The Clinical journal of pain
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Sex-correlated differences in pain perception and behavior have been reported in several studies. Where such differences are found, they are most often in the direction of girls and women reporting more pain than is reported by boys and men. ⋯ We affirm that there is convincing evidence that such psychosocial factors must be taken into account in research on sex-correlated differences in pain. We contend that the use of the dichotomous variable sex as a proxy for presumed biologic aspects of being female or male may obscure the contribution to sex-correlated differences that could be ascribed to the ways in which women and men are socialized with respect to pain perception and pain reporting.
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The role of serotonin in the modulation of nociceptive input has been widely studied, and a link between serum serotonin (S-5HT) and pain thresholds elicited in patients with chronic painful pathologies has been shown. In the light of contradictory concepts on pain message modulation by S-5HT, this study tries to define whether S-5HT displays a nociceptive or antinociceptive role in experimental pain evaluation in healthy volunteers. ⋯ Low pain detection thresholds may be explained by a peripheral nociceptive effect of serotonin. Pain tolerance does not, however, encompass a similar pattern of serotoninergic involvement in pain control and may include other components that remain to be elucidated. These results call for further studies on a larger population.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Does the type of arthroscopic surgery modify the analgesic effect of intraarticular morphine and bupivacaine? A preliminary study.
To analyze the different analgesic response to intraarticular morphine and bupivacaine in different types of arthroscopic surgery. ⋯ The analgesic effect of morphine and bupivacaine is different depending on the type of arthroscopic surgery. Intraarticular bupivacaine is effective in surgeries with a low inflammatory response. For surgeries with a higher inflammatory response, morphine has a better analgesic effect. Postoperative intraarticular analgesic therapy should be indicated according to the performed arthroscopic procedure.
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
Spousal responses are differentially associated with clinical variables in women and men with chronic pain.
Spousal responses have been related to clinical variables in patients with chronic pain. For example, solicitous responses from spouses have been associated with greater levels of pain and disability among patients with chronic pain. However, few investigators have determined whether spousal solicitousness produces different effects in women versus men with chronic pain. The present study examined pain reports, medication use, psychosocial factors, functional measures, and pain tolerance in patients with chronic pain. ⋯ These results extend previous findings demonstrating a relationship between spousal responses and patients' adjustment to pain; however, the pattern of these effects appears to be moderated by the sex of the patient. Implications for assessment and treatment of chronic pain are discussed.
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Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
Sex differences in cortisol response to noxious stress.
Evidence has accumulated that men and women show different responses to noxious stimuli, with women exhibiting greater sensitivity to pain than men. Data concerning sex differences in cortisol response patterns have revealed inconsistent results so far. The purpose of the present study was to examine sex differences in subjective pain and cortisol response to a noxious stressor. ⋯ The present study demonstrates that men show a larger cortisol response to a noxious stressor than women that is not attributable to sex differences in subjective pain. The conclusion of a causal relation between larger cortisol responses and higher pain tolerance thresholds in men is tempting but yet speculative.