Pain Medication Research Articles

Natural pain killers from marine sources: a new frontier in neurosurgical pain management.

The development of new analgesics for the management of neurosurgical pain is a great opportunity in marine environments. Particular secondary metabolites with strong biological activity that have developed for defense are produced by marine bioresources. The analgesic potential of marine-derived peptides, alkaloids, terpenes and polyketides-such as discodermolide from marine sponges and ziconotide from cone snail venom-is highlighted in this letter. These substances work through novel methods that minimize the negative effects associated with conventional analgesics while focusing on particular pain pathways. Despite obstacles in sustainable sourcing and regulatory validation, the development of these marine-derived analgesics requires interdisciplinary collaboration to fulfill their potential in enhancing pain management.

Association of chronotype and timing of interferon injection with severity of IFNβ-induced flu-like syndrome in Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients

BackgroundAlthough Interferon-beta (IFNβ) has long been approved as a disease-modifying therapy (DMT) for Multiple sclerosis (MS), flu-like syndrome (FLS) persists as a common adverse effect of interferon therapy. Given the importance of circadian rhythm in regulating physiological processes, we aimed to assess the relationship between patient’s chronotype and time of interferon injection with FLS score in MS patients receiving IFNβ. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 118 MS patients who were referred to the clinic of neurology of Zanjan Vali-e-Asr Hospital for interferon injection. The included were invited to complete a morningness-eveningness questionnaire (MEQ) assessing patients’ chronotype. The following data were extracted from patients’ record: age, gender, duration of interferon treatment, type of interferon taken, time of interferon injection (morning/evening), FLS score, MS subtype, and usage of pain killers. All data found were imported and statistically analyzed in SPSS ver.26. ResultsAccording to the patients’ record, 114 (96.6%) patients had experienced post-interferon injection FLS with different severities. Statistical analysis revealed no significant relationship between the patient’s chronotype and FLS score. Nevertheless, the FLS score was significantly higher in those who had evening injections. ConclusionsTime of interferon injection was significantly associated with FLS score, with higher FLS score following evening injection. However, no significant relationship was found between the FLS score and the patient’s chronotype. It is recommended that further studies assessing circadian rhythm using laboratory tests such as melatonin measurement need to be undertaken to investigate the association of circadian rhythm with post-interferon injection FLS.

Withdrawal pain following patients discontinuing Trk inhibitors.

This article aims to expand on the existing literature regarding the incidence of withdrawal pain following discontinuation of Trk inhibitors and to explore strategies that mitigate this withdrawal pain. A retrospective observational study was conducted among patients who were at least 18 years-old or older and had documentation of starting larotrectinib or entrectinib at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) between November 2018 and November 2022. Data were collected from electronic records and pharmacy databases and a total of 21 patients were identified in this study. Of the 21 patients included in this study, five patients (24%) experienced pain during temporary or permanent discontinuation of Trk inhibitor with the onset of withdrawal pain ranging from a few hours to three days following discontinuation. Various strategies were implemented to manage this pain including restarting of Trk inhibitor, tapering of Trk inhibitor on discontinuation, minimizing dose interruptions and use of prescription pain medications. This article illustrates the presence of withdrawal pain syndrome in patients stopping a Trk inhibitor treatment and highlight the need for patient education to avoid missing any doses and for development of a guideline for Trk inhibitor discontinuation.

Chronic pain after traumatic brain injury: a collaborative care approach.

Chronic pain is common after traumatic brain injury (TBI), frequently limits daily activities, and is associated with negative outcomes such as decreased community participation. Despite the negative impact of chronic pain, few people with TBI receive effective treatment. This paper describes a collaborative care (CC) intervention, TBI Care, adapted specifically to treat chronic pain in people living with TBI, emphasizing expert clinician input, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, and other non-pharmacological approaches for decreasing pain interference. 79 participants engaged in the CC intervention from two academic medical rehabilitation clinics with weekly assessments of pain intensity, interference, and medication use. Participant feedback on the intervention was gathered by interview with the care manager (CM) at the last treatment session and/or booster session. Provider feedback was gathered by a confidential survey post intervention. Ninety percent of participants received at least 11 of the target 12 sessions with a care manager (CM), the majority occurring over the phone. Participants endorsed an average of 7 pain locations. All participants received pain education, skills in self-monitoring, goal setting/behavioral activation and relaxation training. Pain interference scores (impact on activity and enjoyment), tracked weekly by the CM, significantly decreased across sessions. 89% of participants received recommendations for CBT skills, 65% received referrals for additional treatments targeting pain interference, and 43% received care coordination. 75% of participants reported 6 or more medications/supplements at both the first and last session, with changes recommended primarily for headache treatment. Feedback from participants and providers was positive. TBI Care, a novel patient-centered CC approach, was flexibly delivered, tailored to the needs of those living with TBI and chronic pain, with a high level of participant engagement, and satisfaction among participants and providers. This approach, prioritizing pain self-management strategies and other non-pharmacological approaches, along with optimizing pharmacological treatment, led to significant reductions in self-reported pain interference and intensity during the intervention. Using a CC model in TBI is feasible and successfully improved access to evidence-based treatments for chronic pain as well as outcomes for pain interference and intensity. ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03523923.

Clinical outcomes for minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion with allograft using a posterior approach.

Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction can occur as a result of injury, degeneration, or inflammation. This dysfunction presents symptoms of pain at various locations, including the low back, hips, buttocks, and legs. The diagnosis of SIJ dysfunction is challenging and cannot be achieved solely with imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or CT. The current gold standard diagnostic modality is intra-articular SIJ blocks using two differing local anesthetics. Current treatments for SIJ dysfunction may be beneficial for short-term relief but lack long-term efficacy. The purpose of our study was to examine the outcomes of patients who underwent minimally invasive, posterior SIJ fusion using allograft at a single center. This was a retrospective study which received exemption from the WCG IRB. Data regarding preoperative and postoperative pain levels, surgical time, complications, and medication usage were obtained retrospectively from patient electronic medical records and prescription drug monitoring program reports. No mapping was completed prior to the procedure. Pain was assessed with the 11-point (0-10) Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and medication usage was assessed using Morphine Milligram Equivalents (MME). Patients were included if they had been diagnosed with SIJ dysfunction using two intra-articular diagnostic blocks that resulted in at least an 80% decrease in pain and had failed conservative management. Patients with sacral insufficiency fractures were excluded. VAS scores reduced from 8.26 (SD = 1.09) at baseline to 2.59 (SD = 2.57), 2.55 (SD = 2.56), 2.71 (SD = 2.88), and 2.71 (SD = 2.88) at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, respectively. MME reduced from 78.21 mg (SD = 51.33) to 58.95 mg (SD = 48.64), 57.61 mg (SD = 47.92), 61.71 mg (SD = 45.64), and 66.29 mg (SD = 51.65) at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, respectively. All reductions in VAS scores and MME were statistically significant. No adverse events occurred, and the average operating room time was 40.16 min (SD = 6.27). Minimally invasive, posterior SIJ fusion using allograft is a safe and efficacious method for managing SIJ dysfunction.

Is Virtual Reality Effective in Decreasing Pain during Clinical Procedures among Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Background: Virtual reality (VR) refers to a computer-generated simulation or environment that can be experienced and interacted with by a person through special electronic equipment, such as a headset with a screen and motion-tracking sensors. VR has been used as a distraction technique to alleviate pain and discomfort during medical procedures or as an alternative to traditional pain medication. This article explores VR’s effectiveness in reducing pain in pediatric patients undergoing painful clinical procedures. Methodology: This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed as per the preferred reporting item for systematic review and meta-analysis guidelines. A systematic literature search was conducted for all articles published till December 2022 in four different databases: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and LILACS, which yielded 6886 studies. Studies showing the effect of VR on pediatric patients undergoing clinical procedures were included in the study. Risk of bias (ROB) 2.0 was used to assess the ROB. Outcome data were pooled using a random-effects model and reported as standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The meta-analysis was performed on RevMan5.4. Subgroup analysis was done for the different clinical procedures. Results: A total of 2477 participants from 34 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Children in whom VR was used had a significantly lower pain score as compared to the control group with an SMD of 0.87 (CI 95% −1.20, −0.53; (P < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis based on the type of intervention did not reveal any significant difference (P = 0.19). Heterogeneity for overall pain using a random effect model with I 2 was significant (P < 0.00001). Conclusion: This systematic review suggests that the use of VR distraction in children undergoing painful procedures is associated with significantly lower pain scores. Hence, VR can be a promising intervention for reducing pain experienced by pediatric patients during medical procedures.

Stability of intravenous medicines – evidence of maximum temperature reached in both summer and winter within soft shell elastomeric pumps

ObjectiveElastomeric devices or pumps are a valuable tool to deliver outpatient parenteral therapy and have been used for administration of chemotherapy, antibiotics and pain medication. A key determinant of effective...

Effectiveness of digital Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia in patients with musculoskeletal complaints and insomnia in primary care physiotherapy: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionInsomnia is prevalent among patients visiting physiotherapists due to musculoskeletal complaints and associated with poorer pain prognosis. Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) may be effective for improving sleep quality and...

Bioenergetics disruption, oxidative stress, and inflammation as underlying mechanisms of tramadol-induced nephrotoxicity.

Tramadol (TR), a commonly prescribed pain reliever for moderate to severe pain, has been associated with kidney damage. This study investigates TR-induced nephrotoxicity mechanisms, focusing on its effects on renal proximal tubular cells (PTCs). The study findings demonstrate that TR disrupts PTC bioenergetic processes, leading to oxidative stress and inflammation. Significant toxicity to PTCs was observed with estimated effective concentration 50 values of 9.8 and 11.5 µM based on 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and lactate dehydrogenase assays, respectively. TR also interferes with the function of PTC transporters, including organic cation uptake transporter 1, organic cation transporter 2, P-glycoprotein, and multidrug resistance protein 2. Furthermore, bioenergetics assays showed that TR reduced the activities of mitochondrial complexes I and III, adenosine triphosphate production, mitochondrial membrane potential, and oxygen consumption rate while increasing lactate release. TR also increased the production of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation thiobarbituric acid reactive substances end products, and the expression of the NRf2 gene while decreasing reduced glutathione (GSH-R) stores and catalase and superoxide dismutase antioxidant activities. Additionally, TR increased the production of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and their coding genes expression. Interestingly, the study found that antioxidants like GSH-R, inhibitors of IL-6 and TNF-α, and mitochondrial activating Co-Q10 could protect cells against TR-induced cytotoxicity. The study suggests that TR causes nephrotoxicity by disrupting bioenergetic processes, causing oxidative stress and inflammation, but antioxidants and agents targeting mitochondria may have protective and curative potential.

Real-world prevalence of adverse events with first-line systemic therapies among patients with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer.

The current guidelines for treating metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) recommend treatment intensification of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with the addition of an androgen receptor pathway inhibitor (ARPI), with or without docetaxel. However, the adoption of these treatment options has been slow, leading to therapeutic inertia. This real-world study was conducted to investigate the occurrence of adverse events (AEs) among treated patients diagnosed with mCSPC in the United States. This retrospective claim review estimated the occurrence of AEs among patients with mCSPC from January 2014 to June 2021 in the PharMetrics® Plus data set. The study focused on 10 common AEs (fatigue/asthenia, gastrointestinal [GI] AEs, skin/nail/hair AEs, immunodeficiency/thrombocytopenia, hot flash, sexual function AEs, anemia, hypertension, pain, and edema) known to occur in ≥10% of patients and ≥2% more prevalent than those treated with ADT alone as selected from the US Food and Drug Administration prescribing information and published results from clinical trials. Proportions of patients experiencing these AEs at Day 90, 180, and then every 180 days until month 30 during the follow-up period were estimated using cumulative hazard plots. Results were adjusted using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) across four treatment groups: ADT alone, ADT + nonsteroidal anti-androgen (NSAA) (bicalutamide, nilutamide, or flutamide), ADT + docetaxel, and ADT + ARPIs (abiraterone, apalutamide, or enzalutamide). ADT-alone cohort was the reference group for all comparisons. A total of 4145 patients were included (ADT alone: 2318, ADT + NSAA: 632, ADT + docetaxel: 471, ADT + ARPIs: 724). At baseline, median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 64.3 (60.1-73.1) years; most common sites of metastasis were bone only (n = 1886, 45.5%) and node only (n = 1237, 29.8%); most used medications were pain medications (n = 2182, 52.6%) and corticosteroids (n = 1213, 29.3%). Median (IQR) duration of follow-up 10.2 (6.1-16.6) months in ADT alone, 6.7 (4.1-11.5) months in ADT + NSAA, 5.1 (4.3-5.9) months in ADT + docetaxel, and 11.0 (6.6-17.0) months in ADT + ARPI cohort. The reported AEs increased over time for all assessed AEs, across all treatment groups. Compared with ADT alone, no statistically significant difference in the proportion of patients with AEs was seen in the ADT + ARPI or ADT + NSAA cohorts at months 3 and 12; a significantly higher proportion of patients in the ADT + docetaxel cohort experienced 6 of the 10 assessed AEs at month 3 (fatigue/asthenia, GI AEs, skin/nail/hair AEs, immunodeficiency/thrombocytopenia, hot flash, anemia). During the follow-up period, on IPTW analysis, compared with ADT alone, a significantly higher proportion of patients experienced AEs with seven AEs in the ADT + docetaxel group (fatigue/asthenia, GI AEs, skin/nail/hair AEs, immunodeficiency/thrombocytopenia, hot flash, anemia, edema; p < 0.001 for all seven), three AEs in the ADT + ARPI group (hot flash, p = 0.05; anemia, p = 0.01; edema, p = 0.019), and one AE in the ADT + NSAA group (anemia, p = 0.029). The proportion of patients with sexual function AE did not significantly differ between the treatment groups and ADT alone. Results of this large, real-world study demonstrated that all treatment groups experienced an increase in the rates of AEs over time, including ADT alone. Most AE rates with ADT + ARPIs were comparable with ADT + NSAA and not significantly different from ADT alone. ADT + docetaxel cohort was associated with significantly higher rates for all AEs over time except hypertension, sexual dysfunction, and pain. This study provides real-world evidence on AEs, beyond controlled clinical trials, and may assist healthcare providers to make better-informed decisions about disease management among patients with mCSPC.

Exploring lifestyles, work environment and health care experience of Nepalese returnee labour migrants diagnosed with kidney-related problems.

In recent years, international media and the scientific community have expressed concerns regarding rising kidney health-related risks among Nepalese labour migrants in Gulf countries and Malaysia. Previous studies have highlighted poor lifestyles and work conditions among Nepalese migrants, which could potentially impact their kidney health. This qualitative study aims to explore the lifestyles and work environment of returnee Nepalese migrants who were diagnosed with kidney health problems. In-depth interviews were carried out with twelve returnee migrants, all males, with half having worked abroad for at least a decade. Our analysis yielded seven themes: (a) living and lifestyles; (b) work environment; (c) exposure to pollutants; (d) Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) experience; (e) use of painkillers and healthcare; (f) medical expenses for CKD patients; and (g) pre-departure training. This study indicates that Nepalese migrants face numerous challenges, including limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities, poor diets, exposure to occupational hazards, and overuse of pain medication, all of which may contribute to an increased risk of kidney disease. An enhanced pre-departure and on-arrival orientation programme focusing on kidney health-related topics, including the necessary advocacy at the country of destination to provide access to basic services, may encourage migrants to adopt healthy lifestyles and safe working environments, as well as help sensitise migrants to their kidney health risks.

Barriers and facilitators to using a clinical decision support tool for the management of osteoarthritis pain in patients undergoing hemodialysis: a qualitative study

BackgroundWhile osteoarthritis is a significant issue within the hemodialysis population and contributes to reduced quality of life, pain related to osteoarthritis is poorly managed by healthcare professionals (HCPs) in hemodialysis settings due to the absence of clinical guidance applicable to this population. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of HCPs on the barriers and facilitators to using a clinical decision support tool for osteoarthritis pain management in the hemodialysis setting.MethodsA qualitative descriptive study was conducted. Purposeful and snowball sampling techniques were used to recruit hemodialysis clinicians from academic and community settings across multiple Canadian provinces. One-to-one interviews were conducted with clinicians using a semi-structured, open ended interview guide informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework, a behavior change framework. A general inductive approach was applied to identify the main themes of barriers and facilitators.ResultsA total of 11 interviews were completed with 3 nephrologists, 2 nurse practitioners and 6 pharmacists. Findings revealed 6 main barriers and facilitators related to the use of the clinical decision support tool. Alignment of the tool with practice roles emerged as a key barrier and facilitator. Other barriers included challenges related to the dialysis environment, varying levels of clinician comfort with pain medications, and limited applicability of the tool due to patient factors. An important facilitator was the intrinsic motivation among clinicians to use the tool.ConclusionsMost participants across the included hemodialysis settings expressed satisfaction with the clinical decision support tool and acknowledged its overall potential for improving osteoarthritis pain management among patients on hemodialysis. Future implementation of the tool may be limited by existing roles and practices at different institutions. Increased collaboration among hemodialysis and primary care teams may promote uptake of the tool.

Structural elucidation of tramadol, its derivatives, and metabolites using chemical derivatization and liquid chromatography-high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry.

Tramadol (T) is a strong painkiller drug that belongs to the opioid analgesic group. Several accidental intoxication cases after oral administration of T have been reported in the past decade. Tramadol, its derivatives, and metabolites present information-limited mass spectra with one prominent peak representing the amine-containing residue; therefore, their structural determination based on both electron impact mass spectrometry (EI-MS) and ESI-MS/MS spectra could be misleading. A novel analytical method for the structural elucidation of tramadol, its four homologs, and its two main phase I metabolites (N-desmethyltramadol and O-desmethyltramadol) was developed using chemical modification and liquid chromatography-high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-HR-MS/MS) with Orbitrap technology. After chemical derivatization, each of the investigated T series exhibited informative mass spectra that enabled better exposition of their structures. The developed method was successfully implemented to explicitly identify the structures of tramadol and its N-desmethyltramadol metabolite in urine samples at low ng/mL levels. An efficient derivatization-aided strategy was developed for rapidly elucidating the structure of tramadol-like compounds. The method is intended to assist forensic chemists in better diagnosing T and its analogs and metabolites in clinical or forensic toxicology laboratories.

COST ANALYSIS OF DIRECT ANTERIOR VERSUS DIRECT LATERAL APPROACH FOR OUTPATIENT TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY

The increased demand for total hip arthroplasty (THA) is having a significant impact on healthcare resources, resulting in increased interest in outpatient care pathways to reduce resource consumption. This study compared costs between patients who underwent outpatient THA using a Direct Anterior (DA) approach compared to a Direct Lateral (DL) approach to understand the effect of surgical approach on resource use.We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial for DA patients undergoing primary THA. We compared patients in the outpatient arm of the trial to a prospective cohort of outpatient DL approach THAs. We recorded all costs including: equipment, length of stay in hospital, and laboratory or other medical tests. Following discharge, participants also completed a self-reported cost diary recording resource utilization such as emergency department visits or subsequent hospitalizations, tests and procedures, consultations or follow-up, healthcare professional services, rehabilitation, use of pain medications, informal care, productivity losses and out of pocket expenditures.We report costs from both Canadian public health care payer (HCP) and a societal perspective. The HCP perspective includes any direct health costs covered by the publicly funded system. In addition to the health care system costs, the societal perspective also includes additional costs to the patient (e.g. physiotherapy, medication, or assistive devices), as well as any indirect costs such as time off paid employment for patients or caregivers.We included 127 patients in the DA group (66.6 years old) and 51 patients in the DL group (59.4 years old) (p&lt;0.01).There were no statistically significant differences in costs between groups from both the healthcare payer (DA= 7910.19, DL= 7847.17, p=0.80) and societal perspectives (DA= 14657.21, DL= 14581.21, p=0.96)In patients undergoing a successful outpatient hip replacement, surgical approach does not have an effect on cost from in hospital or societal perspectives.

Association between Multimorbidity and Risk of Falls and Fear of Falling among Older Adults: The Mediation Effect of Physical Function, Use of Sleeping Pills, and Pain Relievers

ObjectiveFalls and fear of falling (FoF) are relevant contributors to disability and institutionalization among older adults. The aim was to examine the association between multimorbidity and falls/FoF among community-dwelling older adults, exploring the mediating effect of physical function and the use of sleeping pills and pain relievers. DesingLongitudinal analyses. Setting and ParticipantsA total of 1824 adults aged ≥65 years from the Seniors-ENRICA II cohort (Spain). MethodsMultimorbidity was defined as having ≥2 diseases from a predefined list of 13 chronic conditions extracted from clinical records. Falls were self-reported and FoF was estimated using the Short Falls Efficacy Scale International. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for the association between multimorbidity/duration of multimorbidity and incident falls/FoF using logistic regression models. The mediating effects of physical function, the use of sleeping pills, and pain relievers were explored using the Karlson Holm Breen method. ResultsMultimorbidity was associated with a higher risk of falls (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.14–1.82) and FoF (OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.48–2.39). Positive dose-response associations were found between the duration of multimorbidity and the risk of falls (P-trend = .003) and FoF (P-trend = .001). Physical function mediated 5.67% and 5.25% of these associations, respectively, and the use of sleeping pills explained a larger proportion of the associations (9.27% and 11.61%). Last, the mediation effect of pain relievers on the association between multimorbidity and falls was 3.05% and 9.31% in the multimorbidity-FoF association. Conclusions and ImplicationsMultimorbidity was associated with a higher risk of falls/FoF among Spanish community-dwelling older adults. Use of sleeping pills was a relevant mediator, suggesting that interventions on sleep problems have the potential to reduce the burden of falls/FoF and their consequences among older adults with multimorbidity.

Measuring the effect of the anti-nerve growth factor antibodies bedinvetmab and frunevetmab on quality of life in dogs and cats with osteoarthritis using a validated health-related quality of life outcome measure: an observational real-world study.

Osteoarthritis causes chronic pain, impaired joint function, decreased mobility and negatively impacts quality of life (QOL). Anti-nerve growth factor antibodies bedinvetmab for dogs and frunevetmab for cats are licensed for the alleviation of osteoarthritis pain but their QOL impact is unreported. Our aim was to determine if these therapeutics improve QOL using a validated health-related QOL measure that generates scores in four domains of QOL-energetic and enthusiastic (E/E), happy and content (H/C), active and comfortable (A/C) and calm and relaxed (C/R)-in the dog and three in the cat-vitality, comfort and emotional wellbeing (EWB). Summary scores for physical wellbeing (PWB) and emotional wellbeing (EWB) for dogs and PWB for cats are calculated from the domain scores. Animals received bedinvetmab (dogs) at 0.5-1 mg/kg or frunevetmab (cats) at 1-2.8 mg/kg by subcutaneous injection on days 0, 28 and 56 and owners completed QOL assessments within 48 hours of day 0 and on days 14, 28, 56, 63 and 70 using a study-specific app. Assessments were completed by 75 dog and 56 cat owners. By day 14 there was a statistically significant improvement (p ≤ 0.001) in PWB, EWB and all domains except C/R (p = 0.005) in dogs and in all domains and PWB in the cat. Subsequently there was a continued improvement in all domains and summary scores (p ≤ 0.001) except for H/C in the dog and EWB in the cat, which were excluded from the statistical model. The overall improvement in all domain scores in the cat and E/E and A/C in the dog exceeded the previously reported minimum important difference scores for the QOL measure, indicating a clinically significant change. Treatment with bedinvetmab and frunevetmab produced a significant improvement in the QOL of dogs and cats. This latest evidence for the use of these OA pain medications could be helpful in the clinical management of osteoarthritis and post-marketing clinical trials.

Pain medication tapering for patients with Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome Type II, treated with Spinal Cord Stimulation: A RCT-study protocol of the PIANISSIMO study.

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) may provide pain relief in patients with therapy-refractory Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome Type II (PSPS-T2). Despite the evidence that SCS can reduce disability and reduce pain medication usage, only 25% of the patients is able to completely omit pain medication usage after 12 months of SCS. To tackle the high burden of patients who consume a lot of pain medication, tapering programs could be initiated before starting a trajectory with SCS. The current objective is to examine whether a pain medication tapering program before SCS alters disability in PSPS-T2 patients compared to no tapering program. A three-arm, parallel-group multicenter randomized controlled trial will be conducted including 195 patients who will be randomized (1:1:1) to either (a) a standardized pain medication tapering program, (b) a personalized pain medication tapering program, or (c) no tapering program before SCS implantation, all with a follow-up period until 12 months after implantation. The primary outcome is disability. The secondary outcomes are pain intensity, health-related quality of life, participation, domains affected by substance use, anxiety and depression, medication usage, psychological constructs, sleep, symptoms of central sensitization, and healthcare expenditure. Within the PIANISSIMO project we propose a way to reduce the risks of adverse events, medication-induced hyperalgesia, tolerance, and dependence by providing pain medication tapering before SCS. Due to the lack of a commonly accepted in-hospital tapering approach, two different tapering programs will be evaluated in this study. If pain medication tapering programs are deemed to be more effective than no tapering on disability, this would add to the evidence towards an improved patient-centered care model in this patient group and set a clear path to advocate for pain medication tapering before SCS as the new standard treatment guideline for these patients. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05861609. Registered on May 17, 2023.

Fibromyalgia Diagnosis and Treatment Receipt in the U.S. Military Health System.

Meta-analytic findings and clinical practice guidance recommend pharmacological (e.g., pregabalin, duloxetine, and milnacipran) and non-pharmacological (e.g., exercise and sleep hygiene) interventions to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life in people living with fibromyalgia. However, some of these therapies may lack robust evidence as to their efficacy, have side effects that may outweigh benefits, or carry risks. Although the annual prevalence of fibromyalgia in active duty service members was estimated to be 0.015% in 2018, the likelihood of receiving a fibromyalgia diagnosis was 9 times greater in patients assigned female than male and twice as common in non-Hispanic Black than White service members. Therefore, the primary goal of this retrospective study is to examine co-occurring conditions and pain-management care receipt in the 3 months before and 3 months after fibromyalgia diagnosis in active duty service members from 2015 to 2022. Medical record information from active duty service members who received a fibromyalgia diagnosis between 2015 and 2022 in the U.S. Military Health System was included in the analyses. Bivariate analyses evaluated inequities in co-occurring diagnoses (abdominal and pelvic pain, insomnia, psychiatric conditions, and migraines), health care (acupuncture and dry needling, biofeedback and other muscle relaxation, chiropractic and osteopathic treatments, exercise classes and activities, massage therapy, behavioral health care, other physical interventions, physical therapy, self-care management, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), and prescription receipt (anxiolytics, gabapentinoids, muscle relaxants, non-opioid pain medication, opioids, selective serotonin and norepinephrine inhibitors, and tramadol) across race and ethnicity and assigned sex. Pairwise comparisons were made using a false discovery rate adjusted P value. Overall, 13,663 service members received a fibromyalgia diagnosis during the study period. Approximately 52% received a follow-up visit within 3 months of index diagnosis. Most service members received a co-occurring psychiatric diagnosis (35%), followed by insomnia (24%), migraines (20%), and abdominal and pelvic pain diagnoses (19%) fibromyalgia diagnosis. At least half received exercise classes and activities (52%), behavioral health care (52%), or physical therapy (50%). Less commonly received therapies included other physical interventions (41%), chiropractic/osteopathic care (40%), massage therapy (40%), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (33%), self-care education (29%), biofeedback and other muscle relaxation therapies (22%), and acupuncture or dry needling (14%). The most common prescriptions received were non-opioid pain medications (72%), followed by muscle relaxers (44%), opioids (32%), anxiolytics (31%), gabapentinoids (26%), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (21%), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (20%), and tramadol (15%). There were many inequities identified across outcomes. Overall, service members diagnosed with fibromyalgia received variable guideline-congruent health care within the 3 months before and after fibromyalgia diagnosis. Almost 1 in 3 service members received an opioid prescription, which has been explicitly recommended against use in guidelines. Pairwise comparisons indicated unwarranted variation across assigned sex and race and ethnicity in both co-occurring health conditions and care receipt. Underlying reasons for health and health care inequities can be multisourced and modifiable. It is unclear whether the U.S. Military Health System has consolidated patient resources to support patients living with fibromyalgia and if so, the extent to which such resources are accessible and known to patients and their clinicians.

Relationship between driving while impaired and riding with an impaired driver among adolescents in the United States

ABSTRACT Background Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use (ATOD) and sexual risk-taking are contributors to the health and welfare of adolescents and a significant percentage engage in these behaviors. These behaviors may contribute to other risk-taking such as driving while impaired (DWI) or riding with an impaired driver (RWI). The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between DWI and RWI and ATOD use, sexual risk-taking, and physical fighting among adolescents. Methods Date for this study were derived from the 2017, 2019, 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) (n = 45,132). Logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between DWI and RWI and ATOD use, sexual risk-taking, and physical violence. Results Heavy smoking, binge drinking, prescription pain medication without a prescription, sexual intercourse with four or more people, and being in a fight on school property were associated with DWI. Binge drinking, prescription pain medication without a prescription, alcohol or drug use before last sexual intercourse, and being in a fight in or out of school were associated with RWI. Conclusions The results seem to suggest that risk behaviors are intertwined with DWI and RWI. There may be a combined effect of engaging in one risk behavior, influencing engagement in other risk behaviors.

A cost-benefit analysis of the life-prolonging effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for persons with dementia and pain

ABSTRACT Persons with dementia are more susceptible to pain. If they take Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) as pain relievers, the policy question is whether these medicines will be socially worthwhile. In this paper, a Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) was undertaken of the NSAID to see whether their benefits outweigh the costs for elderly persons with dementia. To construct the benefits, a Quality Adjusted Life Year was used as the intervention output, which was then converted into monetary terms using the Value of a Statistical Life Year. Using estimates based on a large, US national panel data set, the CBA found that the NSAID generated positive net-benefits. It was possible to re-evaluate all the prior dementia interventions that were based on the same data set, using the same methods as for the NSAID CBA. By comparing the NSAID results with those from the other alternative dementia interventions one can establish public funding priorities.