Pain management最新文献

Aim: To characterize real-world healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and costs in adults with chronic pain of peripheral nerve origin treated with peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) using the micro-implantable pulse generator (IPG).

Materials & methods: This retrospective observational study (9/1/19-1/31/23) linked patients from the Nalu medical database to the OM1 Real-World Data Cloud (RWDC). Eligible patients received the micro-IPG implant for PNS, were identifiable in both databases, and had ≥ 12 months of RWDC pre/post-implantation claims data. Primary outcomes were all-cause HRCU and medical costs (12 months pre- and post-implantation); secondary outcomes were all-cause pharmacy costs, including opioids, over the same time.

Results: Patients (N = 122) had a higher mean (standard deviation; SD) number of outpatient visits pre-implantation (5.7 [5.4]) than post-implantation (4.9 [5.7]). Mean (SD) total medical costs were 50% lower, from $27,493 ($44,756) to $13,717 ($23,278). Median (first-third quartile [Q1-Q3]) medical costs were 57% lower, from $11,809 ($4,075-$31,788) to $5,094 ($1,815-$13,820). Mean (SD) pharmacy costs (n = 77) were higher post-implantation ($22,470 [$77,203]) than pre-implantation ($20,092 [$64,132]), while median (Q1-Q3) costs were lower (from $2,708 [$222 -11,882] to $2,122 [$50-9,370]). Post-implantation, the proportion of patients using opioids was 31.4% lower.

Conclusion: Patients with PNS using the micro-IPG had reduced HCRU, costs, and opioid use.

Diabetic peripheral polyneuropathy (DPN) is the most common cause for diabetic foot complications, including diabetic ulcers, Charcot arthropathy, and lower limb amputations. Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is a safe and effective treatment used for pain reduction in neuropathic/nociceptive pain conditions; the most common stimulation modalities used for the management of painful diabetic neuropathy were conventional paresthesia-based and high-frequency SCS, which stimulate the A beta fibers in the dorsal column of the spinal cord. Differential Target Multiplexed (DTM) SCS is a novel paresthesia-free stimulation technique targeting the supportive glial cells in the nervous system, modulating glial cells and neurons with a rebalance of their interactions. We report a case of severe painful DPN who had immediate pain relief after DTM-SCS implantation, with constant pain relief during the 12 months follow-up. We also investigated the effect of neurostimulation on diabetes control, evaluating the preoperative and postoperative glucose metrics using Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) and compared neurophysiological examination results of the peripheral lower limbs' nerves.

Effective pain management has long been hindered by the limitations and risks associated with opioid analgesics, necessitating the exploration of novel, non-opioid alternatives. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar during October and November 2024 to identify studies on emerging non-opioid pain management therapeutics. This review evaluates three promising classes of mechanism-specific therapeutics: nerve growth factor (NGF) monoclonal antibodies, transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) antagonists, and selective sodium channel blockers. By targeting distinct pathways involved in pain sensation, these therapies aim to provide relief for various pain types, including chronic, inflammatory, and neuropathic pain, with potentially fewer side effects. Through a detailed analysis of their mechanisms of action and current evidence, this review highlights the clinical potential of each class, addressing both their efficacy and safety challenges. Ultimately, these emerging therapies represent significant advancements in non-opioid pain management, with the potential to reshape standard approaches to patient care.

Background: The aims of this review were to identify and to analyze the clinical studies that used subcutaneous injections of dextrose for treating musculoskeletal pain, in order to establish an overview.

Methods: A systematic search was carried out in scientific databases including Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PUBMED and other sources, up until March 2024. We included clinical studies that used subcutaneous injections of dextrose in the treatment of individuals with musculoskeletal pain associated with tendinopathies, enthesopathy, osteoarthritis, ligament sprains, muscle strains or bursitis of various locations.

Results: Twenty studies that met the criteria were included in this review; of those, 13 were randomized clinical trials, one non-randomized comparative study and six were case series studies, comprising a total of 1226 patients. In all included studies, efficacy in pain reduction was reported in the groups treated with dextrose when comparing evaluations at baseline, short term and medium term.

Conclusions: Subcutaneous injections of dextrose could be a beneficial treatment for reducing musculoskeletal pain; however, factors such as the high heterogeneity in the treatment schemes, uncertainty in the mechanisms of action and the level of evidence found, indicate that this technique is still under development.

Aims: Post-mastectomy pain syndrome is a common postoperative complication that can impact patient quality of life and function. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the effectiveness of cryoneurolysis as an intervention for the management of post-mastectomy pain.

Methods: A prospero-registered systematic review was performed following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. An initial screening consisted of 53 articles imported from the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus. Google Scholar and WorldCat were also searched to pull any further articles.

Results: Three clinical trials, one case series, and one case report were included. Primary outcome measure of patient reported pain score (VAS or NRS) showed clinically significant reduction in pain in all five studies. Three of the studies also reported reduction in opioid use with cryoneurolysis intervention. A pooled effect size of Hedges g = -0.963, (95% CI [-1.55, -0.373]), with heterogeneity (I² = 0.70).

Conclusion: Cryoneurolysis intervention shows promising and clinically significant relief in post-mastectomy pain in patients and further studies are encouraged.

Background: Chronic pain management is challenging. Those with chronic pain present to health professionals, including osteopaths.

Methods: Secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey of the Osteopathy Research Connect - New Zealand (ORC-NZ), a practice-based research network (PBRN). Demographic, practice, and treatment characteristics of osteopaths who 'often' and 'not often' treat chronic pain patients were collected.

Results: Two hundred and seventy-seven (277) NZ osteopaths responded and just over half (50.7% N = 138) reported 'often' treating chronic pain patients. This group, who have a similar male-to-female ratio, often use a diagnostic screening questionnaire (aOR 3.78), and often treat patients with non-musculoskeletal complaints (aOR 3.12) and tendinopathies (aOR 3.41).

Conclusions: This study highlights practice and clinical management characteristics of NZ osteopaths who manage chronic pain patients.

Aims: Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a painful sensation occurring in patients around the site of an amputation. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the efficacy of cryoneurolysis in the management of phantom limb pain.

Materials and methods: A systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. An initial search yielded 200 articles from four major scientific databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, WebOfScience). Five articles met inclusion criteria, four of which underwent additional pooled statistical analysis.

Results: Pooled analysis of the included trials revealed a cumulative Cohen's d effect size of 1.55 (95% CI [0.24, 2.87]; p = 0.02; z = 2.32) for the reduction of pain on a 10-point pain scale following cryoneurolysis intervention. The remaining article that did not meet inclusion criteria for statistical analysis was a case report that reported a reduction in pain from 9/10 to 1/10 one week following intervention.

Conclusions: The large effect size demonstrated a statistically and clinically significant improvement in patient-reported pain. Additionally, patients may be able to reduce their amount of pharmaceutical pain management with successful cryoneurolysis treatment. However, these findings are limited by the small sample size and high heterogeneity between studies. Further high-quality studies should be performed to corroborate these findings.

Protocol registration: www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero identifier is CRD42024543085.

Background: This pilot case series evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of using endoscopic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the articular branch of the anterior obturator nerve under endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance for controlling pain in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH).

Methods: Data on 11 consecutive patients were collected with ONFH underwent endoscopic RFA of the anterior obturator nerve. Electromyography (EMG) examination was performed preoperatively and postoperatively. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores, and analgesic usage were recorded preoperatively, on the day of surgery, and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively.

Results: The study included 5 males and 6 females, aged 45 to 91 years (mean age: 70.4 ± 14.6 years), with an average BMI of 29.5. All patients completed a minimum of 6 months of follow-up. Postoperative EMG showed no muscle damage. VAS and WOMAC scores demonstrated significant improvement, with reduced pain, stiffness, and improved hip function. Oral analgesic use also decreased.

Conclusion: Endoscopic RFA of the anterior obturator nerve effectively reduces pain and improves function in ONFH patients over 6 months. Further studies are needed to confirm long-term outcomes.