Rating Scale Pain Research Articles

Handgrip strength is correlated with activities of daily living, balance, and body composition in patients with thoracolumbar compression fracture.

This study assessed the relationship between handgrip strength (HGS) and activities of daily living, balance, walking speed, calf circumference, body muscle, and body composition in elderly patients with thoracolumbar vertebral compression fracture (VCF). A cross-sectional study in a single hospital was performed with elderly patients diagnosed with VCF. After admission, we evaluated HGS, 10-meter walk test (speed), Barthel Index, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), numerical rating scale of body pain, and calf circumference. We examined skeletal muscle mass, skeletal muscle mass index, total body water (TBW), intracellular water, extracellular water (ECW), and phase angle (PhA) in patients with VCF using multi-frequency direct segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis after admission. A total of 112 patients admitted for VCF were enrolled (26 males, 86 females; mean age 83.3 years). The prevalence of sarcopenia according to the 2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia guideline was 61.6%. HGS was significantly correlated with walking speed (P < .001, R = 0.485), Barthel Index (P < .001, R = 0.430), BBS (P < .001, R = 0.511), calf circumference (P < .001, R = 0.491), skeletal muscle mass index (P < .001, R = 0.629), ECW/TBW (P < .001, r = -0.498), and PhA (P < .001, R = 0.550). HGS was more strongly correlated with walking speed, Barthel Index, BBS, ECW/TBW ratio, and PhA in men than women. In patients with thoracolumbar VCF, HGS is associated with walking speed, muscle mass, activities of daily living measured using the Barthel Index, and balance measured using BBS. The findings suggest that HGS is an important indicator of activities of daily living, balance, and whole-body muscle strength. Furthermore, HGS is related to PhA and ECW/TBW.

Income and Employment of Patients at the Start of and During Follow-up After Palliative Radiation Therapy for Bone Metastasis

The aim of this study was to understand the income and employment status of patients at the start of and during follow-up after palliative radiation therapy for bone metastasis. From December 2020 to March 2021, a prospective multi-institutional observational study was conducted to investigate income and employment of patients at the start of administration of radiation therapy for bone metastasis and at 2 and 6 months after treatment. Of 333 patients referred to radiation therapy for bone metastasis, 101 were not registered, mainly because of their poor general condition, and another 8 were excluded from the follow-up analysis owing to ineligibility. In 224 patients analyzed, 108 had retired for reasons unrelated to cancer, 43 had retired for reasons related to cancer, 31 were taking leave, and 2 had lost their jobs at the time of registration. The number of patients who were in the working group was 40 (30 with no change in income and 10 with decreased income) at registration, 35 at 2 months, and 24 at 6 months. Younger patients (P=0), patients with better performance status (P=0), patients who were ambulatory (P=.008), and patients with lower scores on a numerical rating scale of pain (P=0) were significantly more likely to be in the working group at registration. There were 9 patients who experienced improvements in their working status or income at least once in the follow-up after radiation therapy. The majority of patients with bone metastasis were not working at the start of or after radiation therapy, but the number of patients who were working was not negligible. Radiation oncologists should be aware of the working status of patients and provide appropriate support for each patient. The benefit of radiation therapy to support patients continuing their work and returning to work should be investigated further in prospective studies.

Neoadjuvant Arterial Embolization of Spine Metastases Associated With Improved Local Control in Patients Receiving Surgical Decompression and Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy.

Spine metastases often cause significant pain, instability, and/or neurological morbidity. Local control (LC) of spine metastases has been augmented with advances in systemic therapies, radiation, and surgical technique. Prior reports suggest an association between preoperative arterial embolization and improved LC and palliative pain control. To further elucidate the role of neoadjuvant embolization on LC of spine metastases and the potential for improved pain control in patients receiving surgery and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). A retrospective single-center review between 2012 and 2020 identified 117 patients with spinal metastases from various solid tumor malignancies managed with surgery and adjuvant SBRT with or without preoperative spinal arterial embolization. Demographic information, radiographic studies, treatment characteristics, Karnofsky Performance Score, Defensive Veterans Pain Rating Scale, and mean daily doses of analgesic medications were reviewed. LC was assessed using magnetic resonance imaging obtained at a median 3-month interval and defined as progression at the surgically treated vertebral level. Of 117 patients, 47 (40.2%) underwent preoperative embolization, followed by surgery and SBRT and 70 (59.8%) underwent surgery and SBRT alone. Within the embolization cohort, the median LC was 14.2 months compared with 6.3 months among the nonembolization cohort (P = .0434). Receiver operating characteristic analysis suggests ≥82.5% embolization predicted significantly improved LC (area under the curve = 0.808; P < .0001). Defensive Veterans Pain Rating Scale mean and maximum scores significantly decreased immediately after embolization (P < .001). Preoperative embolization was associated with improved LC and pain control suggesting a novel role for its use. Additional prospective study is warranted.

EFFECTIVENESS OF EXERCISE PROGRAM ON LOW BACK PAIN AMONG NURSES WORKING AT A MEDICAL COLLEGE HOSPITAL IN DHAKA, BANGLADESH

Background: Low Back pain (LBP) is one of the most thought-provoking health conditions among the health professionals, especially nurses and it is considered as a significant health problem around the world. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of exercise programs to reduce LBP among nurses working at Mugda Medical College Hospital in Dhaka. Methods: A Quasi Experimental one group pre-posttest study design with 5 weeks’ exercise program and one week follow up session was used. A total of 60 nurses were conveniently recruited from Mugda Medical College Hospital. Data collection period was from January to March 2020. Nurses’ characteristics were described by using Socio-Demographic Questionnaire (SDQ) and their LBP status was examined by Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and 11 points of Verbal Rating Scale for pain (VRSP) assessment. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation was used to describe the demographic characteristics and LBP of nurses. Inferential statistics such as matched paired t-test and independent sample t-test were used to examine the relationship between the variables. Results: Finding shows that the mean pre-test LBP score of nurses was 5.40 (SD = 0.74) and post-test LBP score was 1.51 (SD = 1.27). The mean differences were 3.89 (SD = 0.53) which indicates significant difference between pre and post-test score. In matched paired t-test, it was found that there was a significant mean difference between pre and post-test of LBP (p&lt; 0.001). Conclusion: There was a significant mean difference after exercise program among the nurses with LBP. It indicates that exercise program was effective to reduce LBP. This finding can be recommended to develop educational modules for nurses to provide appropriate care to the patients.

Comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of prosthodontic treatment using the original immediate denture design and traditional methods

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic non-correctable periodontal disease, leading to loss of teeth, can be rehabilitated using immediate dentures. However, removable dentures often produce excessive mechanical pressure on the underlying prosthetic bed tissues.&#x0D; AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of various options for immediate dentures and their effects on the rate of wound healing in patients with a complete absence of teeth due to surgical removal for chronic periodontitis.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: Early prosthodontics treatment was conducted on 30 patients after extracting multiple teeth at the Department of Orthopedic Dentistry and Orthodontics of the Ryazan State Medical University. The patients were divided into 3 groups depending on the options for immediate dentures: 1) combined construction of acrylic, non-monomer and elastic polymer, 2) hot curing acrylic polymer, and 3) thermoplastic plastic. Treatment effectiveness was measured by the objective state of the wound area with a planimetric assessment of wound healing. Pain sensitivity when using the prosthesis was rated according to a numeric rating scale for pain. The stability of prostheses was assessed according to the Mirgazizov method, an assessment of the safety of the drug based on the prosthesis. Diagnostic observations were carried out for 21 days.&#x0D; RESULTS: Postoperative rehabilitation was faster in groups 1 and 3, than in group 2. By day 21, inflammation persisted only in group 2, which was confirmed by the largest wound size (8.31.1 mm) compared with that of groups 1 (5.11.9 mm) and 3 (6.32.4 mm). Complaints of pain during the use of prostheses were noted in half of the patients in groups 2 and 3, whereas only slight discomfort persisted in 3 patients in group 1. The stability of the prostheses deteriorated in group 3 by day 21 (5.91.4 points), indicating lower adaptability of thermoplastic prostheses to changes in the relief of the prosthetic bed than with the combined construction (6.71.4 points). The acrylic prostheses demonstrated the lowest adaptability (3.21 points). The indicator of daily preservation of drugs under the bases of dentures in group 1 patients was 36.82 mm2, that in patients of group 3 was 30.31.8 mm2, and that in patients of group 2 was the lowest at 24.41.4 mm2.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: The principle of combining polymeric materials to create immediate dentures was the method of choice for prosthodontics treatment of patients with a complete absence of teeth due to surgical removal, as this category of patients is most sensitive to inflammatory complications during the postoperative period.

Enhanced recovery program in surgical treatment of patients with germ cell tumors of the testicle: experience of a specialized hospital

Background. Surgical treatment after chemotherapy is extremely difficult technically and should only be performed in a specialized medical center. The postoperative period after these surgical interventions is aimed not only at minimizing complications, but also at early mobilization and rehabilitation of patients. The principles of fast-track surgery, or ERAS (Enhanсed Recovery After Surgery) significantly reduce the incidence and degree of complications after various surgical interventions. However, the results of studies on the use of fast track in retroperitoneal lymphadenectomies have not yet been presented.Aim. To determine the effect of enhanced recovery program on treatment outcomes in patients with germ cell tumors of the testicle after retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy.Materials and methods. Retrospective analysis of 2 groups of patients (n = 93) treated at the N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology (Saint Petersburg) was performed. In the 1st group of patients, standard postoperative care after retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy was performed; in the 2nd group, fast track elements were used. Since the introduction of the ERAS protocol into clinical practice (September 2017), all patients have been included in the 2nd group.Results. The presence or absence of preoperative preparation did not affect the incidence of intraoperative complications (p = 0.031). There were significant differences in the duration of hospitalization between the 1st and 2nd groups –15.3 and 11.9 days (p = 0.03), respectively. Assessment of the pain syndrome using the Numeric Rating Scale for Pain (NRS) showed that median pain level in the 1st group was significantly higher than in the 2nd group: 5 ± 1.5 and 3 ± 1.7, respectively (p = 0.04), which indicates a more severe and less controlled pain syndrome in the 1st group of patients. The rate of infectious complications in the postoperative wound in the 2nd group was 3 cases versus 13 in the 1st group (p = 0.009). The rate of lymphorrhea in 2nd group was significantly lower (p = 0.003), median drainage duration was higher in 1st group (p &lt;0.05). In the 2nd group, 70.6 % of patients did not require drainage, which was an important factor in rapid rehabilitation.Conclusion. The use of fast-track principles in patients after retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy significantly reduces the incidence of postoperative complications and rehabilitation time.

The Severity of Pain in Prostate Biopsy Depends on the Biopsy Sector.

The pain experienced by a patient during a prostate fusion biopsy is cumulative and can also be modulated by many factors. The aim of the study was to assess the association between the degree of pain intensity during prostate biopsy and the region of the biopted organ. The study included a group of 143 patients who underwent prostate fusion biopsy under local analgesia followed by blockage of the periprostatic nerve. After a biopsy, the patients completed the original questionnaire about the pain experienced during the procedure. There was a statistically significant difference in pain score between cores taken in the apex (median 5 (IQR 2-5)), medium level (median 1 (IQR 1-2)), and prostate base (median 1 (IQR 1-3)) (p < 0.001). The malignancy scale ISUP ≥ 2 (p = 0.038) and lower PSA value (r = -0.17; p = 0.046) are associated with higher pain during procedure. Biopsy time was correlated with discomfort (r = 0.19; p = 0.04). Age (p = 0.65), lesion size (p = 0.29), PI-RADS score (p = 0.86), prostate volume (p = 0.22), and the number of cores (p = 0.56) did not correspond to the pain scale. The apex is the most sensitive sector of the prostate. ISUP ≥ 2 and patients with low PSA levels more often indicated higher values on the pain rating scale.

Effectiveness and Tolerability of a New Formulation of a Topical Anesthetic in Reduction of Pain and Parents’ Satisfaction in Pediatric Dentistry

The study's research design was a randomized controlled clinical trial on 300 children, aged 5-8 years, divided into two groups, each of 150 patients, according to pre-injection procedures (presence or absence of topical anesthesia). The injection pain was analyzed using the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (PRS) and the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability Scale (FLACC). At the end of the procedures, patients' parents' satisfaction was recorded. The data were analyzed using the Student's T test, Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-square test. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups both in the PRS and FLACC ratings. Both in subjective and objective pain evaluations, significantly higher pain ratings were observed in the group without topical anesthesia. There was also a statistically significant difference in terms of patients' parents' judgment, as in the group with the use of topical anesthetic the level of parental satisfaction is statistically higher. The experimental anesthetic has proved very effective in its use as a topical gel in both pain measurement scales, thus validating its use on the oral mucosa, for its pharmacological and psychological effect, in the total absence of local and systemic side effects.

A feasibility study of pre-sleep audio and visual alpha brain entrainment for people with chronic pain and sleep disturbance.

Chronic pain and sleep disturbance are bi-directionally related. Cortical electrical activity in the alpha frequency band can be enhanced with sensory stimulation via the phenomenon of entrainment, and may reduce pain perception. A smartphone based programme which delivers 10 Hz stimulation through flickering light or binaural beats was developed for use at night, pre-sleep, with the aim of improving night time pain and sleep and thereby subsequent pain and related daytime symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and give an indication of effect of this programme for individuals with chronic pain and sleep disturbance. In a non-controlled feasibility study participants used audio or visual alpha entrainment for 30 min pre-sleep each night for 4 weeks, following a 1 week baseline period. The study was pre-registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with the ID NCT04176861. 28 participants (79% female, mean age 45 years) completed the study with high levels of data completeness (86%) and intervention adherence (92%). Daily sleep diaries showed an increase compared to baseline in total sleep time of 29 min (p = 0.0033), reduction in sleep onset latency of 13 min (p = 0.0043), and increase in sleep efficiency of 4.7% (p = 0.0009). Daily 0-10 numerical rating scale of average pain at night improved by 0.5 points compared to baseline (p = 0.027). Standardised questionnaires showed significant within-participant improvements in sleep quality (change in median Global PSQI from 16 to 12.5), pain interference (change in median BPI Pain Interference from 7.5 to 6.8), fatigue (change in median MFI total score from 82.5 to 77), and depression and anxiety (change in median HADS depression score from 12 to 10.5 and anxiety from 13.5 to 11). Pre-sleep use of a smartphone programme for alpha entrainment by audio or visual stimulation was feasible for individuals with chronic pain and sleep disturbance. The effect on symptoms requires further exploration in controlled studies.

Libyan Healthcare Professionals’, Patients’ and Caregivers’ Perceptions and Religious Beliefs about Cancer Pain and its Management: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

Cancer pain remains a significant problem worldwide. It is often undertreated and presents in about half of cancer patients. Although several guidelines and pharmacological interventions for cancer pain management (CPM) exist, inadequate assessment and undertreatment of cancer pain are well-documented globally, especially in developing countries, including Libya. Perceptions, cultural and religious beliefs of healthcare professionals (HCP), patients, and caregivers about cancer pain and opioids are reported as barriers to CPM globally. This qualitative descriptive study aimed to explore Libyan HCPs’, patients’, and caregivers’ views and religious beliefs about CPM and involved semi-structured interviews with 36 participants: 18 Libyan cancer patients, 6 caregivers, and 12 Libyan HCPs. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Patients, caregivers, and newly qualified HCPs were concerned about poor tolerance and drug addiction. HCPs perceived a lack of policies and guidelines, pain rating scales, and professional education and training as CPM barriers. Some patients were unable to pay for medicines if they faced financial difficulties. Instead, patients and caregivers emphasised religious and cultural beliefs for managing cancer pain, including the use of the Qur’an and cautery. Our results suggest that religious and cultural beliefs, lack of knowledge and training in CPM among HCPs, and economic and Libyan healthcare system-related factors negatively affect CPM in Libya.

The effect of using illustrated materials for communication on the anxiety and comfort of cardiac surgery patients receiving mechanical ventilator support: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundUsing illustrated communication materials with patients receiving mechanical ventilation support increases patient satisfaction and reduces communication difficulties. However, there are no randomized controlled clinical studies showing the effect of the use of these materials on patient care outcomes. ObjectiveTo determine the effect of using illustrated communication materials on the anxiety and comfort levels of patients receiving mechanical ventilation support. MethodsIn this controlled clinical trial, patients were randomly assigned to either the intervention group that used illustrated communication materials or the control group that used routine communication methods. In the first minute of contact with patients in the intensive care unit, then at 30 min and 60 min, patients’ numerical pain-rating scale scores, hemodynamic values, and face-anxiety scale scores were recorded. Satisfaction with communication and perianesthesia comfort scale scores were obtained the day after operation. ResultsAfter 30 min of communication, the percentage of face-anxiety points difference decreased in the intervention group (-14.16) compared to the control group (-6.11), and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). In terms of perceived comfort during postoperative mechanical ventilation, the mean score of the patients in the intervention group (106.10) was higher than the control group (88.53), and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Furthermore, 90% of the patients in the intervention group and 30% of the patients in the control group were satisfied with the communication method used, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant. ConclusionUsing illustrated communication materials reduces anxiety and increases patient satisfaction and comfort levels. In communicating with intubated patients, the use of illustrated communication materials is recommended.

Effect of white, brown and pink noises on anxious pediatric dental patients

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of various relaxation noises on anxiety levels of children aged between 4-8 years old by analysing through heart rate, FLACC scale and Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale. Material and methodology: Using simple random sampling 40 children were equally divided into group of four; GROUP 1: Control group ( any cartoon music), GROUP 2: White noise, GROUP 3: Brown noise, Group 4: Pink noise. Patients in each group were treated in a single appointment after using the particular sound distraction technique, Patients who all require extraction under local anaesthesia were included in the study. Patient anxiety level was evaluated by measuring pulse rate, wong baker’s scale, FLACC scale at different time intervals. Results: Among all shades of noises, White noise shown significant results. Conclusion: It was concluded that audiodistraction is the innovative technique for diverting patient’s mind in pediatric dentistry.

Postoperative Segmental Motion up to 1 Year Following Single-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: Plate versus Non-plate.

Retrospective observational study. This study aimed to investigate the impact of plating on postoperative serial segmental motion and its correlation with clinical outcomes in single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for up to 1 year. The advantages and disadvantages of using cervical plating in ACDF have been well discussed; however, few studies compared the early serial segmental motions at the postoperative level between plating and non-plating. In retrospectively collected data, 149 patients who underwent single-level ACDF for degenerative disease were enrolled and divided into non-plating (n=66) and plating (n=83). Interspinous motion (ISM) at the arthrodesis segment, Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for neck pain, and Neck Disability Index (NDI) were serially evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Predictable factors for fusion, including age, sex, plating, diabetes, smoking, and type of grafts, were investigated, and fusion was defined as ISM <1 mm. In both groups, ISM was the highest at 3 months and gradually decreased thereafter, and the plating group showed significantly lower serial ISM than the non-plating group at 12 months. The plating group had lower NRS and NDI scores than the nonplating group at 12 months, and the difference in the NRS scores was statistically significant, particularly at 3 and 6 months, although that of the NDI scores was not. In a multivariate analysis, plating was the most powerful predictor for fusion. Plating significantly decreases the serial ISM compared with non-plating in single-level ACDF, and such decreased motion is correlated with decreased neck pain until 12 months postoperatively, particularly at 3 and 6 months. Given that plating was the most predictive factor for fusion, we recommend plating even in single-level ACDF for better early clinical outcomes.

Regional anesthesia provides limited decreases in opioid use following distal tibia and ankle fracture surgery.

Regional anesthesia (RA) is used for pain control, but its impacts on the orthopedic trauma population are not well known. This study evaluated the impact of peripheral nerve blocks after distal tibia and ankle fracture repair on opioid use and pain scores and quantified the magnitude and duration of any changes. This retrospective cohort study included patients treated operatively for distal tibia and ankle fractures over a 5-year period, both with and without peripheral nerve blocks. Total inpatient 5mg oxycodone equivalents (OEs) used in the post-operative period, from 0-24, 24-48, to 48-72h and maximum visual analog scale (VAS) pain ratings from 0-24, 24-48, to 48-72h were recorded. 540 non-polytrauma patients and 183 polytrauma patients were included. Patients in the non-polytrauma group who received nerve blocks required fewer opioids on post-operative day (POD) 1 compared to the non-nerve block group (4.8 [95% CI 4.2-5.4] vs. 10.5 [95% CI: 9.2-11.8]; p < 0.001) and had lower VAS scores on POD1 (5.0 [95% CI 4.6-5.4] vs. 7.7 [95% CI: 7.3-8.1]; p < 0.001). However, there were no differences between these groups on POD2 or POD3 and no differences at any timepoints in the polytrauma group. Patients with isolated distal tibia and ankle fractures who receive peripheral nerve blocks demonstrate modest reductions in inpatient opioids and pain scores on POD1. However, there are no clear benefits beyond this point. Furthermore, polytrauma patients do not experience any reductions in opioid consumption or pain scores.

Comparison of posterior muscle-preserving selective laminectomy and laminectomy with fusion for treating cervical spondylotic myelopathy: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundCervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is the predominant cause of spinal cord dysfunction in the elderly. The patients are often frail and susceptible to complications. Posterior surgical techniques involving non-fusion are complicated by postlaminectomy kyphosis and instrumented fusion techniques by distal junction kyphosis, pseudarthrosis, or implant failure. The optimal surgical approach is still a matter of controversy.Since anterior and posterior fusion techniques have been compared without presenting any superiority, the objective of this study is to compare stand-alone laminectomy with laminectomy and fusion to determine which treatment has the lowest frequency of reoperations.MethodsThis is a multicenter randomized, controlled, parallel-group non-inferiority trial. A total of 300 adult patients are allocated in a ratio of 1:1. The primary endpoint is reoperation for any reason at 5 years of follow-up. Sample size and power calculation were performed by estimating the reoperation rate after laminectomy to 3.5% and after laminectomy with fusion to 7.4% based on the data from the Swedish spine registry (Swespine) on patients with CSM. Secondary outcomes are the patient-derived Japanese Orthopaedic Association (P-mJOA) score, Neck Disability Index (NDI), European Quality of Life Five Dimensions (EQ-5D), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for neck and arm pain, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), development of kyphosis measured as the cervical sagittal vertical axis (cSVA), and death. Clinical and radiological follow-up is performed at 3, 12, 24, and 60 months after surgery. The main inclusion criterium is 1–4 levels of CSM in the subaxial spine, C3–C7. The REDcap software will be used for safe data management. Data will be analyzed according to the modified intention to treat (mITT) population, defined as randomized patients who are still alive without having emigrated or left the study after 2 and 5 years.DiscussionThis will be the first randomized controlled trial comparing two of the most common surgical treatments for CSM: the posterior muscle-preserving selective laminectomy and posterior laminectomy with instrumented fusion. The results of the myelopathy randomized controlled (MyRanC) study will provide surgical treatment recommendations for CSM. This may result in improvements in surgical treatment and clinical practice regarding CSM.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govNCT04936074. Registered on 23 June 2021

The Benefit of Early Epidural Corticosteroid Injections for Acute Sciatica-Associated Lower Back Pain: A Four-Year Case Series in Lebanon.

Background Early epidural steroid injections are currently widely used for patients experiencing lumbago. However, there is uncertainty about their efficacy, such as the limitation of continuous drug infusion and the need for well-trained physicians on this technique. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of early epidural steroid injections in treating patients with acute sciatica in the lower back in terms of symptom relief and recurrence rate. Methods A case series was conducted in Lebanon from 2015 to 2019. We recruited 98patients suffering from sciatica due to disc disease over three-time intervals: two weeks, one, and three months. The immediate results accounted for the intensity of various symptoms (numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain) and the assessment of patient satisfaction (Macnab criteria). Results The clinical results showed at least a three-pointpain relief according to Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and a good grade according to MacNab (P <0.001), with only 10.4% of the total population having a positive leg raise test post-injection. The maximum benefit was noted after two weeks from the injection with a 5.7 mean change in NRS (p<0.001) with a good/excellent response in MacNaband a 4.9 change with only a good response after one month. This study noticed a rebound phenomenon where around half of the patients needed two steroid injections after three months (39.6 % after three monthsand 17.9 % after six months). Conclusion Even though current guidelines worldwide may suggest the use of conservative treatmentfor low back pain with acute sciatica, our study has demonstrated the effectiveness of epidural steroid injections in the Lebanese population with a significant outcome.

COMFORTneo scale: a reliable and valid instrument to measure prolonged pain in neonates?

We studied the reliability and validity of the COMFORTneo scale, designed to measure neonatal prolonged pain. This prospective observational study evaluated four clinimetric properties of the COMFORTneo scale from NICU nurses' assessments of neonates' pain. Intra-rater reliability was determined from three video fragments at two time points. Inter-rater reliability and construct validity were determined in five neonates per nurse with the COMFORTneo and numeric rating scales (NRS) for pain and distress. Pain scores using N-PASS were correlated with COMFORTneo scores to further evaluate construct validity. Intra-rater reliability: Twenty-two nurses assessed pain twice with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.70. Inter-rater reliability: The ICC for 310 COMFORTneo scores together with 62 nurses was 0.93. Construct validity: Correlation between COMFORTneo and NRS pain, distress, and N-PASS was 0.34, 0.72, and 0.70, respectively. The COMFORTneo can be used to reliably and validly assess pain in NICU patients.

Patterns of Change in Pain-related Physical, Mental, and Social Health Outcomes in a Military Population

Objective: Military persons frequently experience pain conditions stemming from noncombat and combat injuries. This study assessed the patterns of change over time and the associations of pain intensity and interference with physical, mental, and social health domains in a military sample.Methods: A secondary analysis of Pain Assessment Screening Tool and Outcomes Registry (PASTOR) was conducted using data collected over 10 months. Participants selected for analysis completed ≥3 assessments with an interval of ≥14 days between assessments. The Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS) measured average and worst pain intensity, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) T-scores measured pain and health outcomes.Results: The sample (N = 190) majority reported being active duty (96%); serving in the U.S. Army (93%); and being enlisted (86%). The percent difference from assessment one to assessment three showed improvement for DVPRS average pain (–4.85%) and worst pain(–2.16%), and PROMIS Pain Interference T-score (–1.98%). Improvements were observed for all PROMIS outcomes except depression. The Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale average and worst pain intensity and PROMIS pain interference were strongly correlated with physical function. Multilevel models showed that an increase in average and worst pain, and pain interference were associated with a decrease in satisfaction with social roles.Conclusion: Analysis identified patterns of change over time in physical, mental, and social health outcomes, as well as associations important to understanding the complexities of pain. This work has implications for pain management nursing in ambulatory settings where ongoing collection and analyses of multivariable outcomes data can inform clinical care.

Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions in management of peripheral venipuncture-related pain: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundVenipuncture is a routine nursing procedure in the pediatric ward for blood collection and transfusion. However, this procedure can cause severe pain and distress if not adequately managed.MethodsChildren aged 3–16 years old were randomized into three groups: EMLA group, distraction group, and combined group. The primary outcome was children’s self-reported pain scored using the Wong-Baker FACES® Pain Rating Scale. The parents-reported and observer-reported pain were scored using the Revised Face, Legs, Activity, Cry and Consolability Scale, and children’s salivary cortisol levels, heart rate, percutaneous oxygen saturation, venipuncture duration and retaining time of IV cannulas were the secondary outcomes.ResultsA total of 299 children (167 male, 55.8%, median age 8.5) were enrolled: EMLA group (n = 103), distraction group(n = 96) and combined group(n = 100). There was no statistical difference in self-reported pain (P = 0.051), parent-reported pain (P = 0.072), and observer-reported pain (P = 0.906) among the three groups. All three interventions can decrease children’s pain during IV cannulations. Additionally, the distraction group's salivary cortisol levels were lower than the combined group(P = 0.013). Furthermore, no significant difference was observed in the heart rate(P = 0.844), percutaneous oxygen saturation (P = 0.438), venipuncture duration (p = 0.440) and retaining time of IV cannulas (p = 0.843) among the three groups.ConclusionsAll three groups responded with slight pain during the peripheral venipuncture procedure. Therefore, medical workers in pediatric settings can use the interventions appropriate for their medical resources and availability while involving parents and children’s preferences whenever possible.Trial registrationThis trial was registered on https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/ (Gov.ID NCT04275336).

Case-matched radiological and clinical outcome evaluation of interlaminar versus microsurgical decompression of lumbar spinal stenosis

PurposeEndoscopic spine surgery is a globally expanding technique advocated as less invasive for spinal stenosis treatment compared to the microsurgical approach. However, evidence on the efficiency of interlaminar full-endoscopic decompression (FED) vs. conventional microsurgical decompression (MSD) in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis is still scarce. We conducted a case-matched comparison for treatment success with consideration of clinical, laboratory, and radiologic predictors.MethodsWe included 88 consecutive patients (FED: 36/88, 40.9%; MSD: 52/88, 59.1%) presenting with lumbar central spinal stenosis. Surgery-related (operation time, complications, length of stay (LOS), American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA) score, C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count, side of approach (unilateral/bilateral), patient-related outcome measures (PROMs) (Oswestry disability index (ODI), numeric rating scale of pain (NRS; leg-, back pain), EuroQol questionnaire (eQ-5D), core outcome measures index (COMI)), and radiological (dural sack cross-sectional area, Schizas score (SC), left and right lateral recess heights, and facet angles, respectively) parameters were extracted at different time points up to 1-year follow-up. The relationship of PROMs was analyzed using Spearman’s rank correlation. Surgery-related outcome parameters were correlated with patient-centered and radiological outcomes utilizing a regression model to determine predictors for propensity score matching.ResultsComplication (most often residual sensorimotor deficits and restenosis due to hematoma) rates were higher in the FED (33.3%) than MSD (13.5%) group (p < 0.05), while all complications in the FED group were observed within the first 20 FED patients. Operation time was higher in the FED, whereas LOS was higher in the MSD group. Age, SC, CRP revealed significant associations with PROMs. We did not observe significant differences in the endoscopic vs. microsurgical group in PROMs. The correlation between ODI and COMI was significantly high, and both were inversely correlated with eQ-5D, whereas the correlations of these PROMs with NRS findings were less pronounced.ConclusionsEndoscopic treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis was similarly successful as the conventional microsurgical approach. Although FED was associated with higher complication rates in our single-center study experience, the distribution of complications indicated surgical learning curves to be the main factor of these findings. Future long-term prospective studies considering the surgical learning curve are warranted for reliable comparisons of these techniques.