Sickle cell disease chronic joint pain: Clinical assessment based on maladaptive central nervous system plasticity.

Chronic joint pain (CJP) is among the significant musculoskeletal comorbidities in sickle cell disease (SCD) individuals. However, many healthcare professionals have difficulties in understanding and evaluating it. In addition, most musculoskeletal evaluation procedures do not consider central nervous system (CNS) plasticity associated with CJP, which is frequently maladaptive. This review study highlights the potential mechanisms of CNS maladaptive plasticity related to CJP in SCD and proposes reliable instruments and methods for musculoskeletal assessment adapted to those patients. A review was carried out in the PubMed and SciELO databases, searching for information that could help in the understanding of the mechanisms of CNS maladaptive plasticity related to pain in SCD and that presented assessment instruments/methods that could be used in the clinical setting by healthcare professionals who manage chronic pain in SCD individuals. Some maladaptive CNS plasticity mechanisms seem important in CJP, including the impairment of pain endogenous control systems, central sensitization, motor cortex reorganization, motor control modification, and arthrogenic muscle inhibition. Understanding the link between maladaptive CNS plasticity and CJP mechanisms and its assessment through accurate instruments and methods may help healthcare professionals to increase the quality of treatment offered to SCD patients.

Sociodemographic and clinical aspects of patients with sickle cell disease at referral centers in Salvador, Bahia / Aspectos sociodemográficos y clínicos de pacientes con enfermedad de células falciformes en centros de referencia en Salvador, Bahía / Aspectos sociodemográficos e clínicos de pacientes com doenças falciformes dos centros de referência em Salvador, Bahia

The centralization of care for patients with sickle cell diseases through the creation of reference centers through the Ministry of Health Ordinance No. 1,018/2005, enabled better monitoring of these patients. This study characterized the sociodemographic and clinical profile of patients with sickle cell diseases treated at reference centers in the city of Salvador. Women represented the largest portion of patients registered at the centers and were older and more educated than men. More than 90.0% of patients are single, demonstrating the difficulty of people with sickle cell disease to socialize due to the stigma of the disease. The most common clinical manifestations were pain crises and jaundice, and the most common complications were hospitalizations due to pain crises and blood transfusion. Associations were observed between sex and stroke, between genotype and lower limb ulcers and blood transfusion. A low percentage of patients with osteonecrosis (8.8%) was also observed, indicating possible underreporting. The low percentages of patients who use morphine and hydroxyurea point to the need to expand the offer of these drugs to reduce pain crises and improve the quality of life of patients.

La centralización de la atención a los pacientes con anemia falciforme mediante la creación de centros de referencia a través de la Ordenanza del Ministerio de Salud Nº 1.018 / 2005, permitió un mejor seguimiento de estos pacientes. Este estudio caracterizó el perfil sociodemográfico y clínico de los pacientes con drepanocitosis atendidos en centros de referencia de la ciudad de Salvador. Las mujeres representaban la mayor parte de los pacientes registrados en los centros y eran mayores y tenían más educación que los hombres. Más del 90,0% de los pacientes son solteros, lo que demuestra la dificultad de las personas con anemia falciforme para socializar debido al estigma de la enfermedad. Las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes fueron crisis de dolor e ictericia, y las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron hospitalizaciones por crisis de dolor y transfusión de sangre. Se observaron asociaciones entre sexo y accidente cerebrovascular, entre genotipo y úlceras de miembros inferiores y transfusión de sangre. También se observó un bajo porcentaje de pacientes con osteonecrosis (8,8%), lo que indica un posible subregistro. Los bajos porcentajes de pacientes que utilizan morfina e hidroxiurea apuntan a la necesidad de ampliar la oferta de estos fármacos para reducir las crisis de dolor y mejorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes.

A centralização do atendimento dos pacientes com doenças falciformes através da criação de centros de referência possibilitou um melhor acompanhamento desses pacientes. Este estudo caracterizou o perfil sociodemográfico e clínico dos pacientes com doenças falciformes atendidos nos centros de referência no município de Salvador. Os resultados deste estudo corroboram com a literatura e podem ajudar a melhorar os serviços oferecidos nos centros de referência pesquisados. As mulheres representaram a maior parcela dos pacientes registrados nos centros e com maior faixa etária e escolaridade do que os homens. Mais de 90,0% dos pacientes são solteiros, demonstrando a dificuldade das pessoas com doenças falciformes se socializarem devido ao estigma da doença. As manifestações clínicas mais comuns foram as crises álgicas e a icterícia e as intercorrências mais comuns foram internações devido as crises álgicas e hemotransfusão. Foram observadas associações entre sexo e acidente vascular cerebral, entre o genótipo e úlceras de membros inferiores e hemotransfusão. Também foi observado um percentual baixo de pacientes com osteonecrose indicando possível subnotificação. Os percentuais baixos de pacientes que fazem uso da morfina e hidroxiureia apontam para a necessidade de ampliar a oferta desses medicamentos para diminuir as crises álgicas e melhorar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes.

Neurophysiological aspects of isotonic exercises in temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to investigate the electroneurophysiological aspects of volunteers with temporomandibular disorders before and after performing isotonic exercises for pain relief and self-care guidelines. METHODS: The study was a parallel controlled randomized controlled trial under protocol 1,680,920. The inclusion criteria were age between 18 and 60 years, muscle temporomandibular dysfunction with or without limitation of mouth opening and self-reported pain with scores between 4 and 10. The individuals were randomized into experimental group and control. Twenty-three volunteers participated in the study, most of then were female. Control group had 11 and experimental group 12 individuals. Dropouts occurred in both groups, two in the experimental group and three in the control group. Since there were an intergroup imbalance the power density was analysed just in experimental group. Electroencephalographic recording was performed before and after the interventions, using the 32-channel apparatus, with sample frequency of 600 Hz and impedance of 5 kΩ. The data were processed through the MATLAB computer program. The individual records filtered off-line, using bandpass between 0.5 and 50 Hz. Epochs of 1,710 ms were created and the calculation of the absolute power density calculated by means of the fast Fourier transform. The statistical approach was inferential and quantitative. RESULTS: The alpha power density analyzed presented a difference, but not significant, when compared in the two moments. CONCLUSION: According to this study, isotonic exercises performed to reduce pain provided a small increase in alpha power density in the left temporal, parietal and occipital regions.

Neurophysiological aspects of isotonic exercises in temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome / Efeito de exercícios isotônicos para redução da dor da musculatura orofacial em indivíduos com disfunção temporomandibular: aspectos neurofisiológicos

ABSTRACT Purpose The aim of the study was to investigate the electroneurophysiological aspects of volunteers with temporomandibular disorders before and after performing isotonic exercises for pain relief and self-care guidelines. Methods The study was a parallel controlled randomized controlled trial under protocol 1,680,920. The inclusion criteria were age between 18 and 60 years, muscle temporomandibular dysfunction with or without limitation of mouth opening and self-reported pain with scores between 4 and 10. The individuals were randomized into experimental group and control. Twenty-three volunteers participated in the study, most of then were female. Control group had 11 and experimental group 12 individuals. Dropouts occurred in both groups, two in the experimental group and three in the control group. Since there were an intergroup imbalance the power density was analysed just in experimental group. Electroencephalographic recording was performed before and after the interventions, using the 32-channel apparatus, with sample frequency of 600 Hz and impedance of 5 kΩ. The data were processed through the MATLAB computer program. The individual records filtered off-line, using bandpass between 0.5 and 50 Hz. Epochs of 1,710 ms were created and the calculation of the absolute power density calculated by means of the fast Fourier transform. The statistical approach was inferential and quantitative. Results The alpha power density analyzed presented a difference, but not significant, when compared in the two moments. Conclusion According to this study, isotonic exercises performed to reduce pain provided a small increase in alpha power density in the left temporal, parietal and occipital regions.

RESUMO Objetivo O objetivo do estudo foi investigar os aspectos eletroneurofisiológicos de voluntários com disfunção temporomandibular antes e após realização de exercícios para redução de dor e orientações de autocuidado. Método Foi realizado ensaio clínico randomizado controlado paralelo, aprovado por um Comitê de Ética. Os critérios de inclusão foram idade de 18 a 60 anos, disfunção temporomandibular muscular, com ou sem limitação de abertura de boca, e dor autorreferida com escores entre 4 e 10. Os indivíduos foram distribuídos, por sorteio, em grupo experimental ou controle. Participaram do estudo 23 voluntários,11 controles e 12 do grupo experimental sendo a maioria do sexo feminino. Desistências ocorreram, sendo duas no grupo experimental e três no controle. Houve desbalanceamento entre grupos e apenas o experimental foi analisado. Foi realizado registro eletroencefalográfico antes e depois das intervenções, por meio de aparelho com 32 canais, frequência amostral de 600 Hz e impedância de 5 kΩ. Os dados foram processados por meio do programa computacional MATLAB. Os registros individuais filtrados off-line, utilizando passa banda entre 0,5 e 50 Hz. Épocas de 1,710 ms foram criadas e o cálculo da densidade de potência absoluta calculada por meio da transformada rápida de Fourier. A abordagem estatística foi inferencial e quantitativa. Resultados A densidade de potência alfa analisada apresentou diferença, porém não significativa, quando comparada nos dois momentos. Conclusão Pode-se concluir que, com base nesse estudo, os exercícios isotônicos realizados para redução de dor proporcionaram pequeno aumento na densidade de potência alfa nas regiões temporal, parietal e occipital esquerdas.

Capacidade funcional e força muscular de indivíduos internados em uma unidade de terapia intensiva cirúrgica / Functional capacity and muscular force of individuals in a unit of intensive surgical therapy

INTRODUÇÃO: Pacientes pós-cirúrgicos podem apresentar redução da capacidade funcional e força muscular devido as complicações pós-operatórias ou do internamento hospitalar. Porém, até o momento pouco se sabe sobre o estado funcional de indivíduos internados na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) cirúrgica. OBJETIVO: Verificar a força muscular periférica e a capacidade funcional de indivíduos no pós-operatório internados em uma UTI cirúrgica. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, descritivo, do qual participaram 72 pacientes admitidos na UTI cirúrgica com idade ≥18 anos, de ambos os sexos, no período pós-operatório. Os critérios de exclusão foram os casos onde os pacientes estivessem: hemodinamicamente instáveis, com desordem cognitiva ou com comunicação limitada que comprometesse a acurácia do registro de dados e aqueles que se recusaram a participar da pesquisa. A avaliação da capacidade funcional foi realizada através da medida de independência funcional, a força muscular através do Medical Research Council. RESULTADOS: A média de idade 51.2 ± 19 anos, sendo 35 (46,8%) do sexo feminino. A média da capacidade funcional foi 95,7 ± 21,3, sendo que 40 (55,6%) dos pacientes apresentaram dependência modificada (assistência de até 25% das tarefas) e 28 (38,9%) independência completa/modificada. A mediana da força muscular periférica foi 58 (48-60). A mediana do tempo de permanência na UTI foi 4 (2-7) dias. O tempo de permanência na ventilação mecânica foi de 24 horas para a maioria dos indivíduos 46 (63,9%). CONCLUSÃO: A força muscular periférica dos pacientes internados em UTI cirúrgica no pós-operatório não foi encontrada alterada. No entanto, grande parte dos pacientes apresentaram limitações funcionais. [AU]

BACKGROUND: Post-surgical patients may present functional capacity reduction and muscle strength due to postoperative complications or hospitalization. However, so far little is known about the functional status of individuals hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). OBJECTIVE: To verify the peripheral muscular strength and the functional capacity of an individual in the postoperative period hospitalized in a surgical ICU. METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive study in which 72 patients admitted to the surgical ICU, aged ≥18 years, of both sexes, participated in the postoperative period. Exclusion criteria were cases where patients were: hemodynamically unstable, with cognitive disorder or with limited communication that compromised the accuracy of the data record and those who refused to participate in the study. The functional capacity assessment was performed through functional independence measure, muscle strength through the Medical Research Council. RESULTS: The mean age was 51.2 ± 19 years, of which 35 (46.8%) were female. The mean functional capacity was 95.7 ± 21.3; 40 (55.6%) of the patients had modified dependence (up to 25% of the tasks) and 28 (38.9%) complete / modified independence. The median of peripheral muscle strength was 58 (48-60). The median length of ICU stay was 4 (2-7) days. The duration of mechanical ventilation was 24 hours for most of the individuals 46 (63.9%). CONCLUSION: The peripheral muscle strength of patients admitted to the surgical ICU postoperatively was not found to be altered. However, most patients had functional limitations. [AU]

Does Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined with Peripheral Electrical Stimulation Have an Additive Effect in the Control of Hip Joint Osteonecrosis Pain Associated with Sickle Cell Disease? A Protocol for a One-Session Double Blind, Block-Randomized Clinical Trial.

Chronic pain in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is probably related to maladaptive plasticity of brain areas involved in nociceptive processing. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and Peripheral Electrical Stimulation (PES) can modulate cortical excitability and help to control chronic pain. Studies have shown that combined use of tDCS and PES has additive effects. However, to date, no study investigated additive effects of these neuromodulatory techniques on chronic pain in patients with SCD. This protocol describes a study aiming to assess whether combined use of tDCS and PES more effectively alleviate pain in patients with SCD compared to single use of each technique. The study consists of a one-session double blind, block-randomized clinical trial (NCT02813629) in which 128 participants with SCD and femoral osteonecrosis will be enrolled. Stepwise procedures will occur on two independent days. On day 1, participants will be screened for eligibility criteria. On day 2, data collection will occur in four stages: sample characterization, baseline assessment, intervention, and post-intervention assessment. These procedures will last ~5 h. Participants will be divided into two groups according to homozygous for S allele (HbSS) (n = 64) and heterozygous for S and C alleles (HbSC) (n = 64) genotypes. Participants in each group will be randomly assigned, equally, to one of the following interventions: (1) active tDCS + active PES; (2) active tDCS + sham PES; (3) sham tDCS + active PES; and (4) sham tDCS + sham PES. Active tDCS intervention will consist of 20 min 2 mA anodic stimulation over the primary motor cortex contralateral to the most painful hip. Active PES intervention will consist of 30 min sensory electrical stimulation at 100 Hz over the most painful hip. The main study outcome will be pain intensity, measured by a Visual Analogue Scale. In addition, electroencephalographic power density, cortical maps of the gluteus maximus muscle elicited by Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), serum levels of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) will be assessed as secondary outcomes. Data will be analyzed using ANOVA of repeated measures, controlling for confounding variables.