Articles: function.
-
Numerous neuroimaging techniques have been recently used to investigate central mechanisms involved in pain perception and to examine morphological and functional brain alterations associated with chronic pain. Compared to self-reporting approaches, objective imaging techniques are expected to potentially lead to better pain assessment and guide management. This comprehensive scoping review aims to identify recent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) approaches that have been used to characterize the brain of chronic pain subjects, using structural, chemical and functional MRI techniques. ⋯ From our clinical experience, we have noted that most clinicians are not aware of the capabilities of advanced MRI methods in assessing cortical manifestations of chronic pain. In addition, many clinicians are not aware of the cortical alterations present in individuals with chronic pain. This comprehensive scoping review thus sets out to first summarize MRI neuroimaging techniques that are available in the current literature to examine chronic pain. We then identify cortical MR approaches that have been able to reliably predict transition from acute to chronic pain. Finally, we summarize MRI neuroimaging techniques that have been used to track treatment response of individuals with chronic pain.
-
Critical care medicine · Apr 2017
Sodium Bicarbonate Versus Sodium Chloride for Preventing Contrast-Associated Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
To test whether hydration with bicarbonate rather than isotonic sodium chloride reduces the risk of contrast-associated acute kidney injury in critically ill patients. ⋯ Except for urinary pH, none of the outcomes differed between the two groups. Among ICU patients with stable renal function, the benefit of using sodium bicarbonate rather than isotonic sodium chloride for preventing contrast-associated acute kidney injury is marginal, if any.
-
Acta Anaesthesiol Scand · Apr 2017
Pain avoidance predicts disability and depressive symptoms three years later in individuals with whiplash complaints.
Longstanding symptoms due to whiplash are commonly associated with decreased levels of emotional and physical functioning. To date, there is strong empirical support for the relationship between psychological in/flexibility and pain-related functioning, but the predictive role for future health is largely unknown. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate if psychological in/flexibility (i.e. avoidance and cognitive fusion) predicted pain disability and depressive symptoms 3 years later in individuals with whiplash complaints. ⋯ Pain avoidance significantly predicted pain disability and depressive symptoms 3 years later. Although tentative, results warrant more studies to further explore the importance of pain avoidance for future health.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Pilot randomized controlled trial to assess a physical therapy program on upper extremity function to counteract inactivity in chronic stroke.
In chronic stroke, feasible physical therapy (PT) programs are needed to promote function throughout life. ⋯ The suggested PT program may be useful to improve the paretic UE function and motor recovery in chronic stroke. Moreover, it may be helpful to facilitate lifelong active involvement of stroke subjects in exercise.