Articles: neuropathic-pain.
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Inhibitor of DNA binding/differentiation 2 (Id2) belongs to a helix-loop-helix family of proteins. Recent studies have showed that Id2 plays a pivotal role in neuronal survival and neuroprotection. However, under neuropathic pain conditions, the role of Id2 is still unclear. ⋯ Furthermore, knockdown of Id2 reduces the expression of NF-κB p65 in the DRG of CCI rats. Taken together, our findings suggest that knockdown of Id2 may alleviate neuropathic pain by inhibiting the NF-κB activation to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory mediators. Therefore, Id2 may provide an important target of neuropathic pain treatment.
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Journal of neurosurgery · May 2016
Correlation of preoperative MRI with the long-term outcomes of dorsal root entry zone lesioning for brachial plexus avulsion pain.
OBJECT Lesioning of the dorsal root entry zone (DREZotomy) is an effective treatment for brachial plexus avulsion (BPA) pain. The role of preoperative assessment with MRI has been shown to be unreliable for determining affected levels; however, it may have a role in predicting pain outcomes. Here, DREZotomy outcomes are reviewed and preoperative MRI is examined as a possible prognostic factor. ⋯ A longer duration of pain prior to operation was also a significant predictor of treatment success (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS Overall, the DREZotomy procedure has a 66% chance of achieving meaningful pain relief on long-term follow-up. Successful pain relief is associated with the lack of damage to the DREZ and dorsal horn on preoperative MRI.
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J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg · May 2016
Prevalence and factors associated with persistent pain following body contouring surgery.
Persistent postsurgical pain (PPP) has been reported by patients following various surgeries. Body contouring procedures are being performed more frequently, but no data are available regarding the effects of these procedures. Long-term disability occurring after performing "functional" procedures on healthy subjects is a particular concern. The aim of this study was to describe the risk factors, prevalence, characteristics, and effects of persistent pain after body contouring procedures. ⋯ Persistent chronic pain is frequent after body contouring procedures. Preemptive approaches and early postoperative diagnosis are important measures that can be used to limit the effects of this complication on the patient's quality of life.
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Acta neurochirurgica · May 2016
Younger age predicts greater effectiveness of spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain.
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an accepted surgical treatment for neuropathic pain in failed back syndrome or complex regional pain syndrome. However, even in the best selected surgical cases the predictors of adequate pain control are not well defined. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of outcome in patients who underwent SCS in our center. ⋯ Our results suggest that younger age is associated with greater long-term effectiveness of spinal cord stimulation and therefore age may influence the success of SCS therapy with older patients having a greater tendency to failure. Earlier intervention may be beneficial in these chronic pain patients.
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Neuropathic pain is a complex state showing increased pain response with dysfunctional inhibitory neurotransmission. The TREK family, one of the two pore domain K⁺ (K2P) channel subgroups were focused among various mechanisms of neuropathic pain. These channels influence neuronal excitability and are thought to be related in mechano/thermosensation. ⋯ It was easily activated by low pH solution (pH 6.3), negative pressure, and riluzole. Immunofluorescence images showed the expression of TREK-1 was stronger compared to TREK-2 on IB4 positive neurons. These results suggest that modulation of the TREK-1 channel may have beneficial analgesic effects in neuropathic pain patients.