Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation for Trigeminal Neuralgia Management: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Sham-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Trigeminal neuralgia, considered by many the worst pain that humankind can experience, has been called "the suicide disease." Neuroablative procedures are good options when conservative treatment fails to promote pain relief or in those whose side effects are unbearable. The objective was to compare the effectiveness and safety of trigeminal percutaneous radiofrequency ablation in classical refractory trigeminal neuralgia in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial. We included 30 consecutive patients with classical trigeminal neuralgia who had failed to respond to drug treatment. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups: a thermal radiofrequency and a sham group. The thermal radiofrequency group were submitted to a 75°C lesion for 60 seconds after proper sensory and motor stimulation. All steps were carried out in the sham group except the thermal lesion. Patients were evaluated using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire, and anticonvulsant dose. After 1 month, the mean NRS score decreased from 9.2 to 0.7 in the radiofrequency group and from 8.9 to 5.8 in the sham group. This significant reduction was measurable starting at day one after the procedure and remained significant throughout the first month. Changing groups was allowed after one month, after which the pain reduction was similar between the two groups. Percutaneous trigeminal radiofrequency ablation results in statistically and clinically significant greater pain relief than the sham procedure after 1 month of follow-up. These results support using radiofrequency nerve ablation as a treatment for refractory trigeminal neuralgia.

Influence of androgenic blockade with flutamide on pain behaviour and expression of the genes that encode the NaV1.7 and NaV1.8 voltage-dependent sodium channels in a rat model of postoperative pain.

BACKGROUND: Experimental studies suggest that testosterone reduces the nociceptive response after inflammatory and neuropathic stimuli, however the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of peripheral blockade of testosterone on pain behaviour and on expression levels of the genes that encode the NaV1.7 and NaV1.8 channels, in dorsal root ganglia in an acute postoperative pain model, as well as the influence of androgen blockade on the expression of these genes. METHODS: Postoperative pain was induced by a plantar incision and the study group received flutamide to block testosterone receptor. The animals were submitted to behavioural evaluation preoperatively, 2 h after incision, and on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 7th postoperative days. Von Frey test was used to evaluate paw withdrawal threshold after mechanical stimuli and the guarding pain test to assess spontaneous pain. The expression of the genes encoding the sodium channels at the dorsal root ganglia was determined by real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Animals treated with flutamide presented lower paw withdrawal threshold at the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 7th postoperative days. The guarding pain test showed significant decrease in the flutamide group at 2 h and on the 3rd and 7th postoperative days. No difference was detected between the study and control groups for the gene expression. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest an antinociceptive effect of androgens following plantar incision. The expression of genes that encode voltage-gated sodium channels was not influenced by androgen blockade.

Failure of reversion of neuromuscular block with sugammadex in patient with myasthenia gravis: case report and brief review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a challenge for anesthesia management. This report shows that the use of rocuronium-sugammadex is not free from flaws and highlights the importance of cholinesterase inhibitors management and neuromuscular block monitoring in the perioperative period of myasthenic patients. CASE PRESENTATION: Myasthenic female patient submitted to general balanced anesthesia using 25 mg of rocuronium. Under train-of-four (TOF) monitoring, repeated doses of sugammadex was used in a total of 800 mg without recovery of neuromuscular blockade, but TOF ratio (TOFR) was stabilized at 60%. Neostigmine administration led to the improvement of TOFR. CONCLUSIONS: Although the use of rocuronium-sugammadex seems safe, we should consider their unpredictability in myasthenic patients. This report supports the monitoring of neuromuscular blockade as mandatory in every patient, especially the myasthenic ones.

Resilience and hope during advanced disease: a pilot study with metastatic colorectal cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: The balance between hope-hopelessness plays an important role in the way terminally ill patients report quality of life, and personal resilience may be related to hope at the end of life. The objective of this study was to explore associations between personal resilience, hope, and other possible predictors of hope in advanced cancer patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional pilot study was carried out with metastatic colorectal cancer patients in a tertiary hospital. The patients answered the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Herth Hope Index, Barthel Index, an instrument addressing family and social support, visual-numeric scales for pain and suffering, a two-item screening for depression, socio-demographic and socio-economic information about the family. RESULTS: Forty-four patients were interviewed (mean age 56 years; range 29-86). A strong correlation was noted between resilience and hope (0.63; p < 0.05). No correlation was found between hope and independence for activities of daily living, support from family and community, and pain and suffering levels. Of the 44 patients, 20 presented with depressive symptoms. These depressive patients had lower resilience (p = 0.005) and hope (p = 0.003), and higher scores of suffering (p < 0.001). The association between resilience and hope kept stable after adjusting for age, gender, and presence of depression (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Given that resilience is a dynamic, changeable path that can improve hope, resilience-fostering interventions should be most valued in palliative care settings and should be commenced as soon as possible with cancer patients. Patients with advanced stages of non-malignant conditions would also probably benefit from such interventions.

Methadone patient-controlled analgesia for postoperative pain: a randomized, controlled, double-blind study.

PURPOSE: Postoperative pain is an important health-care issue. Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is considered the gold standard for systemic postoperative pain treatment. Methadone PCA is used for patients with chronic pain and those in the palliative care setting. However, its efficacy as a first-line drug for acute postoperative pain is unknown. This study evaluated the use of postoperative methadone PCA after total hip arthroplasty (THA) compared with morphine PCA. METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blind, controlled, parallel-group study. Patients were randomized into two groups: group methadone--methadone PCA, and group morphine--morphine PCA, for postoperative analgesia. Drugs were delivered through PCA pumps throughout the first 24 h after surgery (T1:6, T2:12, T3:18, T4:24 h). RESULTS: Opioid consumption in 24 h was significantly lower for group methadone than for group morphine. Group methadone patients experienced significantly less pain than group morphine at rest. Pain after movement was significantly lower in group methadone at T1 and T3 and marginally lower at T2 and T4. Adverse events more frequently reported were sleepiness, nausea, and vomiting, but no statistical difference between groups was found. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that methadone PCA prompted less opioid consumption and lower pain scores at rest and at motion in comparison with morphine PCA as postoperative analgesia after THA.

Brief interprofessional intervention for chronic pain management: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To test the effects of a brief interprofessional intervention for chronic pain management. METHODS: Before and after pilot study. The brief interprofessional intervention had a psychoeducational focus and was based on the Self-Efficacy Theory, using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy strategies. The intervention aimed to improve the management of chronic pain. It was conducted in group, over six weeks, with a two-hour weekly meeting, including educational strategies on pain management, stretching, and relaxation techniques. Self-efficacy, pain intensity, disability, fatigue, and depressive symptoms were assessed. Data were analyzed using the paired t-test and Pearson's correlation. RESULTS: Adults with moderate to severe pain took part in the study. Post-intervention analysis showed significant improvement in self-efficacy (p = 0.004) and significant reduction in pain intensity (p = 0.024), disability (p = 0.012), fatigue (p = 0.001), and depressive symptoms (p = 0.042). CONCLUSION: The effects of brief interprofessional intervention were positive for chronic pain management. We suggest the conduction of studies with more robust designs and a larger sample to confirm these findings.

Efficacy and Safety of Ketamine in the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Purpose: Ketamine is a N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist with strong analgesic properties. Its addition to the treatment of neuropathic pain may reduce pain intensity and improve overall quality of life. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was performed to investigate the addition of ketamine to the treatment of patients with neuropathic pain. Patients and Methods: GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach was used to rate the overall certainty of the evidence for each outcome. Eighteen (18) randomized controlled trials including 706 participants were included for further analysis. Results: Ketamine addition to standard treatment of neuropathic pain (NP) resulted in a statistically significant reduction of pain intensity at one week after the end of treatment with ketamine (MD -2.14, 95% CI -2.65 to -1.63; p<0.00001) and after 30 days after the end of treatment with ketamine (MD -1.68, 95% CI -2.25 to -1.12; p<0.00001) and a statistically significant increase in discomfort (RR 4.06; 95% CI 1.18 to 13.95; p=0.03), and psychedelic effects (RR 4.94; 95% CI 2.76 to 8.84; p<0.00001). Conclusion: There is a statistically significant pain reduction by adding ketamine to the treatment of chronic NP when compared to the standard treatment. However, such pain reduction comes at the expense of adverse outcomes, especially psychedelic effects related to the administration of ketamine. However, the overall quality of certainty of evidence is low due to the clinical heterogeneity among the intervention characteristics of the trials analyzed (different administration routes, dosing regimen, therapy durations, different clinical characteristics of the population investigated). Future large multi-centered trials are necessary to confirm or not the results of the present review.

Customized Photobiomodulation Modulates Pain and Alters Thermography Pattern in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Double-Blind Pilot Study.

Background: Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) modulates a wide variety of biological processes, leading to anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Understanding the mechanisms underlying therapeutic effects of PBMT remains challenging due to varying outcomes observed between wavelengths, dosage, and site of application. Our research group has dedicated close attention to customization and individualization of dosimetry for PBMT protocols. Preliminary data showed that using an individualized treatment could solve contradictory results reported by previous studies. Based on literature and our preliminary data on light absorption, the goal of the present pilot is to determine whether our individualized dosimetry is a feasible method to assist osteoarthritis (OA) pain control. Methods: This parallel two-arm controlled-pilot study aimed to assess whether personalized PBMT can be effective in the treatment of painful chronic knee OA. Thirty-one patients were randomly allocated into treatment and placebo group (sham irradiation), and the treatment procedure was performed twice a week, for 5 weeks. The PBMT was applied using 850 nm with continuous wave and a total of 526-1402 J each session. Individualized dosimetry was chosen based on each patient's body mass index and skin color. Quality-of-life (QOL) questionnaires and serum/urine analyses were performed before and after treatment was over. Both examiners and participants were blinded to group allocation. Results: Pain scores were reduced significantly in the 4th, 5th, and 10th sessions and remained lower 6 weeks posttherapy in the treatment group when compared to the placebo group. Moreover, the treatment group's results were improved in QOL questionnaires score, dopamine level, and in microcirculation. Conclusions: The present results provide initial evidence that customized photobiomodulation (PBM) reduce pain levels in short- and medium-term in patients with symptomatic knee OA when compared to placebo group. Furthermore, we have provided evidence that customized PBM is able to improve the QOL of those patients.

Continuous peripheral nerve block for in-patients with lower limb ischemic pain.

OBJECTIVES: Demonstrate that continuous peripheral nerve block (CPNB) may be an alternative with adequate analgesia and a lower incidence of side effects for ischemic pain due peripheral obstructive arterial disease (POAD). METHODS: Retrospective cohort study with 21 patients with POAD, Fontaine IV graded, with foot pain. Patients were submitted to continuous sciatic nerve block (CSNB), through a perineural catheter. Primary outcomes were pain intensity (by numerical rating scale) and opioid consumption (in oral morphine equivalents). RESULTS: During CSNB, pain scores markedly decreased in comparison to the pre-block period. CONCLUSIONS: CPNB may be a good option for ischemic pain treatment in in-patients, as it provides effective pain control with fewer adverse effects.

[Risk factors for post-caesarean nausea and vomiting: a prospective prognostic study]. / Fatores de risco para náusea e vômitos após cesariana: estudo prognóstico prospectivo.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) risk factors have not been defined for obstetric patients. In this study, our objective was to identify potential risk factors for PONV after cesarean sections performed under spinal anesthesia. METHODS: One cohort of patients submitted to cesarean under spinal anesthesia was used to investigate potential risk factors for PONV. The best numerical risk factors were dichotomized using chi-squared method. A conditional independence (incremental association method) casual network was used to select the best predictors for PONV. RESULTS: Two hundred and fifty of 260 patients remained in the study. Odds ratio for PONV of younger maternal age (< 25 years: 2.9 [1.49-5.96]), lower spinal bupivacaine dose (< 13 mg, inf [2.4-inf]), lower spinal morphine dose (< 80 mg, 0.03 [0-0.97]), history of motion sickness (2.5 [1.27-5.25]), significant nausea during the first trimester (0.3 [0.16-0.64]), intraoperative nausea and vomiting (8.2 [3.67-20.47]), and lower gestational age (< 38 weeks, 2.0 [1.01-4.08]) were statistically significant. The causal network selected absence of significant nausea during the first gestational trimester, intraoperative nausea, and gestational age < 38 weeks as the main direct risk factors for PONV. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative nausea and maternal age < 25 years were the main risk factors for PONV after cesareans under spinal anesthesia. Absence of self-reported nausea during the first trimester was a protective factor for post-cesarean nausea and vomiting.

Aprepitant plus palonosetron for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after breast cancer surgery: a double blind, randomized trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the addition of a fourth antiemetic intervention in patients at high risk for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). METHODS: High-risk patients (Apfel score 3 or 4) scheduled for unilateral mastectomy were randomly allocated in one of two groups, oral aprepitant (oral aprepitant 80 mg, intravenous dexamethasone 8 mg, and palonosetron 0.075 mg) and oral placebo (oral placebo, intravenous dexamethasone 4 mg, and palonosetron 0.075 mg). Patients and caregivers were blinded to the group assignments. The primary efficacy endpoints included the incidence of nausea and vomiting, and the secondary endpoints included use of rescue antiemetics during a 48-hour postoperative period. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02431286. RESULTS: One hundred patients were enrolled in this study and 91 were analyzed, 48 in group A and 43 in group P. No patient presented with nausea or vomiting in the first 2 hours after surgery. From the 2nd to the 6th hour, the incidence of PONV was 8.33% in group A and 9.30% in group P. In the first 24 hours, the incidence of PONV was 27.08% in the group A and 20.93% in group P. From the 24th to the 48th hour, the incidence of PONV was 8.33% in group A and 13.95% in group P. There were no statistically significant differences in PONV between groups. CONCLUSION: The addition of aprepitant as a third antiemetic resulted in no significant reduction in the incidence of PONV in this population. However, the incidence of PONV was reduced in relation to the general population.

[Transdermal buprenorphine for acute postoperative pain: a systematic review]. / Uso da buprenorfina transdérmica na dor aguda pós­operatória: revisão sistemática.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Postoperative pain is still a major concern in several surgical procedures. Multimodal analgesia is best for postoperative pain management; however, opioid therapy is still the main treatment for pain after surgical procedures. Transdermal buprenorphine is a partial µ agonist opioid widely used for chronic pain syndromes, with limited evidence for acute postoperative pain. A systematic review of studies examining transdermal buprenorphine for acute pain management after surgery was conducted. CONTENTS: Data from PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CINAHL via EBSCOhost, and LILACS were reviewed, including randomized clinical trials that evaluated total postoperative pain, postoperative analgesic consumption, drug-related side effects and patient satisfaction with analgesia regimen. Data from nine studies (615 patients) were included in this review. Most studies initiated transdermal buprenorphine use 6 to 48 hours before surgery, maintaining use from 1 to 8 days after the procedure. Most studies showed lower or similar postoperative pain scores, postoperative analgesic consumption and patient satisfaction comparing buprenorphine to placebo, tramadol, celecoxib, flurbiprofen and parecoxib. The incidence of side effects varied between studies, with most showing no increase in drug-related side effects with buprenorphine use, except one study, which compared buprenorphine to oral tramadol, and one to transdermal fentanyl. However, most results were derived from evidence with an overall high or unclear risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: Although more studies are necessary, initial results show that transdermal buprenorphine seems to be an effective and safe opioid choice for management of acute postoperative pain.

[Development of a multivariable predictive model for postoperative nausea and vomiting after cancer surgery in adults]. / Desenvolvimento de um modelo preditivo multivariado para náusea e vômito no pós­operatório de cirurgia oncológica em adultos.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Predicting postoperative nausea and vomiting risk is the cornerstone for deciding prophylaxis. Apfel's score does not define how long a person must be abstinent from smoking to be considered a non-smoker, and the use of intraoperative spinal opioids as a risk factor for predicting postoperative nausea and vomiting is also not addressed. The aim of this study was to quantify predicting postoperative nausea and vomiting risk by an ordinal smoking status and the use of intraoperative opioids (systemic or neuraxial), and to develop a new predictive model. METHODS: Patients scheduled for cancer surgery were prospectively evaluated for predicting postoperative nausea and vomiting in the first 24h after surgery. RESULTS: Of 2014 initially included patients, 185 participants were excluded. Smoking status classification was associated with predicting postoperative nausea and vomiting incidence rates of 14.1%, 18.1%, 24.7%, 29.4% and 33.9% for smokers, patients who stopped smoking up to 1 month prior to surgery, one to 6 months prior, more than 6 months prior or patients who never smoked, respectively, which was significant in the multiple comparisons analysis (adjusted p=0.015). The multiple comparisons-adjusted hypothesis tests for association with predicting postoperative nausea and vomiting for sex, age, previous predicting postoperative nausea and vomiting, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and ordinal smoking status had p-values of <0.001. The type of surgery (p=0.04), total fentanyl consumption (p=0.04), both intraoperative and postoperative, were significant predictors. A new model was developed and showed higher discriminative power than Apfel's score (AUC 67.9% vs. 63.7%, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Smoking status showed a significant and linear impact on predicting postoperative nausea and vomiting incidence, and we developed a new model that uses unambiguous smoking and opioid predictors.

Local effect of tramadol on formalin evoked flinching behavior in rats.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tramadol hydrochloride is known as a centrally acting analgesic drug, used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. A local analgesic effect has been demonstrated, but its mechanism of action remains unclear. METHODS: In this study, we examined the effect of local, systemic and nerve block tramadol on the nociceptive flinching behavior elicited by injection of 50 microL of 1% formalin into the dorsal region of hind paw of rats. Nociceptive flinching behavior was observed for 60 minutes. RESULTS: Local tramadol in higher concentrations (2.5 and 5 mg) almost eliminated flinching behavior during the entire test. Systemic and neural block tramadol did not affect flinching behavior in phase I and partially decreased it in phase II. CONCLUSIONS: Tramadol presented a local analgesic effect in formalin nociceptive flinching behavior that is different from its central analgesic effect. This analgesic effect, in this model, seems not to be linked to a local anesthetic like effect.

Intraoperative use of methadone improves control of postoperative pain in morbidly obese patients: a randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: Surgical patients still commonly experience postoperative pain. With the increasing prevalence of obesity, there is a growing demand for surgical procedures by this population. Intraoperative use of methadone has not been well assessed in this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with a body mass index of 35 kg/m2 or more undergoing bariatric surgery were randomly assigned to receive either fentanyl (group F) or methadone (group M) in anesthesia induction and maintenance. The primary outcome was morphine consumption during the first 24 hours after surgery through a patient-controlled analgesia device. Secondary outcomes were pain scores at rest and while coughing, opioid related side effects, and patient satisfaction. The patients were also evaluated 3 months after surgery for the presence of pain, dysesthesia, or paresthesia at surgical site. RESULTS: Postoperative morphine consumption was significantly higher for patients receiving fentanyl than methadone during the postoperative period at 2 hours (mean difference [MD] 6.4 mg; 95% CI 3.1-9.6; P<0.001), 2-6 hours (MD 11.4 mg; 95% CI 6.5-16.2; P<0.001), 6-24 hours (MD 10.4 mg; 95% CI 5.0-15.7; P<0.001), and 24-48 hours (MD 14.5 mg; 95% CI 3.9-25.1; P=0.01). Patients from group F had higher pain scores until 24 hours postoperatively, higher incidence of nausea and vomiting, lower satisfaction, and more evoked pain at surgical scar at the 3-month postoperative evaluation than group M. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative methadone can safely lower postoperative opioid consumption and improve postoperative pain scores compared with fentanyl in morbidly obese patients.

Erector spinae plane block on pain management after thoracic surgical approaches due to COVID-19 complications. Case reports / Bloqueio do plano dos músculos eretores da espinha no manejo de dor pós-abordagens cirúrgicas torácicas por complicações da COVID-19. Relato de casos

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Erector spinae plane block is an interfascial plane block used as a tool for management of pain resulting from thoracic and abdominal surgical procedures described in the literature since 2016 and widely used in clinical practice. In the context of the pandemic caused by Sars-CoV-2, multiple pulmonary complications arising from severe viral pneumonia and respiratory failure that required surgical approaches for their investigation and/or treatment were observed. The present study's objective was to present a series of three cases of patients affected by COVID-19 who had pulmonary complications due to infection or exacerbation of previous pulmonary diseases caused by the new coronavirus, in which the continuous fascial plane block was successfully used for postoperative pain management. CASE REPORTS: Three cases of patients with COVID-19 viral pneumonia requiring diagnostic or therapeutic thoracic surgery who underwent erector spinae plane block for perioperative pain management were presented. CONCLUSION: The use of a catheter with continuous infusion of local anesthetic was useful for reducing analgesic rescue and maintaining good postoperative analgesia with no evidence of adverse effects in the presented patients, also allowing acceleration of postoperative recovery and a better outcome for the patients.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O bloqueio do plano dos músculos eretores da espinha é um bloqueio do plano interfascial usado como ferramenta para manejo de dor consequente a procedimentos cirúrgicos torácicos e abdominais descrito na literatura desde 2016 e amplamente utilizado na prática clínica. No contexto da pandemia causada pelo Sars-CoV-2, foram observadas múltiplas complicações pulmonares decorrentes de pneumonia viral grave e insuficiência respiratória que demandaram abordagens cirúrgicas para sua investigação e/ou tratamento. O objetivo deste estudo foi apresentar uma série de três casos de pacientes acometidos pela COVID-19 que tiveram complicações pulmonares pela infecção ou exacerbação de doença pulmonar prévia causada pelo novo coronavírus, nos quais o recurso do bloqueio do plano fascial contínuo foi utilizado para manejo de dor pós-operatória com sucesso. RELATO DOS CASOS: Foram apresentados três casos de pacientes acometidos pelo COVID-19 em sua forma de pneumonia viral, para os quais houve necessidade de cirurgia torácica diagnóstica ou terapêutica, e que foram submetidos ao bloqueio do plano dos músculos eretores da espinha para manejo da dor perioperatória. CONCLUSÃO: O uso de cateter com infusão contínua de anestésico local foi útil para a diminuição dos resgates analgésicos e manutenção de boa analgesia pós-operatória sem evidência de efeitos adversos nos pacientes apresentados, possibilitando ainda a aceleração da recuperação pós-operatória e um melhor desfecho para os pacientes.

Brief interprofessional intervention for chronic pain management: a pilot study / Breve intervención interprofesional para el manejo del dolor crónico: un estudio piloto / Intervenção interprofissional breve para manejo da dor crônica: estudo piloto

ABSTRACT Objective: To test the effects of a brief interprofessional intervention for chronic pain management. Methods: Before and after pilot study. The brief interprofessional intervention had a psychoeducational focus and was based on the Self-Efficacy Theory, using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy strategies. The intervention aimed to improve the management of chronic pain. It was conducted in group, over six weeks, with a two-hour weekly meeting, including educational strategies on pain management, stretching, and relaxation techniques. Self-efficacy, pain intensity, disability, fatigue, and depressive symptoms were assessed. Data were analyzed using the paired t-test and Pearson's correlation. Results: Adults with moderate to severe pain took part in the study. Post-intervention analysis showed significant improvement in self-efficacy (p = 0.004) and significant reduction in pain intensity (p = 0.024), disability (p = 0.012), fatigue (p = 0.001), and depressive symptoms (p = 0.042). Conclusion: The effects of brief interprofessional intervention were positive for chronic pain management. We suggest the conduction of studies with more robust designs and a larger sample to confirm these findings.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Probar los efectos de una breve intervención interprofesional en el manejo del dolor crónico. Método: Estudio piloto, de tipo antes y después. La breve intervención interprofesional, de enfoque psicoeducativo, estuvo basada en la Teoría de la Autoeficacia, con el uso de estrategias de Terapia Cognitivo-Conductual. La intervención tuvo como propósito mejorar el manejo del dolor crónico. Se realizó en grupo durante seis semanas, con una reunión semanal de dos horas, incluidas estrategias educativas sobre el manejo del dolor, estiramiento y técnicas de relajación. Se evaluaron la autoeficacia, la intensidad del dolor, la discapacidad, la fatiga y los síntomas depresivos. Los datos se analizaron utilizando la prueba t pareada y la correlación de Pearson. Resultados: En el estudio participaron adultos con dolor de moderado a severo. El análisis posintervención apuntó a una mejora significativa en la autoeficacia (p = 0,004) y una significativa reducción en la intensidad del dolor (p = 0,024), discapacidad (p = 0,012), fatiga (p = 0,001) y síntomas depresivos (p = 0,042). Conclusión: Los efectos de la breve intervención interprofesional fueron positivos en el manejo del dolor crónico. Se sugieren estudios con diseños más robustos y una muestra más grande para confirmar estos hallazgos.

RESUMO Objetivo: Testar os efeitos de uma intervenção interprofissional breve para manejo da dor crônica. Método: Estudo piloto do tipo antes e depois. A intervenção interprofissional breve teve enfoque psicoeducativo e foi baseada na Teoria da Autoeficácia, com utilização de estratégias da Terapia Cognitivo-Comportamental. A finalidade da intervenção foi melhorar o manejo da dor crônica. Realizada em grupo, ao longo de seis semanas, com um encontro semanal de duas horas, incluindo estratégias educativas sobre manejo da dor, alongamento e técnicas de relaxamento. Autoeficácia, intensidade da dor, incapacidade, fadiga e sintomas depressivos foram avaliados. Os dados foram analisados por meio do teste t-pareado e correlação de Pearson. Resultados: Participaram do estudo adultos com dor moderada a intensa. A análise pós-intervenção mostrou melhora significativa da autoeficácia (p = 0,004) e redução significativa da intensidade da dor (p = 0,024), incapacidade (p = 0,012), fadiga (p = 0,001) e sintomas depressivos (p = 0,042). Conclusão: Os efeitos da intervenção interprofissional breve foram positivos para manejo da dor crônica. Sugere-se estudos com desenhos mais robustos e amostra ampliada para confirmar estes achados.

Brief multidisciplinary intervention for chronic pain management: pilot feasibility study / Intervenção multidisciplinar breve para manejo da dor crônica: estudo piloto de viabilidade

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic pain has a negative impact on the quality of life of individuals and requires multidisciplinary attention. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a brief multidisciplinary intervention for the management of chronic pain. METHODS: A pilot feasibility study. The participants were individuals with chronic pain. The intervention had a psychoeducational focus and was carried out in a group for six weeks, with a two-hour weekly meeting. Participants received education on pain management, practiced stretching and relaxation techniques. The intervention was applied by two nurses, a psychologist and a physical therapist. The specific objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of the intervention through indicators of acceptability and feasibility. RESULTS: Forty-eight people with chronic pain eligible to participate in the study were identified. Among the acceptability indicators, the acceptance rate to participate in the intervention was 52% and the retention rate among participants was 60%. The rate of adherence to the recommendations was moderate for walking (53.3%) and satisfactory for stretching (100%) and relaxation (73.3%). As for the feasibility indicators, the following aspects were considered "great": access to the intervention site (83.3%), the intervention room (66.6%), the intervention content (86.6%) and the number of sessions (46.6%). All participants (100%) suggested increasing the number of sessions. CONCLUSION: The brief multidisciplinary intervention for chronic pain management was considered feasible and should be tested and implemented in primary care services and outpatient services specialized in pain management.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dor crônica provoca impacto negativo na qualidade de vida dos indivíduos e requer atenção multidisciplinar. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a viabilidade de uma intervenção multidisciplinar breve para manejo da dor crônica. MÉTODOS: Estudo clínico de viabilidade. Os participantes foram pessoas com dor crônica. A intervenção teve foco psicoeducativo e foi realizada em grupo, por seis semanas, com um encontro semanal de duas horas. Os participantes receberam educação sobre manejo da dor, praticaram alongamento e técnicas de relaxamento. A intervenção foi aplicada por duas enfermeiras, uma psicóloga e uma fisioterapeuta. O objetivo específico deste estudo foi avaliar a viabilidade da intervenção por meio de indicadores de aceitabilidade e viabilidade. RESULTADOS: Identificaram-se 48 pessoas com dor crônica elegíveis para participar do estudo. Entre os indicadores de aceitabilidade, a taxa de aceitação para participar da intervenção foi de 52% e a taxa de retenção foi de 60%. A taxa de adesão às recomendações foi moderada para caminhada (53,3%) e satisfatória para alongamento (100%) e relaxamento (73,3%). Quanto aos indicadores de viabilidade, foram considerados "ótimos": o acesso ao local da intervenção (83,3%), a sala da intervenção (66,6%), o conteúdo da intervenção (86,6%) e o número de sessões (46,6%). Todos os participantes (100%) sugeriram aumentar o número de sessões. CONCLUSÃO: A intervenção multidisciplinar breve para manejo da dor crônica foi considerada viável e deve ser testada e implantada em serviços de atenção primária e serviços ambulatoriais especializados no tratamento da dor.

Factor structure and psychometric properties of the Connor-Davidson resilience scale among Brazilian adult patients.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Personal resilience is associated with several mental health outcomes. The Connor-Davidson resilience scale (CD-RISC) is a widely used self-report measurement of resilience. This study aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of a Brazilian Portuguese version of the CD-RISC. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional validation study carried out in the outpatient clinics of a public university hospital. METHODS: The cross-cultural adaptation followed established guidelines and involved interviews with 65 adults in psychiatric and non-psychiatric outpatient clinics at a teaching hospital. Validation was assessed through concurrent application of the Lipp Brazilian Stress Symptom Inventory (ISSL), Self-Report Questionnaire (SRQ), Sheehan Disability Scales (SDS) and Chronic Pain Grade (CPG) to 575 patients at the same setting. Temporal stability was verified through a second application to 123 participants. RESULTS: Factor analysis identified four factors, named tenacity, adaptability-tolerance, reliance on support from outside and intuition. The alpha coefficient of 0.93 and intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.84 indicated good internal consistency and temporal stability. Significant correlations between this version of the CD-RISC and the ISSL, SRQ, SDS and CPG were noted. The patients at the outpatient clinic for borderline personality had resilience scores that were significantly lower than those of the patients at the general anxiety or post-traumatic stress outpatient clinics. CONCLUSION: This Brazilian Portuguese version of the Connor-Davidson resilience scale exhibited adequate reliability and validity among a sample of Brazilian adult patients.

Local analgesic effect of tramadol is mediated by opioid receptors in late postoperative pain after plantar incision in rats.

Tramadol is a drug used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is known to present a peripheral effect, but the local mechanisms underlying its actions remain unclear. The role of peripheral opioid receptors in postoperative pain is not well understood. In the present study, we examined the peripheral opioid receptors to determine the local effect of tramadol in a plantar incision pain model. Rats were subjected to plantar incision and divided into four groups on postoperative day (POD) 1: SF_SF, 0.9% NaCl injected into the right hindpaw; SF_TraI, 0.9% NaCl and tramadol injected into the right hindpaw; SF_TraC, 0.9% NaCl and tramadol injected into the contralateral hindpaw; and Nal_Tra, naloxone and tramadol injected into the ipsilateral hindpaw. To determine the animals' nociceptive threshold, mechanical hyperalgesia was measured before incision, on POD1 before treatment and at 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes after the incision. The same procedure was repeated on the POD2. The expression levels of µ-opioid receptor (MOR) and δ-opioid receptor (DOR) were obtained through immunoblotting assays in the lumbar dorsal root ganglia (L3-L6) in naïve rats and 1, 2, 3, and 7 days after the incision. Our results showed that the plantar incision was able to cause an increase in mechanical hyperalgesia and that tramadol reversed this hyperalgesia on POD1 and POD2. Tramadol injections in the contralateral paw did not affect the animals' nociceptive threshold. Naloxone was able to antagonize the tramadol effect partially on POD1 and completely on POD2. The DOR expression increased on POD2, POD3, and POD7, whereas the MOR expression did not change. Together, our results show that tramadol promoted a local analgesic effect in the postoperative pain model that was antagonized by naloxone in POD2, alongside the increase of DOR expression.