European journal of pain : EJP
-
Multicenter Study
Acute stress response and recovery after whiplash injuries. A one-year prospective study.
Chronic whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) represents a major medical and psycho-social problem. The typical symptomatology presented in WAD is to some extent similar to symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder. In this study we examined if the acute stress reaction following a whiplash injury predicted long-term sequelae. ⋯ It was not possible to distinguish between participants who recovered and those who did not by means of the IES (AUC=0.6). In conclusion, the association between the acute stress reaction and persistent WAD suggests that post traumatic stress reaction may be important to consider in the early management of whiplash injury. However, the emotional response did not predict chronicity in individuals.
-
Evidence suggests that males and females differ with respect to the perception and experience of pain. Much of this work focuses on biological factors, yet it is also acknowledged that psychosocial issues are important. Within humans, socially and culturally constructed meanings of being and acting as a man or a woman should help us understand sex-related differences in pain. ⋯ We then selectively review existing gender and pain research using these different levels of explanation. In doing so we also highlight that by considering the gender conceptualizations underpinning such studies we are able to point to directions for future research. We conclude by arguing that this approach opens up a new avenue for pain researchers, which we hope will further our understanding of this interesting phenomena.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
The effects of skin-to-skin contact during acute pain in preterm newborns.
Several promising non-pharmacological interventions have been developed to reduce acute pain in preterm infants including skin-to-skin contact between a mother and her infant. However, variability in physiological outcomes of existing studies on skin-to-skin makes it difficult to determine treatment effects of this naturalistic approach for the preterm infant. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of mother and infant skin-to-skin contact during heel prick in premature infants. ⋯ Skin-to-skin contact promoted reduction in behavioral measures and less physiological increase during procedure. It is recommended that skin-to-skin contact be used as a non-pharmacologic intervention to relieve acute pain in stable premature infants born 30 weeks gestational age or older.
-
Morphine-6-glucuronide (M6G) is morphine's active metabolite acting at the mu-opioid receptor. Recent experimental human studies and 5 of 6 randomized clinical trials indicate that M6G causes adequate and long lasting pain relief comparable to morphine. There are various observations that M6G is associated with a reduction in the severity of side effects normally associated with opioid use, such as reduced postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and reduced respiratory depression. The present drug profile provides a review of the pharmacological properties of M6G, the clinical evidence relating to its efficacy and safety, and discusses its future role in the treatment of postoperative pain.
-
Clinical Trial
Analgesic and antinociceptive effects of peripheral nerve neurostimulation in an advanced human experimental model.
Electrical peripheral nerve neurostimulation (PNS) is reported to be an effective pain treatment. An objective proof of antinociceptive effect is lacking. The human experimental study addressed PNS effects on nociception and pain by electrophysiology and psychophysics. ⋯ Delay of N2 component and reduction of laser pain were specific to ipsilateral PNS. Divergent and common effects of ipsilateral and contralateral PNS suggest a combination of peripheral and central antinociceptive mechanisms. The study in man documents inhibition of nociception and pain by PNS and provides with an experimental model for future objectives in neuromodulation.