Worst Pain Score Research Articles

Construction and Application of Chain Management Information System for Cancer Pain

BackgroundWith the rapid development of information technology, hospital information systems (HISs) have been deeply applied in the medical field and have shown broad application prospects. There are still some noninteroperable clinical information systems that pose an obstacle to the effective coordination of care, such as cancer pain management. AimTo construct a chain management information system for cancer pain and explore its clinical application effect. MethodsA quasiexperimental study was conducted in the inpatient department of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. A total of 259 patients were nonrandomly divided into two groups: the experimental group (after the system was applied, n = 123) and the control group (before the system was applied, n = 136). The cancer pain management evaluation form score, patient satisfaction with pain control, pain score at admission and discharge, and the worst pain score during hospitalization were compared between the two groups. ResultsCompared with the control group, the score of the cancer pain management evaluation form was significantly higher (p < .05). There were no statistically significant differences in worst pain intensity, pain score at admission and discharge, and patients’ satisfaction with pain control between the two groups. ConclusionsThe cancer pain chain management information system can enable nurses to evaluate and record pain in a more standardized way, but it has no significant effect on the pain intensity of cancer patients.

Early Outcomes in Targeted Muscle Reinnervation for Traumatic Amputations

Background Traumatic amputees commonly experience residual limb pain (RLP) and phantom limb pain (PLP) which present major barriers to rehabilitation. An evolving treatment, targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR), shows promise in reducing these symptoms. While initial data is encouraging, existing studies are low power, and more research is needed to assess the long-term outcomes of TMR. We present the results of self-reported outcome surveys distributed to major-limb amputees &gt;1-year post-TMR which were compared to similar data from a landmark randomized control trial for context. Methods Data was obtained from 17 adult traumatic amputees who were &gt;1-year post-TMR using a numerical rating scale (NRS) and The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) survey tool. Results were compared to a 2019 randomized control trial by Dumanian et. al. which assessed TMR vs standard care (SC) after major limb amputation and demonstrated improvement in pain scores 1-year post-TMR. Results There was a statistically significant reduction in this cohort of TMR amputees’ RLP worst-pain scores relative to the comparison study’s SC amputees (without TMR). In general, there was no significant difference in outcomes between TMR cohorts. However, PLP worst-pain was significantly higher in this cohort relative to the comparison study’s TMR group. Conclusions These findings support the use of TMR for reducing RLP in traumatic amputees. Relative to a similar group treated without TMR in the comparison study, this cohort’s RLP was significantly improved. Future studies should aim to recruit more amputees to allow for analysis of functional outcomes, especially in upper limb amputees.

The Edmonton Classification System for Cancer Pain in Patients with Bone Metastasis: a descriptive cohort study

PurposeWe describe the prevalence of the Edmonton Classification System for Cancer Pain (ECS-CP) features in patients with bone metastasis and cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) and the relationship between ECS-CP features, pain intensity, and opioid consumption.MethodsWe assessed ECS-CP features and recoded pain mechanisms and opioid use in adult patients with bone metastasis. Validated measures were used to assess pain intensity, incident pain, psychological distress, addictive behavior, and cognition.ResultsAmong 147 eligible patients, 95.2% completed the assessment. Mean participant age was 73.2 years, the majority female (52.1%) with breast cancer occurring most commonly (25.7%). One or more ECS-CP features were present in 96.4% and CIBP in 75.7% of patients. The median average and worst pain scores were 3 and 6, respectively. Neuropathic pain was the most prevalent pain mechanism (45.0%) and was associated with breakthrough pain frequency (p=0.014). Three-quarters had incident pain, which was strongly associated with a higher average and worst pain scores (3.5 and 7, p<0.001 for both), background oral morphine equivalent daily dose (26.7mg, p=0.005), and frequency of daily breakthrough analgesia (1.7 doses/day, p=0.007). Psychological distress (n=90, 64.3%) was associated with a significantly higher average pain score (4, p=0.009) and a slightly higher worst pain score (7, p=0.054). Addictive behaviour and cognitive dysfunction were relatively uncommon (18.6% and 12.9%, respectively).ConclusionThere is a need to promote standardized assessment and classification of pain syndromes such as CIBP. The ECS-CP may allow us to consider CIBP in a systematic manner and develop personalized pain interventions appropriate to the pain profile.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered in ANZCTR ACTRN12622000853741 (16/06/2022)

Heart failure symptom burden in outpatient cardiology: observational cohort study

ObjectivesTo assess the self-reported symptom burden in patients with a diagnosis of heart failure attending an outpatient cardiology clinic through the utilisation of validated patient-reported outcome measures.MethodsEligible patients were invited...

Methadone rotation versus other opioid rotation for refractory cancer induced bone pain: protocol of an exploratory randomised controlled open-label study

BackgroundA third of patients with advanced cancer and bone metastasis suffer from cancer induced bone pain (CIBP), impeding quality of life, psychological distress, depression and anxiety. This study will evaluate the impact of an opioid rotation, comparing methadone rotation with other opioid rotation in patients with refractory CIBP.MethodsThis open-label randomised controlled trial will recruit cancer patients with CIBP and inadequate pain control despite established baseline opioid and/or intolerable opioid side effects from cancer and palliative care services. Participants will be at least 18 years old, with a predicted prognosis of greater than 8 weeks, meet the core diagnostic criteria for CIBP, have a worst pain score of ≥ 4 of 10 from CIBP and/ or have opioid toxicity (graded ≥ 2 on Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events). Participants will have sufficiently proficient English to complete questionnaires and provide informed consent.Participants will be randomised 1:1 to be rotated to methadone to another opioid. The primary objective is to examine the impact of opioid rotation in improving CIBP by comparing analgesic efficacy, safety and tolerability in the two arms. Secondary objectives will assess changes in the intensity, duration and frequency of breakthrough pain, requirement of breakthrough analgesia, overall opioid escalation index, and time taken to observe improvement in pain reduction, pain interference and quality of life.DiscussionLaboratory studies suggest the involvement of neuropathic involvement in the mechanism of CIBP, though there remains no clear evidence of the routine use of neuropathic agents. Methadone as an analgesic agent may have a role to play in this cohort of patients, thus warranting further exploratory studies.Trial RegistrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry No: ACTRN12621000141842. Registered 11 February 2021.

Comparative study between surgical wound catheter, femoral nerve block, and adductor canal block for postoperative analgesia after knee arthroplasty: A double blind randomized clinical trial.

The present study compared the surgical wound catheter (SWC), femoral nerve block (FNB), and adductor canal block (ACB) for postoperative analgesia after knee arthroplasty. The study included (180) patients scheduled for unilateral total knee replacement and were randomly allocated into three groups. Patients received postoperative analgesia via continuous infusion of ropivacaine 0.2% (10 ml bolus followed by continuous infusion of 5 ml/hour) through the SWC, FNB, or ACB groups. All groups received supplemental analgesia by IV morphine using patient controlled analgesia. Pain scores were assessed at rest and during movements, the worst and least pain scores, and how often were in worst pain during the first 72 hours. The functional activity and patient's satisfaction were also recorded. The study showed significant reductions in pain scores at rest and during movements in all groups compared to the baseline scores. Significant reductions in pain scores were observed in both ACB and FNB groups compared to the SWC group (P < 0.05). The worst pain scores were (6.15 ± 2.9, 5.85 ± 2.7, and 5.025 ± 1.513), least pain scores (2.06 ± 0.72, 1.92 ± 1.34 and 1.89 ± 1.76), percentage of time in worst pain (17.67 ± 9.15, 11.42 ± 7.50, and 9.8.8 ± 8.14) and the total morphine consumption (39.24 ± 6.82, 34.55 ± 7.86, and 26.40 ± 8.47 mg) in the SWC, FNB, and ACB groups, respectively. Functional assessments and patient's satisfaction, at 6 and 24 hours, were significantly better in ACB followed by SWC, and lastly FNB group (P < 0.5). No significant differences in the incidence of side effects (P > 0.05). Local anesthetic leak from the SWC was a continuous concern by the orthopedic surgeons. In terms of efficiency, ACB provided the highest quality of analgesia in terms of pain relief, functional activity, and patient's satisfaction. Both ACB and FNB provided higher quality of analgesia compared to the SWC. While ACB and SWC provided better functional improvements compared to FNB.

Trajectory of worst pain within the first two weeks following pelvic and sacral tumor surgery and long-term outcome: a pilot observational prospective cohort study

BackgroundPain management after pelvic and sacral tumor surgery is challenging and requires a multidisciplinary and multimodal approach. Few data on postoperative pain trajectories have been reported after pelvic and sacral tumor surgery. The aim of this pilot study was to determine pain trajectories within the first 2 weeks after surgery and explore the impact on long-term pain outcomes.MethodsPatients scheduled for pelvic and sacral tumor surgery were prospectively recruited. Worst/average pain scores were evaluated postoperatively using questions adapted from the Revised American Pain Society Patient Outcome Questionnaire (APS-POQ-R) until pain resolution was reached or up to 6 months after surgery. Pain trajectories over the first 2 weeks were compared using the k-means clustering algorithm. Whether pain trajectories were associated with long-term pain resolution and opioid cessation was assessed using Cox regression analysis.ResultsA total of 59 patients were included. Two distinct groups of trajectories for worst and average pain scores over the first 2 weeks were generated. The median pain duration in the high vs low pain group was 120.0 (95% CI [25.0, 215.0]) days vs 60.0 (95% CI [38.6, 81.4]) days (log rank p = 0.037). The median time to opioid cessation in the high vs low pain group was 60.0 (95% CI [30.0, 90.0]) days vs 7.0 (95% CI [4.7, 9.3]) days (log rank p < 0.001). After adjusting for patient and surgical factors, the high pain group was independently associated with prolonged opioid cessation (hazard ratio [HR] 2.423, 95% CI [1.254, 4.681], p = 0.008) but not pain resolution (HR 1.557, 95% CI [0.748, 3.243], p = 0.237).ConclusionsPostoperative pain is a significant problem among patients undergoing pelvic and sacral tumor surgery. High pain trajectories during the first 2 weeks after surgery were associated with delayed opioid cessation. Research is needed to explore interventions targeting pain trajectories and long-term pain outcomes.Trial registrationThe trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03926858, 25/04/2019).

Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor Observational Platform Project (TOPP) Registry: A 2-Year Analysis of Patient-Reported Outcomes and Treatment Strategies.

The Tenosynovial giant cell tumor Observational Platform Project (TOPP) registry is an international prospective study that -previously described the impact of diffuse-type tenosynovial giant cell tumour (D-TGCT) on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) from a baseline snapshot. This analysis describes the impact of D-TGCT at 2-year follow-up based on treatment strategies. TOPP was conducted at 12 sites (EU: 10; US: 2). Captured PRO measurements assessed at baseline, 1-year, and 2-year follow-ups were Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Pain Interference, BPI Pain Severity, Worst Pain, EQ-5D-5L, Worst Stiffness, and -Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System. Treatment interventions were no current/planned treatment (Off-Treatment) and systemic treatment/surgery (On-Treatment). A total of 176 patients (mean age: 43.5 years) were included in the full analysis set. For patients without active treatment strategy -(Off-Treatment) at baseline (n = 79), BPI Pain Interference (1.00 vs. 2.86) and BPI Pain Severity scores (1.50 vs. 3.00) were numerically favorable in patients remaining Off-Treatment compared with those who switched to an active treatment strategy at year 1. From 1-year to 2-year -follow-ups, patients who remained Off-Treatment had better BPI Pain Interference (0.57 vs. 2.57) and Worst Pain (2.0 vs. 4.5) scores compared with patients who switched to an alternative treatment strategy. In addition, EQ-5D VAS scores (80.0 vs. 65.0) were higher in patients who remained -Off-Treatment between 1-year and 2-year follow-ups compared with patients who changed treatment strategy. For patients receiving systemic treatment at baseline, numerically favorable scores were seen in patients remaining on systemic therapy at 1-year follow-up: BPI Pain Interference (2.79 vs. 5.93), BPI Pain Severity (3.63 vs. 6.38), Worst Pain (4.5 vs. 7.5), and Worst Stiffness (4.0 vs. 7.5). From 1-year to 2-year follow-up, EQ-5D VAS scores (77.5 vs. 65.0) were higher in patients who changed from systemic treatment to a different treatment strategy. These findings highlight the impact D-TGCT has on patient quality of life, and how treatment strategies may be influenced by these outcome measures. (ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT02948088).

Role of gabapentinoids in post-operative pain management in thoracic surgeries: A single-centre propensity score-matched audit.

The analgesic role of gabapentinoids following thoracic surgeries is not clear. In this study, we evaluated the benefits of gabapentinoids for pain management in patients undergoing thoracic onco-surgery in terms of opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) sparing effect. We also compared pain scores (PSs), number of days of active surveillance by the acute pain service team, and side effects associated with gabapentinoids. After ethics-committee approval, data were retrieved retrospectively from clinical sheets, an electronic database, and nurses' charts from a tertiary cancer care hospital. Propensity score matching was performed for six covariates, that is, age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists grading, surgical approach, analgesia modality, and worst PS in the first 24 hours performed. A total of 272 patients were grouped into group N (not given gabapentinoids, n = 174) and group Y (given, n = 98). The median opioid consumption in terms of fentanyl equivalent by group N was 800 µg [inter-quartile range (IQR): 280-900], and the median opioid consumption by group Y was 400 µg (IQR: 100-690) (p = 0.001). The median number of rescue doses of NSAIDs administered to group N was 8 (IQR = 4-10), and the median number of rescue doses to group Y was 3 (IQR = 2-5) (p = 0.001). No difference was found in subsequent PS and for the number of days under acute pain service surveillance for either group. Group Y had an increased incidence of giddiness compared to group N (p = 0.006), with a relative reduction in post-operative nausea and vomiting scores (p = 0.32). Gabapentinoids used following thoracic onco-surgeries result in a significant reduction in concomitant use of NSAIDs and opioids. There is an increased incidence of dizziness with the use of these drugs.

Protocol for the RETHINK study: a randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, non-inferiority clinical trial comparing acetaminophen and NSAIDs for treatment of chronic pain in elderly patients with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee

IntroductionIn patients with chronic pain, oral analgesics are essential treatment options to manage pain appropriately, improve activities of daily living abilities and achieve a higher quality of life (QOL). It...

Parasympathetic control of gastrointestinal motility and cross-branch actions of parasympathetic neuromodulation.

Parasympathetic control of gastrointestinal motility and cross-branch actions of parasympathetic neuromodulation.

Acupoint Thread Embedding Combined With Wenshen Bugu Decoction for the Treatment of Aromatase Inhibitor-Associated Musculoskeletal Symptom Among Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Patients: Study Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are recommended as the preferred therapy for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer. As a result, aromatase inhibitor-associated musculoskeletal symptom (AIMSS) have become a major problem leading to therapy discontinuation and decreased quality of life in patients receiving adjuvant AIs treatment. Multiple therapies have been attempted, but have yielded limited clinical results. This study will be performed to determine whether acupoint thread embedding (ATE) combined with Wenshen Bugu Decoction can effectively treat AIMSS, so as to improve the AIs medication compliance of postmenopausal breast cancer patients. This study will utilize a randomized, 2 parallel groups controlled trial design. A total of 128 eligible postmenopausal breast cancer women with AIMSS will be randomized to receive a 12-week treatment with Wenshen Bugu Decoction alone (control group) or in combination with ATE (treatment group) in a 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome will be the 12 week Brief Pain Inventory Worst Pain (BPI-WP) score. The secondary outcome measures will include response rate, Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BFI-SF), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Endocrine Symptom (FACT-ES), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B), bone marrow density (BMD), blood markers of bone metabolite, Morisky medication adherence scale-8 (MMAS-8), credibility and expectancy, and survival outcomes. This trial may provide clinical evidence that ATE combined with Wenshen Bugu Decoction can be beneficial for treating AIMSS among postmenopausal breast cancer survivors. Our findings will be helpful to enhance the quality of life and reduce the occurrence of AIs withdrawal.

Prospective surveillance of patients after palliative radiation for painful bone metastases: a feasibility study.

Bone metastasis is the most common cause of cancer-related pain. Radiation therapy (RT) can provide successful palliation but there is currently no consensus for surveillance after palliative radiation. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of surveillance after RT for painful bone metastases. The study took place in an academic cancer center. Patient feasibility measures included % of calls answered, ease of recruitment and study retention. Clinician measures included % of calls made within 3 days, call time and qualitative feedback. Patients were identified with a painful bone metastasis treated with RT. The bone metastasis had a worst pain score of at least 4 (0-10 scale), with pain localized to a radiographically confirmed lesion. Patients were called at weeks 1, 4 and 8 following RT. Pain response and opioid use were assessed. Quality of life was assessed using a validated questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to assess if these metrics were met for patients and clinicians over 8 weeks post-RT. Twenty patients were consented: 14 participants completed treatment and were not hospitalized or deceased prior to week 1. The patients were 50% male and 50% female. Recruitment was completed quickly, with no patients withdrawing. Response rate was week 1: 85% week 4: 83% and week 8: 83%. Six patients were referred back to their provider for pain management. Calls were made to patients within 3 days a median of 63% of the time (range, 40-82%), with a median call time of 16 (range, 8-42) minutes. Call lengths were longer for patients who required interpretation. Nurse feedback highlighted length of call and nursing time available as limitations. All patient feasibility measures were met. Six patients required further pain management, highlighting a need for improved follow up post-RT for bone metastases. Staffing challenges for this intervention must be overcome.

Acupuncture for the Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Acupuncture is a promising therapy for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but the use of subjective scales as an assessment is accompanied by high placebo response rates. To preliminarily test the feasibility of using US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-recommended end points to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of IBS. This pilot, multicenter randomized clinical trial was conducted in 4 tertiary hospitals in China from July 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021, and 14-week data collection was completed in March 2021. Individuals with a diagnosis of IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) were randomized to 1 of 3 groups, including 2 acupuncture groups (specific acupoints [SA] and nonspecific acupoints [NSA]) and a sham acupuncture group (non-acupoints [NA]) with a 1:1:1 ratio. Patients in all groups received twelve 30-minute sessions over 4 consecutive weeks at 3 sessions per week (ideally every other day). The primary outcome was the response rate at week 4, which was defined as the proportion of patients whose worst abdominal pain score (score range, 0-10, with 0 indicating no pain and 10 indicating unbearable severe pain) decreased by at least 30% and the number of type 6 or 7 stool days decreased by 50% or greater. Ninety patients (54 male [60.0%]; mean [SD] age, 34.5 [11.3] years) were enrolled, with 30 patients in each group. There were substantial improvements in the primary outcomes for all groups (composite response rates of 46.7% [95% CI, 28.8%-65.4%] in the SA group, 46.7% [95% CI, 28.8%-65.4%] in the NSA group, and 26.7% [95% CI, 13.0%-46.2%] in the NA group), although the difference between them was not statistically significant (P = .18). The response rates of adequate relief at week 4 were 64.3% (95% CI, 44.1%-80.7%) in the SA group, 62.1% (95% CI, 42.4%-78.7%) in the NSA group, and 55.2% (95% CI, 36.0%-73.0%) in the NA group (P = .76). Adverse events were reported in 2 patients (6.7%) in the SA group and 3 patients (10%) in NSA or NA group. In this pilot randomized clinical trial, acupuncture in both the SA and NSA groups showed clinically meaningful improvement in IBS-D symptoms, although there were no significant differences among the 3 groups. These findings suggest that acupuncture is feasible and safe; a larger, sufficiently powered trial is needed to accurately assess efficacy. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2000030670.

Prospective Observational Study of Pain Severity and Pain Interference Outcomes Following Percutaneous MRI-guided Laser Ablation or Cryoablation for Focal Painful Peripheral, Soft Tissue Vascular Malformations: 12-month Outcomes

Background: Percutaneous image-guided thermal ablation has emerged as a treatment option for vascular malformations (VM). However, prospective data on intermediate to long-term effectiveness with uniform follow-up are lacking. Purpose: To prospectively evaluate the 12-month pain severity and pain interference outcomes following percutaneous MRI-guided laser ablation and cryoablation of focal painful, peripheral soft tissue VM. Materials and Methods: Participants undergoing clinically indicated MRI-guided laser ablation and cryoablation for focal painful (worst pain ≥4 out of 10 on Visual Analog Scale), peripheral soft tissue vascular malformations (VM) were enrolled in an IRB-approved prospective, observational study after giving informed consent. Participants completed the Brief Pain Inventory questionnaire prior to ablation and 1, 3, 6, and 12-month postablation. Differences in pain severity and interference outcomes from baseline on a 0 to 10 scale were compared using a paired t-test. Results: Seventeen participants (15 female; mean age 28.3 ± 9.3 years) underwent 24 MRI-guided and monitored ablation sessions including laser (n = 21), cryoablation (n = 2), or both (n = 1) for treatment of painful slow-flow (n = 16) or high-flow (n = 1) VM. Median maximal VM diameter was 5.7 cm (range 1.1 to 31.0 cm). Mean (±SD) preablation worst pain score was 7.9 ± 1.4. There was a significant decrease in worst pain at 1-month postablation (–3.5 ± 2.9; P = .0007) that was sustained at 3 (–3.4 ± 3.2; P = .0007), 6 (–4.2 ± 3.6; P = .0003), and 12 months (–3.6 ± 3.9; P = .002), with similar results for average, current, and least pain scores. There was a significant improvement in pain interference outcomes at 12-month postablation: general activity (P = .018), walking ability (P = .008), work (P = .003), sleep (P = .007), and enjoyment of life (P = .033). Conclusions: These data suggest that MRI-guided and monitored thermal ablation is safe and provides early and sustained significant improvements in pain severity and pain interference outcomes during the first year of follow-up in participants with focal painful peripheral soft tissue VM.

Quality of life and risk factors in patients with herpes zoster

Objective: To evaluate the quality of life and influencing factors of patients with herpes zoster (HZ) seen in hospitals. Methods: Based on Zoster Brief Pain Inventory (ZBPI) and Five-level EuroQol Five-dimensional Questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L), a cross-sectional survey was conducted to evaluate the pain severity and quality of life of 332 HZ cases seen in 22 hospitals of Lu'an City (Anhui Province), Zibo City (Shandong Province) and Tongchuan City (Shaanxi Province) from October to December 2021. The censored least absolute deviations (CLAD) model was used to analyze the related factors affecting the changes of patients' health utility values. Results: The 45.5% of 332 HZ cases were male. The median (Q1,Q3) age was 59 (50, 68) years. 59.64% of them assessed by ZBPI had moderate to severe pain in the past 24 hours (worst pain score≥5), and that of PHN cases was 84.8%(39/46). 77.7% (258/332), 77.4% (257/332) and 74.1% (246/332) of all patients reported that pain interfered with sleep, mood and general activities, respectively. Aging [β40-49y (95%CI)=-0.11 (-0.15, -0.08); β50-59y (95%CI)=-0.03 (-0.05, 0.00); β60-69y (95%CI)=-0.09 (-0.12, -0.06); β70-90y(95%CI)=-0.16 (-0.19, -0.12)], working status (unemployed) [βfarmer (95%CI)=0.15 (0.13, 0.18); βretirees(95%CI)=0.21 (0.18, 0.24); βemployee (95%CI)=0.13 (0.10, 0.16) ], complications[βPHN (95%CI)=-0.08 (-0.13, -0.04); βother complications (95%CI)=-0.12 (-0.15, -0.08)], within 30 days after onset [β(95%CI)=-0.01 (-0.03, 0.01)] and treatment [βother complications (95%CI)=-0.09 (-0.11, -0.06)] were related factors for the decline of health utility value (all P values <0.05). Conclusions: More than half of the patients with HZ had moderate to severe pain in the past 24 hours, which had a serious negative impact on the physical and mental health of the patients. Elderly patients, acute patients and patients with complications had lower health utility values and worse health status. We suggest that eligible people be vaccinated with HZ vaccine as soon as possible.

Dextromethorphan as a novel nonopioid adjunctive agent for pain control with medication abortion: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesTo evaluate efficacy and satisfaction of dextromethorphan as a non-narcotic adjuvant to current analgesic regimens for medication abortion. Study DesignWe conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. We randomized eligible participants (N = 156) 1:1 to adjunctively take dextromethorphan (loading dose 60 mg and two subsequent 30 mg doses at 2 and 5 hours after misoprostol administration) or placebo combined with usual-care nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications ± opioids for pain. Participants reported pain scores and satisfaction using a secure texting application at 2, 5, 8, and 24 hours after misoprostol administration. Our primary outcome was worst pain score and total analgesic use. ResultsBaseline demographics of enrolled participants were similar between randomization arms. Worst pain scores for participants receiving dextromethorphan versus placebo (8.0 vs 7.0, p = 0.06) did not differ. Total milligram usage of ibuprofen (800 mg vs 610 mg, p =.62), acetaminophen (1000 mg vs 1300 mg, p = 0.62), and opioids (10 mg vs 15 mg, p = 0.51) did not differ between the randomization groups. Participants randomized to placebo were significantly more likely to be satisfied with their pain control (91% vs 75%, p = 0.02). ConclusionDextromethorphan used adjunctively with standard analgesics did not reduce pain associated with medication abortion. Participants who received dextromethorphan reported decreased satisfaction with their pain control. ImplicationsDextromethorphan used adjunctively with commonly used analgesic regimens did not reduce medication abortion associated pain. Many participants did not use analgesics as counseled, and nearly 25% used no analgesia during medication abortion.

Prospective Evaluation of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for Patients with Metastatic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) can be very painful and disabling. We hypothesized that an initial fraction of SBRT would provide rapid decompression and allow for potential dose escalation via a follow up treatment. Our primary objective was to assess the feasibility of a staged SBRT approach to provide short-interval treatment response. Secondary endpoints included pain control and quality of life (QoL). <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> This single institution, prospective study enrolled non-surgical candidates with MESCC from 07/2015 to 02/2018. Those with spine instability (SINS>12), bony retropulsion, or radiosensitive histologies were excluded. After baseline imaging (MRIpre), patients received SBRT (10-16 Gy) and a short interval MRI within 2-3 weeks (MRI1). Subsequently, patients could receive an additional treatment at the discretion of the treating physician. A second MRI was completed 8-10 weeks post-tx (MRI2). QoL questionnaires and pain scores were obtained at all time points. The primary endpoint was the smallest cord-disease distance (CDD) in the axial plane and the thecal sac patency (TSP), defined as the thecal sac area at the level of maximal compression divided by the average thecal sac area one level above and below. Secondary endpoints included pain scores and QoL using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – General (FACT-G). Statistical comparisons utilized the Wilcoxson signed-rank test. <h3>Results</h3> 22 patients were enrolled in the study and received SBRT. The most common primary diagnoses were lung (36%) and prostate (32%) cancer. The most common initial SBRT doses were 16 Gy (41%) and 14 Gy (36%). 12 patients completed all 3 scans and 3 other patients completed 2 scans (MRIpre and either MRI1 or MRI2). No patient received a second,adaptive fraction of radiation (due to lost to follow up, systemic progression, or no local progression). TSP significantly increased on MRI1 (median change 9%, IQR 1%-28%, p = 0.034) and on MRI2 (median change 24%, IQR 12-32%, p = 0.002). CDD did not increase significantly on MR1 (median change 0.0 mm, IQR 0-0.3 mm, p = 0.125) but did on MRI2 (median change 1.5 mm, IQR 0-1.8 mm, p = 0.001). On radiology report, 23% had disease improvement on MRI1, all of whom received 16 Gy. 64% had disease improvement on MRI2. No patients progressed neurologically. There was a numerical decrease in best and worst pain score over time (p=0.093). FACT-G scores did not change significantly over time. There were no grade 3 or greater toxicities related to RT. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Single-fraction SBRT can provide rapid decompression of epidural disease safely and quickly. Radiosurgical decompression can be a feasible alternative to surgery in patients with MESCC, especially as a large segment of such patients are non-surgical candidates. A follow up study comparing SBRT to 3D CRT is being planned.

This Month in Anesthesiology

This Month in Anesthesiology

Association of dynamic change in patient-reported pain with survival in metastatic castrate sensitive prostate cancer-exploratory analysis of LATITUDE study.

Pain is an important dimension of quality-of-life in patients with metastatic castrate-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC). However, it is unclear if dynamic change in pain over time can predict for overall survival (OS) or progression-free survival (PFS) in these patients. This is an exploratory analysis of LATITUDE, a phase III randomized study, in which men with de novo mCSPC were randomized to receive either ADT plus abiraterone versus ADT alone. Information was collected on patient-reported worst pain score (WPS) and pain-interference score (PIS) from the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form. A Bayesian joint modelling approach was used determine the association of dynamic change in WPS and PIS with OS and PFS. Overall, 1125 patients with at least 3 measurements on pain scores were eligible. On Cox multivariable regression, increase in baseline WPS was associated with inferior OS (hazard ratio [HR] 1.049 [95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.015-1.085]; time dependent area under curve [tAUC] 0.64) and PFS (HR 1.045 [1.011-1.080]; tAUC: 0.64). Increase in baseline PIS was associated with inferior OS (HR 1.062 [1.020-1.105]; tAUC: 0.63) but not with PFS (HR 1.038 [0.996-1.08]). On independent joint models, an increase in the current value of WPS by 1-unit was associated with inferior OS (HR 1.316 [1.258-1.376]; tAUC 0.74) and PFS (HR 1.319 [1.260-1.382]; tAUC 0.70). Similar association was seen for increase in the current value of PIS with OS (HR 1.319 [1.261-1.381]; tAUC 0.73) and PFS (HR 1.282 [1.224-1.344]; tAUC 0.73). The above findings highlight the potential dynamic interplay between patient-reported pain with OS and PFS in mCSPC. Compared to baseline pain, such dynamic assessment of pain was found to have superior predictive ability and thus has the potential to tailor subsequent treatment based on response to initial therapy beyond its role as a very important dimension of quality-of-life.