Incidence and predictors of persistent pelvic pain following hysterectomy in women with chronic pelvic pain.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pelvic pain is a debilitating problem that afflicts 15% to 20% of women in the United States. Although more than 200,000 hysterectomies are performed annually for the treatment of chronic pelvic pain, previous studies indicate that 1 in 4 women undergo the discomfort and morbidity of hysterectomy without the relief of pain. The factors that predict treatment failure remain poorly characterized. OBJECTIVE: To describe the incidence of persistent pelvic pain 6 months following hysterectomy in women with chronic pelvic pain and determine whether a simple, self-reported measure of central sensitization is associated with a greater risk of persistent pelvic pain following hysterectomy. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a prospective, observational cohort study of women undergoing hysterectomy at an academic tertiary care center for a benign indication. Patients with preoperative chronic pelvic pain, defined as average pelvic pain ≥3 on a 0 to 10 numeric rating scale for >3 months before hysterectomy, were included in this analysis. The patients completed validated assessments of pain, anxiety, depression, and centralized pain (using the 2011 Fibromyalgia Survey Criteria, 0-31 points) preoperatively and 6 months after hysterectomy. The demographic information, surgical history, intraoperative findings, and surgical pathology were abstracted from the electronic medical records. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the independent predictors of persistent pelvic pain 6 months following hysterectomy, defined as <50% improvement in pelvic pain severity. RESULTS: Among 176 participants with pelvic pain before hysterectomy, 126 (71.6%) were retained at 6 months, and 15 (11.9%) reported persistent pelvic pain. There was no difference in age (P=.46), race (P=.55), average pain severity during menses (P=.68), average overall pelvic pain (P=.10), or pain duration (P=.80) in those with and without persistent pelvic pain. Whereas intraoperative findings of endometriosis (P=.05) and uterine fibroids (P=.03) were associated with a higher incidence of persistent pain on univariate analysis, the surgical route (P=.46), pelvic adhesions (0.51), uterine weight (P=.66), and adenomyosis on histopathology (P=.27) were not related to the risk of persistent pain. Higher preoperative centralized pain scores (P=.01) but not depression (P=.64) or anxiety (P=.45) were more common in women with persistent pelvic pain. Multivariate logistic regression adjusting for age, preoperative pain severity, anxiety, depression, and operative findings of endometriosis and fibroids indicated that every 1-point increase in centralized pain before hysterectomy was associated with a 27% increase in the odds of persistent pelvic pain (odds ratio, 1.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.57) 6 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Although the majority of women with chronic pelvic pain report considerable improvement in pain following hysterectomy, higher degrees of centralized pain before hysterectomy is a robust predictor of persistent pelvic pain.

Association between Lifetime History of Traumatic Brain Injury, Prescription Opioid Use, and Persistent Pain: A Nationally Representative Study.

Pain is common among adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI), yet little data exist regarding prevalence of opioid use in this population. The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the association between lifetime TBI exposure, opioid use, and pain in a nationally representative sample of 1022 adults aged 50+ who participated in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Our primary exposure was lifetime TBI history measured via the Ohio State University TBI Identification Method. We evaluated three alternate TBI exposures (years since most recent TBI, age at first TBI, and number of lifetime TBIs) in sensitivity analyses. We evaluated two outcomes: recent opioid medication use, and moderate-to-severe pain measured over two HRS waves. We classified three pain groups (persistent, intermittent, and no pain). Prevalences of opioid use among individuals with and without TBI were 19.7% and 13.6%, respectively. After adjustment for age, sex, and race, individuals with TBI had a 52% increased risk for opioid use compared with individuals without TBI (relative risk = 1.52, 95% confidence interval: 1.11, 2.04). Individuals with recent TBI (1-10 years ago), first TBI after age 40+, and 2+ lifetime TBIs had greatest risk for opioid use. Compared with individuals without TBI, individuals with TBI had 4.9-times increased odds for persistent versus no pain, and 1.9-times increased odds of intermittent versus no pain. Persistent pain among adults with lifetime TBI is elevated compared with the general population, which may contribute to increased opioid use among persons with TBI, particularly those with recent injuries or multiple lifetime TBIs.

Percutaneous CT-Guided Cryoablation of the Celiac Plexus: A Retrospective Cohort Comparison with Ethanol.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively analyze and compare the incidence of diarrhea in patients who underwent cryoablation of the celiac plexus for intractable abdominal pain versus ethanol therapy over a 5-year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 2014 to August 2019, 83 patients were identified who underwent neurolysis of the celiac plexus for management of intractable abdominal pain by using either cryoablation (n = 39 [59% female; age range, 36-79 years old [average, 60 ± 11 years old]) or alcohol (n = 44 [48% female; age range, 29-76 years old [average, 60 ± 12 years old]). Pain scores and reports of procedure-related complications or side effects, with special attention to diarrhea and/or other gastrointestinal symptoms, were collected from follow-up visits at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months post-intervention and were compared between groups. RESULTS: The mean time of follow-up was 17.7 days. Four patients who underwent cryoablation developed gastrointestinal symptoms consisting of 2 cases of nausea and vomiting and 2 cases of diarrhea (5.1%). Twelve patients who underwent ethanol ablation developed gastrointestinal symptoms, including 1 case of nausea, 3 cases of vomiting, and 9 cases of diarrhea (20.5%). There was a significantly higher incidence of both diarrhea (chi-squared likelihood ratio, P = .03) and overall gastrointestinal symptoms (chi-squared likelihood ratio, P = .04) in the ethanol group than in the cryoablation group. CONCLUSIONS: Cryoablation of the celiac plexus may provide a new treatment option for intractable abdominal pain, and it appears to have a lower incidence of diarrhea and fewer gastrointestinal side effects than ablation using ethanol.

European headache federation consensus on the definition of resistant and refractory migraine : Developed with the endorsement of the European Migraine & Headache Alliance (EMHA).

INTRODUCTION: Despite advances in the management of headache disorders, some patients with migraine do not experience adequate pain relief with acute and preventive treatments. It is the aim of the present document to provide a definition of those migraines which are difficult-to-treat, to create awareness of existence of this group of patients, to help Healthcare Authorities in understanding the implications, and to create a basis to develop a better pathophysiological understanding and to support further therapeutic advances. MAIN BODY: Definitions were established with a consensus process using the Delphi method. Patients with migraine with or without aura or with chronic migraine can be defined as having resistant migraine and refractory migraine according to previous preventative failures. Resistant migraine is defined by having failed at least 3 classes of migraine preventatives and suffer from at least 8 debilitating headache days per month for at least 3 consecutive months without improvement; definition can be based on review of medical charts. Refractory migraine is defined by having failed all of the available preventatives and suffer from at least 8 debilitating headache days per month for at least 6 consecutive months. Drug failure may include lack of efficacy or lack of tolerability. Debilitating headache is defined as headache causing serious impairment to conduct activities of daily living despite the use of pain-relief drugs with established efficacy at the recommended dose and taken early during the attack; failure of at least two different triptans is required. CONCLUSIONS: We hope, that the updated EHF definition will be able to solve the conflicts that have limited the use of definitions which have been put forward in the past. Only with a widely accepted definition, progresses in difficult-to-treat migraine can be achieved. This new definition has also the aim to increase the understanding of the impact of the migraine as a disease with all of its social, legal and healthcare implications. It is the hope of the EHF Expert Consensus Group that the proposed criteria will stimulate further clinical, scientific and social attention to patients who suffer from migraine which is difficult-to-treat.

The relationship between somatic sense perception levels and comorbid psychiatric diseases in chronic pain patients.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to evaluate any comorbid psychiatric disorders in patients with chronic pain and to examine the effects of sociodemographic details and the level of somatic sense perception on the severity of these diseases. METHODS: In this study, 51 chronic pain patients were evaluated in a consultation with a psychiatrist. Sociodemographic characteristics of the patients, such as age, gender, education level, and marital status were recorded, and Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV results were assessed. The patients' chronic pains were classified as idiopathic or secondary to organic etiology. In addition, the Symptom Checklist-90, Somatosensory Amplification Scale (SSAS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) were used. RESULTS: The incidence of psychiatric disorders in chronic pain patients was found to be 74.5%. Somatoform disorders were the most frequently diagnosed, at 37.3%. The rate of depressive and anxiety disorders was, respectively, 29.4% and 23.5%. Comorbid anxiety scores (p=0.019) and SSAS scores (p=0.046) were significantly higher in chronic pain patients with a somatoform disorder. HAM-A scores were found to be significantly higher in patients with depression (p=0.004). A positive and linear relationship was determined between the SSAS score and depression, anxiety, and the severity of mental symptoms. CONCLUSION: Structured or semi-structured interviews can be performed in pain polyclinics or psychiatric outpatient clinics to determine the level of perception of somatic sensations. This could be beneficial in the treatment of chronic pain and comorbid psychiatric disorders.

Prevalence and intensity of dyspnea, pain, and agitation among people dying with late stage dementia compared with people dying with advanced cancer: a single-center preliminary study in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: As death approaches, there may be similarities in terms of physical symptoms among dementia and cancer. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and intensity of dyspnea, pain, and agitation among people dying with late stage dementia versus those dying with advanced cancer. Methods: A retrospective analysis, conducted in a post-acute care facility (PACF) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We reviewed the electronic charts for the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) scores, from death backwards in time (3 days). METHODS: A retrospective analysis, conducted in a post-acute care facility (PACF) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We reviewed the electronic charts for the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) scores, from death backwards in time (3 days). RESULTS: We included 57 patients who died with dementia and 54 patients who died with cancer. The prevalence of dyspnea (dementia: n=34, 60% vs. cancer: n=39, 72%; P=0.23), and agitation (dementia: n=7, 13% vs. cancer: n=14, 25%; P=0.17) were statically similar between the two groups. Pain was less common in dementia (dementia: n=19, 34% vs. cancer: n=31, 57%; P=0.02). There were no significant differences in the percentage of patients with moderate to severe dyspnea (dementia: n=28, 49% vs. cancer: n=33, 61%; P=0.28), and moderate to severe agitation (dementia: n=4, 7% vs. cancer: n=12, 23%; P=0.09). Dementia patients were less likely to experience moderate to severe pain than cancer patients (dementia: n=14, 25% vs. cancer: n=25, 46%; P=0.03). The diagnosis of cancer was independently associated with pain, severe symptoms, and the co-occurrence of dyspnea, pain, and agitation (odds ratio >1). CONCLUSIONS: People dying with dementia and those dying with cancer experienced similar rates of dyspnea, and agitation. However, pain was significantly more prevalent and intense among people dying with cancer.

Neuromodulation in Pediatrics: Case Series.

OBJECTIVES: Neuromodulation, particularly intrathecal drug delivery systems and spinal cord stimulators (SCSs), can be a valuable tool when treating chronic pain in adults. However, there is a paucity of literature with regard to its use in pediatrics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present a series of 14 children and adolescents with intractable pain who received a SCS or a pump for the intrathecal delivery of medications between 2010 and 2016 at our institution. RESULTS: During the study period, we placed 10 intrathecal pumps and 4 SCSs with an average age of 17 years old. Pain scores significantly improved after the implant (P<0.007) and function improved in 79% of patients. Opioid use was also significantly reduced. Three patients eventually had their device removed due to psychiatric comorbidities. Four patients had complications that were treated without further sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: Neuromodulation can offer important options in treating some pediatric chronic pain patients. In-depth knowledge of primary disease and strict patient selection in the context of the patient's social situation is vital to successful treatment.

Interventional Anesthetic Methods for Pain in Hematology/Oncology Patients.

This article reviews anesthetic interventional approaches to the management of pain in hematology and oncology patients. It includes a discussion of single interventions including peripheral nerve blocks, plexus injections, and sympathetic nerve neurolysis, and continuous infusion therapy through implantable devices, such as intrathecal pumps, epidural port-a-caths, and tunneled catheters. The primary objective is to inform members of hematology and oncology care teams regarding the variety of interventional options for patients with cancer-related pain for whom medical pain management methods have not been effective.

Prevalence of Endometriosis and Its Symptoms among Young Jordanian Women with Chronic Pelvic Pain Refractory to Conventional Therapy.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to explore the prevalence and clinical manifestations of endometriosis in young women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) refractory to conventional medical therapy. METHODS: This prospective clinical interventional study was conducted in two general and private hospitals in the city of Al-Karak in Jordan. A total of 28 female patients aged ≤21 who had CPP refractory to conventional medical therapy were recruited during the years 2010-2014. The intervention used in the study was laparoscopy. Endometriosis was staged according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine classification. The main outcome measures were the presence and stage of endometriosis at laparoscopy, the presence of cold intolerance, and the severity and duration of pain symptoms. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 18.4 (range 15 to 21). Endometriosis was found in 20 of 28 participants (71.4%), as follows: stage I, 9 of 20 (45.0%); stage II, 8 of 20 (40%); stage III, 2 of 21 (10%); and stage IV, 1 of 21 (5%). Notably, 16 of 28 (57.1%) of all participants reported cold intolerance, including 14 of 20 (70%) with endometriosis and 2 of 8 (25%) without endometriosis (Fisher exact [1-tail] P = 0.039). There was no association between stage of disease and age distribution (≤18 and >19 to 21; P = 0.7) or with duration of symptoms (≤2 and >2 years) and the presence of cold intolerance (P > 0.05). However, severity of pain symptoms (<7 vs. ≥7, as measured by the visual analogue scale [VAS]) was associated significantly with stage of disease (P = 0.011). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of endometriosis among young women with CPP refractory to conventional therapy was high, mainly in the mild stage. Cold intolerance was highly associated with endometriosis.

Best Practices in Spinal Cord Stimulation.

STUDY DESIGN: A review of clinical best practices for spinal cord stimulation (SCS). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to summarize published and evidence based guidelines with regards to utilizing SCS, including patient selection, disease indication, perioperative management, complication mitigation strategies, and device selection. Additional focus has been provided on quality care to individual patients by acknowledging the importance of durable outcomes and care delivery costs. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: For more than 30 years, SCS has successfully alleviated patient suffering and enhanced the lives of patients with refractory pain conditions. Prospective studies of SCS have consistently demonstrated benefits through reduction of pain, improvement in function, and reduced healthcare expenditures in select patient diagnosis groups. Although the benefits of SCS are well-supported, the clinical application of this therapy varies widely based on physician training and experience, regional clinical practice variations, and insurance coverage. METHODS: This article provides a summary of published studies, case reports, evidence-based guidelines and expert consensus, with the intent of increasing physician competency and enhancing patient care through improved clinical outcomes. RESULTS: A guide to SCS implantation, appropriate patient selection, ranked recommendations for diseases that may most benefit for SCS treatment, complication mitigation strategies, and finally, indications for choosing the most efficacious modality of SCS therapy for specific patients and pain conditions. CONCLUSION: Although SCS has been shown to be safe and effective for a number of pain conditions, emerging SCS modalities promise even greater efficacy over traditional SCS. To achieve this promise, physicians must carefully select and manage their patients and the SCS device. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N\A.

Chronic Abdominal Pain and Symptoms 5 Years After Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity.

INTRODUCTION: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is widely performed as treatment of morbid obesity. Long-term weight loss, effects on co-morbidities, and quality of life after RYGB have been well addressed. Other long-term outcomes are less elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, symptom characteristics, and possible predictors of chronic abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms during consultations 5 years after RYGB. METHODS: A 5-year follow-up study of patients operated with RYGB 2008-2009 was performed. The patients completed questionnaires regarding chronic abdominal pain, the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), the ROME III questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Pain Catastrophing Scale (PCS), the Brief Pain Inventory, and SF-36. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses of characteristics associated with chronic abdominal pain were performed. RESULTS: A total of 165/234 (71%) patients met to the follow-up, 160 of these accepted study inclusion. The mean follow-up was 64 (SD 4.2) months. The mean age was 42.5 (SD 8.7) years and 59% were females. The mean total weight loss was 23.9% (SD 11.2). Chronic abdominal pain was reported by 33.8%. Female gender, average strength of bodily pain, and the PCS sum score were associated with chronic abdominal pain. Symptoms of indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome were reported by 48.8% and 29.1%, respectively. Chronic abdominal pain was associated with reduced health related quality of life. CONCLUSION: A substantial proportion of patients experienced chronic abdominal pain and symptoms 5 years after RYGB. Abdominal pain should be addressed at follow-up consultations after RYGB.

Comparison of the Effects of Intermittent Boluses to Simple Continuous Infusion on Patients' Global Perceived Effect in Intrathecal Therapy for Pain: A Randomized Double-Blind Crossover Study.

Objective: Intrathecal drug delivery (ITDD) is commonly used for intractable pain management. A paucity of good-quality studies in chronic noncancer patients and concerns over increased dosages have focused interest on different modes of administration. The aim of this international multicenter randomized double-blind crossover trial was to compare the efficacy of the same daily dose of drugs administered by intermittent boluses vs simple continuous infusion. Methods: Eligible patients implanted with a programmable ITDD device were randomized to receive two weeks of either intermittent boluses or a simple continuous flow in period 1, followed by a crossover to the alternative mode of administration. The primary outcome measure was the Patients' Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scale. Results: The mean proportion of positive responders (at least "minimally improved") was 38.4% in the continuous condition vs 37.3% in the bolus (difference in proportions = 1.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -21.8-24.0%, P = 0.93). The mean PGIC in the continuous condition was 3.8 vs 3.9 in the bolus (mean difference = -0.1, -0.6-0.4, P = 0.72). Exploratory analyses revealed a tendency for the mean proportion of positive responders to be higher at low vs high flow rates for both bolus and continuous administrations. Two patients were withdrawn from the study due to adverse events during the bolus phase, both with symptoms of increased pain, and one patient with additional symptoms of numbness and urinary retention. Conclusion: The mean PGIC and proportion of positive responders was not substantially different after intermittent bolus vs continuous administration.

[Determination of subacute and chronic period sleep quality in burn patients]. / Yanik hastasinda sub akut ve kronik dönemde uyku kalitesinin belirlenmesi.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the sleep quality of patients treated at burn center. METHODS: The present study is descriptive research conducted between January 2014 and July 2015 at a university hospital. The study included 36 patients (32 male, 4 female; mean age 26.69±9.63; range 19 to 60 years). Patient information form and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to collect data. SPSS software (version 22.0; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used for the analysis of the data, and statistical significance was regarded as p<0.05 in all analyses. RESULTS: Burn injuries of 50% of the patients were due to flash burn that occurred in the house. Complications developed in 52.8% of the patients. PSQI score average of the patients was 9.30±4.03 and 86.5% of them suffer from poor sleep quality. It was found that there was a statistically significant correlation (p<0.05) between Pittsburgh Sleep Quality averages and patient being in the intensive care unit (ICU), education level, percentage of area burned, length of time that had passed since the burn, and medication (antidepressant or antipsychotic). DISCUSSION: The sleep quality of patients in the study was found to be of poor degree. It is known that after burn injury, sufficient sleep enhances the function of natural defense cells, protein synthesis, and release of growth hormones, thereby healing the burn injuries. Information about patient sleep quality and sleep problems can lead to the development of nursing care for patients suffering from burns.

Occurrence, Characteristics, and Predictors of Pain in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Few studies have provided a detailed characterization of pain in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aims of this cross-sectional study were to describe the occurrence, intensity, locations, and level of interference associated with pain, as well as pain relief; to identify differences in demographic, clinical, and symptom characteristics between COPD patients with and without pain; and to determine which demographic, clinical, and symptom characteristics were associated with average pain, worst pain, and pain interference. A total of 258 patients with COPD provided information on demographic characteristics; comorbidities; respiratory parameters including dyspnea; body mass index; and symptom characteristics (i.e., anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, and fatigue). Pain was measured using the Brief Pain Inventory. Of these 258 COPD patients, 157 (61%) reported pain. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to determine which demographic, clinical, and symptom characteristics were associated with average pain severity, worst pain severity, and mean pain interference. Lower stages of COPD were associated with higher worst pain and higher pain interference scores. Higher depression scores were associated with higher average pain and higher pain interference scores. In addition, higher number of pain locations was associated with higher average and higher worst pain severity scores. Findings from this study confirm that pain is a significant problem and highlights the need for specific pain management interventions for patients with COPD. More research is needed about specific pain characteristics and symptoms to gain an increased knowledge about the causes of pain in these patients.

Provoked Vestibulodynia and the Health Care Implications of Comorbid Pain Conditions.

OBJECTIVE: Sexual pain secondary to provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is a chronic pain condition affecting up to 16% of women. Women with PVD may report other chronic pain conditions. The goals of this study were (1) to identify the prevalence of self-reported chronic pain conditions in a sample of women with a diagnosis of PVD and seeking treatment, and (2) to compare demographic and clinical characteristics and health care needs of women with PVD alone and women with PVD and two or more self-reported chronic pain conditions. METHODS: We assessed the characteristics of 236 women with PVD alone and 55 women with PVD and comorbid chronic pain using a standardized questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Pain Vigilance and Awareness Questionnaire, and the Female Sexual Distress Scale. RESULTS: Compared with women with PVD alone, women with PVD and other concurrent pain reported a significantly longer duration of pain, pain radiating to other parts of the vulva, and pain interfering in a variety of daily activities. This group was also significantly more likely to have seen more gynaecologists, and to have had more office visits with their gynaecologist than women with PVD alone. They were more likely to have tried anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and stress/relaxation therapy for their PVD and were also more likely to have allergies and skin sensitivities. Finally, this group of women had higher symptoms of depression, trait anxiety, and showed a trend towards more pain vigilance. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these findings suggest that physicians caring for women with PVD and concurrent chronic pain must be alert to the potentially greater health needs among this subsample of women.

Objectif : La douleur sexuelle attribuable à la vestibulodynie provoquée (VDP) est un trouble de douleur chronique qui affecte jusqu'à 16 % des femmes. Les femmes qui présentent une VDP pourraient en venir à signaler d'autres troubles de douleur chronique. Cette étude avait pour objectif (1) d'identifier la prévalence des troubles de douleur chronique auto-signalés au sein d'un échantillon de femmes ayant obtenu un diagnostic de VDP et cherchant à obtenir un traitement; et (2) de comparer les caractéristiques démographiques et cliniques et les besoins en soins de santé des femmes qui ne présentent qu'une VDP et des femmes qui présentent une VDP et au moins deux troubles de douleur chronique auto-signalés. Méthodes : Nous avons évalué les caractéristiques de 236 femmes ne présentant qu'une VDP et de 55 femmes présentant une VDP et une douleur chronique comorbide au moyen d'un questionnaire standardisé, de l'Inventaire de dépression de Beck, du State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, du Pain Vigilance and Awareness Questionnaire et de la Female Sexual Distress Scale. Résultats : Par comparaison avec les femmes qui ne présentaient qu'une VDP, les femmes qui présentaient celle-ci et une autre douleur concomitante ont signalé une douleur d'une durée significativement prolongée, une douleur irradiant vers d'autres parties de la vulve et une douleur nuisant à diverses activités de la vie quotidienne. Les femmes de ce groupe étaient également significativement plus susceptibles que les femmes ne présentant qu'une VDP d'avoir consulté un plus grand nombre de gynécologues et de s'être rendues un plus grand nombre de fois au cabinet de leur gynécologue. Elles étaient plus susceptibles d'avoir fait l'essai d'anticonvulsivants, d'antidépresseurs et d'une thérapie anti-stress / de relaxation pour contrer leur VDP, et également plus susceptibles de connaître des allergies et des sensibilités cutanées. Enfin, les femmes de ce groupe présentaient des symptômes accrus de dépression, une anxiété réactionnelle et une tendance envers une vigilance accrue en ce qui concerne la douleur. Conclusion : Considérées dans leur ensemble, ces constatations semblent indiquer que les médecins qui offrent des soins à des femmes qui présentent une VDP et une douleur chronique concomitante doivent être sensibles aux besoins de santé potentiellement accrus au sein de ce sous-groupe de femmes.

Breakthrough pain in cancer patients: prevalence, mechanisms and treatment options.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this article was to examine the definition, the characteristics, and the management of breakthrough cancer pain (BTP) in cancer patients by a critical review of recent literature. RECENT FINDINGS: BTP should be more correctly defined as an episode of severe intensity in patients receiving an adequate treatment with opioids able to provide at least mild analgesia. BTP is a heterogeneous condition as episodes vary between individuals. BTP can be classified into two big distinct pictures: spontaneous-type and incident-type pain. The principal pharmacological treatment of BTP is represented by the administration of opioids as needed. Recent reviews revealed that transmucosal preparation of fentanyl provided superior and more rapid pain relief as compared with placebo in the first 30 min after dosing. Few comparison studies among fentanyl products have been performed.Finally, although dose titration was recommended for years, a meaningful dosing according to the level of opioid tolerance may enhance the advantages of such products. SUMMARY: BTP represents a serious problem reported by many cancer patients despite receiving regular use of opioids. Subgroups of breakthrough pain have been identified. Different modalities of pharmacological interventions are available. Further studies are warranted to assess the net benefit of these drugs to assist decision-making by patients, clinicians, and payers according to individual clinical conditions.

Establishment of a liaison clinic for patients with intractable chronic pain.

BACKGROUND: A multidisciplinary approach has been shown to be effective for the treatment of intractable pain. However, few hospitals in Japan have established liaison clinics for such patients. In this study, we investigated the short-term results of a liaison clinic for patients with intractable chronic pain. METHODS: Study participants comprised 53 outpatients (20 men, 33 women) with intractable chronic pain who visited our hospital between April 2012 and March 2013. At baseline, patients completed a self-reported questionnaire and provided demographic and clinical information. Experts in various fields (anesthesia, orthopedic surgery, psychiatry, physical therapy, and nursing) conducted examinations of patients and attended a weekly conference during which patients' physical, psychological, and social problems were discussed and courses of treatment were determined. All patients were assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Pain Disability Assessment Scale (PDAS). Eligibility for the pain liaison outpatient clinic was evaluated using multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: After a 6-month follow-up period, no significant changes were seen in scores for the NRS, PDAS, or HADS for depression. In contrast, scores for both the PCS and HADS for anxiety were significantly reduced after 6 months of treatment (p < 0.05). HADS for anxiety was identified as a factor related to patient resistance to attending the pain liaison outpatient clinic (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This liaison clinic for patients with intractable chronic pain was able to improve patient anxiety. Severe anxiety at the initial visit represented a risk factor for dropout from the clinic.

Chronic pain, depression symptoms and daily living independency level among geriatrics in nursing home.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate pain, depression and independence in activities of daily living in geriatric residents of nursing homes, as well as to evaluate the relationship between these parameters. METHODS: 186 nursing home residents, aged 65 to 90 years, were enrolled in the study. Their socio-demographic features, depression levels, pain levels and independence in activities of daily living were evaluated using a socio-demographic assessment form, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Index (NEADL), respectively. For statistical analyses, participants were divided into groups with and without chronic pain. RESULTS: The main finding of this study was that 55.9% of the participants reported chronic pain, and these participants had significantly higher GDS (p=0.001) and lower NEADL scores (p=0.01) than those who reported no chronic pain. We found a significant correlation between VAS and GDS (r=0.47, p=0.001), VAS and NEADL (r=-0.30, p=0.001), and GDS and NEADL scores (r=-0.50, p=0.001). Female gender (p=0.001), number of children (p=0.005), number of chronic diseases (p=0.009), and GDS score (p=0.001) were found to affect chronic pain in multivariate model. CONCLUSION: Investigation of pain, presence of depression, and independence in activities of daily living is important in determining the necessary measures to be adopted for promoting the health and well-being of the geriatric population.

The Relationship Between Drug Use, Drug-related Arrests, and Chronic Pain Among Adults on Probation.

The intersection between chronic health conditions, drug use, and treatment seeking behavior among adults in the criminal justice system has been largely understudied. This study examined whether chronic pain was associated with opiate use, other illicit drug use, and drug-related arrests in a sample of substance-using probationers. We expected that probationers with chronic pain-related diagnoses would report more opiate use and drug-related arrests. This study used baseline data from 250 adults on probation in Baltimore, Maryland and Dallas, Texas who were participating in a larger clinical trial. Eighteen percent of probationers in this sample reported suffering from chronic pain. In bivariate analyses, probationers with chronic pain reported more drug-related arrests (t=-1.81; p<0.05) than those without chronic pain. Multivariate analyses support the hypothesis that probationers who reported chronic pain were marginally more likely to use opiates (OR=2.37; 95% CI .89-1.05) and non-opiate illicit drugs (OR=3.11; 95% CI 1.03-9.39) compared to offenders without chronic pain. In summary, these findings suggest that adults under probation supervision who suffer from chronic pain may be involved in criminal activity (specifically, drug-related criminal activity) in an effort to self-medicate their physical health condition(s). Screening probationers for chronic pain in the probation setting and referring these adults to pain management treatment may be an important step in advancing public safety.

The prevalence of uncontrolled pain in long-term care: a pilot study examining outcomes of pain management processes.

Pain in long-term care (LTC) is common among older residents despite the vast options available for optimal pain management. Inadequate pain management affects individual health care outcomes. Researcher evidence has shown that nurse practitioners (NPs) improve the quality of care in LTC but are challenged by multiple barriers that inhibit optimal pain control. The purpose of the current pilot study was to explore both the pain management processes used by nurses in LTC and the documented patient outcomes that come from these processes. In addition, factors were identified that may impact the NP role in providing adequate pain control in LTC. This descriptive study used a retrospective, case-controlled research design that incorporated reviewing 55 LTC resident medical records. Results show how the process of pain management in LTC can be improved by expanding the professional role of the NP.