Numeric Pain Rating Scale Research Articles

Impact of Muscle Energy Technique with and without Strain Counter Strain Technique on Individuals with Non-specific Neck Pain- A Prospective Comparative Study

Background: Neck pain is common and two common treatments for non-specific neck discomfort are Strain Counter Strain (SCS) and Muscle Energy Technique (MET). The purpose of this study is to evaluate how well MET and SCS work to treat non-specific neck pain. Methods: Sixty-two participants with non-specific. Neck discomfort was branched into two groups (A and B). Group “A” received MET with the SCS approach, while Group “B” received MET alongside traditional Physiotherapy. Interventions were administered three times a week for two weeks. Outcome measures such as the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Range of Motion ( ROM) were assessed before and after each session and at the beginning and end of both weeks. Result: Pain, neck disability index and cervical range of motion all significantly improved in both groups. After the intervention, one week later and two weeks later, both groups’ flexion and extension range of motion showed statistically significant improvements. At the end of the first or second week, there were no appreciable changes in the right-side lateral flexion, right-side rotation or left-side lateral flexion. Nonetheless, following one or two weeks of intervention, left-side rotation demonstrated a notable improvement. Conclusion: MET combined with SCS demonstrated superiority in reducing pain, alleviating cervical impairment and enhancing range of. motion of the cervical spine.

Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) in subjects with shoulder pain

Purpose To cross-culturally adapt the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) into Italian and study its classic psychometric properties in subjects with shoulder pain (SP). Materials and Methods The PSFS was translated into Italian and administered to 109 SP subjects. Acceptability (time to administer, floor and ceiling effects), reliability (internal consistency [Cronbach’s alpha], test-retest reliability [Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC)], and measurement error [Standard Error of Measurement (SEM), Minimal Detectable Change, (MDC)]), were assessed. Moreover, construct validity was investigated through a-priori hypothesis testing, comparing the PSFS with the Disability of the Shoulder, Arm and Hand (DASH) scale, 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Numeric Pain Rating scale (NPRS). Results The PSFS was successfully adapted into Italian, and its acceptability was satisfied. Internal consistency was high (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.925), and test-retest reliability was good (ICC = 0.866, 95% CI = 0.749–0.931). A SEM of 0.7 points and an MDC of 1.9 points were obtained. We observed moderate evidence for construct validity, with 4/6 correlations between other measures being respected. Conclusion This study provided reliability and validity of the PSFS in a sample of Italian SP subjects. Future studies should assess the responsiveness of using the PSFS as an outcome measure to capture clinical changes after treatment.

Comparison of Nebulized Ketamine to Intravenous Subdissociative Dose Ketamine for Treating Acute Painful Conditions in the Emergency Department: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Double-Dummy Controlled Trial

Study objectiveWe aimed to assess and compare the analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of intravenous (IV) sub-dissociative-dose ketamine (SDK) to nebulized ketamine in emergency department (ED) patients with acute painful conditions. MethodsWe conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, double-dummy clinical trial in adult patients (ages 18 to 64) with a numerical rating scale (NRS) pain score of >5. We randomized subjects to receive either a single dose of 0.3 mg/kg of IV ketamine or 0.75 mg/kg of nebulized ketamine via a breath-actuated nebulizer. Primary outcome was the difference in pain scores on the NRS between groups at 30 minutes post-medication administration. The secondary outcomes included the need for rescue analgesia, occurrences of adverse events in each group, and the difference in pain scores at 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes. We calculated a 95% confidence interval (CI) for a mean difference at 30 minutes, with a minimum clinically important difference set at 1.3 points. ResultsWe enrolled 150 subjects (75 per group). Mean pain scores via NRS were 8.2 for both groups at baseline, which decreased to 3.6 and 3.8 respectively at 30 minutes, yielding a mean difference of 0.23 (95% CI -1.32 to 0.857). We observed no clinically concerning changes in vital signs. No serious adverse events occurred in any of the groups throughout the study period. ConclusionWe found no difference between the administration of IV and nebulized ketamine for the short-term treatment of moderate to severe acute pain in the ED with both treatments providing a clinically meaningful reduction in pain scores at 30 minutes.

Addition of Liposomal Bupivacaine to Standard Bupivacaine versus Standard Bupivacaine Alone in the Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The analgesic effect of adding liposomal bupivacaine to standard bupivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block is not known. The authors hypothesized that addition of liposomal bupivacaine would reduce acute postoperative pain compared to standard bupivacaine alone. A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Patients and outcome assessors were blinded. Eighty patients undergoing distal radial fracture fixation during regional anesthesia with supraclavicular brachial plexus block were randomized into two groups. The liposomal bupivacaine group received 10 ml 0.5% plain bupivacaine immediately followed by 10 ml 1.33% liposomal bupivacaine (n = 40). The standard bupivacaine group received 20 ml 0.5% plain bupivacaine (n = 40). The primary outcome was weighted area under curve (AUC) numerical rating scale pain score at rest during the first 48 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes included weighted AUC scores for pain with movement, overall benefit with analgesia score, and other functional scores. For the primary outcome, the liposomal bupivacaine group was associated with statistically significantly lower weighted AUC pain score at rest (0.6 vs. 1.4; P < 0.001) in the first 48 h. Of the secondary outcomes, no difference between treatment groups reached statistical significance with the exception of weighted AUC score for pain with movement (2.3 vs. 3.7; adjusted P < 0.001) and overall benefit with analgesia score (1.1 vs. 1.7; adjusted P = 0.020) in the first 48 h, as well as numerical rating scale pain score at rest (0.5 vs. 1.9; adjusted P < 0.001) and with movement (2.7 vs. 4.9; adjusted P < 0.001) on postoperative day 1. Differences in numerical rating scale pain scores on postoperative days 2, 3, and 4 did not reach the level of statistical significance. There were no statistically significant differences in sensory function. Liposomal bupivacaine given via supraclavicular brachial plexus block reduced pain at rest in the early postoperative period.

Acute coronary syndrome in elderly and senile diabetic patients

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains a common cause of hospitalization in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. It is believed that diabetic neuropathy patients have a high atypical course incidence of acute coronary syndrome, because of the frequent neuropathy development in diabetes patients, but the data on this are quite contradictory. Aim: The study aimed to determine the features of the pain syndrome and its severity in ACS and concomitant diabetes patients. Materials and Methods: The study involved 36 diabetes patients (22 men and 14 women) aged 62-86 years, hospitalized urgently for ACS. Pain syndrome was assessed during hospitalization and immediately after coronary artery revascularization using the following criteria: visual analogue scale (VAS), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), clinical data, and biochemical markers. Results: Most of the patients (91.67%) complained of chest pain at the time of hospitalization, the rest were not bothered by any pain. Patients described pain as “burning” (30.56 %), “squeezing” (30.56 %), “tightness” (25.0 %), and “tingling” (5.56 %). There were also complaints of difficulty breathing (13.89 %), shortness of breath (11.1 %), and palpitations (41.67 %). The appearance of excessive sweating was noticed by 16.67% of patients. There was no statistically significant difference between the results of VAS and NRS pain scores (p &gt; 0.1). The mean blood glucose level at hospitalization was 8.19±3.45 mmol/l (in men – 8.17±3.61 mmol/l, in women – 8.28±3.13 mmol/L). Glycemia level higher than 10.0 mmol/l was detected in 8 patients, which accounted for 22.22% of all patients. Severe pain syndrome patients dominated in this category (62.5 %). Conclusions: In patients with myocardial infarction and diabetes, the typical clinical picture of ACS prevailed (91.67% of patients) over the painless form. Before revascularization, moderate to severe pain occurred with equal frequency; there were no statistical differences between blood pressure, heart rate, and blood glucose level (p&gt; 0.1) in patients with severe and moderate pain. Hyperglycemia (≥10.0 mmol/l) was detected in 22.22% of patients, among whom severe pain syndrome patients prevailed. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Keywords: elderly patients; diabetes mellitus; acute coronary syndrome; pain syndrome

Combined Therapy of Paravertebral Nerve Pulsed Radiofrequency and Subcutaneous Block for Acute/Subacute Herpetic Neuralgia: A Retrospective Study.

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of early combined therapy with CT-guided paravertebral nerve (PVN), pulsed radiofrequency (PRF), and subcutaneous block on acute/subacute herpes zoster (HZ). A total of 98 medical records were analyzed. All patients underwent CT-guided PRF on PVN immediately followed by a single subcutaneous block with lidocaine and dexamethasone in acute/subacute phase. The therapy efficacy was evaluated by pain numeric rating scale (NRS) and effective rate, which was defined as a percent of cases with a reduction in pain NRS>50% at day 1, week 2, 4, 12, and 24 after the procedure. The incidences of medication reduction and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) were also retrieved. Further comparison was conducted between acute group (disease duration<30 days from HZ onset) and subacute group (30 day<duration<90 days from HZ onset). Early combined therapy indicated an immediate and sustained improvement in pain NRS as compared with before treatment ( P <0.0001), with effective rates of 74%, 79%, 80%, 76%, and 79% at day 1, week 2, 4, 12, and 24 after procedure, respectively. At the end of follow-up, the proportion of patients with a reduction of >50% in prior medications amounted to 83% and the incidence of clinically meaningful PHN decreased to 23%. The clinical efficacy was more profound in acute group than in subacute group at every time points ( P <0.05). No severe complications occurred. Our data revealed surprising levels of pain relief by combination therapies of PRF and subcutaneous block targeting different sites of pain pathway, thus suggesting a valuable treatment option for acute/subacute herpetic neuralgia.

Effects of Neurodynamics Along With Conventional Exercises on Sciatica Patients: A Single-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial.

Introduction Sciatica refers to a pain that travels along the course of the sciatic nerve. Patients also often experience paresthesia along with the pain in thighs, which may further radiate to the legs. Most commonly, compression of the lumbosacral nerve root is the cause of this syndrome. Neurodynamics and conventional exercises are considered effective treatment procedures for sciatica. This study aims to find out the efficacy of neurodynamics along with conventional exercises and conventional exercises alone. Methods A total of 58 patients with sciatica aged between 30 and 60 years of both genders were included in the study and randomly divided into a neurodynamic group (n=29) and a conventional group (n=29). Pre-test data were collected before the interventions, and post-test data were collected on the 14th day. The 101 numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) was used to measure data of sciatic pain, the patient-specific functional scale (PSFS) was used to measure the health-related quality of life (HRQL), and a surface electromyography (EMG) biofeedback instrument was used to measure the peak and average muscle activation of the biceps femoris muscle. Results The pre-post data analysis of the neurodynamics and conventional group showed significant (p<0.05) improvement in 101 NPRS, PSFS, and peak EMG values. Insignificant (p>0.05) improvements were seen in average EMG values in the conventional group, and significant (p<0.05) improvement were seen in the neurodynamic group. Between-group analysis showed insignificant (p>0.05) differences in 101 NPRS as well as peak and average EMG values and showed significant (p<0.05) differences in PSFS values. Conclusion Neurodynamics with conventional exercises can help in reducing pain, improving muscle activation of the biceps femoris, and elevating the HRQL of the patient.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of caudal epidural steroid injection as an adjuvant to ganglion impar pulsed radiofrequency therapy in chronic coccygodynia

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of adding caudal epidural steroid injection (CESI) to ganglion impar pulsed radiofrequency (GI-PRF) therapy in patients with refractory chronic coccygodynia, and to determine the effect of pain duration and trauma on treatment success. Materials and methodsForty patients who underwent GI-PRF (n = 20) or GI-PRF + CESI (n = 20) were retrospectively assessed for age, gender, pain duration, history of trauma to the coccyx, Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores pre-procedure and 1, 3, and 6 months post-procedure and satisfaction rates at 6 months post-procedure. Satisfaction was categorized as excellent, high, moderate, and low. ResultsIn both groups, NRS scores were significantly decreased at 6 months (pre-vs. 6 mo. post-procedure: GI-PRF [8 vs. 5], GI-PRF + CESI [8.5 vs. 3.5]; p < 0.001). The proportion of patients reporting excellent satisfaction was significantly higher in the GI PRF + CESI group (50 % vs. 15 %; p < 0.05). Patients with trauma history in the GI-PRF + CESI group had significantly lower median NRS values at 6 months compared to patients in both groups with negative trauma history (p < 0.02). Within the GI-PRF only group, patients with trauma history had significantly lower NRS scores at 6 months than those without a history of trauma (p = 0.012). Pain duration did not significantly impact satisfaction levels (p = 0.055). ConclusionGI-PRF therapy was effective in coccygodynia, especially in patients with positive trauma history, and adjuvant CESI increased patient satisfaction by providing better pain control.

Inpatient pain assessment and decision-making in internal medicine and general surgery residents: A qualitative analysis

BackgroundUnderstanding physician approaches to pain treatment is a critical component of opioid and analgesic stewardship. Practice patterns learned in residency often persist longitudinally into practice. ObjectiveThis study sought to identify salient factors and themes in how resident physicians assess and manage pain. MethodsVideo-recorded focus groups of internal medicine and general surgery residents were conducted via videoconferencing software. Data were analyzed using a ground theory approach and constant comparative method to identify themes and subthemes. Focus groups occurred in September and October 2020. Results10 focus groups including 35 subjects were conducted. Four general themes emerged: (1) Assessment considerations; (2) Education & Expectations; (3) Systems Factors; and (4) Management considerations. Participants indicated that while it is important to treat pain, its inherently subjective nature makes it difficult to objectively quantify it. The 0–10 numeric rating scale was problematic and infrequently utilized. Patient expectations of no pain following procedures was viewed as particularly challenging. The absence of formal best practices to guide pain assessment and management was noted in every group. Management approaches overall very highly variable, often relying on word-of-mouth relay of the preferences of specific attending physicians. ConclusionsPain is highly nuanced and resident physicians struggle to balance pain's subjectivity with a desire to quantify and appropriately treat it. The 0–10 numeric rating pain scale, though ubiquitous, is problematic. Priority areas of improvement identified include education for both patients and physicians, functional pain scales, and expansion of existing effective resources like the nursing pain team.

Pain after oocyte retrieval in women with endometriosis undergoing fertility preservation or IVF

Do women with endometriosis undergoing oocyte retrieval for fertility preservation experience the same level of pain as women undergoing oocyte retrieval for IVF? This retrospective cohort study included 796 cycles in women with endometriosis undergoing oocyte retrieval for fertility preservation (n = 401) or IVF (n = 395) between January 2020 and October 2022. Post-operative pain assessments were compared between the two groups using a numeric rating scale (NRS). Women in the fertility preservation group were younger (32.1 ± 4.2 years versus 35.1 ± 4.1 years; P < 0.001), had a lower body mass index (22.8 ± 3.9 kg/m2 versus 24.6 ± 4.4 kg/m2; P < 0.001) and had a lower concentration of anti-Müllerian hormone (1.8 ± 1.5 ng/ml versus 2.15 ± 2.11 ng/ml; P = 0.026) in comparison with women in the IVF group. The oestrogen concentration on the day of ovulation trigger was higher in women in the fertility preservation group (2188 ± 1152 pg/ml versus 2081 ± 995 pg/ml; P = 0.004), and the prevalence rates of adenomyosis and digestive endometrial lesions were lower in women in the fertility preservation group (14% versus 29%, P < 0.001; 16% versus 25%, P = 0.003, respectively) compared with women in the IVF group. After oocyte puncture, more women in the fertility preservation group had an NRS pain score >3 (moderate to severe pain) compared with women in the IVF group (20% versus 14%; P = 0.018). The progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) protocol was identified as an independent predictive factor of greater post-operative pain (adjusted OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.06-5.15; P = 0.039). Women with endometriosis undergoing fertility preservation reported more intense post-operative pain in the recovery room than women undergoing IVF. The PPOS protocol was an independent risk factor of intense pain (NRS pain score >3) in women with endometriosis, but further studies are needed to confirm this result.

Efficacy of pregabalin, amitriptyline, and gabapentin for neuropathic pain

Neuropathic pain largely influences the well-being of patients. Anticonvulsant and antidepressant medications, such as Pregabalin, Gabapentin, and Amitriptyline, are routinely prescribed as initial treatments for neuropathic pain. The study sample has a total of 270 patients who meet the inclusion criteria and are further distributed into three equally sized groups (A, B, and C). Group A was administered with Gabapentine 300mg, Group B with Pregabalin 75 mg, and Amitriptyline 10 mg to Group C. The occurrence of any adverse drug response was documented using the ADR reporting form, while the pain of the patient's post-medication was recorded using a numerical pain rating scale (NPRS). The comparison of the NPRS scores of all three groups "by using ANOVA test" both at baseline and after 15 days reveal that the differences between the three groups are statistically insignificant (p &gt; 0.089). However, after one month of continuous use, the difference becomes slightly significant (I.e., p = 0.003). Gabapentin, pregabalin, and amitriptyline demonstrate similar effectiveness in alleviating neuropathic (NeP) pain. The study concludes that gabapentin is superior to both pregabalin and amitriptyline with fewer adverse effects, leading to improved patient adherence for long-term use.

Functional Disability Due to Chronic Low Back Pain in the Geriatric Population of a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is one of the painful and disabling conditions affecting the young as well as the geriatric population. There is a limited body of research to find out the impact of CLBP and functional disability on geriatric adults in the Indian region. Aim This study aims to determine the prevalence of functional disability due to CLBP in the geriatric population and to investigate the correlation between functional disability due to CLBP and other sociodemographic factors. Methodology A total of 157 geriatric adults were enrolled in the study, fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Basic sociodemographic data, along with a clinical-radiological examination, was recorded. The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), the Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire, and the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale were used as study tools. Summary measures (frequency, mean, median, etc.) are calculated according to the level of measurement of variables. The point prevalence of functional disability due to CLBP in the geriatric population, along with 95% confidence intervals, has been calculated. The prevalence estimates were estimated and calculated with SD variables using a t-test, chi-square test, or Fisher's exact test under bivariate analysis. The linear/logistic regression analysis was used to control for the effects of covariates. A significance level of 5% was set for all analyses due to the exploratory nature of the study. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05. Results According to the Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire, 29% (N = 46) of the study geriatric participants had a severe disability, 45% (N = 70) had a moderate disability, and 26% (N = 41) had a mild disability. According to the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale, 34% (N = 53) had scored more than 50, and 66% (N = 104) had scored less than 50. Statistically significant correlations have been found between the level of functional disability and intensity of pain (NPRS score), gender, associated illness, current and past occupation, and clinical diagnosis of CLBP (p < 0.05). Conclusion The prevalence of functional disability due to CLBP is higher in the geriatric population. It is associated with many influencing sociodemographic factors like gender, occupation, associated musculoskeletal illness, the intensity of low back pain, and clinico-radiological diagnosis. Early identification and timely interventions to reduce functional disability due to CLBP and associated risk factors are the need of the hour. Regular back muscle exercises, ergonomic modifications, and modification of activities of daily life are recommended to prevent functional disability due to CLBP.

EFFECTIVENESS OF COMPREHENSIVE BODY MECHANICS ON LOW BACK PAIN AMONG STAFF NURSES WORKING IN CRITICAL CARE UNIT AND OPERATION THEATER

Introduction:Low Back pain can affect the people from any age and any different reasons. As people gets older, the chance of developing chromic low back pain. Low back pain occur in the area of bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, lower back muscles, abdominal and pelvic internal organs, and the skin around the lumbar area. Aims: To assess the level of low back pain among staff nurses before and after comprehensive body mechanics among staff nurses. To assess the effectiveness of comprehensive body mechanics on low back pain among staff nurses. To find association between post interventional level of low back pain with the selected demographic and clinical variables among staff nurses. Methodology:Aquasiexperimentalstudywith one group pre test andposttestdesignwasselectedtoassesstheeffectivenessofcomprehensive body mechanics on low backpainamong staff nurses working in Critical care unit and Operation Theater.Samples were selected by using non probability convient sampling technique as per theinclusioncriteriaatBharathirajaa Hospital,T Nagar,Chennaiand the sample size is 60 staff nurses, and were 30 staff nurses from critical care unit and 30 from Operation theater were selected for Pre and Post test. Assessment of low back pain was done by numerical rating pain scale and comprehensive body mechanics were educated to the staff nurses and post test of low back pain was assessed bythe investigator andanalyzedusingDescriptiveandInferentialStatistics. Results:In one group, pre test mean score was 5.75 with S.D 2.48 and in post test mean score was 3.22 with S.D 1.44. The calculated t value of 9.26 shows statistical high significant difference in the low back pain at p&lt;0.001 level between the one group pre test and post test. Low back pain had shown statistically significant association with the gender, BMI, working hours a day. And other demographic and clinical variables were not shown any statistically significant in one group pre test and post test. Conclusion: Thereby the researcher had demonstrated and educated the staff nurses who were working in Critical care unit and Operation Theater by maintain proper comprehensive body mechanics in minimizing the level of low back pain.

Intermittent intravenous paracetamol versus continuous morphine in infants undergoing cardiothoracic surgery: a multi-center randomized controlled trial

BackgroundTo determine whether intermittent intravenous (IV) paracetamol as primary analgesic would significantly reduce morphine consumption in children aged 0–3 years after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.MethodsMulti-center, randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial in four level-3 Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU) in the Netherlands and Belgium. Inclusion period; March 2016–July 2020. Children aged 0–3 years, undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were eligible. Patients were randomized to continuous morphine or intermittent IV paracetamol as primary analgesic after a loading dose of 100 mcg/kg morphine was administered at the end of surgery. Rescue morphine was given if numeric rating scale (NRS) pain scores exceeded predetermined cutoff values. Primary outcome was median weight-adjusted cumulative morphine dose in mcg/kg in the first 48 h postoperative. For the comparison of the primary outcome between groups, the nonparametric Van Elteren test with stratification by center was used. For comparison of the proportion of patients with one or more NRS pain scores of 4 and higher between the two groups, a non-inferiority analysis was performed using a non-inferiority margin of 20%.ResultsIn total, 828 were screened and finally 208 patients were included; parents of 315 patients did not give consent and 305 were excluded for various reasons. Fourteen of the enrolled 208 children were withdrawn from the study before start of study medication leaving 194 patients for final analysis. One hundred and two patients received intermittent IV paracetamol, 106 received continuous morphine. The median weight-adjusted cumulative morphine consumption in the first 48 h postoperative in the IV paracetamol group was 5 times lower (79%) than that in the morphine group (median, 145.0 (IQR, 115.0–432.5) mcg/kg vs 692.6 (IQR, 532.7–856.1) mcg/kg; P < 0.001). The rescue morphine consumption was similar between the groups (p = 0.38). Non-inferiority of IV paracetamol administration in terms of NRS pain scores was proven; difference in proportion − 3.1% (95% CI − 16.6–10.3%).ConclusionsIn children aged 0–3 years undergoing cardiac surgery, use of intermittent IV paracetamol reduces the median weight-adjusted cumulative morphine consumption in the first 48 h after surgery by 79% with equal pain relief showing equipoise for IV paracetamol as primary analgesic.Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov, Identifier: NCT05853263; EudraCT Number: 2015-001835-20.

Blood Interleukin-18 (IL-18) and IL-18 Binding Protein (IL-18BP) Levels Following Midline Laparotomy: A Prospective Randomized Study of Patients With Benign Disease and Patients With Cancer.

The acute phase immune response (APR) in midline laparotomy (MLa) patients following surgery has been rarely studied, with no studies assessing the association of blood IL-18 (interleukin-18) and IL-18BP (IL-18 binding protein) values with the numeric rating scale (NRS) pain score following MLa. Blood levels of seven cytokines (CYT) (IL-18, IL-18BP, IL-1ra, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-1β) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured at three time points; before operation (PRE), immediately after operation (POP1), and 24 h after operation (POP2) in 56 patients with MLa. The satisfaction of the patients at 24 h following MLa (SFS24; 0=fully unsatisfied; 10=fully satisfied) was recorded on a 11-point numeric rating scale. In all patients, the IL-18 and IL-18BP blood levels decreased at POP1 and the drop between the preoperative and POP1 levels in the IL-18 and IL-18BP was highly significant (p<0.001). However, the median IL-18 and IL-18BP blood levels increased significantly at POP2 (p<0.001) with the linear mixed-effect model (LME) showing a statistically significant time effect (p<0.001). The hs-CRP blood levels increased significantly at POP2 with the LME model showing a statistically significant time effect. The preoperative and POP2 IL-18 values were clearly higher in patients with cancer versus benign disease (177/182 vs. 135/126, p=0.039/p=0.013, respectively). Interestingly, in all patients of the study, the median IL-18 versus IL-18BP blood levels correlated at POP1 (r=0.315, p=0.036). A noteworthy discovery of this study is the correlation of IL-18BP with SFS24 (r=0.361, p=0.05), proposing that APR and quality of life are associated in MLa patients.

Safety and Efficacy of Vocacapsaicin for Management of Postsurgical Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Nonopioid management of postsurgical pain remains a major unmet need. Few studies have evaluated transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily member 1 agonists for analgesia after surgery. This study examines intraoperative vocacapsaicin, a novel prodrug of the transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily member 1 agonist capsaicin, in a validated model of postsurgical pain. This was a triple-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging trial in patients undergoing bunionectomy. Patients were randomized 1:1:1:1 to surgical site administration of 14 ml of placebo or one of three vocacapsaicin concentrations: 0.30, 0.15, or 0.05 mg/ml. The prespecified primary endpoint was the area-under-the-curve of the numerical rating scale pain score at rest through 96 h for the 0.30 mg/ml group. Prespecified ordered, secondary endpoints for the 0.30 mg/ml group included the percentage of patients who did not require opioids from 0 to 96 h, total opioid consumption through 96 h, and the area-under-the-curve of the numerical rating scale pain score for the first week. The 147 patients were randomized. During the first 96 h, vocacapsaicin (0.30 mg/ml) reduced pain at rest by 33% versus placebo (primary endpoint, 95% CI [10%, 52%], effect size [Cohen's d] = 0.61, P = 0.005). Of patients receiving vocacapsaicin (0.30 mg/ml), 26% did not require postoperative opioids for analgesia (P = 0.025) versus 5% of patients receiving placebo. Vocacapsaicin (0.30 mg/ml) reduced opioid consumption over the first 96 h by 50% versus placebo (95% CI [26%, 67%], effect size = 0.76, P = 0.002). Vocacapsaicin (0.30 mg/ml) reduced pain over the first week by 37% versus placebo (95% CI [12%, 57%], effect size = 0.62, P = 0.004). The treatment effect persisted for at least 2 weeks. All study endpoints showed an administered concentration-versus-response relationship. Vocacapsaicin was well tolerated with no differences between groups in any safety parameter. A single, local administration of vocacapsaicin during surgery reduced pain and opioid consumption for at least 96 h after surgery compared to control.

Unilateral biportal endoscopy vs. open decompression for lumbar epidural lipomatosis-cohort study using a prospective registry.

This study aimed to compare the outcomes of unilateral biportal endoscopy, unilateral laminectomy bilateral decompression (UBE-ULBD), and open lumbar decompression (OLD) in patients with lumbar epidural lipomatosis (LEL). This prospective observational study was conducted from March 2019 to May 2022 and encompassed 33 patients with LEL who underwent lumbar decompression. The study included 15 cases of UBE-ULBD decompression and 18 cases of open decompression, which were followed up for 1 year. The baseline characteristics, initial clinical manifestations, and surgical details [including estimated blood loss (EBL) and preoperative complications] of all patients were recorded. Radiographic evaluation included the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the thecal sac and paraspinal muscles on MRI. Clinical results were analyzed using the Short Form-36 Score (SF-36), the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS) for lumbar and leg pain, creatine kinase, the Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The dural sac CSA increased considerably at the 1-year postoperative follow-up in both groups (p < 0.001). The operative duration in the OLD group (48.2 ± 7.2 min) was shorter than that in the UBE-ULBD group (67.7 ± 6.3 min, p < 0.001). The OLD group (97.2 ± 19.8 mL) was associated with more EBL than the UBE-ULBD group (40.6 ± 13.6 mL, p < 0.001). The duration of hospitalization in the OLD group (5.4 ± 1.3 days) was significantly longer compared with the UBE-ULBD group (3.5 ± 1.2 days, p < 0.01). The SF-36, NRS, RMDQ, and ODI scores improved in both groups postoperatively (p < 0.001). Serum creatine kinase values in the UBE-ULBD group (101.7 ± 15.5) were significantly lower than those in the OLD group (330.8 ± 28.1 U/L) 1 day after surgery (p < 0.001). The degree of paraspinal muscle atrophy in the UBE-ULBD group (4.81 ± 1.94) was significantly lower than that in the OLD group (12.15 ± 6.99) at 1 year (p < 0.001). UBE-ULBD and OLD demonstrated comparable clinical outcomes in treating LEL. However, UBE-ULBD surgery was associated with shorter hospital stays, lower rates of incision infection, lighter paravertebral muscle injury, and lower EBL than OLD surgery. Consequently, UBE-ULBD can be recommended in patients with LEL if conservative treatment fails.

Endovenous Microwave Ablation Versus Laser Ablation for Small Saphenous Vein Varicosis.

Laser and radiofrequency ablation are two thermal ablation methods currently widely used to treat lower limb venous insufficiency. However, very few studies have been conducted on the use of microwaves, a form of thermal ablation, for the treatment of small saphenous vein (SSV) insufficiency. This study aimed to examine the efficacy and safety of endovenous microwave ablation (EMA) for the treatment of SSV insufficiency. The clinical data of 126 patients (126 lower limbs) with SSV insufficiency (SSV trunk reflux time ≥ 500ms on lower limb color Doppler ultrasound) treated at the Surgery Department of The Sixth People's Hospital of Zhuji from January 2020 to June 2022 were analyzed retrospectively; 64 patients underwent EMA and 62 underwent endovenous laser ablation (EVLA). The perioperative marker data [duration of surgery, duration of hospitalization, length of thermal ablation, duration of thermal ablation, number of incisions, and numerical pain rating scale (NPRS)], complication data [skin ecchymosis, skin burns, surgical site infection, paresthesia, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT)], venous clinical severity score (VCSS), chronic venous disease quality of life questionnaire (CIVIQ-20) before and 1, 3, 12months after surgery, and SSV trunk occlusion rate at 12months after surgery were compared between the two groups. No significant differences in the surgery or hospitalization durations were observed between the two groups. There were no significant differences in the length of the SSV that required thermal ablation between the two groups; however, the thermal ablation time was shorter in the EMA group than that in the EVLA group (6.14 ± 1.47min vs 7.05 ± 1.16min, P < 0.001). There were no statistical differences in the number of incisions, volume of tumescent solution used, or quantity of sclerosing foam used. The NPRS scores of the EMA group at 24h and 72h after surgery were significantly greater than those of the EVLA group (4.03 ± 0.98 vs 3.52 ± 1.28, P = 0.013; 3.78 ± 1.06 vs 3.15 ± 1.03, P = 0.001). Moreover, the two groups showed no significant difference in the NPRS score at 1month (1.14 ± 0.84 vs 1.07 ± 0.75, P = 0.623). The EMA and EVLA group patients experienced similar postoperative complications. The VCSS and CIVIQ-20 score significantly improved at 1, 3, and 12months after surgery. The VCSS and CIVIQ-20 scores were compared between the two groups at 12months after surgery, and there were no significant differences (1.44 ± 0.63 vs 1.56 ± 0.56, P = 0.261; 24.24 ± 4.96 vs 25.19 ± 5.36, P = 0.304). There was no significant difference in the incidence of SSV trunk occlusion at 12months after surgery between the two groups (95.31% vs 96.77%, OR 1.475; 95%CI 0.238-9.146, P = 1.000). EMA and EVLA are equally effective treatment methods for SSV insufficiency. EMA is associated with higher NPRS scores in the early postoperative period.

Effects of Stretching Exercises and Myofascial Pain Release on Pain and Sleep Quality in Antenatal Restless Leg Syndrome

Background: Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a condition that plagues many, causing an irresistible urge to move the legs, especially during periods of rest. This condition can be particularly challenging for pregnant women, impacting their sleep quality and overall well-being. Recognizing the need for effective, non-pharmacological interventions, this study delves into comparing the efficacy of two widely used therapies: stretching exercises and myofascial pain release (MPR). Objective: The primary aim was to evaluate and compare the effects of stretching exercises and myofascial pain release on pain reduction and sleep quality improvement in antenatal RLS patients. Methods: Conducted at the gynecology clinic of Khalid Farooqi Memorial Hospital, Hafizabad, this randomized clinical trial enlisted 22 participants, divided into control (n=11) and case (n=11) groups. The case group underwent stretching exercises coupled with infra-red therapy, while the control group received MPR and infra-red therapy. Both interventions were administered twice weekly for eight weeks. Outcomes were measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) at baseline, 4th, and 8th weeks. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 25, employing Shapiro-Wilk, repeated measure ANOVA, and one-way ANOVA tests. Results: Initially, both groups exhibited moderate to severe symptoms. Post-treatment, significant improvements were noted. After 8 weeks of treatment, the study revealed that pregnant women with antenatal restless leg syndrome (RLS) responded better to stretching exercises (Group A) than to myofascial pain release (Group B). Initially, participants in both groups experienced moderate to severe pain and poor sleep quality. By the end of the study, Group A demonstrated significant improvement, with 9 out of 11 participants experiencing minimal pain and 8 out of 11 reporting greatly enhanced sleep quality. While Group B also improved, the results were less significant. This underscores the potential of stretching exercises as a more effective intervention for reducing pain and improving sleep in antenatal RLS. Conclusion: Stretching exercises were found to be more effective than myofascial pain release in reducing pain and improving sleep quality among antenatal RLS patients. Given these findings, healthcare professionals are encouraged to consider stretching exercises as a preferred intervention for RLS symptoms during pregnancy.

Self-Administered Acupressure for Probable Knee Osteoarthritis in Middle-Aged and Older Adults

The effects of self-administered acupressure (SAA) on knee osteoarthritis (OA) pain remain unclear. To evaluate the effectiveness of SAA taught via a short training course on reducing knee OA pain in middle-aged and older adults. This randomized clinical trial was conducted among community-dwelling individuals in Hong Kong who were aged 50 years or older with probable knee OA from September 2019 to May 2022. The intervention included 2 training sessions for SAA with a brief knee health education (KHE) session, in which participants practiced acupressure twice daily for 12 weeks. The control group (KHE only) received only education about maintaining knee health on the same schedule and duration. The primary outcome was the numerical rating scale (NRS) pain score at 12 weeks. Other outcomes included Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index, Short Form 6 Dimensions (SF-6D), Timed Up and Go, and Fast Gait Speed tests. A total of 314 participants (mean [SD] age, 62.7 [4.5] years; 246 [78.3%] female; mean [SD] knee pain duration, 7.3 [7.6] years) were randomized into intervention and KHE-only groups (each 157). At week 12, compared with the KHE-only group, the intervention group had a significantly greater reduction in NRS pain score (mean difference [MD], -0.54 points; 95% CI, -0.97 to -0.10 points; P = .02) and higher enhancement in SF-6D utility score (MD, 0.03 points; 95% CI, 0.003 to 0.01 points; P = .03) but did not have significant differences in other outcome measures. The cost-effectiveness acceptability curve demonstrated a greater than 90% probability that the intervention is cost-effective at a willingness to pay threshold of 1 GDP per capita. In this randomized clinical trial, SAA with a brief KHE program was efficacious and cost-effective in relieving knee pain and improving mobility in middle-aged and older adults with probable knee OA. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04191837.