Health-related quality of life and neuropathic pain in sickle cell disease in Jamaica.

BACKGROUND: Health related quality of Life (HRQOL) is an important consideration when managing chronic diseases, like sickle cell disease (SCD). Assessment of neuropathic pain (NP) and its association with HRQOL in SCD are rarely reported. OBJECTIVES: To examine the prevalence of NP and its association with HRQOL in adult Jamaicans with SCD. METHODS: Adult SCD patients were recruited consecutively and data were collected on socio-demographics, NP using Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4), and HRQOL using the Adult Sickle Cell Quality of Life Measurement Information System (ASCQ-Me). Means, medians, t-tests, ANOVA tests, Wilcoxon Rank-sum tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests, Pearson's correlation and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed using STATA 14.2. RESULTS: There were 236 respondents, with 56.8% female, mean age 33.2 years (SD: 11.6; range: 18-67 years), and 75% had homozygous SS genotype. NP was likely present in 26.7% of the population. The standardized ASCQ-Me (mean ± SD; ordered from lowest to best HRQOL domain scores) were: emotional impact 53.3 ± 10.1; sleep impact 56.1 ± 9.7; social function 57.7 ± 10.6; pain impact 58.6 ± 7.8; and stiffness impact 61.0 ± 7.3. On multivariate analyses, NP significantly reduced emotional and social functioning and worsened sleep and stiffness. Higher acute pain scores significantly worsened all HRQOL domains, while higher disease severity worsened all except stiffness. Obesity was associated with worse sleep and greater stiffness. Females with leg ulcers reported lower social functioning and unemployed females had greater pain impact. CONCLUSIONS: NP is increasingly prevalent in SCD and worsens HRQOL. Gender specific studies are needed to understand the significantly poorer HRQOL in women.

Screening for neuropathic pain in patients with sickle cell disease: is a single assessment scale sufficient?

BACKGROUND: The objectives of this study were to delineate the clinical-epidemiological profile of patients with neuropathic pain (NP) in the groups of SCD patients, from each of the three questionnaires used DN-4, painDETECT - PDQ, LANSS and to compare these three questionnaires in NP evaluation in SCD carriers. This cross-sectional study evaluated 83 patients with symptomatic SCD, aged 14 years or older. Clinical and laboratory data were extracted from the patients' charts and from information obtained from the patients during the interview before the application of the questionnaire. The calculations were performed using the statistical software Epi InfoTM 7. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to compare the neuropathic pain evaluation scales with the software BioEstat 5.3. RESULTS: The use of two or more questionnaires may increase the suspicion of NP in patients with SCD and, with a confirmed diagnosis, adequate treatments will benefit patients.

Paravertebral block for management of acute postoperative pain and intercostobrachial neuralgia in major breast surgery / Bloqueio paravertebral no controle da dor aguda pós-operatória e dor neuropática do nervo intercostobraquial em cirurgia mamária de grande porte

Abstract Background: Several locoregional techniques have been described for the management of acute and chronic pain after breast surgery. The optimal technique should be easy to perform, reproducible, with little discomfort to the patient, little complications, allowing good control of acute pain and a decreased incidence of chronic pain, namely intercostobrachial neuralgia for being the most frequent entity. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the paravertebral block with preoperative single needle prick for major breast surgery and assess initially the control of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and acute pain in the first 24 h and secondly the incidence of neuropathic pain in the intercostobrachial nerve region six months after surgery. Methods: The study included 80 female patients, ASA I-II, aged 18-70 years, undergoing major breast surgery, under general anesthesia, stratified into 2 groups: general anesthesia (inhalation anesthesia with opioids, according to hemodynamic response) and paravertebral (paravertebral block with single needle prick in T4 with 0.5% ropivacaine + adrenaline 3 µg mL−1 with a volume of 0.3 mL kg−1 preoperatively and subsequent induction and maintenance with general inhalational anesthesia). In the early postoperative period, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) was placed with morphine set for bolus on demand for 24 h. Intraoperative fentanyl, postoperative morphine consumption, technique-related complications, pain at rest and during movement were recorded at 0 h, 1 h, 6 h and 24 h, as well as episodes of PONV. All variables identified as factors contributing to pain chronicity age, type of surgery, anxiety according to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), preoperative pain, monitoring at home; body mass index (BMI) and adjuvant chemotherapy/radiation therapy were analyzed, checking the homogeneity of the samples. Six months after surgery, the incidence of neuropathic pain in the intercostobrachial nerve was assessed using the DN4 scale. Results: The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) values of paravertebral group at rest were lower throughout the 24 h of study 0 h 1.90 (±2.59) versus 0.88 (±1.5) 1 h 2.23 (±2.2) versus 1.53 (±1.8) 6 h 1.15 (±1.3) versus 0.35 (±0.8); 24 h 0.55 (±0.9) versus 0.25 (±0.8) with statistical significance at 0 h and 6 h. Regarding movement, paravertebral group had VAS values lower and statistically significant in all four time points: 0 h 2.95 (±3.1) versus 1.55 (±2.1); 1 h 3.90 (±2.7) versus 2.43 (±1.9) 6 h 2.75 (±2.2) versus 1.68 (±1.5); 24 h 2.43 (±2.4) versus 1.00 (±1.4). The paravertebral group consumed less postoperative fentanyl (2.38 ± 0.81 µg kg−1 versus 3.51 ± 0.81 µg kg−1) and morphine (3.5 mg ± 3.4 versus 7 mg ± 6.4) with statistically significant difference. Chronic pain evaluation of at 6 months of paravertebral group found fewer cases of neuropathic pain in the intercostobrachial nerve region (3 cases versus 7 cases), although not statistically significant. Conclusions: Single-injection paravertebral block allows proper control of acute pain with less intraoperative and postoperative consumption of opioids but apparently it cannot prevent pain chronicity. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of paravertebral block in pain chronicity in major breast surgery.

Resumo Justificativa: Estão descritas várias técnicas locorregionais para a abordagem da dor aguda e dor crônica após cirurgia de mama. O ideal seria uma técnica fácil de fazer, reprodutível, com pouco desconforto para as doentes, com poucas complicações e que permitirá um bom controle da dor aguda e uma diminuição da incidência de dor crônica, notadamente dor neuropática do intercostobraquial, por ser a entidade mais frequente. Objetivos: Estudar a aplicação de bloqueio paravertebral com picada única no pré-operatório de cirurgia mamária de grande porte. Avaliar numa primeira fase o controle de dor aguda e náuseas-vômitos no pós-operatório (NVPO) nas primeiras 24 horas e numa segunda fase a incidência de dor neuropática na região do nervo intercostobraquial seis meses após a cirurgia. Métodos: Foram incluídas 80 doentes do sexo feminino, ASA I-II, entre 18 e 70 anos, submetidas a cirurgia mamária de grande porte sob anestesia geral, estratificadas em dois grupos: anestesia geral (anestesia geral inalatória com opioides segundo resposta hemodinâmica) e paravertebral (bloqueio paravertebral com picada única em T4 com ropivacaína 0,5% + adrenalina 3 µg/mL com um volume de 0,3 mL/kg pré-operatoriamente e posterior indução e manutenção com anestesia geral inalatória). No pós-operatório imediato foi colocada PCA (Patient-controlled analgesia) de morfina programada com bolus a demanda durante 24 horas. Foram registados fentanil intraoperatório, consumo de morfina pós-operatória, complicações relacionadas com as técnicas, dor em repouso e ao movimento a 0, 1 h, 6 h e 24 h, assim como os episódios de NVPO. Foram analisadas todas as variáveis identificadas como fatores de cronificação da dor idade, tipo de cirurgia, ansiedade segundo escala de HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale), dor pré-operatória; acompanhamento no domicílio; índice de massa corporal (IMC), tratamentos adjuvantes de quimioterapia/radioterapia e foi verificada a homogeneidade das amostras. Aos seis meses da cirurgia foi avaliada, segundo escala DN4, a incidência de dor neuropática na área do nervo intercostobraquial. Resultados: O grupo paravertebral teve valores de VAS (Escala Visual Analógica) em repouso mais baixos ao longo das 24 horas de estudo 0 h 1,90 (± 2,59) versus 0,88 (± 1,5); 1 h 2,23 (± 2,2) versus 1,53 (± 1,8); 6 h 1,15 (± 1,3) versus 0,35 (± 0,8); 24 h 0,55 (± 0,9) versus 0,25 (± 0,8) com significado estatístico às 0 e às 6 horas. Em relação ao movimento o grupo paravertebral teve valores de VAS mais baixos e com significância estatística nos quatro momentos de avaliação: 0 h 2,95 (± 3,1) versus 1,55 (± 2,1); 1 h 3,90 (± 2,7) versus 2,43 (± 1,9) 6 h 2,75 (± 2,2) versus 1,68 (± 1,5); 24 h 2,43 (± 2,4) versus 1,00 (± 1,4). O grupo paravertebral consumiu menos fentanil (2,38 ± 0,81 µg/Kg versus 3,51 ± 0,81 µg/Kg) e menos morfina no pós-operatório (3,5 mg ± 3,4 versus 7 mg ± 6,4), com diferença estatisticamente significativa. Na avaliação de dor crônica aos seis meses no grupo paravertebral houve menos casos de dor neuropática na região do nervo intercostobraquial (três versus sete) embora sem significância estatística. Conclusões: O bloqueio paravertebral com picada única permite um adequado controle da dor aguda com menor consumo de opioides intraopreatórios e pós-operatórios, mas aparentemente não consegue evitar a cronificação da dor. Mais estudos são necessários para esclarecer o papel do bloqueio paravertebral na cronificação da dor em cirurgia mamária de grande porte.

Paravertebral block for management of acute postoperative pain and intercostobrachial neuralgia in major breast surgery.

BACKGROUND: Several locoregional techniques have been described for the management of acute and chronic pain after breast surgery. The optimal technique should be easy to perform, reproducible, with little discomfort to the patient, little complications, allowing good control of acute pain and a decreased incidence of chronic pain, namely intercostobrachial neuralgia for being the most frequent entity. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the paravertebral block with preoperative single needle prick for major breast surgery and assess initially the control of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and acute pain in the first 24h and secondly the incidence of neuropathic pain in the intercostobrachial nerve region six months after surgery. METHODS: The study included 80 female patients, ASA I-II, aged 18-70 years, undergoing major breast surgery, under general anesthesia, stratified into 2 groups: general anesthesia (inhalation anesthesia with opioids, according to hemodynamic response) and paravertebral (paravertebral block with single needle prick in T4 with 0.5% ropivacaine+adrenaline 3µgmL(-1) with a volume of 0.3mLkg(-1) preoperatively and subsequent induction and maintenance with general inhalational anesthesia). In the early postoperative period, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) was placed with morphine set for bolus on demand for 24h. Intraoperative fentanyl, postoperative morphine consumption, technique-related complications, pain at rest and during movement were recorded at 0h, 1h, 6h and 24h, as well as episodes of PONV. All variables identified as factors contributing to pain chronicity age, type of surgery, anxiety according to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), preoperative pain, monitoring at home; body mass index (BMI) and adjuvant chemotherapy/radiation therapy were analyzed, checking the homogeneity of the samples. Six months after surgery, the incidence of neuropathic pain in the intercostobrachial nerve was assessed using the DN4 scale. RESULTS: The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) values of paravertebral group at rest were lower throughout the 24h of study 0h 1.90 (±2.59) versus 0.88 (±1.5) 1h 2.23 (±2.2) versus 1.53 (±1.8) 6h 1.15 (±1.3) versus 0.35 (±0.8); 24h 0.55 (±0.9) versus 0.25 (±0.8) with statistical significance at 0h and 6h. Regarding movement, paravertebral group had VAS values lower and statistically significant in all four time points: 0h 2.95 (±3.1) versus 1.55 (±2.1); 1h 3.90 (±2.7) versus 2.43 (±1.9) 6h 2.75 (±2.2) versus 1.68 (±1.5); 24h 2.43 (±2.4) versus 1.00 (±1.4). The paravertebral group consumed less postoperative fentanyl (2.38±0.81µgkg(-1) versus 3.51±0.81µgkg(-1)) and morphine (3.5mg±3.4 versus 7mg±6.4) with statistically significant difference. Chronic pain evaluation of at 6 months of paravertebral group found fewer cases of neuropathic pain in the intercostobrachial nerve region (3 cases versus 7 cases), although not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Single-injection paravertebral block allows proper control of acute pain with less intraoperative and postoperative consumption of opioids but apparently it cannot prevent pain chronicity. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of paravertebral block in pain chronicity in major breast surgery.

[Paravertebral block for management of acute postoperative pain and intercostobrachial neuralgia in major breast surgery]. / Bloqueio paravertebral no controle da dor aguda pós-operatória e dor neuropática do nervo intercostobraquial em cirurgia mamária de grande porte.

BACKGROUND: Several locoregional techniques have been described for the management of acute and chronic pain after breast surgery. The optimal technique should be easy to perform, reproducible, with little discomfort to the patient, little complications, allowing good control of acute pain and a decreased incidence of chronic pain, namely intercostobrachial neuralgia for being the most frequent entity. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the paravertebral block with preoperative single needle prick for major breast surgery and assess initially the control of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and acute pain in the first 24hours and secondly the incidence of neuropathic pain in the intercostobrachial nerve region six months after surgery. METHODS: The study included 80 female patients, ASA I-II, aged 18-70 years, undergoing major breast surgery, under general anesthesia, stratified into 2 groups: general anesthesia (inhalation anesthesia with opioids, according to hemodynamic response) and paravertebral (paravertebral block with single needle prick in T4 with 0.5% ropivacaine + adrenaline 3µg/mL with a volume of 0.3mL/kg preoperatively and subsequent induction and maintenance with general inhalational anesthesia). In the early postoperative period, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) was placed with morphine set for bolus on demand for 24hours. Intraoperative fentanyl, postoperative morphine consumption, technique-related complications, pain at rest and during movement were recorded at 0h, 1h, 6h and 24h, as well as episodes of PONV. All variables identified as factors contributing to pain chronicity age, type of surgery, anxiety according to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), preoperative pain, monitoring at home; body mass index (BMI) and adjuvant chemotherapy/radiation therapy were analyzed, checking the homogeneity of the samples. Six months after surgery, the incidence of neuropathic pain in the intercostobrachial nerve was assessed using the DN4 scale. RESULTS: The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) values of paravertebral group at rest were lower throughout the 24hours of study 0h 1.90 (± 2.59) versus 0.88 (± 1.5) 1h 2.23 (± 2.2) versus 1.53 (± 1.8) 6h 1.15 (± 1.3) versus 0.35 (± 0.8); 24h 0.55 (± 0.9) versus 0.25 (± 0.8) with statistical significance at 0h and 6h. Regarding movement, paravertebral group had VAS values lower and statistically significant in all four time points: 0h 2.95 (± 3.1) versus 1.55 (± 2.1); 1h 3.90 (± 2.7) versus 2.43 (± 1.9) 6h 2.75 (± 2.2) versus 1.68 (± 1.5); 24h 2.43 (± 2.4) versus 1.00 (± 1.4). The paravertebral group consumed less postoperative fentanyl (2.38±0.81µg/kg versus 3.51±0.81µg/kg) and morphine (3.5mg±3.4 versus 7mg±6.4) with statistically significant difference. Chronic pain evaluation of at 6 months of paravertebral group found fewer cases of neuropathic pain in the intercostobrachial nerve region (3 cases versus 7 cases), although not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Single-injection paravertebral block allows proper control of acute pain with less intraoperative and postoperative consumption of opioids but apparently it cannot prevent pain chronicity. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of paravertebral block in pain chronicity in major breast surgery.

Neuropathic pain characteristics in patients from Curitiba (Brazil) with spinal cord injury / Dor neuropática em pessoas com lesão medular residentes em Curitiba (Brasil)

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study on patients with spinal cord injuries living in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. The aim was to evaluate the pain characteristics among such patients seen at referral care centers for spinal cord injury patients in Curitiba. A total of 109 adults with spinal cord injury in this city were evaluated regarding the presence of pain, especially neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain was evaluated using the DN4 questionnaire, a universal instrument that has been translated and validated for Portuguese. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the intensity of pain. The prevalence of pain among these 109 patients was 31.2 percent (34 patients). The nociceptive pain presented was classified as musculoskeletal pain (nine patients), visceral pain (four patients) and mixed pain (one patient), thus totaling 14 patients (12.8 percent). Another 20 patients (18.3 percent) showed symptoms of neuropathic pain and fulfilled the criteria for neuropathic pain with scores greater than 4 out 10 in the DN4 questionnaire. Regarding the characteristics of the patients with neuropathic pain, most of them were male, younger than 40 years of age and paraplegic with incomplete lesions. They had become injured from 1 to more than 5 years earlier. The predominant etiology was gunshot wounds, and the intensity of their pain was high, with VAS scores greater than 5. This study partially corroborates other studies conducted on this subject. Studies of this type are important for understanding the profile of these patients, for the purpose of designing strategies for their rehabilitation, with a focus on the appropriate treatment and management of pain.

Estudo transversal descritivo em pacientes com lesão medular que residem em Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil. O objetivo foi avaliar as características da dor em pacientes com lesão medular acompanhados em Centros de Reabilitação de referência na cidade. Os sujeitos envolvidos na pesquisa foram 109 pacientes adultos com lesão medular. Foi avaliada a presença de dor, principalmente dor neuropática, mediante aplicação do Questionário DN4, um instrumento universal traduzido e validado para o português. A Escala Visual Analógica (EVA) também foi usada para avaliar a intensidade da dor. A prevalência de dor nos 109 pacientes avaliados foi de 31,2 por cento, ou seja, 34 pacientes. Destes, nove apresentaram dor nociceptiva classificada como músculo-esquelética, quatro dor visceral e um paciente apresentou dor mista, totalizando 14 pacientes (12,8 por cento). Além disso, 20 pacientes (18,3 por cento) apresentaram dor neuropática, cumprindo os critérios para este tipo de dor com uma contagem superior a 4/10 para o DN4. Sobre as características dos pacientes com dor neuropática, a maioria era do sexo masculino, abaixo de 40 anos, paraplégico com lesão incompleta e tempo de evolução entre um e cinco anos de lesão. A etiologia predominante foi perfuração por arma de fogo e a intensidade da dor era severa, com EVA superior a cinco. Este estudo confirma parcialmente outros estudos publicados sobre o tema. Pesquisas deste tipo são importantes para entender o perfil destes pacientes com a finalidade de estabelecer estratégias para uma reabilitação com foco no tratamento e manejo adequado da dor.

Prevalencia de dolor crónico neuropático en pacientes quemados: utilización del instrumento DN4 para su diagnóstico / Prevalence of neuropathic chronical pain in burnt patients: use of DN4 tool for diagnosis purposes

Introducción: El dolor en los pacientes quemados es uno de los más complejos, intensos y prolongados en el tiempo. La tendencia mundial muestra una disminución de ña tasa de mortalidad con aumento de los sobrevivientes por quemaduras. Se sabe que los pacientes, luego del alta, siguen sintiendo dolor. Quisimos saber la prevalencia de Dolor Neuropático, utilizando para su diagnóstico un Cuestionario-instrumento (DN4). Material y Método: estudio clínico, descriptivo, prospectivo de prevalencia. Incluyó 34 pacientes a los que se les aplicó el DN4 para diagnóstico de Dolor Neuropático. Egresados del Servicio de Cirugía Plástica y Quemados del Hospital del Trabajador de Santiago, controlados en el Policlínico de Rehabilitación. Resultados: 97.1 por ciento fueron hombres, edad 38.1 años. Superficie Corporal Quemada de 16.8 +/- 19.7 por ciento. Agentes causales: Eléctricas, 53.6 por ciento; térmicas, 40.5 por ciento; y químicas, 3.2 por ciento. El DN4 fue positivo 88.2 por ciento. Intensidad del dolor de moderado a severo. El Dolor Neuropático se asoció más a quemaduras de menor extensión. Conclusión: El diagnóstico de dolor crónico de tipo neuropático, utilizando el instrumento DN4 ocupó un alto porcentaje (88.2 por ciento) de nuestros pacientes estudiados. Asociándose más a los pacientes con quemaduras de menor extensión. Este dolor es de intensidad moderada a severa y que requiere ser tratado.

Introduction: pain a patients with burns is one of the most complex, intense and prolongued in time. The world trend shows a reduction in mortality rate with increasing number of survivors. It is known that after medical discharge, patients still suffer from pain. We wished to know the prevalence of neuropathic pain using for diagnosis purposes a Questionnaire - tool called DN4. Material and Method: Clinical, descriptive prospective study of prevalence. The study comprised 34 patients with whom the DN4 was used for Neuropathic pain diagnosis purposes. Discharged from the Hospital del Trabajador de Santiago Plastic Surgey and Burnt Unit with controls at the Rehabilitation Clinic. Results: 97.1 percent male patients whose average age was 38.1 years. Burned Corporal Area 16.8 +/- 19.7 percent. Causes: Electrical, 56.3 percent; thermic, 40.5 percent; and chemical, 3.2 percent. DN4 was positive in 88.2 percent. Pain intensity from moderate to accute. Neuropathic pain was associated to less wide burns. Conclusion: Neuropathic type chronic pain diagnosis with the help of DN4 resulted in a rather high percentage (88.2 percent) of the patients in this study, proving to be more in association to patients with less wide burns. This is a moderate from accute pain and requires treatment.