Acute Pain Syndrome Research Articles

Blockade of bradykinin receptors or angiotensin II type 2 receptor prevents paclitaxel-associated acute pain syndrome in mice.

Paclitaxel (PCX) is the first-line choice for the treatment of several types of cancer, including breast, ovarian, and lung cancers. However, patients who receive even a single dose with PCX commonly develop mechanical and cold allodynia, a symptom known as PCX-associated acute pain syndrome (P-APS). Here, we assessed possible involvement of kinin-kallikrein and renin-angiotensin systems in P-APS in mice. Male mice C57Bl/6 wild type (WT) and knockouts for bradykinin receptors, B1 (B1-/- ) and B2 (B2-/- ), were used. Mechanical and cold allodynia were evaluated by using von Frey filaments and acetone test, respectively. P-APS was induced by administration of PCX 4mg/kg, i.v.. ACE inhibitors (captopril and enalapril), antagonists for angiotensin II type 1 (losartan) and type 2 ([AT2R]; PD123319 and EMA 401) receptors were administrated prior the treatment with PCX. RT-PCR was used to analyse the expression of mRNA for B1, B2 and AT2R receptors. Administration of PCX in B1-/- and B2-/- mice induced lower mechanical and cold allodynia compared to the WT. However, the pre-treatment with ACE inhibitors reduced the development of mechanical and cold allodynia in P-APS. Surprisingly, we found that mice pre-treatment with the PD123319 or EMA401, but not losartan, prevented the development of mechanical and cold allodynia induced by PCX. Our results demonstrated the involvement of bradykinin receptors B1 and B2 as well as AT2R in the induction of P-APS in mice, and suggest the use of AT2R antagonists as a potential therapy for the prevention of P-APS in humans. Kinin-kallikrein and renin-angiotensin systems, through B1, B2 and AT2 receptors, potentiates paclitaxel-associated acute pain syndrome (P-APS) in mice. Antagonists for AT2R are potential alternatives to prevent P-APS.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging for inflammatory heart diseases.

Inflammatory myocardial diseases represent a diverse group of conditions in which abnormal inflammation within the myocardium is the primary driver of cardiac dysfunction. Broad causes of myocarditis include infection by cardiotropic viruses or other infectious agents, to systemic autoimmune disease, or to toxins. Myocarditis due to viral aetiologies is a relatively common cause of acute chest pain syndromes in younger and middle-aged patients and often has a benign prognosis, though this and other forms of myocarditis also cause serious sequelae, including heart failure, arrhythmia and death. Endomyocardial biopsy remains the gold standard tool for tissue diagnosis of myocarditis in living individuals, although new imaging technologies have a crucial and complementary role. This review outlines the current state-of-the-art and future experimental cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging approaches for the detection of inflammation and immune cell activity in the heart. Multiparametric CMR, particularly with novel quantitative T1- and T2-mapping, is a valuable and widely-available tool for the non-invasive assessment of inflammatory heart diseases. Novel CMR molecular contrast agents will enable a more targeted assessment of immune cell activity and may be useful in guiding the development of novel therapeutics for myocarditis.

A pilot randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study of omega-3 fatty acids to prevent paclitaxel-associated acute pain syndrome.

e24115 Background: Paclitaxel, a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, is associated with an acute pain syndrome (P-APS) and chronic chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Currently, there is no standard of care for P-APS. Commonly used analgesics, including NSAIDs and narcotics, have considerable toxicity profiles. Omega-3 fatty acids, a common dietary supplement, have well established anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. The primary aim of the study was to assess if omega 3 fatty acids could prevent P-APS. Methods: Patients scheduled to receive weekly paclitaxel (70-90mg/m2) were randomized to receive 4 g of omega-3 acid ethyl esters (Lovaza) or placebo, beginning 1 week prior to starting paclitaxel and continued until paclitaxel was discontinued. Patients completed acute pain questionnaires at baseline, Days 2-7, prior to each subsequent treatment and one month after completion of therapy. The EORTC- QLQ CIPN 20 questionnaire was completed prior to each dose of paclitaxel and 1 month after completion. The primary objective was to compare the effect of omega 3 fatty acids, versus placebo, on the maximum pain score for the week following the 1st treatment and each subsequent paclitaxel treatment, and to compare pain medication use between the 2 arms. The secondary objective was to compare the effect of the intervention on the severity of CIPN. Results: 49 patients were randomized to treatment versus placebo. Linear mixed effects models were applied with the addition of a bootstrap approach to overcome limitations in the distributional assumptions to compare outcomes between treatment groups. Placebo results were similar to the reported natural history of P-APS. There was no significant difference in trends over time between the 2 groups in the maximum pain score at week 1 (p = .14) and over 12 weeks (p = .21). There was also no difference noted in the rates of use of over the counter analgesics (p = .39) and narcotics (p = .46). CIPN results did not differ between the 2 groups (p = .08). Conclusions: The results of this pilot study do not support the use of omega-3 fatty acids for the prevention of paclitaxel-associated pain syndrome. Clinical trial information: NCT01821833 .

Shoulder pain syndrome in patients engaged in physical culture and sports: modern aspects of rehabilitation

The aim of the study was to estimate rehabilitation efficiency in the sportsmen and physical culture professionals with a shoulder pain syndrome. Materials and methods: 980 patients with a shoulder pain syndrome undergo rehabilitation treatment. The reasons of acute or chronic shoulder pain syndrome were: acute trauma (7% of cases) or chronic microtraumatization (93% of cases) of shoulder tissues during the physical culture activities and sport. Rotary cuff pathology was diagnosed in 88% of patients, long head of biceps pathology - in 5%, acromioclavicular joint pathology - in 4%, the subacromial bursitis in 2% of cases, damage of the glenoid labrum (Bankarta) in 1%. Clinical methods (including the quality of life questionnaire -DASH) and instrumental methods (USD and MRI) were used. The differentiated rehabilitation programs (with the use of modern physical therapy methods) were recommended considering features of shoulder pathology, a patients clinical condition and their physical (including sports) activity. Results: Excellent and good results were stated in 98% of patients with a shoulder pain syndrome. 2% of patients were directed for the surgical intervention (rotary cuff and glenoid labrum restoration). Compensation of a shoulder pain syndrome was stated in 82% of patients; in 16% of patients the pain syndrome had significantly decreased. In 87% of patients function of the injured shoulder joint was restored, in 11% of patients - it significantly improved. Strength of shoulder muscles and a humeroscapular rhythm were restored and the quality of life (according to the DASH questionnaire) improved in 98% of patients. Conclusion. Use of the differentiated programs of rehabilitation using modern physical techniques allows to receive excellent and good results in all patients with a shoulder pain syndrome involved physical culture and sport.

Effects of Sweet Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture Combined with Korean Medicine Treatment for Acute Low Back Pain Syndrome Patient: A Case Report

Effects of Sweet Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture Combined with Korean Medicine Treatment for Acute Low Back Pain Syndrome Patient: A Case Report

The fixed combination of diclofenac and orphenadrine in the treatment of acute pain syndromes

Acute pain, especially musculoskeletal and postoperative pain, is widespread pathology associated with quality of life deterioration, temporary disability, a tendency to relapse, and, in some cases, chronicity, so the timely and adequate treatment of this condition is important, including from the point of view of the prevention of serious medical, social, and economic consequences. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are considered as first choices in modern guidelines for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain. Centrally acting muscle relaxants and their combinations with NSAIDs are also the basic component of dorsalgia treatment. However, the evidence base is available only for individual muscle relaxants, for orphenadrine in particular. The incorporation of NSAIDs as part of multimodal postoperative analgesia considerably reduces the need for opioids, lowers the risk of developing adverse reactions of the latter, and enhances patient satisfaction with the quality of pain relief. Centrally acting muscle relaxants having analgesic properties, for example tizanidine and orphenadrine, would be appropriate for use as part of multimodal analgesia. The paper discusses the pharmacological properties of a fixed combination of diclofenac and orphenadrine (Neodolpasse ® ), its advantages over monotherapy with individual ingredients, and the results of clinical trials of this combination in spinal pain syndromes and in the postoperative period.

Research on the effectiveness and safety of kinesiotaping in middle-aged and elderly military patients for reducing acute and chronic myofascial pain

Introduction. In a medical center for rehabilitation treatment, the vast majority of military patients are people of middle age (45–59 years according to the WHO classifi cation) and older. Many of them participated in combat activities, special operations, and had injuries of various limitation periods. With age, the number of degenerative changes in the connective tissue, musculoskeletal system, and nervous system increases, which creates biomechanical conditions for the occurrence of acute and chronic pain syndrome of varying intensity. The goal of research — to study the effectiveness and safety of kinesiotherapy in patients of middle and older age groups with acute and chronic pain syndrome.Materials and methods. From February 2017 to July 2018, a prospective study was carried out in the Medical Center for Rehabilitation Treatment (Korolev), P. V. Mandryka Central Military Clinical Hospital. Patient selection and sampling was carried out by the continuous method. 154 military patients underwent treatment at the Medical Center for Rehabilitation Treatment (Korolev), P. V. Mandryka Central Military Clinical Hospital under our supervision. All patients suffered from acute and chronic pain. Kinesiotherapy was used as a treatment method. All patients were assessed for the severity of pain before treatment, on the fi rst and fi fth days. The safety of the method was evaluated by observing local irritation reactions and systemic allergic reactions.Results. Kinesiotherapy in the treatment of military patients with acute and chronic pain syndrome allows to reduce the severity of pain, in accordance with the results of the assessment on the fi rst and the fi fth days (differences are statistically signifi cant, p<0,05, Student′s t-test). This treatment method showed high (69,4 %) effectiveness and safety (not a single case of systemic allergic reactions, 4,1 % of cases with local irritation reactions).Conclusion. This treatment method can be used in cases of acute and chronic myofascial pain syndrome in a hospital setting in middle-aged and older patients. Its use is possible both for quick and prolonged improvement (during 5 days) of the patients′ condition.

Evolution of approaches in treatment of acute pain syndrome (review)

In recent years, the treatment of acute pain syndrome has been considered as an independent direction in anesthesiology and intensive care. New schemes of postoperative analgesia and new drugs developed by pharmacologists are actively being introduced. One of the newer regimens for pain relief is patient-controlled analgesia (CPA) or on-demand analgesia. The development of the concept of fast track surgery, one of the most widely discussed areas for the development of innovative technologies in modern surgery, from the point of view of the anesthesiologist of the resuscitation specialist, minimizes the stress response of the body to surgical aggression at all stages of the perioperative period. Increasingly, the method of preemptive analgesia is used more widely, based on the use of analgesics before the start of the operation, which helps to prevent the occurrence of peripheral and central sensitization.

Chronic pain syndrome in diseases of periarticular tissues

The search for an effective method of treating diseases of the musculoskeletal system is a rather actual problem for a practicing physician nowadays in connection with the modern lifestyle of most people. A prolonged stay in the same position, as a rule, leads to overstrain of the capsule-joint complexes, and, as a consequence, to the development of degenerative changes in the joints and periarticular tissues. These changes can manifest themselves clinically in the form of a chronic or acute pain syndrome. One of the common diseases characterized by degenerative periarticular changes with a variety of clinical manifestations are periarthropathies. Periarthropathy or periarthrosis is still the subject of discussion by doctors of related specialties: neurologists, orthopedists, rheumatologists, etc. Pain in this case can be caused by the primary degenerative process in muscles and tendons in combination with their chronic microtraumatization, ischemia, and reactive inflammation. Periarthropathy can be considered as a «train» of any arthropathy, because pain always causes muscle spasm, a change in the motor stereotype, a limitation of motor activity in the joint, etc. In the absence of joint pathology, it should be considered as a primary disease. There is still no common understanding of this nosological unit, including pathogenesis, classification, diagnostic algorithms and therapy. Treatment is based on general recommendations: limiting the load on the damaged joint, massage (according to indications), exercise therapy, manual therapy, physiotherapy. Drug therapy includes intramuscular or intraarticular administration of glucocorticosteroids (GCS), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) but these drugs have certain side-effects and contraindications. Treatment of peritropathy with chondroprotectors (chondrogard) is rapidly gaining momentum, as well as GCS and NSAIDs, they reduce pain and increase the functionality of the joints, but, unlike the latter, their safety profile is much higher. The authors summarize current findings on this issue.

A042 Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography in the Management of Acute Chest Pain Syndrome: 4-Year Outcomes Post Discharge

A042 Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography in the Management of Acute Chest Pain Syndrome: 4-Year Outcomes Post Discharge

Comparative effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases among adults. The studies were carried out at Diagnostic and treatment department of the polyclinic № 2, Moscow, Russian Federation in 2017. The control group included 50 patients diagnosed with osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, with progressive acute pain syndrome. The control croup underwent treatment with the use of ALFLUTOP®. The second group was divided into subgroups of 25 patients each, they took a course of treatment with only one of NSAID such as VOLTAREN®, MOVALIS®, NIMESIL® and XEFOCAM®. The period of drug intake (a XEFOCAM indicators were almost two times higher than those for NIMESIL and other drugs. The pain syndrome decreased unreliably during the initial stage of treatment with ALFUTOPA. The efficiency of ALFUTOP is primarily aimed at multifactorial treatment of osteochondrosis. The present study shows that side effects indicators of drugs can vary by 2–3 times (as well as data from scholars). The study verified that XEFOCAM is the most effective of the four NSAID studied. A general improvement or recovering of physical activity of patients with osteochondrosis and minimization of side effects were redistricted along with the actual reduction of pain. The other group drug-ALFUTOP is effective not only in reducing pain, but in the treatment of osteochondrosis and lumbar spine. The combined use of these two drugs is also possible. NIMESIL showed average results compared to XEFOCAM. The remaining drugs (VOLTAREN, MOVALIS) showed statistically significant lower results. It is possible to exclude them from the circulation of drugs and replace with more effective ones further, at least in the case of osteochondrosis treatment.

Positioning of mesh implants in endoscopic inguinal hernia repair

To improve the results of endoscopic inguinal hernia repair by determining the optimal access to inguinal region and method of positioning of the mesh implant. There were 221 patients with inguinal hernia who underwent 278 operations. We formed 2 groups: the main group A consisted of 92 (41.6%) patients who underwent extraperitoneal interventions (TEP/e-TEP); the control group B - 129 (58.4%) patients after transabdominal surgery (TAPP). In each group, 3 subgroups were identified depending on the method of mesh implant positioning: subgroups A1 and B1 - stapler reduced fixation at 1-3 points, subgroups A2 and B2 - glue fixation, subgroups A3 and B3 - vacuum positioning without fixation. Acute, chronic pain syndrome and quality of life were evaluated using visual-analogue scale (VAS), Short-Form Inguinal Pain Questionnaire (sf-IPQ) and SF-36 questionnaire, respectively. All interventions were completed in minimally invasive fashion. Regression of acute pain syndrome after 3, 24, 48, 72 hours and 7 days was as follows: in group A - from 3.39±0.37 to 0.53±0.18 scores, in group B - from 4.47±0.34 to 0.94±0.24 scores. The lowest values were observed in subgroups with non-invasive positioning (p<0.05). Chronic pain syndrome was evaluated by all patients as less than 2 scores in 6 months after surgery. SF-36 values after 6 months ranged from 78±1.5 to 92±1.0 at TEP/e-TEP and from 75±1.6 to 92±1.1 at TAPP. Between-group and within-group differences were not significant (p>0.05). Control examination within 0.5-2 years was performed in 189 (85.5%) patients. No relapses were detected. E-TEP technology is a priority. Glue fixation increases the congruence of mesh implants with inguinal region due to enlarged area of immobilization. This ensures safety and reliability of hernia repair, comfort for patients.

Paclitaxel-activated astrocytes produce mechanical allodynia in mice by releasing tumor necrosis factor-\u03b1 and stromal-derived cell factor 1

BackgroundPaclitaxel is a widely used and potent chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of cancer. However, patients receiving paclitaxel often develop an acute pain syndrome for which there are few treatment options. Astrocytes play an important role in the pathogenesis of pain in multiple preclinical models, as well as in paclitaxel-treated rodents. However, it is still unclear what the exact contribution of astrocytes may be in paclitaxel-associated acute pain syndrome (P-APS).MethodsP-APS was modeled by a single systemic or intrathecal injection of paclitaxel and astrocyte contribution tested by immunohistochemical, pharmacological, and behavioral approaches. Cell cultures were also prepared to assess whether paclitaxel treatment directly activates astrocytes and whether intrathecal injection of paclitaxel-treated astrocytes produces pain that is reminiscent of P-APS.ResultsSystemic injection of paclitaxel resulted in increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (a common marker of astrocytic activation), as well as both systemic or intrathecal injection of paclitaxel induced pain hypersensitivity indicated by the development of mechanical allodynia, which was significantly reversed by the astrocytic inhibitor L-α-AA. Cultured astrocytes were activated by paclitaxel with significant increases in protein levels for tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and stromal-derived cell factor 1 (SDF-1). Importantly, intrathecal injection of paclitaxel-activated astrocytes produced mechanical allodynia that was reversed by TNF-α and SDF-1 neutralizing antibodies.ConclusionOur results suggest for the first time that paclitaxel can directly activate astrocytes, which are sufficient to produce acute pain by releasing TNF-α and SDF-1. Targeting astrocytes and these cytokines may offer new treatments for P-APS.

Taxane and epothilone-induced peripheral neurotoxicity: From pathogenesis to treatment.

Taxane-induced peripheral neurotoxicity (TIPN) is the most common non-hematological side effect of taxane-based chemotherapy, and may result in dose reductions and discontinuations, having as such a detrimental effect on patients' overall survival. Epothilones share similar mechanism of action with taxanes. The typical TIPN clinical presentation is mainly comprised of numbness and paresthesia, in a stocking-and-glove distribution and may progress more proximally over time, with paclitaxel being more neurotoxic than docetaxel. Motor and autonomic involvement is less common, whereas an acute taxane-induced acute pain syndrome is frequent. Patient reported outcomes questionnaires, clinical evaluation, and instrumental tools offer complementary information in TIPN. Its electrodiagnostic features include reduced/abolished sensory action potentials, and less prominent motor involvement, in keeping with a length-dependent, axonal dying back predominately sensory neuropathy. TIPN is dose-dependent and may be reversible within months after the end of chemotherapy. The single and cumulative delivered dose of taxanes is considered the main risk factor of TIPN development. Apart from the cumulative dose, other risk factors for TIPN include demographic, clinical, and pharmacogenetic features with several single-nucleotide polymorphisms potentially linked with increased susceptibility of TIPN. There are currently no neuroprotective strategies to reduce the risk of TIPN, and symptomatic treatments are very limited. This review critically examines the pathogenesis, incidence, risk factors (both clinical and pharmacogenetic), clinical phenotype and management of TIPN.

Controversies in Diagnostic Imaging of Patients With Suspected Stable and Acute Chest Pain Syndromes

There has been a tremendous growth quantity of high-quality imaging evidence in the area of acute and stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD). A number of recent comparative effectiveness trials have spurned significant controversies in the field of cardiovascular imaging. The result of this evidence is that many health care policies and national guidelines have undergone significant revisions. With all of this evidence, many challenges remain and the optimal evaluation strategy for evaluation of patients presenting with chest pain remains ill-defined. This paper enlisted the guidance of numerous experts in the field of cardiovascular imaging to garner their perspective on available imaging research in chest pain syndromes. Each of these vignettes represent editorial perspectives and diverse opinions as to which, if any, should be the primary test in the evaluation of stable chest pain. These perspectives are not meant to be all inclusive but to highlight many of the commonly discussed controversies in the evaluation of chest pain symptoms. These perspectives are presented as a pre-amble to an upcoming American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association clinical practice guideline that is undergoing revision from the previous report published in 2012. The evidence has changed considerably since the 2012 SIHD guideline, and the current perspectives represent the diversity of available evidence as to the optimal imaging strategy for evaluation of the symptomatic patient.

Integrating Osteopathic Evaluation and Treatment in a Case Report of Acute Chest Pain

Abstract Chest pain is an emergent presentation associated with a wide differential diagnosis including cardiac, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal origins. The evaluation of acute chest pain can be costly and can be a financial burden on the health care system. Integrating osteopathic diagnosis and treatment can assist with identifying and alleviating potential musculoskeletal sources of pain. This case illustrates how applying osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) benefited a 61-year-old woman presenting with anterior chest wall pain. Patient response to OMM can assist physicians with better managing acute chest wall pain syndromes. Improved musculoskeletal education can potentially improve medical management of chest pain of musculoskeletal origin.

Pain descriptors of taxane acute pain syndrome (TAPS) in breast cancer patients-a prospective clinical study.

Taxane acute pain syndrome (TAPS) is a clinically significant side-effect of taxane chemotherapy, often described as arthralgia and myalgia that occurs 2-3days after infusion. The aim of this study was to assess pain descriptors used by patients during their experience of TAPS. A clinical prospective cohort study was conducted on breast cancer patients who had not received prior chemotherapy and were asked to complete diaries on three consecutive docetaxel treatment cycles on days 1-7, 14, and 21 (acute phase). Questionnaires to assess pain severity, descriptors of pain, and the interference in activities due to pain were adapted from the Brief Pain Inventory and the McGill Pain Questionnaire. Telephone questionnaire follow-up was done at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12months following docetaxel (delayed phase). The most commonly used descriptor for acute and chronic pain was "aching" (90-96%). However, in the delayed phase of the study, "burning" (32-50%), "radiating" (39-48%), and "sharp" (40-69%) were used more often. In both acute and chronic pain phases, most patients experienced moderate/severe pain regardless of the location. Pain in cycle 1 was predictive of pain in subsequent taxane cycles (p < 0.0001). Pain in cycle 3 was predictive of chronic pain (p < 0.002). The descriptors used by patients experiencing chemotherapy-induced pain (ChIP) may be reflective of the underlying mechanisms. It is suspected that TAPS initiates as an acute inflammatory pain, which over time develops into neuropathic pain, known as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). However, the subjective pain experience varies from patient to patient.

FACTORS OF INFLUENCE ON PAIN INTENSITY AND FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY OF PATIENTS WITH BACK PAIN OF DIFFERENT LOCALIZATION

In order to identify the probable factors of the effect on the intensity of the pain syndrome and the parameters of the functioning of patients with back pain, depending on the location of the pain syndrome and concomitant pathology, 139 patients with non-specific back pain who were in inpatient treatment in the medical and sanitary part of JSC "Motor -Sich "with the first detected acute pain syndrome and acute exacerbation of chronic.&#x0D; The results of the study revealed a decrease in the level of physical functioning, deterioration of vital activity and the state of general and mental health (on the scale of SF-36) in patients with exacerbation of chronic pain, the lowest indicators of vital activity, social functioning, mental health and a high level of anxiety and depression - in patients with cervical and cranial localization of pain syndrome, despite the fact that patients with localized pain in the lower back are markedly higher levels of pain not only for YES, but also zg BP bottom axis scale SF-36. Patients with a combination of arterial hypertension and diabetes have been shown to have chronic pain syndrome.

FACTORS OF INFLUENCE ON PAIN INTENSITY AND FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY OF PATIENTS WITH BACK PAIN OF DIFFERENT LOCALIZATION

In order to identify the probable factors of the effect on the intensity of the pain syndrome and the parameters of the functioning of patients with back pain, depending on the location of the pain syndrome and concomitant pathology, 139 patients with non-specific back pain who were in inpatient treatment in the medical and sanitary part of JSC "Motor -Sich "with the first detected acute pain syndrome and acute exacerbation of chronic.&#x0D; The results of the study revealed a decrease in the level of physical functioning, deterioration of vital activity and the state of general and mental health (on the scale of SF-36) in patients with exacerbation of chronic pain, the lowest indicators of vital activity, social functioning, mental health and a high level of anxiety and depression - in patients with cervical and cranial localization of pain syndrome, despite the fact that patients with localized pain in the lower back are markedly higher levels of pain not only for YES, but also zg BP bottom axis scale SF-36. Patients with a combination of arterial hypertension and diabetes have been shown to have chronic pain syndrome.

Efficacy of additional dexamethasone administration for the attenuation of paclitaxel-associated acute pain syndrome.

Paclitaxel-associated acute pain syndrome (P-APS) affects 80% of patients undergoing therapy. Although it has been shown that prednisone administration for 5days relieves P-APS, detailed results have not been reported thus far. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the preventive effect of dexamethasone (DEX) administration against P-APS. A total of 60 patients who received carboplatin (area under the curve; AUC = 5-6) plus paclitaxel (200mg/m2) (plus bevacizumab 15mg/kg, if non-squamous carcinoma of lung) were enrolled. Eight milligrams of DEX was orally administered on days 2 and 3 to the DEX group patients, and the frequency, severity, duration of P-APS, and other adverse effects in the first cycle were retrospectively evaluated and compared to those observed in control group patients, who were not administered DEX on days 2 and 3. No difference in terms of patient characteristics, except for type of cancer, was observed between groups. The results showed that the frequency of all grade P-APS was approximately 70% and there was no difference between groups. Frequency of ≥ G2 P-APS was 40% in the control group and 14% in the DEX group, demonstrating a significant reduction. Duration of P-APS was 5.8days in the control group and 4.3days in the DEX group, which tended to become shorter following additional DEX administration, although this was not significant. Adverse effects other than P-APS induced by chemotherapy were similar between the two groups. Additional DEX administration is safe and useful for the attenuation of the severity of P-APS.