. DESIGN: A nested case-control study utilizing data from a longitudinal health insurance database. SETTING: The study is based on a longitudinal health insurance database spanning 2000-2019 in Taiwan. PATIENTS: A total of 201,492 patients aged 50 years and older diagnosed with chronic pain between 2001 and 2017 were included. The study focused on individuals with chronic pain, excluding those diagnosed with dementia a year before or after their chronic pain diagnosis. INTERVENTION: Analysis of gabapentin prescription history was conducted, considering the cumulative dose from the chronic pain diagnosis date to the dementia diagnosis date or equivalent period for controls. MEASUREMENT: Data included demographics, gabapentin prescription history, and comorbidities. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios for dementia risk. MAIN RESULTS: No significant difference in the risk of dementia was found between low and high cumulative doses of gabapentin. The adjusted odds ratio for dementia risk associated with gabapentin use was 0.91 (95 % C.I. 0.83-1.01), indicating no substantial increase in risk. CONCLUSION: Long-term Gabapentin therapy for chronic pain is not associated with a differential risk of dementia across dosage levels, irrespective of age or gender. Further study into its potential cognitive impacts is essential.

Trauma exposure across the lifespan among individuals engaged in treatment with medication for opioid use disorder: differences by gender, PTSD status, and chronic pain.

BACKGROUND: There is little study of lifetime trauma exposure among individuals engaged in medication treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD). A multisite study provided the opportunity to examine the prevalence of lifetime trauma and differences by gender, PTSD status, and chronic pain. METHODS: A cross-sectional study examined baseline data from participants (N = 303) enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of a mind-body intervention as an adjunct to MOUD. All participants were stabilized on MOUD. Measures included the Trauma Life Events Questionnaire (TLEQ), the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5). Analyses involved descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, and linear and logistic regression. RESULTS: Participants were self-identified as women (n = 157), men (n = 144), and non-binary (n = 2). Fifty-seven percent (n = 172) self-reported chronic pain, and 41% (n = 124) scored above the screening cut-off for PTSD. Women reported significantly more intimate partner violence (85%) vs 73%) and adult sexual assault (57% vs 13%), while men reported more physical assault (81% vs 61%) and witnessing trauma (66% vs 48%). Men and women experienced substantial childhood physical abuse, witnessed intimate partner violence as children, and reported an equivalent exposure to accidents as adults. The number of traumatic events predicted PTSD symptom severity and PTSD diagnostic status. Participants with chronic pain, compared to those without chronic pain, had significantly more traumatic events in childhood (85% vs 75%). CONCLUSION: The study found a high prevalence of lifetime trauma among people in MOUD. Results highlight the need for comprehensive assessment and mental health services to address trauma among those in MOUD treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04082637.

Management of physical and psychological trauma resulting from motor vehicle crashes in Australian general practice: a mixed-methods approach.

BACKGROUND: In Australia, motor vehicle crashes (MVC)-related health data are available from insurance claims and hospitals but not from primary care settings. This study aimed to identify the frequency of MVC-related consultations in Australian general practices, explore the pharmacological management of health conditions related to those crashes, and investigate general practitioners' (GPs) perceived barriers and enablers in managing these patients. METHODS: Mixed-methods study. The quantitative component explored annual MVC-related consultation rates over seven years, the frequency of chronic pain, depression, anxiety or sleep issues after MVC, and management with opioids, antidepressants, anxiolytics or sedatives in a sample of 1,438,864 patients aged 16 + years attending 402 Australian general practices (MedicineInsight). Subsequently, we used content analysis of 81 GPs' qualitative responses to an online survey that included some of our quantitative findings to explore their experiences and attitudes to managing patients after MVC. RESULTS: MVC-related consultation rates remained stable between 2012 and 2018 at around 9.0 per 10,000 consultations. In 2017/2018 compared to their peers, those experiencing a MVC had a higher frequency of chronic pain (48% vs. 26%), depression/anxiety (20% vs. 13%) and sleep issues (7% vs. 4%). In general, medications were prescribed more after MVC. Opioid prescribing was much higher among patients after MVC than their peers, whether they consulted for chronic pain (23.8% 95%CI 21.6;26.0 vs. 15.2%, 95%CI 14.5;15.8 in 2017/2018, respectively) or not (15.8%, 95%CI 13.9;17.6 vs. 6.7%, 95% CI 6.4;7.0 in 2017/2018). Qualitative analyses identified a lack of guidelines, local referral pathways and decision frameworks as critical barriers for GPs to manage patients after MVC. GPs also expressed interest in having better access to management tools for specific MVC-related consequences (e.g., whiplash/seatbelt injuries, acute/chronic pain management, mental health issues). CONCLUSION: Chronic pain, mental health issues and the prescription of opioids were more frequent among patients experiencing MVC. This reinforces the relevance of appropriate management to limit the physical and psychological impact of MVC. GPs identified a lack of available resources (e.g. education, checklists and management support tools) for managing MVC-related consequences, and the need for local referral pathways and specific guidelines to escalate treatments.

Risk factors of chronic postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of relevant studies to grade the evidence on the risk factors of chronic pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and only quantitative methods are used for systematic evaluation. The review aimed to systematically identify risk factors of chronic postoperative pain following TKA and to evaluate the strength of the evidence underlying these correlations. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, and CINAHL databases were searched from initiation to September 2023. Cohort studies, case-control studies, and cross-sectional studies involving patients undergoing total knee replacement were included. A semi-quantitative approach was used to grade the strength of the evidence-based on the number of investigations, the quality of the studies, and the consistency of the associations reported by the studies. RESULTS: Thirty-two articles involving 18,792 patients were included in the final systematic review. Ten variables were found to be strongly associated with postoperative pain, including Age, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities condition, preoperative pain, chronic widespread pain, preoperative adverse health beliefs, preoperative sleep disorders, central sensitization, preoperative anxiety, and preoperative function. Sixteen factors were identified as inconclusive evidence. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review clarifies which risk factors could be involved in future research on TKA pain management for surgeons and patients. It highlights those factors that have been controversial or weakly correlated, emphasizing the need for further high-quality studies to validate them. Most crucially, it can furnish clinicians with vital information regarding high-risk patients and their clinical attributes, thereby aiding in the development of preventive strategies to mitigate postoperative pain following TKA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This systematic review has been registered on the PROSPERO platform (CRD42023444097).

Alcohol Use Disorder and Chronic Pain: An Overlooked Epidemic.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and chronic pain disorders are pervasive, multifaceted medical conditions that often co-occur. However, their comorbidity is often overlooked, despite its prevalence and clinical relevance. Individuals with AUD are more likely to experience chronic pain than the general population. Conversely, individuals with chronic pain commonly alleviate their pain with alcohol, which may escalate into AUD. This narrative review discusses the intricate relationship between AUD and chronic pain. Based on the literature available, the authors present a theoretical model explaining the reciprocal relationship between AUD and chronic pain across alcohol intoxication and withdrawal. They propose that the use of alcohol for analgesia rapidly gives way to acute tolerance, triggering the need for higher levels of alcohol consumption. Attempts at abstinence lead to alcohol withdrawal syndrome and hyperalgesia, increasing the risk of relapse. Chronic neurobiological changes lead to preoccupation with pain and cravings for alcohol, further entrenching both conditions. To stimulate research in this area, the authors review methodologies to improve the assessment of pain in AUD studies, including self-report and psychophysical methods. Further, they discuss pharmacotherapies and psychotherapies that may target both conditions, potentially improving both AUD and chronic pain outcomes simultaneously. Finally, the authors emphasize the need to manage both conditions concurrently, and encourage both the scientific community and clinicians to ensure that these intertwined conditions are not overlooked given their clinical significance.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Patient Disparities in Long-Term Opioid Therapy.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted how primary care patients with chronic pain received care. Our study sought to understand how long-term opioid therapy (LtOT) for chronic pain changed over the course of the pandemic overall and for different demographic subgroups. METHODS: We used data from electronic health records of 64 primary care clinics across Washington state and Idaho to identify patients who had a chronic pain diagnosis and were receiving long-term opioid therapy. We defined 10-month periods in 2019 to 2021 as prepandemic, early pandemic and late pandemic and used generalized estimating equations analysis to compare across these time periods and demographic characteristics. RESULTS: We found a proportional decrease in LtOT for chronic pain in the early months of the pandemic (OR = 0.94, P = .007) followed by an increase late pandemic (OR = 1.08, P = .002). Comparing late pandemic to prepandemic, identifying as Asian or Black, having fewer comorbidities, or living in an urban area were associated with higher likelihood of being prescribed LtOT. DISCUSSION: The use of LtOT for chronic pain in primary care has increased from before to after the COVID-19 pandemic with racial/ethnic and geographic disparities. Future research is needed to understand these disparities in LtOT and their effect on patient outcomes.

The predicting factors of chronic pain among nursing students: a national study in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Nursing students are faced with a variety of challenges that demand effective cognitive and emotional resources. The physical and psychological well-being of the students plays a key part in the public health of the community. Despite the special lifestyle of nursing students, few studies have addressed chronic pain in this population. Accordingly, the present study aims to identify the predictors of chronic pain among nursing students. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,719 nursing students aged 18-42 years, between February and November 2019. Sampling was carried out in several stages. Data were collected using seven instruments, namely a demographics survey, the characteristics of chronic pain form, Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Bar-on Emotional Quotient Inventory, Academic Satisfaction Scale, and Procidano and Heller Social Support Scale. Descriptive statistics, multinomial logistic regression, and regression models were used to describe the characteristics of the pain and its predictive factors. RESULTS: The average age of the participants was 22.4 ± 2.96 years. The results of univariate analysis showed that gender (P = 0.506), mother's education (P = 0.056, P = 0.278, P = 0.278), father's education (P = 0.817, P = 0.597, P = 0.41), place of residence (P = 0.215), depression (P = 0.501), grade point average (P = 0.488), academic satisfaction (P = 0.183) and chronic pain weren't significantly correlated with chronic pain in nursing students. The results of the multiple logistic regression models showed that chronic pain was positively correlated with age, social support, state anxiety, and trait anxiety (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02-1.12; OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.93-0.97; OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02-1.05; and OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 0.95-1.99; respectively). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of chronic pain was relatively high in these students. In addition, age, social support, and anxiety could be important factors in the development or persistence of chronic pain in nursing students. The results also provided basic and essential information about the contributing factors in this area. However, consideration of factors such as referral for treatment, home medications for pain relief, and outcomes of chronic pain are suggested in future longitudinal studies.

Exploring the association between dietary Inflammatory Index and chronic pain in US adults using NHANES 1999-2004.

Chronic pain, a substantial public health issue, may be influenced by dietary patterns through systemic inflammation. This cross-sectional study explored the association between Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and chronic pain among 2581 American adults from NHANES data. The DII, ranging from - 4.98 to 4.69, reflects the inflammatory potential of the diet, with higher scores indicating greater pro-inflammatory capacity. Our findings showed no significant association between the continuous DII score and chronic pain prevalence. However, a nonlinear relationship emerged. When the DII was categorized, a significant association between higher DII scores (DII ≥ 2.5) and chronic pain prevalence was observed. The analysis uncovered a U-shaped pattern, with an inflection point at a DII score of - 0.9, indicating an association between both low and high levels of dietary inflammation are associated with higher pain prevalence. This nuanced interaction between dietary inflammation and chronic pain indicates the possibility of incorporating dietary modification into pain management strategies and underscores the need for further research into the long-term effects of diet on chronic pain.

Chronic pain-mental health comorbidity and excess prevalence of health risk behaviours: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic musculoskeletal pain and anxiety/depression are significant public health problems. We hypothesised that adults with both conditions constitute a group at especially high risk of future cardiovascular health outcomes. AIM: To determine whether having comorbid chronic musculoskeletal pain and anxiety/depression is associated with the excess prevalence of selected known cardiovascular health risk behaviours. METHOD: A cross-sectional survey of adults aged 35+ years randomly sampled from 26 GP practice registers in West Midlands, England. Respondents were classified into four groups based on self-reported presence/absence of chronic musculoskeletal pain (pain present on most days for six months) and anxiety or depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score 11+). Standardised binomial models were used to estimate standardised prevalence ratios and prevalence differences between the four groups in self-reported obesity, tobacco smoking, physical inactivity, and unhealthy alcohol consumption after controlling for age, sex, ethnicity, deprivation, employment status and educational attainment. The excess prevalence of each risk factor in the group with chronic musculoskeletal pain-anxiety/depression comorbidity was estimated. FINDINGS: Totally, 14 519 respondents were included, of whom 1329 (9%) reported comorbid chronic musculoskeletal pain-anxiety/depression, 3612 (25%) chronic musculoskeletal pain only, 964 (7%) anxiety or depression only, and 8614 (59%) neither. Those with comorbid chronic musculoskeletal pain-anxiety/depression had the highest crude prevalence of obesity (41%), smoking (16%) and physical inactivity (83%) but the lowest for unhealthy alcohol consumption (18%). After controlling for covariates, the standardised prevalence ratios and differences for the comorbid group compared with those with neither chronic musculoskeletal pain nor anxiety/depression were as follows: current smoking [1.86 (95% CI 1.58, 2.18); 6.8%], obesity [1.93 (1.76, 2.10); 18.9%], physical inactivity [1.21 (1.17, 1.24); 14.3%] and unhealthy alcohol consumption [0.81 (0.71, 0.92); -5.0%]. The standardised prevalences of smoking and obesity in the comorbid group exceeded those expected from simple additive interaction.

Sex differences in pain catastrophizing and its relation to the transition from acute pain to chronic pain.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: Differences exist between sexes in pain and pain-related outcomes, such as development of chronic pain. Previous studies suggested a higher risk for pain chronification in female patients. Furthermore, pain catastrophizing is an important risk factor for chronification of pain. However, it is unclear whether sex differences in catastrophic thinking could explain the sex differences in pain chronification. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine sex differences in pain catastrophizing. Additionally, we investigated pain catastrophizing as a potential mediator of sex differences in the transition of acute to chronic pain. DESIGN, SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS: Adults visiting one of the 15 participating emergency departments in the Netherlands with acute pain-related complaints. Subjects had to meet inclusion criteria and complete questionnaires about their health and pain. OUTCOMES MEASURE AND ANALYSIS: The outcomes in this prospective cohort study were pain catastrophizing (short form pain catastrophizing) and pain chronification at 90 days (Numeric Rating Scale ≥ 1). Data was analysed using univariate and multivariable logistic regression models. Finally, stratified regression analyses were conducted to assess whether differences in pain catastrophizing accounted for observed differences in pain chronification between sexes. MAIN RESULTS: In total 1,906 patients were included. Females catastrophized pain significantly more than males (p < 0.001). Multiple regression analyses suggested that pain catastrophizing is associated with pain chronification in both sexes. CONCLUSIONS: This study reported differences between sexes in catastrophic cognitions in the development of chronic pain. This is possibly of clinical importance to identify high-risk patients and ensure an early intervention to prevent the transition from acute to chronic pain.

Variability in the prevalence of depression among adults with chronic pain: UK Biobank analysis through clinical prediction models.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of depression among people with chronic pain remains unclear due to the heterogeneity of study samples and definitions of depression. We aimed to identify sources of variation in the prevalence of depression among people with chronic pain and generate clinical prediction models to estimate the probability of depression among individuals with chronic pain. METHODS: Participants were from the UK Biobank. The primary outcome was a "lifetime" history of depression. The model's performance was evaluated using discrimination (optimism-corrected C statistic) and calibration (calibration plot). RESULTS: Analyses included 24,405 patients with chronic pain (mean age 64.1 years). Among participants with chronic widespread pain, the prevalence of having a "lifetime" history of depression was 45.7% and varied (25.0-66.7%) depending on patient characteristics. The final clinical prediction model (optimism-corrected C statistic: 0.66; good calibration on the calibration plot) included age, BMI, smoking status, physical activity, socioeconomic status, gender, history of asthma, history of heart failure, and history of peripheral artery disease. Among participants with chronic regional pain, the prevalence of having a "lifetime" history of depression was 30.2% and varied (21.4-70.6%) depending on patient characteristics. The final clinical prediction model (optimism-corrected C statistic: 0.65; good calibration on the calibration plot) included age, gender, nature of pain, smoking status, regular opioid use, history of asthma, pain location that bothers you most, and BMI. CONCLUSIONS: There was substantial variability in the prevalence of depression among patients with chronic pain. Clinically relevant factors were selected to develop prediction models. Clinicians can use these models to assess patients' treatment needs. These predictors are convenient to collect during daily practice, making it easy for busy clinicians to use them.

Investigating and analyzing the current situation and factors influencing chronic neck, shoulder, and lumbar back pain among medical personnel after the epidemic.

BACKGROUND: Chronic shoulder and neck pain is one of the most common chronic occupational disorders, with an average incidence rate of 48.5%, severely affecting patients' quality of life and ability to work. According to epidemiological research, the prevalence of chronic neck, shoulder, and low back pain in adults over the age of 45 ranges from 40 to 80%. According to reports, medical staff have a higher incidence rate than other populations, and there is a positive correlation between the grade of the medical institution and the incidence rate, making medical staff a priority group for the prevention of chronic neck, shoulder, and low back pain. By the end of 2022, China has been fully opened to epidemic prevention and control, the total number of patients in domestic hospitals has increased significantly, and resulting in medical personnel shoulting great pressure, which seriously affects the physical and mental health of medical personnel. The aim of this study was to explore the risk factors of chronic neck, shoulder and lumbar back pain in medical staff. To provide guidelines for medical staff to improve cervical and lumbar subacute pain and reduce the emergence of spinal lesions. METHODS: From January to February 2023, 602 staff members of a third-grade hospital in Zunyi City were studied by Questionnaire star. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression were used to analyze the independent risk factors of chronic neck, shoulder and lumbar back pain in medical staff, with stepwise regression utilized to choose the optimum model. The model was selected using Akaike's information criterion (AIC) and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. RESULTS: A total of 602 medical staff were polled, and the findings revealed that 588 cases of chronic neck, shoulder, and low back pain of varied severity had occurred in the previous 1 to 2 years, with a 97.7% incidence rate; logistic regression analysis revealed that anxiety level, frequency of bending over in the previous 1 to 2 years, whether related preventive measures were taken at work, gender, positive senior title, daily ambulation time, and whether the department they worked in organized independent influencing factors. CONCLUSION: The incidence of chronic neck, shoulder, and lumbar back pain among medical staff is high; its influencing factors are different and have not been systematically identified. Hospitals should take effective measures tailored to local conditions to improve the physical and mental health of medical staff.

Chronic pain in pediatric patients: epidemiology, pathophysiology, and mitigation strategies.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an updated summary on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment strategies of chronic pain in pediatric patients and its differences with chronic pain in adults. RECENT FINDINGS: Chronic pain in children is common, can be debilitating and can progress into adulthood, thus it requires an interdisciplinary evaluation and management. Targeting interdisciplinary care, including psychology, physical, and/or occupational therapy, has been shown to improve pain and function. Recent decline in mental health post pandemic has correlated with increase in pediatric chronic pain thus the need to identify patients at risk and offer early interdisciplinary treatment. SUMMARY: Chronic pediatric pain should be addressed under the biopsychosocial model, where the biological, psychological, and social factors are evaluated on how they influence the pain perception, pain experience, functional ability, and treatment focus. Pain education to patients and their families is the crucial initial step towards a functional rehabilitation of pain.

Neuropathic and Nociplastic Pain Profiles are Common in Adult Chronic Nonbacterial Osteitis (CNO).

Chronic nonbacterial osteitis (CNO) is a rare musculoskeletal disease causing chronic bone pain. It is known that chronic musculoskeletal pain may involve other mechanisms than nociceptive pain only. We investigate the prevalence of neuropathic and nociplastic pain in adult CNO and their association with clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes. Survey study among the Dutch adult CNO cohort (n = 84/195 participated), including PAIN-detect for neuropathic pain, and the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), Fibromyalgia Rapid Screening Tool (FiRST), and ACTTION-APS Pain Taxonomy (AAPT) for nociplastic pain. Clinical characteristics and CNO-related bone pain scores were compared between patients with exclusive nociceptive pain and those with nociceptive pain plus neuropathic and/or nociplastic pain (mixed pain). 31% (95% CI 21-41) of patients classified as likely having neuropathic pain according to PAIN-detect. 53% (41-64) of patients displayed central sensitization on CSI, 61% (50-72) screened positive for fibromyalgia on FiRST and 14% (7-23) of patients fulfilled the AAPT criteria, all indicative of nociplastic pain. Mixed pain was associated with longer diagnostic delay (mean difference 2.8 years, 95% CI 0.4-5.2, p = 0.023), lower educational level (72% versus 20%, p < 0.001), and opioid use (37% versus 13%, p = 0.036). Despite comparable disease severity and extent, patients with mixed pain reported significantly higher CNO-related bone pain scores. This study demonstrates the high prevalence of mixed pain in adult CNO, in which neuropathic and nociplastic pain exist alongside nociceptive inflammatory bone pain. Disease burden in CNO may extend beyond inflammatory activity, highlighting the need for a multifaceted management approach.

Presence of endometriosis and chronic overlapping pain conditions negatively impacts the pain experience in women with chronic pelvic-abdominal pain: A cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Evidence of overlap between endometriosis and chronic pain conditions is emerging; however, little is known about how the pain experience differs based on the presence or absence of endometriosis. OBJECTIVES: In a sample of women reporting chronic pelvic-abdominal pain (CPP), the aim of this study was to characterize differences in pain symptomatology between women with and without endometriosis and to examine the influence of chronic overlapping pain conditions (COPCs) on pain among these two groups. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study, based on an online survey. METHODS: Participants (aged 18+ years) completed a survey collecting pain diagnoses and symptoms assessing pelvic pain severity, pain interference, and pain impact. Independent sample t-tests, chi-square, and multiple linear regression models were employed to analyze group differences in pain symptomatology and COPCs. RESULTS: Of the 525 respondents with CPP, 25% (n = 133) reported having endometriosis. Women with endometriosis were younger at the onset of pelvic pain, relative to women without endometriosis (p = 0.04). There were no differences in age, race, ethnicity, or duration of pelvic pain between women with and without endometriosis. Women with endometriosis reported higher pelvic pain severity (+0.8, 95% CI = 0.4-1.1), pain interference (+5.9, 95% CI = 2.4-9.3), and pain impact (+1.9, 95% CI = 0.8-2.9). Endometriosis was associated with a higher number of COPCs (p = 0.003), with 25% (n = 33) of women reporting ⩾3 overlapping pain conditions compared with 12% (n = 45) of those without endometriosis. Women with endometriosis had a higher frequency of fibromyalgia (p < 0.001), chronic fatigue syndrome (p < 0.001), and temporomandibular disorder (p = 0.001). The number of COPCs was associated with higher pain severity, interference, and impact, independently of endometriosis. CONCLUSION: Women with endometriosis experienced higher levels of pain-related burden and COPCs compared with those without endometriosis. Pain intensity, interference, and impact increased with a higher number of pain conditions regardless of endometriosis presence.

Presence of endometriosis and chronic overlapping pain conditions negatively impacts the pain experience in women with chronic pelvic­abdominal pain: A cross-sectional surveyThe presence of endometriosis was associated with a higher number of chronic overlapping pain conditions (COPCs) and greater pain symptomatology, while a greater number of COPCs corresponded to increased pain burden among women with and without endometriosis. These findings underscore the need for a more comprehensive assessment of endometriosis that addresses the full experience of the disease, including its comorbidities. A greater characterization and measurement of COPCs has the potential to facilitate the development of tailored interventions for individuals with pain comorbidities, thereby contributing to improved clinical care strategies for endometriosis-related pain.

Do we want to know the enormity of women's severe menstrual disorders and chronic pelvic pain?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper is to call for a nationwide study to assess the prevalence and incidence of women health problems related to menstrual disorders and severe pelvic pain. RATIONALE: The exact prevalence and incidence of endometriosis, adenomyosis, severe painful menstrual disorders, and of severe chronic pelvic pain are unknown. These issues severely impact women's quality of life and represent huge costs for our societies. Using adapted questionnaires, recent progresses in diagnosis and increased fundings announced by politicians, we can and should change this situation by performing a nationwide study to assess prevalence and incidence of these women problems in the French general population. The huge, anticipated costs of this study do appear quite reasonable when accounting for the enormous costs and societal consequences of endometriosis, menstrual disorders and severe pelvic pain. CONCLUSION: These long-awaited data will improve our understanding of the causes, consequences, and natural history of endometriosis. These data will allow women to better understand that pain is not always related to endometriosis, thus preventing unjustified fears. Physicians will be able to adapt and improve medical managements, particularly the diagnosis. Politicians will have the tools to improve women's health and gender equality.

Very long-term effects of conservatively treated blunt thoracic trauma: A retrospective analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the high incidence of blunt thoracic trauma and frequently performed conservative treatment, studies on very long-term consequences for these patients remain sparse in current literature. In this study, we identify prevalence of long-term morbidity such as chronic chest pain, shortness of breath, and analyze the effect on overall quality of life and health-related quality of life. METHODS: Questionnaires were send to patients admitted for blunt thoracic trauma at our institution and who were conservatively treated between 1997 and 2019. We evaluated the presences of currently existing chest pain, persistence of shortness of breath after their trauma, the perceived overall quality of life, and health-related quality of life. Furthermore, we analyzed the effect of pain and shortness of breath on overall quality of life and health-related quality of life. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 185 trauma patients with blunt thoracic trauma who were admitted between 1997 and 2019, with a median long term follow up of 11 years. 60 percent still experienced chronic pain all these years after trauma, with 40,7 percent reporting mild pain, 12,1 percent reporting moderate pain, and with 7,7 percent showing severe pain. 18 percent still experienced shortness of breath during exercise. Both pain and shortness of breath showed no improvement in this period. Pain and shortness of breath due to thoracic trauma were associated with a lower overall quality of life and health-related quality of life. CONCLUSION: Chronic pain and shortness of breath may be relatively common long after blunt thoracic trauma, and are of influence on quality of life and health-related quality of life in patients with conservatively treated blunt thoracic trauma.

Prevalence of chronic pain after severe lower limb injury (SLLI): A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Globally, severe lower limb injuries (SLLIs) are the predominant cause of long-term injury related disability and poor functional outcomes. Chronic pain is a major source of this morbidity, but the magnitude of the contribution is not clearly understood. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the prevalence of chronic pain following SLLIs in civilian and military patients. METHOD: This systematic review was prospectively registered with The International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with study ID CRD42022313615. A systematic literature search (Medline, Embase, Ovid, and Web of Science) was performed to identify original studies that reported chronic pain outcomes for adults who underwent surgical treatment for SLLIs in a civilian or military setting. Risk of bias in included studies was assessed using the ROBINS-E tool, and quality assessment was reported at study level using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and at outcome-level using the GRADE framework. Absolute (proportional) and relative (odds ratio) outcome measures were calculated and pooled using a random effects model. RESULTS: Forty-three studies reporting the outcomes of 5601 patients were included. Estimated overall prevalence of pain was 63 % (CI 55-70 %). The prevalence of chronic pain in amputees (64 % (CI 55-73 %)) was similar to those who underwent limb salvage (56 % (CI 44-67 %)). The prevalence of chronic pain in civilian populations was 70 % (CI 63-77 %) compared to military populations (51 % (CI 35-66 %)). In amputees, the prevalence of residual limb pain was similar to phantom limb pain (OR 1.06 [0.64-1.78], p = 0.81, I2 = 92 %). CONCLUSION: Most people who sustain a SLLI will suffer from chronic pain. Healthcare systems must continue to research interventions that can reduce the incidence and severity of long-term pain and ensure adequate resources are allocated for this common and debilitating complication.

Cosmetic surgery and associated chronic postsurgical pain: A cross-sectional study from Norway.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) is a common postoperative sequela. Despite the increasing popularity of cosmetic surgeries, there is a notable lack of research on CPSP in this context, with existing studies focusing on breast surgeries only. To address existing gaps in knowledge, the objective of the present study was to investigate the self-reported prevalence of cosmetic surgery and associated CPSP among Norwegian adults. METHODS: An online questionnaire consisting of three questions inquiring prior cosmetic surgeries, associated CPSP, and whether participants had sought for pain management was constructed and distributed among adults residing in Norway. RESULTS: Between November 30, 2022 and December 16, 2022, 1,746 participants were recruited. 10% of respondents, 73.3% of which were female, affirmed to have undergone cosmetic surgery. About 1 in 4 of these was aged 18-29 years. The prevalence of CPSP was 12.6%. CPSP was five times more common among male, compared to female respondents. While about two thirds of participants indicating to have experienced CPSP were aged 18-29 years, CPSP was much less common among individuals of other ages. CONCLUSION: Consistent with international trends, there appears to be a young and growing population of cosmetic surgery consumers in Norway. According to our results, about 1 in 8 of these might be affected by CPSP, a condition that is notoriously hard to treat and weighting heavily on public healthcare and social welfare systems. Large-scale longitudinal studies further investigating the topic are thus urgently needed.