Use In Treatment Of Pain Research Articles

Disparities in the utilization of supportive care medications among older adults with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

51 Background: Inequities in cancer care delivery can profoundly affect access to high-quality treatments and patient outcomes. Supportive care medication use is important for preserving quality of life in older adults with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Whether there are differences in supportive care medication use by race and sex is unknown. Our objectives were to assess the racial/ethnic and biological sex inequities in use of treatments for pain, depression, and pancreatic insufficiency-related treatments (PERT) among older adults with PDAC. Methods: We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare linked database, to identify Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older diagnosed with metastatic PDAC from January 2008 to December 2019. We included those continuously enrolled in Medicare prescription drug benefits in the 6 months before and month of diagnosis. Any use of opioid pain medications, antidepressants, and PERT was identified from diagnosis to the end of the study period (at death, disenrollment, or 12 months). Multivariable regression was used to compare supportive care medications use by racial/ethnic and biological sex groups. Results: There were 29,509 individuals in our sample, with12.9% Black patients, 3.9% Hispanic patients, and 83.2% White patients. The mean age was 76.5 (SD: 7.4) years. Mean follow-up time was 135.4 (SD:117.7) days overall, with the shortest follow-up among Black patients 124 (SD:111.1) days and longest for White patients 137.5 (SD: 118.8) days. Antidepressants were used by 23.8%, opioids by 60.3%, and PERT by 12.4% overall. Within race groups there were limited differences in medication use by sex. However, we observed differences in supportive care treatment use by race and ethnicity. Specifically, relative to White individuals, those who identified as Black were 20% less likely (adjusted risk ratio [aRR]: 0.8, 95% CI:0.74-0.85) to receive antidepressants, 14% less likely to receive opioids (aRR: 0.86, 95% CI:0.84-0.89), and 41% less likely to receive PERT (aRR: 0.59, 95% CI:0.53-0.65). Similar patterns were observed for patients of Hispanic ethnicity, with those individuals being 12% less likely (adjusted risk ratio[aRR]: 0.88, 95% CI:0.89-0.98) to receive antidepressants, 9% less likely to receive opioids (aRR: 0.91, 95% CI:0.87-0.96), and 42% less likely to receive PERT (aRR: 0.58, 95% CI:0.47-0.70). Conclusions: Our preliminary data showed differences in the uptake of supportive care drugs among Black and Hispanic patients relative to White patients. Specifically, these individuals were less likely to start opioid pain medications, antidepressants, and pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy compared to their White counterparts. These findings highlight potential gaps in treatment use that may better support patients facing life-limiting illnesses.

The Potential Antinociceptive Effect and Mechanism of Cannabis sativa L. Extract on Paclitaxel-Induced Neuropathic Pain in Rats Uncovered by Multi-Omics Analysis.

Cannabis sativa L. (hemp) is a herbaceous plant rich in cannabinoids with a long history of use in pain treatment. The most well-characterized cannabinoids, cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), garnered much attention in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) treatment. However, few studies have investigated the biological benefits and mechanism of hemp extract on CIPN. In the present study, hemp extract (JG) rich in cannabinoids was extracted by supercritical fluid carbon dioxide extraction (SFCE). The antinociceptive efficacy was evaluated using a paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) rat model based on behavioral tests. Further omics-based approaches were applied to explore the potential mechanisms. The results showed that JG decreased mechanical allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia, and inflammatory cytokines in PIPN rats significantly. Transcriptome analysis identified seven key genes significantly regulated by JG in PIPN model rats, mainly related to the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway, PPAR signaling pathway, and cAMP signaling pathway. In metabolomic analysis, a total of 39 significantly altered metabolites were identified, mainly correlated with pentose and glucuronate interconversions and the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway. Gut microbiota analysis suggested that increased community Lachnoclostridium and Lachnospiraceae_UCG-006 in PIPN rats can be reversed significantly by JG. In conclusion, hemp extract exhibited antinociceptive effects on PIPN. The analgesic mechanism was probably related to the regulation of inflammation, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway, sphingolipid metabolism, etc. This study provides novel insights into the functional interactions of Cannabis sativa L. extract on PIPN.

When the solution is not on the tip but under the tongue

In the recent letter by Pucciarelli et al.,1 the authors comment on an observation reported by Fabbri et al.2 that the pain is treated correctly only in a very small percentage of patients (3%), even those who experienced severe pain, suggesting as a possible solution of this important unsolved issue the introduction (implementation) of sublingual sufentanil use for pain treatment of trauma patients in the pre-hospital setting. [...]

Pain Management in Older Adults Before and During the First Year of COVID-19 Pandemic: Prevalence, Trends, and Correlates.

There is limited knowledge on whether and how health care access restrictions imposed by the coronavirus disease of 2019 pandemic have affected utilization of both opioid and nonpharmacological treatments among US older adults living with chronic pain. We compared prevalence of chronic pain and high impact chronic pain (ie, chronic pain limiting life or work activities on most days or every day in the past 6 months) between 2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2020 (first year of pandemic) and utilization of opioids and nonpharmacological pain treatments among adults aged ≥65 years enrolled in the National Health Interview Survey, a nationally representative sample of noninstitutionalized civilian U.S. adults. Of 12 027 survey participants aged ≥65 (representing 32.6 million noninstitutionalized older adults nationally), the prevalence of chronic pain was not significantly different from 2019 (30.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 29.7%-32.0%) to 2020 (32.1%; 95% CI, 31.0%-33.3%; p = .06). Among older adults with chronic pain, the prevalence of high impact chronic pain was also unchanged (38.3%; 95% CI, 36.1%-40.6% in 2019 versus 37.8%; 95% CI, 34.9%-40.8% in 2020; p = .79). Use of any nonpharmacological interventions for pain management decreased significantly from 61.2% (95 CI, 58.8%-63.5%) in 2019 to 42.1% (95% CI, 40.5%-43.8%) in 2020 (p < .001) among those with chronic pain, as did opioid use in the past 12 months from 20.2% (95% CI, 18.9%-21.6%) in 2019 to 17.9% (95% CI, 16.7%-19.1%) in 2020 (p = .006). Predictors of treatment utilization were similar in both chronic pain and high-impact chronic pain. Use of pain treatments among older adults with chronic pain declined in the first year of coronavirus disease of 2019 pandemic. Future research is needed to assess long-term effects of coronavirus disease of 2019 pandemic on pain management in older adults.

Examination of methadone involved overdoses during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundThe US opioid overdose epidemic continues to escalate. The restrictions on methadone availability including take-home dosing were loosened during the COVID-19 pandemic although there have been concerns about the high street value of diverted methadone. This report examined how fatal overdoses involving methadone have changed over the past two-decades including during the pandemic. MethodsThe CDC’s Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) was used to find the unintentional methadone related overdose death rate from 1999 to 2020. Unintentional methadone deaths were defined using the ICD X40–44 codes with only data for methadone (T40.3). Data from the DEA’s Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System (ARCOS) on methadone overall use, opioid treatment programs use, and pain management use was gathered for all states for 2020 and corrected for population. ResultsThere have been dynamic changes over the past two-decades in methadone overdoses. Overdoses increased from 1999 (0.9/million) to 2007 (15.9) and declined until 2019 (6.5). Overdoses in 2020 (9.6) were 48.1% higher than in 2019 (t(50) = 3.05, p < .005). The state level correlations between overall methadone use (r(49) = +0.75, p < .001), and opioid treatment program use (r(49) = +0.77, p < .001) with overdoses were positive, strong, and statistically significant. However, methadone use for pain treatment was not associated with methadone overdoses (r(49) = −0.08). ConclusionsOverdoses involving methadone significantly increased by 48.1% in 2020 relative to 2019. Policy changes that were implemented following the COVID-19 pandemic involving methadone take-homes may warrant further study before they are made permanent.

Trends in the Use of Opioids vs Nonpharmacologic Treatments in Adults With Pain, 2011-2019

Chronic pain prevalence among US adults increased between 2010 and 2019. Yet little is known about trends in the use of prescription opioids and nonpharmacologic alternatives in treating pain. To compare annual trends in the use of prescription opioids, nonpharmacologic alternatives, both treatments, and neither treatment; compare estimates for the annual use of acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy; and estimate the association between calendar year and pain treatment based on the severity of pain interference. A serial cross-sectional analysis was conducted using the nationally representative Medical Expenditure Panel Survey to estimate the use of outpatient services by cancer-free adults with chronic or surgical pain between calendar years 2011 and 2019. Data analysis was performed from December 29, 2021, to August 5, 2022. Calendar year (2011-2019) was the primary exposure. The association between calendar year and mutually exclusive pain treatments (opioid vs nonpharmacologic vs both vs neither treatment) was examined. A secondary outcome was the prevalence of nonpharmacologic treatments (acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy). All analyses were stratified by pain type. Among the unweighted 46 420 respondents, 9643 (20.4% weighted) received surgery and 36 777 (79.6% weighted) did not. Weighted percentages indicated that 41.7% of the respondents were aged 45 to 64 years and 55.0% were women. There were significant trends in the use of pain treatments after adjusting for demographic factors, socioeconomic status, health conditions, and pain severity. For example, exclusive use of nonpharmacologic treatments increased in 2019 for both cohorts (chronic pain: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.72; 95% CI, 2.30-3.21; surgical pain: aOR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.13-2.08) compared with 2011. The use of neither treatment decreased in 2019 for both cohorts (chronic pain: aOR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.37-0.49; surgical pain: aOR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.46-0.75) compared with 2011. Among nonpharmacologic treatments, chiropractors and physical therapists were the most common licensed healthcare professionals. Among cancer-free adults with pain, the annual prevalence of nonpharmacologic pain treatments increased and the prevalent use of neither opioids nor nonpharmacologic therapy decreased for both chronic and surgical pain cohorts. These findings suggest that, although access to outpatient nonpharmacologic treatments is increasing, more severe pain interference may inhibit this access.

The impact of adherence to a guideline for minimizing opioid use for treatment of pain in an urban emergency department.

The opioid epidemic has significantly evolved over the last three decades. The initiation and continuation of prescription opioids for pain control were one of the primary contributors, across different medical settings. The emergency department (ED) is typically the first place patients go to for management of acute pain, and often where opioid naïve patients first become exposed to opioids. In 2018, the ED of University Hospital located in Newark, NJ implemented a pain guideline to ensure that patients are not unnecessarily exposed to opioids. The goal of our study was to determine whether provider adherence was successful in reducing opioid administration. We conducted a retrospective review of pharmacy records of patients treated for pain in the ED within the time frame January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2019. We analyzed the change in our practice by comparing the amount of opioid and non-opioid medications administered and the number of patients administered each type, as well as the change in our utilization of specific medications. The t-test or the χ2 test were used as applicable. There were decreases in the mean number of opioid doses administered in 2017 (1273) compared to 2019 (498; p = 0.027). There was an increase in non-opioid analgesics administered, (mean 2017: 1817, mean 2019: 2432.5, p = 0.018). There was also an increase in the proportion of patients given non-opioid analgesics (mean 2017: 22%, mean 2019: 28%, p < 0.0001). There were increases in administrations of acetaminophen (40% to 52%) and ibuprofen (30% to 35.1%), and decreases in administrations of hydromorphone (2.5% to 0.03%), morphine (11.5% to 5.6%), oxycodone (10.6% to 5.3%), and tramadol (5.7% to 1.9%) (all p < 0.0001). A guideline that emphasizes the use of non-opioid analgesics first line treatment for acute pain can be effective for reducing opioid administration in the ED. Through the use of our guideline, we reduced the number of patients who have received opioid analgesics and, at the same time, increased non-opioid analgesic administration. Future studies should explore readmission rates, duration of pain relief in patients managed with non-opioid versus opioid analgesics, and perception of relief through the use of satisfaction scores.

Diclofenac Sodium Stability in Simulated Gastrointestinal Fluids and the Use of MCM-41 Silica Carrier with Surface Modification to Achieve Innovative Delayed Release

Objectives: Porous silicon materials were first reported to be biocompatible in 1995. This project employed the evaluation of whether diclofenac sodium is acid labile or acid insoluble. Second, literature only reported 15% of alendronate entrapment in unmodified Mobil Composition of Matter No. 41 (MCM-41). Will functionalization of carry surface enhance drug entrapment? This project also assessed storage stability. Methods: Diclofenac sodium was subject to 0.1 N hydrochloric acid for 2 h, then in phosphate buffer pH 6.8 to determine the acid lability versus poor aqueous solubility. Entrapment parameters for unmodified MCM-41 were determined among stock concentration, driving medium, equilibration method, rate and duration. MCM-41 was then surface functionalized by tetraethylenepentamine/2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol/ anhydrous alcohol and air dried into powder. Functionalized batch followed the same entrapment protocol as the unmodified MCM-41. Liquid chromatography and Fourier Transform Infrared were done at time zero and 3 months later. Results: Under the described conditions, the entrapment efficiency of diclofenac loaded amino-functionalized MCM-41 prepared by the immersion method was significant (p < 0.05) at 44.76% ± 3.88%, n = 3. The FT-IR spectra showed the loss of primary and protonated amino groups vibration in the 3-month-old unloaded-amino-modified MCM-41 group after being stored in room temperature. However, in the diclofenac loaded aminomodified- MCM-41 group, most amino group vibrations were still present. Conclusion: Diclofenac sodium is poorly aqueous soluble in simulating gastric fluid. Although diclofenac sodium is a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, for the prolonged use in pain treatment, amino-surface-functionalization of MCM-41 may be performed to enhance drug entrapment and delay drug release due to electrostatic attraction and repulsion.

Attentional Patterns Toward Pain-Related Information: Comparison Between Chronic Pain Patients and Non-pain Control Group.

Although the evidence for attentional bias to pain-related information among individuals with chronic pain has been well established, there are a number of inconsistencies in the research that have been observed due to sample characteristics. Therefore, the present study expanded upon previous studies by including patients with a variety of chronic pain conditions and compared a chronic pain patient sample with healthy community sample. We also investigated how pain catastrophizing and other psychological factors in chronic pain patients affected attentional patterns to pain-related information. Forty chronic pain patients from the departments of neurology and rheumatology of an academic medical center hospital and 40 participants without chronic pain from a university that is located in Seoul, South Korea were recruited for the present study. Patients observed pictures of faces displaying pain that were presented simultaneously with faces with neutral expressions, while their eye movements were measured using an eye-tracking system. Independent t-tests were conducted to investigate attentional preferences to pain stimuli between the chronic pain and control groups. No significant attentional differences in pain-neutral pairs were found for both chronic pain and control group. A one-way MANOVA was conducted to examine the role of pain catastrophizing on psychological factors and attentional engagement to pain stimuli. No significant results for the attentional bias to pain stimuli among chronic pain patients may indicate that chronic pain patients who have suffered from chronic pain for a long time and have been treated for their chronic pain in the hospital may interpret pain-related information not as threatening. Clinical implications related to use in pain treatment and future research suggestions are discussed.

Chronic pain following stroke: Current treatment and perceived effect

BackgroundChronic pain is common following stroke, however there is little known about the treatments for pain that are being accessed by stroke survivors, nor their perceived effectiveness. ObjectivesThe objectives were to: i) identify the number and type of treatments for pain currently used by stroke survivors with chronic pain; and ii) examine the self-perceived effectiveness of medication and non-medication treatments for pain. MethodsCross-sectional survey. Participants with stroke and self-reported chronic pain completed an online survey that measured demographics, stroke related factors, intensity of pain, treatments for pain, and perceived effect of medication and non-medication treatments for pain. ResultsOf 322 stroke survivors who completed the survey, the majority (90.1%) reported current use of pain treatment(s). Medications were accessed by 257 (79.8%), with the most common being anti-inflammatories (39.8%), anticonvulsants (29.5%) and antidepressants (24.8%). Paracetamol (12.1%) was the most common non-prescribed medication used. Polypharmacy was high, with 129 (40.1%) reporting taking 2 or more medications. Medication treatments were self-reported to be effective in 47.1% of those taking medication. Non-medication treatments were accessed by 208 (64.6%), with Physical Therapy/Physiotherapy being most common (48.1%), followed by Occupational Therapy (15.5%) and Psychology (11.8%). Use of multiple non-medication treatments was reported by 85 (26.4%). Non-medication treatments were reported to be effective by 52.4% of those receiving them. ConclusionsSurvey findings indicate that stroke survivors with chronic pain demonstrate high utilization of pain treatments, despite the perception that treatment is often ineffective. This highlights the need to develop effective pain interventions for stroke survivors.

Chronic Pain Patients' Gaze Patterns toward Pain-Related Information: Comparison between Pictorial and Linguistic Stimuli.

Background and Objectives: The attentional bias and information processing model explained that individuals who interpret pain stimuli as threatening may increase their attention toward pain-related information. Previous eye tracking studies found pain attentional bias among individuals with chronic pain; however, those studies investigated this phenomenon by using only one stimulus modality. Therefore, the present study investigated attentional engagement to pain-related information and the role of pain catastrophizing on pain attentional engagement to pain-related stimuli among chronic pain patients by utilizing both linguistic and visual stimulus. Materials and Methods: Forty chronic pain patients were recruited from the rehabilitation center, the back pain clinic, and the rheumatology department of Chung-Ang University Hospital in Seoul, Korea. Patients observed pictures of faces and words displaying pain, presented simultaneously with neutral expressions, while their eye movements were measured using the eye tracking system. A t-test and ANOVA were conducted to compare stimulus pairs for the total gaze duration. Results: Results revealed that chronic pain patients demonstrated attentional preference toward pain words but not for pain faces. An ANOVA with bias scores was conducted to investigate the role of pain catastrophizing on attentional patterns. Results indicated that chronic pain patients with high pain catastrophizing scores gazed significantly longer at pain- and anger-related words than neutral words compared to those with low pain catastrophizing scores. The same patterns were not observed for the facial expression stimulus pairs. Conclusions: The results of the present study revealed attentional preference toward pain-related words and the significant role of pain catastrophizing on pain attentional engagement to pain-related words. However, different patterns were observed between linguistic and visual stimuli. Clinical implications related to use in pain treatment and future research suggestions are discussed.

Does administration of haloperidol or ketorolac decrease opioid administration for abdominal pain patients? A retrospective study

BackgroundHaloperidol and ketorolac have been recommended as therapies that may decrease opioid use for treatment of pain in emergency department patients. The objective of our study is to determine if administration of haloperidol or ketorolac is associated with lower use of i.v. opioids for patients with non-specific abdominal pain. MethodsA retrospective cohort study of adults (Age 18–60) with non-specific abdominal pain presenting to an emergency department in a large healthcare system. Cases were identified using ICD-10 codes and variables were abstracted from electronic health records. The association between administration of haloperidol or ketorolac with 1) any i.v. opioid administration and 2) receiving >1 dose of i.v. opioids were measured using adjusted odds ratios (AOR) from nominal logistic regression. The model included potential confounders related to both opioid and ketorolac or haloperidol administration. ResultsOf 11,688 patients 4091 received one or more doses of an i.v. opioid, 240 received haloperidol and 1788 received ketorolac. The majority of patients were women (67%) and the median age was 32 years. Odds ratios were adjusted for variables associated with opioids, ketorolac or haloperidol use. Haloperidol was not associated with decreased i.v. opioid use (AOR for receiving iv opioids 2.0, 95% CI 1.5 to 2.6) or a lower odds of reciving >1 dose of (AOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.3 to 3.1). Ketorolac was associated with a modest decrease in i.v. opioid use (AOR 0.84 95% CI.0.76 to 0.94 for receiving iv opioids) and a modest decrease for receiving multiple dose of iv opioids (AOR 0.79 95% CI 0.63 to 0.99). ConclusionsHaloperidol was not associated with decreased i.v. opioid use. Ketorolac was associated with a modest decrease in i.v. opioid use. Providers should consider the use of haloperidol and ketorolac as potentially beneficial in some cases, but there is a need for high quality studies before they can be recommended as standard therapy.

Ramani Moonesinghe: anaesthetist with a perioperative vision

“I am a clinical academic who strives to improve perioperative care”, states the opening sentence of anaesthetist Professor Suneetha Ramani Moonesinghe's CV. And strive she does if the number of research groups and advisory bodies that she variously directs or belongs to is a relevant metric. “There are lots of people in academic medicine who are personally ambitious and driven”, says Viki Mitchell, one of Moonesinghe's fellow anaesthetists at London's University College Hospital (UCH) and its Divisional Clinical Director for Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine. “But Ramani has the skills to develop and encourage other people.” Sharon Drake, Deputy Chief Executive of the UK's Royal College of Anaesthetists, agrees. “She's one of those people who are able to manage a large and complex portfolio of work, but is also able to set the vision and bring people along with them.” Transition from acute to chronic pain after surgeryOver the past decade there has been an increasing reliance on strong opioids to treat acute and chronic pain, which has been associated with a rising epidemic of prescription opioid misuse, abuse, and overdose-related deaths. Deaths from prescription opioids have more than quadrupled in the USA since 1999, and this pattern is now occurring globally. Inappropriate opioid prescribing after surgery, particularly after discharge, is a major cause of this problem. Chronic postsurgical pain, occurring in approximately 10% of patients who have surgery, typically begins as acute postoperative pain that is difficult to control, but soon transitions into a persistent pain condition with neuropathic features that are unresponsive to opioids. Full-Text PDF Inappropriate opioid prescription after surgeryWorldwide, the use of prescription opioid analgesics more than doubled between 2001 and 2013, with several countries, including the USA, Canada, and Australia, experiencing epidemics of opioid misuse and abuse over this period. In this context, excessive prescribing of opioids for pain treatment after surgery has been recognised as an important concern for public health and a potential contributor to patterns of opioid misuse and related harm. In the second paper in this Series we review the evolution of prescription opioid use for pain treatment after surgery in the USA, Canada, and other countries. Full-Text PDF Perioperative opioid analgesia—when is enough too much? A review of opioid-induced tolerance and hyperalgesiaOpioids are a mainstay of acute pain management but can have many adverse effects, contributing to problematic long-term use. Opioid tolerance (increased dose needed for analgesia) and opioid-induced hyperalgesia (paradoxical increase in pain with opioid administration) can contribute to both poorly controlled pain and dose escalation. Hyperalgesia is particularly problematic as further opioid prescribing is largely futile. The mechanisms of opioid tolerance and hyperalgesia are complex, involving μ opioid receptor signalling pathways that offer opportunities for novel analgesic alternatives. Full-Text PDF

Spinal cord stimulation for chronic refractory pain: Long-term effectiveness and safety data from a multicentre registry.

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an established therapy for refractory neuropathic pain. To ascertain the balance between treatment benefits and risks, the French National Authority for Health requested a post-market registry for real-world evaluation of the long-term effectiveness and safety of the therapy. A total of 402 patients undergoing implantation with a Medtronic SCS device as either a primo-implant (n=264) or replacement implant (n=138) were enrolled across 28 representative sites in France. Outcome measures at 2years included pain intensity, satisfaction with treatment, improvement of pain relief and daily life activity, willingness to undergo the treatment again and use of pain treatments. A patient was considered a responder if, compared to baseline, predominant pain reduction was ≥50%. At the 2-year follow-up visit, predominant pain intensity for primo-implant patients had decreased from baseline (p<0.001), with responder rates of 55%, 36% and 67% for the lower limbs, back and upper limbs, respectively. Most patients acknowledged an improvement in pain relief (89%) and daily life activity (82%) were satisfied with treatment (91%) and willing to undergo the treatment again (93%). A significant decrease (p<0.01) in the proportion of patients receiving pain treatment was observed for all drug and non-drug treatments. Reported adverse events were in line with the literature. Pain intensity at 2years was comparable for patients in the replacement group, supporting the long-term stability and effectiveness of SCS. Real-world evaluation of the use of spinal cord stimulation under the recommendations of the French Health Authority shows that two years after the first implantation of an SCS device close to 60% of the patients retain a significant pain reduction and 74% show improvement in pain scores [of at least 30%] with significant decreases in drug and non-drug pain treatments. This observational, prospective study in a real-life setting followed a large cohort of patients suffering from chronic pain and implanted with SCS devices in France. The study assessed the long-term effectiveness and safety of SCS therapy in a representative sample of implanting sites in France.

Quality of life and paracetamol in advanced dementia (Q-PID): protocol of a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial

BackgroundNo proven effective interventions on quality of life (QoL) are available for persons with dementia in a long-term care facility (LTCF). However, several interventions are effective in diminishing mediators of QoL (i.e. challenging behaviour, depressed mood, sleeping disorders), including pain treatment. Un(der)diagnosed and un(der)treated pain is a serious and frequent problem in persons with dementia. Also, although pain is difficult to assess in this group, the impact on QoL is probably considerable. There is evidence that pain has a negative impact on behaviour, mood, functioning and social participation, and benefit may be derived from use of paracetamol. Therefore, in LTCF residents with advanced dementia, this study aims to evaluate the effect of scheduled pain treatment with paracetamol on QoL, neuropsychiatric symptoms, ADL function, pain, care dependency, and (change in) use of psychotropic and pain medication.MethodsThis randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial will include 95 patients with: 1) age ≥ 65 years, 2) advanced dementia (Reisberg Global Deterioration Scale 5–7), and 3) QUALIDEM score ≤ 70. Exclusion criteria are the regular use of pain treatment, allergies to the study drugs, severe liver insufficiency or disease, use of > 4 units of alcohol/day, weight < 50 kg, and/or concomitant use of flucloxacillin. The two treatment periods of six weeks each (paracetamol and corresponding placebo) will be separated by a washout period of seven days. Primary outcome is effect on QoL (QUALIDEM and DS-DAT) and secondary outcome is effect on neuropsychiatric symptoms, ADL function, pain, care dependency, and (change in) use of psychotropic and pain medication (all compared to baseline).DiscussionIf regular treatment with paracetamol proves to be beneficial for QoL, this could have major implications for daily practice in long-term care. Information from this study may help professionals in their decision making regarding the prescription of pain medication to improve the QoL of persons with dementia and a low QoL.Trial registrationThe trial was registered on the Netherlands Trial Register (NTR6766); Trial registration date: 20th October, 2017.

Quercetin Attenuates Neuropathic Pain in Rats with Spared Nerve Injury.

Quercetin is a flavonoid widely found in plants and marketed to the public as a supplement. Several studies have reported its effect on glial cells. This study aimed to examine the effect of quercetin on the development of neuropathic pain and the underlying mechanism in a spared nerve injury (SNI) rat model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats randomly assigned to the control or the quercetin group were subjected to SNI of the sciatic nerve. We measured pain behaviors on the hind paw and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal cord. Oral administration of 1% quercetin, begun before surgery, attenuated mechanical allodynia compared to the control group at days 7 and 10 after SNI. On the other hand, established pain was not attenuated in a post-dose group in which quercetin was begun 7 days after SNI. Quercetin inhibited GFAP in the satellite glial cells of the ipsilateral L5 DRG on day 7 compared to the control group. Quercetin suppressed the development of neuropathic pain through a mechanism partly involving the inhibition of satellite glial cells. As its safety is well established, quercetin has great potential for clinical use in pain treatment.

Cognitive Impairment and Pain Among Nursing Home Residents With Cancer

ContextThe prevalence of pain and its management has been shown to be inversely associated with greater levels of cognitive impairment. ObjectivesTo evaluate whether the documentation and management of pain varies by level of cognitive impairment among nursing home residents with cancer. MethodsUsing a cross-sectional study, we identified all newly admitted U.S. nursing home residents with a cancer diagnosis in 2011–2012 (n = 367,462). Minimum Data Set 3.0 admission assessment was used to evaluate pain/pain management in the past five days and cognitive impairment (assessed via the Brief Interview for Mental Status or the Cognitive Performance Scale for 91.6% and 8.4%, respectively). Adjusted prevalence ratios with 95% CI were estimated from robust Poisson regression models. ResultsFor those with staff-assessed pain, pain prevalence was 55.5% with no/mild cognitive impairment and 50.5% in those severely impaired. Pain was common in those able to self-report (67.9% no/mild, 55.9% moderate, and 41.8% severe cognitive impairment). Greater cognitive impairment was associated with reduced prevalence of any pain (adjusted prevalence ratio severe vs. no/mild cognitive impairment; self-assessed pain 0.77; 95% CI 0.76–0.78; staff-assessed pain 0.96; 95% CI 0.93–0.99). Pharmacologic pain management was less prevalent in those with severe cognitive impairment (59.4% vs. 74.9% in those with no/mild cognitive impairment). ConclusionIn nursing home residents with cancer, pain was less frequently documented in those with severe cognitive impairment, which may lead to less frequent use of treatments for pain. Techniques to improve documentation and treatment of pain in nursing home residents with cognitive impairment are needed.

Are We Adequately Treating Pain in Children Who Present to US Emergency Departments?: Factors That Contribute to Pain Treatment in Pediatric Patients.

There are no recent national data on analgesic use for pain treatment in children. Our objective was to determine if there is adequate pain treatment for children in US emergency departments (EDs) and determine predictors of nonopioid and opioid analgesic administration. Children younger than 18 years with the diagnosis of extremity fracture, appendicitis, or urinary tract stones were obtained from the National Health Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) (2006-2010) and analyzed using logistic regression for complex samples. There were 2 analyses: (1) those who received analgesics versus those who did not; and (2) of those who received analgesics, opioid versus nonopioid analgesic use. There were 1341 records analyzed representing 4.5 million ED visits. Those who received analgesics were more likely to be older than age of 3 years (P = 0.05), be discharged from the hospital (odds ratio [OR], 1.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-2.94), arrive between noon and midnight (OR, 0.1.85; CI, 1.12-3.03), and have a higher pain rating (P < 0.01). Children who received opioid analgesics were more likely to live outside the Northeast (P = 0.04), require admission (OR, 2.95; CI, 1.09-7.98), have a higher acuity triage level (OR, 1.79; CI, 1.04-3.06), have higher pain scores (P < 0.01), and have private insurance (OR, 1.75; CI, 1.06-2.94). There is still a lot of room for improvement of pediatric pain control in US EDs. We aim to apply this information toward direct physician and nursing education interventions, including the recognition of age appropriate pain cues, and parental information and guidance to improve pediatric pain treatment in US EDs.

Frequent Occurrence of Pain and Prescription Opioid Use for Treatment of Pain Among Women with and at Risk for HIV Infection.

Pain is frequent and underreported among HIV+ women. We determined occurrence and severity of pain, and types of pain treatments used among HIV+ and HIV- women. Cross-sectional analyses of pain as measured by the Brief Pain Inventory Short Form, and related pain therapies nested in the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS). Multiple variable linear regression models examined differences by HIV status in pain severity and pain interference in general activity, mood, ability to walk, work, relationships with others, sleep, and enjoyment of life. Among 1393 HIV+ and 587 HIV- participants with median age 47-48years, there was no statistically significant difference in pain reported within the past week by HIV status (HIV+ 50% vs. 49% HIV-, p=0.70). Ratings of pain severity and interference were similar between HIV+ and HIV- women, as was receipt of pain medication (58% HIV+ vs. 56% HIV-). Pain medications most frequently used were: NSAIDS (90% HIV+, 96% HIV-), opioids (65% HIV+, 67% HIV-), topical anesthetics (46% HIV+, 56% HIV-), muscle relaxants (23% HIV+, 14% HIV-), and anticonvulsants (23% HIV+, 14% HIV-). Nearly half of predominantly low income, minority women reported pain in the past week, and two-thirds reported opioid use for pain management. The occurrence, severity, and treatment of pain did not differ by HIV status, nor did report of pain interference with mood or function. Additional research is needed to better characterize pain etiology among HIV+ women in the era of potent antiretroviral therapy, and determine the extent to which pain severity and type of medication used for pain treatment impact HIV disease outcomes.

Blood Sampling in Newborns: A Systematic Review of YouTube Videos.

Objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of YouTube videos showing neonatal blood sampling, and to evaluate pain management and comforting interventions used. Selected videos were consumer- or professional-produced videos showing human newborns undergoing heel lancing or venipuncture for blood sampling, videos showing the entire blood sampling procedure (from the first attempt or puncture to the time of application of a cotton ball or bandage), publication date prior to October 2014, Portuguese titles, available audio. Search terms included "neonate," "newborn," "neonatal screening," and "blood collection." Two reviewers independently screened the videos and extracted the following data. A total of 13 140 videos were retrieved, of which 1354 were further evaluated, and 68 were included. Videos were mostly consumer produced (97%). Heel lancing was performed in 62 (91%). Forty-nine infants (72%) were held by an adult during the procedure. Median pain score immediately after puncture was 4 (interquartile range [IQR] = 0-5), and median length of cry throughout the procedure was 61 seconds (IQR = 88). Breastfeeding (3%) and swaddling (1.5%) were rarely implemented. Posted YouTube videos in Portuguese of newborns undergoing blood collection demonstrate minimal use of pain treatment, and maximal distress during procedures. Knowledge translation strategies are needed to implement effective measures for neonatal pain relief and comfort.