Articles: pain-management.
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Poorly controlled acute postsurgical pain is associated with delayed recovery, chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP), chronic opioid use and impaired functioning in daily activities. The aim was to determine the effectiveness of a transitional pain service (TPS) to improve quality of recovery for patients at risk of CPSP. We hypothesized that a TPS improves the quality of recovery in patients at risk of CPSP. ⋯ TPS did not significantly affect short-term quality of recovery but might improve long-term outcomes, such as the incidence of chronic pain, opioid consumption, and functioning in daily life. However, sample size in the present study was too small to provide solid evidence for this positive signal.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) levels following erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in posterior lumbar decompression: a randomized, controlled trial.
Neutrophile-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are the inflammatory biomarkers of the stress response. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) on posterior lumbar decompression and stabilization by comparing NLR, PLR, postoperative pain, opioid consumption, and functional recovery between sham block and ESPB. ⋯ ESPB performance during spinal surgery lowers NRL and PLR ratios 12 h and 24 h after surgery. In addition, ESPB provides better analgesia and improves functional recovery compared to sham block following posterior lumbar decompression and stabilization.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Immigration bias among medical students: a randomized controlled trial.
Racial bias is found in both physicians and medical students. Immigrants in many parts of the world face challenges similar to racial minorities. Identification of immigrants might however be more subtle than identification by race, and currently, no data are available on a possible bias against the large minority group of migrants in Europe. ⋯ Medical students showed no immigration bias with regard to administering pain medication but were less likely to choose high-potency analgesia in immigrants. We also found a gender difference in pain management. These results demonstrate the importance of including knowledge about immigration bias in medical training.
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Chronic pain is a significant health concern that adversely affects all aspects of life, including emotional well-being. Opioids are prescribed for the management of refractory, severe chronic pain, although they have been associated with adverse effects, including addiction and overdose. The aim of this study was to examine factors that predict thoughts of self-harm among adults with chronic pain who are prescribed opioids. ⋯ These results support the need for continued monitoring of adults treated with opioids for chronic pain, particularly among those on high-dose opioids who present with increased negative affect and concerns of substance misuse.