Rates Of Complete Pain Relief Research Articles

Percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation and microvascular decompression for treating glossopharyngeal neuralgia: a retrospective clinical study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the differences in the effectiveness of percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation (PRT) and microvascular decompression (MVD) in treating glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN).MethodsMedical records of patients were reviewed to investigate their baseline characteristics and immediate postoperative prognosis. Long-term outcomes of these patients were obtained through telephone interviews. Visual analog scale (VAS) and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) scores at 1 day and 1, 4, 12, 24, and 48 weeks after surgery were compared between the MVD and PRT groups, in addition to complete pain relief rate, effective rate, adverse reactions, length of hospital stay, and economic indicators.ResultsThe VAS and PSQI scores of the two groups at 1 day and 1, 4, 12, 24, and 48 weeks after surgery were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those before surgery. At 48 weeks, the complete remission rate was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the MVD group than in PRT group. No significant difference in adverse reactions was observed between the two groups. The length of hospital stay, operative time, and cost were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the MVD group than in the PRT group.ConclusionsBoth PRT and MVD can significantly reduce patients’ degree of pain and improve their sleep quality. In the medium term, MVD is better than PRT in terms of the complete curative effect. In young patients with GPN, MVD is more often recommended than PRT; however, MVD is costlier than PRT.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Comparison of Proximal and Distal Isocenter Outcomes

Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition of the trigeminal nerve affecting 12 per 100,000 people. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) delivered by both a non-invasive stereotactic radiosurgery instrument and linear accelerators (LINAC) is a non-invasive alternative to surgical approaches. Although SRS in this setting is commonly performed, there lacks a consensus and comparative data on the optimal anatomical target with the two most common targets being the dorsal root entry zone (proximal) and retrogasserian zone (distal). This study aims to evaluate treatment outcomes in patients based on these two target locations. This multi-center, retrospective analysis included patients treated for trigeminal neuralgia between 2017 and 2021 with GK and LINAC-based SRS who were followed for at least 1 year. All patients received a dose of 85 Gy prescribed to the isocenter, set at the dorsal root entry zone (proximal) or the retrogasserian zone (distal). Isocenter location was based on the preference of the radiation oncologist and neurosurgeon. Patient reported clinical pain relief was recorded as full, partial, or no pain relief after SRS. Among patients with full and partial pain relief duration of pain relief was recorded. Ability to achieve full or partial medication de-escalation was also recorded. Outcomes of patients in the proximal and distal target cohort were compared using time based univariate analyses using log rank hazards model. We identified 86 eligible patients, of whom 54 patients (63%; median age 63, 72% female) were treated using a proximal target, and 32 (37%; median age 66, 71% female) were prescribed to a distal target. In the proximal and distal cohorts, patients experienced pain relief (either partial or full relief) at a rate of 74% and 90% and full pain relief at a rate of 46% and 31%, respectively (p = 0.011). The duration of pain relief was not significantly different amongst the two groups (p = 0.18). Partial medication de-escalation was more frequent in the distal target (75%) vs proximal (33%), while full medication de-escalation was more frequent with proximal (39%) vs distal (13%), p = 0.001. This study contributes to the limited data evaluating the differences in outcomes between proximal and distal targeting for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia with stereotactic radiosurgery. Overall, this study confirms that both approaches achieve a high rate of response in a difficult to control disease process. Our study suggests that a distal isocenter may be associated with higher rates of any type of pain improvement while a proximal isocenter may be associated with higher rates of complete pain relief. This data is hypothesis-generating and warrants further investigation into the effectiveness/toxicity differences of two approaches.

Efficacy of Different Pancreatic Interventional Treatments for Chronic Calcific Pancreatitis: A Two-Year Multicenter Retrospective Study.

BackgroundExtracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are the main treatments for chronic calcific pancreatitis (CCP). However, clinical outcomes remain unclear for patients underwent different interventional therapies based on these two techniques.MethodsA total of 125 patients with CCP who underwent ESWL, ERCP or a combined treatment at two medical centers from January 2019 to January 2020 were considered. Patients were divided into four groups according to intervention types (ESWL-alone, ERCP-alone, ESWL-ERCP and ERCP-ESWL). A retrospective survey with a follow-up for 2 years was conducted. The main outcome measures were postoperative complications, abdominal pain and re-intervention during the follow-up. Possible prognostic factors were evaluated by multivariate analysis.ResultsPatients in ESWL-ERCP group had the highest complete pain relief rate (49.28%), the lowest pain frequency (1 time/year) and intensity (VAS-score, 1.84±1.93) during the follow-up, which were statistically significant compared with the other three groups. ESWL-ERCP group also had the lowest postoperative complication rate (6%), while the highest complication rate (16%) was observed in ESWL-alone group. Both ESWL-alone and ESWL-ERCP group had significant lower frequencies of re-interventions (0.44 ± 0.73, 0.57±0.98, respectively) after the initial treatments. An analysis of treatment-based prognostic factors found significant interactions between age, course of CCP, max pancreatic duct stone diameter, calcium, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and triglyceride.ConclusionESWL-ERCP was considered as the most effective interventional therapy for CCP with a better safety in a two-year follow-up. Prognostic factors may help to determine the patients who benefit by this technique.

Rationale and design for the study of recombinant human hepatocyte growth factor plasmid in the treatment of patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (HOPE CLTI): Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase III clinical trials

Although patients with CLTI have benefited from the rapid development of endovascular techniques, many patients are considered unsuitable for revascularization procedures. A previous phase II clinical trial has suggested that recombinant human hepatocyte growth factor plasmid (NL003) can salvage limbs during the treatment of patients with CLTI. However, the safety and efficacy of this drug need to be evaluated in a larger cohort. HOPE CLTI is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intramuscular injection of NL003 in CLTI patients. This study consisted of 22 trials: HOPE CLTI-1, which includes patients with rest pain (Rutherford stage 4), and HOPE CLTI-2, which includes patients with limb ulcers (Rutherford stage 5). In both trials, patients are randomized with a 2:1 ratio of intramuscular injection of NL003 to placebo. The primary endpoint of HOPE CLTI-1 is the complete pain relief rate. The primary endpoint of HOPE CLTI-2 is the complete ulcer healing rate. The safety endpoint was assessed based on adverse events after injection of NL003. Enrollment began in July 2019. The HOPE CLTI-1 trial aims to complete the randomization of at least 300 patients, while the HOPE CLTI-2 trial aims to enroll at least 240 patients. Both trials are organized such that patients will be followed for 6 months after the first intramuscular injection. HITOP CLTI, which is comprised of 2 multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III clinical trials, aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the intramuscular administration of NL003 in patients with CLTI.

Ultrathin Bioresorbable-Polymer Sirolimus-Eluting Stents Versus Thin Durable-Polymer Everolimus-Eluting Stents in Patients Undergoing Coronary Revascularization: Final Five-Year Outcomes From the Randomized BIOFLOW-V Trial

Although patients with CLTI have benefited from the rapid development of endovascular techniques, many patients are considered unsuitable for revascularization procedures. A previous phase II clinical trial has suggested that recombinant human hepatocyte growth factor plasmid (NL003) can salvage limbs during the treatment of patients with CLTI. However, the safety and efficacy of this drug need to be evaluated in a larger cohort.HOPE CLTI is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intramuscular injection of NL003 in CLTI patients. This study consisted of 22 trials: HOPE CLTI-1, which includes patients with rest pain (Rutherford stage 4), and HOPE CLTI-2, which includes patients with limb ulcers (Rutherford stage 5). In both trials, patients are randomized with a 2:1 ratio of intramuscular injection of NL003 to placebo. The primary endpoint of HOPE CLTI-1 is the complete pain relief rate. The primary endpoint of HOPE CLTI-2 is the complete ulcer healing rate. The safety endpoint was assessed based on adverse events after injection of NL003. Enrollment began in July 2019. The HOPE CLTI-1 trial aims to complete the randomization of at least 300 patients, while the HOPE CLTI-2 trial aims to enroll at least 240 patients. Both trials are organized such that patients will be followed for 6 months after the first intramuscular injection.HITOP CLTI, which is comprised of 2 multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III clinical trials, aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the intramuscular administration of NL003 in patients with CLTI.

Efficacy of EUS-guided celiac plexus neurolysis in combination with EUS-guided celiac ganglia neurolysis for pancreatic cancer-associated pain: a multicenter prospective trial.

This study evaluated the efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided celiac plexus neurolysis (EUS-CPN) in combination with EUS-guided celiac ganglia neurolysis (EUS-CGN) for pancreatic cancer-associated pain. This multicenter prospective trial was registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN000031228). Fifty-one consecutive patients with pancreatic cancer-associated pain who presented at one of five Japanese referral centers between February 2018 and March 2021 were enrolled. EUS-CGN was added in cases of visible celiac ganglia. The primary endpoint was effectiveness, defined as a decrease in the numerical rating scale (NRS) by ≥ 3 points. NRS data were prospectively acquired at 1week after the procedure to evaluate its effectiveness and the extent of pain relief. The technical success rates of EUS-CPN and EUS-CGN were 100% and 80.4%, respectively. The overall efficacy rate was 82.4% [90% confidence interval (CI) 71.2-90.5, P < 0.0001]. The complete pain relief rate was 27.4%. The adverse events rate was 15.7%. The average pain relief period was 72days. The efficacy rate was higher in the EUS-CPN plus EUS-CGN group than in the EUS-CPN alone group. EUS-CPN plus EUS-CGN was superior to EUS-CPN alone for achieving complete pain relief (P = 0.045). EUS-CGN did not improve the average length of the pain relief period. EUS-CPN combined with EUS-CGN is safe, feasible, and effective for pain relief in patients with pancreatic cancer. The patients who received additional EUS-CGN had a better short-term response. UMIN000031228.

Treatment of Third Branch Trigeminal Neuralgia With a Balloon Inflated in the Foramen Ovale.

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of modified percutaneous balloon compression for simple third branch pain and its postoperative complications.MethodsClinical data and surgical records of 132 patients with third branch pain treated with percutaneous balloon compression from March 2015 to May 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, of which 81 cases were in the modified group and 51 cases were in the classic group. The modified technique was to compress again at the foramen ovale to enhance the compression in V3 after compression of the Gasserian ganglion.ResultsIn the modified group, the overall therapeutic efficiency was 96.3%, with 77 patients (95.1%) having immediate postoperative pain relief and one patient (1.2%) having occasional pain without the need for medication. In the classic group, immediate postoperative pain relief was seen in 43 cases (84.3%), and two patients (3.9%) had occasional pain with no need for medication. The rate of complete pain relief was significantly higher in the modified group than in the classic group (P < 0.05). Postoperative follow-up ranged from 14 to 48 months. The pain-free rates were 77.8 and 54.9% in the modified and classic groups, respectively. The incidence of facial numbness in the region of the first branch was significantly lower than in the classic group (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe modified procedure has significant advantages over the classic procedure in improving surgical efficacy, reducing postoperative recurrence rate, and decreasing postoperative numbness in the region, and can be used to treat simple trigeminal neuralgia in the third branch.

Ultrasound Guided Infraorbital Nerve Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation in Patients with Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a sudden intensive orofacial pain disorder characterized by a unilateral recurrent paroxysmal lancinating pain occurring in the area of trigeminal nerve distribution. Diagnosis is made with characteristic clinical presentations and requires brain magnetic resonance imaging to rule out intracranial tumor or multiple sclerosis which potentially causes secondary TN. Among the various interventional managements, the conventional radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT) of Gasserian ganglion results in the highest rate of complete pain relief. We report two cases who presented severe facial pain due to intractable TN of V2 division. For pain relief, Gasserian ganglion RFT was planned. However, both patients could not tolerate the neck extension and chin-up position. Therefore, ultrasound guided infraorbital nerve RFT which does not require such position was performed successfully. When the patients came to the pain clinic 2 weeks later, the numerical rating scale for TN was 2/10 with mild hypoesthesia of V2 division. Infraorbital nerve RFT is an alternative option in patients who is unable to tolerate the ganglion RFT. Keywords: Radio waves, Trigeminal nerve, Trigeminal neuralgia, Ultrasonography

A retrospective analysis of debridement in the treatment of chronic injury of lactating nipples

Treatment strategies for nipple injury are mainly based on aetiology. However, some damaged nipples do not heal after the aetiology was corrected. This study retrospectively analyses the effect of debridement for treating chronic injury of lactating nipples. The medical records on nipple injury management in the authors’ department from December 2015 to January 2020 were retrospectively analysed. A total of 167 patients were enrolled and grouped based on the presence or absence of nipple debridement. The difference in the healing effect, pain relief rate and recurrence rate of nipple injury between the two groups after 1 week was examined. The cure rate of nipple injury in the intervention group (54.3%) was significantly higher than in the control group (26.7%). In addition, the complete pain relief rate in the intervention group (48.1%) was significantly higher than in the control group (23.3%). However, the recurrence rates between the two groups (36.4% (16/44) vs. 34.8% (8/23)) had no statistically significant differences. For patients with no improvement after correction of the aetiology of the in the nipple damage, debridement can improve the healing environment of nipple breakage and thus relieve nipple pain.

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Health Sciences, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Education and Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey

Background: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) occurs in 9% to 34% of herpes zoster (HZ) patients, and the incidence of PHN is positively correlated with age. A number of patients suffer from poor therapeutic effects or intolerable side effects and need to accept minimally invasive analgesia. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) on the treatment of elderly patients with HZ-related pain persisting beyond the acute phase. Study Design: A prospective, randomized-controlled trial. Setting: Research was conducted at the National Pain Management and Research Center, ChinaJapan Friendship Hospital (Beijing, China). Methods: We selected 63 patients aged over 50 years with zoster-related pain of 1 to 6 months onset. They were randomly divided into an SCS group and a PRF group. In the SCS group, the stimulus electrodes were placed in the affected spinal ganglion segment of the epidural space for 2 weeks. In the PRF group, the radiofrequency needle was percutaneously punctured in the affected dorsal root ganglion. The main outcome measures were the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS-11) score, response rate, and complete remission rate. The secondary endpoint was defined as the use of analgesics and calcium channel antagonists. Results: The NRS-11 score in the SCS group decreased to 2.90 ± 1.83 (1 week post operation) and 4.37 ± 2.43 (24 weeks post operation), while that in the PRF group decreased to 3.13 ± 1.78 and 4.23 ± 2.64, respectively (compared with baseline, P &lt; .001); there was no significant difference between the 2 groups (P &gt; .05) . The effective rate of pain management was in the range of 56.67% to 81.25%, and the complete pain relief rate ranged from 37% to 71%. The number of patients still using analgesics and calcium channel antagonists after operation were significantly less than those pre-operation (P &lt; .001). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that the operation method, age, gender, and course of disease did not affect surgical efficacy. Limitations: The main limitation of this study is that all the cases were from the same center. Conclusion: It therefore can be concluded that SCS and PRF can effectively relieve PHN. Key words: Spinal cord stimulation, pulsed radiofrequency, postherpetic neuralgia

Patient-Reported Outcomes–Secondary Analysis of the SCORE-2 Trial Comparing 4 Gy × 5 to 3 Gy × 10 for Metastatic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression

To compare 4 Gy × 5 (1 week) to 3 Gy × 10 (2 weeks) in relieving pain and distress in patients with metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC). The randomized SCORE-2 trial compared 4 Gy × 5 (n = 101) to 3 Gy × 10 (n = 102) for MESCC. In this additional analysis, these regimens were compared for their effect in relieving pain and distress. Distress was evaluated with the distress-thermometer (0 = no distress, 10 = extreme distress) and pain on a linear scale (0 = no pain, 10 = worst pain). Relief of distress was defined as decrease of ≥2 points; complete and partial pain relief were defined as achieving a score of 0 points and a decrease ≥2 points, respectively, without increase of analgesic use. This prospective secondary analysis of the SCORE-2 trial aimed to show that 4 Gy × 5 was not inferior to 3 Gy × 10 regarding distress and pain relief. Analyses were performed using the unconditional test of noninferiority for binomial differences based on restricted maximum likelihood estimates (noninferiority margin: -20%). Evaluations were performed before, directly after, and 1, 3, and 6 months after radiation therapy. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02189473). At baseline, median distress scores were 8 (2-10) points in the 4 Gy × 5 group and 8 (2-10) points in the 3 Gy × 10 group. At 1 month, distress relief rates were 58.1% (43/74) and 62.7% (47/75) (difference: -4.6%; 95% confidence interval, -20.0% to +11.1%; P = .025). At baseline, median pain scores were 7 (2-10) and 7 (2-10) points, respectively. At 1 month, complete pain relief rates were 23.5% (16/68) versus 20.0% (14/70) (difference, +3.5%; 95% confidence interval, -10.4% to +17.5%; P < .001), and overall pain relief rates were 52.9% (36/68) versus 57.1% (40/70) (difference, -4.2%; 95% confidence interval, -20.5% to +12.3%; P = .029). Distress and pain relief rates after 4 Gy × 5 were largely comparable to 3 Gy × 10 at all time points. Associated 95% confidence intervals did not point toward any relevant differences. In patients with MESCC and poor to intermediate survival prognoses, 4 Gy × 5 appeared noninferior to 3 Gy × 10 regarding pain and distress relief.

Factors influencing the efficacy of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for acute low back pain. The results of the multicenter observational «CARAMBOL» (Clinical Analysis of Results of Analgesia by Meloxicam and its Safety in Acute Lumbodynia) study

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a main tool to treat acute nonspecific low back pain (NLBP). However, no factors that influence the efficacy of these drugs have been identified to the present day.Objective: to evaluate the therapeutic effect of and tolerance to NSAIDs (meloxicam) in treating acute NLBS and to identify the factors influencing the efficacy of this drug.Patients and methods. A study group consisted of 2078 patients (mean age 46.3±13.4 years; women 56.6%) with acute NLBS who had been treated in real clinical practice. The level of pain was estimated using a 0–10 point numerical rating scale (NRS). Initially, the pain level averaged 6.69±1.65 scores; 57.0% of patients were noted to have severe pain (≥7 NRS scores). Pain at rest persisted in 32.0% of patients; that at night was in 19.0%; sensation of stiffness in 60.7%, irradiation to the leg in 28.2%, and lumbar ischialgia in 9.6%. 70.2% of patients had been previously treated with NSAIDs for NLBS, while only 28.0% rated their efficacy as good. All the patients were prescribed meloxicam at a dose of 15 mg/day for a period of up to 2 weeks. 86.1% of the patients received meloxicam intramuscular for 2 days, then orally; 13.9% took the drug only orally. 52.3% of the patients also used muscle relaxants; 17.4% received oral or intramuscular B vitamins. The study estimated the rate of complete pain relief when NSAIDs were used for up to 2 weeks.Results and discussion. Complete pain relief was achieved in 75.2% of patients. 83.7% of patients rated the effect of treatment as good or excellent. Undesired drug reactions were recorded in 4.6% of patients. Female gender had no effect on treatment outcome (odds ratio (OR)=0.967; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.795–1.177; p=0.763). Age over 65 years, the first NLBS episode, and a good NSAID effect in a history were associated with the best treatment result: OR=2.053 (95% CI, 1.5920–2.642), p&lt;0.001; 1.415 (1.09–1.836), p=0.009; and 1.937 (1.513–2.481), p&lt;0.001, respectively. Severe pain (≥7 NRS scores), persistent pain at rest and at night, and especially lumbar ischialgia indicated the worst result: OR=0.481 (95% CI, 0.393–0.588), p&lt;0.001; 0.559 (0.441–0.709), p&lt;0.001; 0.511 (0.413–0.631), p&lt;0.001; and 0.346 (0.256–0.466), p&lt;0.001, respectively. NSAIDs in combination with muscle relaxants and B vitamins versus NSAID monotherapy did not increase the likelihood of pain relief: OR=0.827 (95% CI, 0.594–0.889), p=0.02 and 0.917 (0.804–1.1201), p=0.452, respectively.Conclusion. Meloxicam at a dose of 15 mg/day is an effective and safe drug to treat acute NLBS. Patient gender has no effect on treatment outcome. Age over 65 years, the first NLBS episode, and a good response to NSAIDs in a history are associated with the best treatment results; and severe pain, persistent pain at rest and at night, irradiation to the leg, and lumbar ischialgia are related to the worst result. NSAIDs in combination with muscle relaxants and B vitamins did not improve treatment outcomes.

Repeat microvascular decompression for patients with persistent or recurrent trigeminal neuralgia: Prognostic factors and long-term outcomes.

Patients with persistent or recurrent trigeminal neuralgia (TN) after microvascular decompression (MVD) are frequently difficult to manage. This study aimed to analyze the safety and efficiency of repeat MVD, with the main focus on prognostic factors and long-term outcomes.We performed a retrospective study of 41 TN patients (19 men, 22 women) who underwent repeat MVD due to persistent or recurrent pain from January 2008 to January 2016. These patients were followed up from 12 to 96 months (mean, 42 ± 17.3 months). Univariate analysis by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used for analysis of prognostic factors.During the repeat MVD, compression of the trigeminal nerve was noted by an artery in 15 patients (36.6%), vein in 6 patients (14.6%), Teflon in 8 patients (19.5%), and no compression in 12 patients (29.3%). Twenty-one patients (51.2%) had already undergone 1 or more previous ablative procedures, either before the first MVD or between the surgeries. The complete pain relief rates of repeat MVD were 87.8% immediately after surgery and 75% at last follow-up. Thirteen patients (31.7%) had new or increased facial numbness after repeat surgery. Univariate analysis revealed 2 prognostic factors, negative finding during reoperation (P = .021) and no pain relief after the initial surgery (P = .038), that showed a negative influence on success rates after repeat MVD.Repeat MVD can still achieve an excellent outcome in patients with persistent or recurrent pain. However, the risk of facial numbness is increased. Surgeons should be selective in performing repeat MVD, priority should be given to patients who have a pain-free interval after initial MVD or show demonstrable compression on imaging studies.

Efficacy and Safety of Microvascular Decompression and Gamma Knife Surgery Treatments for Patients with Primary Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Prospective Study

To compare efficacy and safety of microvascular decompression (MVD) and Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) treatments for trigeminal neuralgia. Patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia were randomly divided into 2 groups to undergo either MVD or GKS. All patients were followed for 2 years to evaluate efficacy, recurrence rates, and complications of treatment. Of 441 enrolled patients, 220 were in the MVD group, and 221 were in the GKS group. There were no deaths in either group. At the 2-year follow-up, 183 patients (83%) in the MVD group reported complete pain relief, 5 (2%) had obvious pain relief, and 20 (9%) had no relief. In the GKS group, 55 patients (25%) reported complete pain relief, 106 (48%) had obvious pain relief, and 37 (17%) had no relief. There was no significant difference in the recurrence rate (0.45% vs. 0.9%) between the 2 groups. The most common complications in the MVD group were chemical meningitis (6%), cerebrospinal fluid leakage (4%), and facial palsy (4%). Loss of corneal reflex (6%) and facial numbness (5%) were the most common complications in the GKS group. Both MVD and GKS are effective surgical treatments for trigeminal neuralgia. The rate of complete pain relief in the MVD group was significantly superior to the rate of complete pain relief in the GKS group. There was no significant difference in recurrence rates between the groups; however, there were more severe complications in the MVD group than in the GKS group.

The efficacy of meloxicam in acute back pain: results of an observational non-interventional multicenter study

To evaluate the efficacy of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (meloxicam) in acute nonspecific back pain (NSBP) depending on influence of clinical and anamnestic factors. The studied group included 2078 patients presented with an acute NSBP. All study subjects received meloxicam in a dose of 15 mg/day: 86.1% were given intramuscular meloxicam injections for the first 3-5 days and then switched to an oral meloxicam and 13.9% received an oral meloxicam throughout the therapy. Skeletal muscle relaxants (SMR) and oral or intramuscular group B vitamins were also prescribed to 52.3% and 17.4% of study patients, respectively. Pain was assessed on a 10-point numerical rank scale (NRS). The study assessed the rate of complete pain relief within a 2-weeks NSAID therapy. Complete pain relief was achieved in 75.2% of study patients, mean period of treatment was 8.61±5.53 days. Adverse events were observed in 4.6% of patients. Age <65 years, first NSBP episode and a history of good response to NSAIDs were associated with better treatment outcomes. A severe baseline pain (NRS score ≥7), pain persistence at rest, at nights and, especially, sciatica were associated with poorer treatment outcomes. Co-administration of SMR and group B vitamins did not increase chances for pain relief compared to the NSAID monotherapy. Meloxicam in a dose of 15 mg/day is an effective and safe therapy for the treatment of acute NSBP. The analgesic effect of NSAIDs is higher in young patients, patients with the first episode of NBC and a good response to NSAIDs in history. Treatment of patients with NSBP in the presence of severe pain, maintaining pain at rest and at night, and in case of sciatica, requires special control and integrated treatment.

Microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia in patients with failed gamma knife surgery: Analysis of efficacy and safety

ObjectiveThough it is usually successful, failure or delayed pain recurrence may occur after gamma knife surgery (GKS) in patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN), and additional intervention may be required. This study aimed to investigate whether the safety and efficacy of microvascular decompression (MVD) were influenced by prior GKS. Patients and methodsThe authors retrospectively evaluated 36 consecutive TN patients who underwent MVD after failed GKS from January 2012 to June 2013. The clinical features, operative findings and surgical outcomes were reviewed and statistically analyzed, and the operation results were further compared with a cohort of 60 patients with no prior GKS. ResultsAt surgery, atrophy of the trigeminal nerve was observed in 13 patients (36.1%), arachnoid thickening in 6 patients (16.7%), adhesions between vessels and the trigeminal nerve in 8 patients (22.2%), and atherosclerotic plaque in the offending vessels in 3 patients (8.3%). The complete pain relief rates were 83.3% immediately after MVD and 72.2% at last follow-up, which showed no statistical difference when compared with patients without GKS. New or worsened facial numbness occurred in 7 patients (19.4%), which was significantly higher than those without GKS (p=0.02). Univariate analysis suggested that a positive pain response to the prior GKS correlated with better long-term outcome (p=0.015), and the existence of arachnoid adhesions correlated with higher risk of facial numbness (p=0.03). ConclusionsMVD remains an appropriate and effective alternative therapy for patients with failed GKS, with no added technical difficulty. However, the risk of facial numbness seems to be higher than those with MVD alone.

Dose escalation by image-guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy leads to an increase in pain relief for spinal metastases: a comparison study with a regimen of 30 Gy in 10 fractions.

PurposeUnder the existing condition that the optimum radiotherapy regimen for spinal metastases is controversial, this study investigates the benefits of dose escalation by image-guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IG-IMRT) with 60–66 Gy in 20–30 fractions for spinal metastases.ResultsIn the dose-escalation group, each D50 of planning gross tumor volume (PGTV) was above 60 Gy and each Dmax of spinal cord planning organ at risk volume (PRV) was below 48 Gy. The median biological effective dose (BED) of Dmax of spinal cord was lower in the dose-escalation group compared with that in the 30-Gy group (69.70 Gy vs. 83.16 Gy, p < 0.001). After one month and three months of the radiotherapy, pain responses were better in the dose-escalation group than those in the 30-Gy group (p = 0.005 and p = 0.024), and the complete pain relief rates were respectively 73.69% and 34.29% (p = 0.006), 73.69% and 41.38% (p = 0.028) in two compared groups. In the dose-escalation group, there is a trend of a longer duration of pain relief, a longer overall survival and a lower incidence of acute radiation toxicities. No late radiation toxicities were observed in both groups.Materials and MethodsDosimetric parameters and clinical outcomes, including pain response, duration of pain relief, radiation toxicities and overall survival, were compared among twenty-five metastatic spinal lesions irradiated with the dose-escalation regimen and among forty-four lesions treated with the 30-Gy regimen.ConclusionsConventionally-fractionated IG-IMRT for spinal metastases could escalate dose to the vertebral lesions while sparing the spinal cord, achieving a better pain relief without increasing radiation complications.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery as Initial Surgical Management for Elderly Patients with Trigeminal Neuralgia

Background: Management of older patients with medically refractory trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is yet a matter of debate. Objective: We sought to determine the benefit of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) as the sole surgical management in older patients (≥70 years). Methods: One hundred and twenty-seven patients (≥70 years) with typical TN underwent SRS as initial surgical management. The median maximum dose for the first procedure was 80 Gy. Repeat SRS was performed in 46 patients who developed recurrent pain. Results: After the first SRS, the initial pain control was achieved in 91% of patients. Complete pain relief (Barrow Neurological Institute [BNI] score I) developed in 75 patients (59%) and was maintained in 59, 39, and 22% of patients at 1, 3, and 5 years. Following repeat SRS, the rate of complete pain relief was 79, 55, and 41% at 1, 3, and 5 years. The chance of BNI I preservation was greater after repeat SRS compared to initial SRS (hazards ratio: 2.02, p < 0.0001). The incidence of trigeminal sensory loss was 17% after initial SRS but increased to 39% after repeat SRS. Conclusions: SRS alone was used effectively in older TN patients to achieve pain control. Recurrent pain responded to retreatment but was associated with an increased risk of sensory dysfunction.

A proposed plan for personalized radiosurgery in patients with trigeminal neuralgia

OBJECTIVE During the last 25 years, more than 100,000 patients worldwide with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) have undergone stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) with a standard dose of radiation. However, the radiobiological effect of radiation is determined by the amount of energy delivered to the tissue (integral dose [ID] = mean dose × target volume) and is directly associated with the nerve volume. Although the trigeminal nerve volume varies among patients with TN, the clinical impact of this variation in delivered energy is unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of delivered ID on the outcome of TN radiosurgery. METHODS The authors evaluated 155 patients with unilateral TN who had undergone SRS as their initial surgical management over a 13-year period. The authors measured the postganglionic ID within the SRS target and retrospectively stratified patients into 3 groups: low (< 1.4 mJ), medium (1.4-2.7 mJ), and high (> 2.7 mJ) ID. Clinical outcomes, which included pain status (scored using the Barrow Neurological Institute Pain Scale) and sensory dysfunction (scored using the Barrow Neurological Institute Numbness Scale), were evaluated at a median follow-up of 71 months. RESULTS Patients who were treated with a medium ID had superior pain relief either with or without medications (p = 0.006). In the medium ID group, the rates of complete pain relief without medications at 1, 3, and 6 years after SRS were 67%, 54%, and 33%, respectively, while the rates in the rest of the cohort were 55%, 36%, and 19%, respectively. Patients given a high ID had a higher rate of post-SRS trigeminal sensory deterioration (p < 0.0001). At 1, 3, and 6 years after SRS, the high ID group had an estimated rate for developing sensory dysfunction of 35%, 45%, and 50%, respectively, while the rates in patients receiving low and medium IDs were 3%, 4%, and 9%, respectively. The optimal clinical outcome (maximum pain relief and minimal trigeminal sensory dysfunction) was obtained in patients who had received a medium ID. CONCLUSIONS With current dose selection methods, nerve volume affects long-term clinical outcomes in patients with TN who have undergone SRS. This study suggests that the prescribed SRS dose should be customized for each TN patient based on the nerve volume.

Microvascular Decompression Versus Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Decision Analysis.

Introduction: Both microvascular decompression (MVD) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) have been demonstrated to be effective in treating medically refractory trigeminal neuralgia. However, there is controversy over which one offers more durable pain relief and the patient selection for each treatment. We used a decision analysis model to calculate the health-related quality of life (QOL) for each treatment.Methods: We searched PubMed and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for relevant articles on MVD or SRS for trigeminal neuralgia published between 2000 and 2015. Using data from these studies, we modeled pain relief and complication outcomes and assigned QOL values. A sensitivity analysis using a Monte Carlo simulation determined which procedure led to the greatest QOL.Results: MVD produced a significantly higher QOL than SRS at a seven-year follow-up. Additionally, MVD patients had a significantly higher rate of complete pain relief and a significantly lower rate of complications and recurrence.Conclusions: With a decision-analytic model, we calculated that MVD provides more favorable outcomes than SRS for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.