Pain practice : the official journal of World Institute of Pain
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Influence of morphine and naloxone on pain modulation in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Fibromyalgia and controls: a double blind randomized placebo-controlled cross-over study.
Impaired pain inhibitory and enhanced pain facilitatory mechanisms are repeatedly reported in patients with central sensitization pain. However, the exact effects of frequently prescribed opioids on central pain modulation are still unknown. ⋯ This study revealed anti-hyperalgesia effects of morphine in CFS/FM and RA patients. Nevertheless, these effects were comparable to placebo. Besides, neither morphine nor naloxone influenced deep tissue pain, temporal summation or CPM. Therefore, these results suggest that the opioid system is not dominant in (enhanced) bottom-up sensitization (temporal summation) or (impaired) endogenous pain inhibition (CPM) in patients with CFS/FM or RA.
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Despite requiring successful trials prior to implantation, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) systems for pain are often later removed. Removing surgically implanted hardware subjects patients to the risks and discomfort of a second surgery, threatens the cost-effectiveness of SCS, and limits the perceived durability of SCS technology for pain problems. ⋯ Inadequate pain control is the most common reason for SCSES. Advances in technology are needed to improve the quality and duration of pain control, as well as to design improvements to make the hardware more comfortable. A significant number of implants are removed due to need for MRI, a fact obviating the need for MRI-compatible systems. Patients considering SCS paddle lead placement should be counseled on the most common reasons for later explantation.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Randomized controlled trial on the influence of intra-operative remifentanil versus fentanyl on acute and chronic pain after cardiac surgery.
Remifentanil has been associated with increased acute and potentially chronic postoperative pain. The objective of this prospective randomized controlled trial was to investigate the influence of intraoperative remifentanil on acute and chronic postoperative pain after cardiac surgery. ⋯ Intraoperative use of remifentanil during cardiac surgery does not impact chronic postoperative pain 1 year after surgery. Nevertheless, remifentanil increases analgesic requirements and thoracic pain until 3 months after surgery, and its use is therefore less favorable during cardiac surgery.
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The primary objective of this case series was to report the use of cervical epidural steroid injection in the management of neck pain and stiffness secondary to spondyloarthropathy in cases refractory to conservative therapy. ⋯ Cervical epidural steroid injections may be effective to improve the axial neck pain and stiffness in patients with diagnosis of spondyloarthropathy refractory to conservative management. Thus, we believe that epidural steroid injections should be considered in the management of patients with spondyloarthopathies.
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Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an effective therapy to reduce pain in patients who suffer from failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). In order to inform patients optimally prior to this therapy, knowing their expectations is crucial. ⋯ To improve education for patients prior to SCS surgery and to evaluate the effects of SCS, a multidimensional approach needs to be implemented. Possible disadvantages of SCS need to be discussed prior to the treatment.