Articles: chronic-pain.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Aug 2012
Prevalence, characteristics, and factors associated with chronic pain with and without neuropathic characteristics in São Luís, Brazil.
Chronic pain (CP) with and without neuropathic characteristics is a public health problem. This is the first population-based study in South America, and the third in the world, to use the Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questions (DN4) tool in epidemiologic studies. ⋯ CP with and without neuropathic characteristics is a public health problem in Brazil, with high prevalence and great influence on people's daily lives.
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Chronic pain is pathological, persisting beyond normal tissue healing time. Previous work has suggested ∼50% variation in chronic pain development is heritable. No data are currently available on the heritability of pain categorized using the Chronic Pain Grade (CPG). ⋯ After adjustment, 'any chronic pain' h(2) = 16% (SE 7%; p = 0.02) and 'severe' chronic pain h(2) = 30% (SE 13%; p = 0.007). Co-heritability of both traits was 11% (SE 76%). This study supports the use of chronic pain as a phenotype in genetic studies, with adequate correction for confounders to specifically identify genetic risk factors for chronic pain.
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Chronic orchalgia, defined as testicular pain lasting > 3 months and interfering with normal activities, is neglected in the pediatric literature. We describe our experience with the evaluation and treatment of pediatric chronic orchalgia patients. ⋯ Conservative management of chronic orchalgia allowed symptoms to subside in the majority of cases. We recommend patients be treated with conservative measures for 1-2 months. If this fails, early involvement of the anesthesia pain service can offer treatment modalities such as epidural analgesia. Surgical management in the face of a normal physical exam does not seem to have a role.
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Patients with chronic non-cancer pain not only show reduced quality of life, but also chronic morbidity and increased mortality. However, little is known about prevalence and type of abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings in these individuals. ⋯ The prevalence of abnormal ECG recordings should be considered in the pain management of these patients. General ECG screening in this population should be discussed. Future studies should examine a larger population to identify potential risk factors (e.g., medication).