Article
Pediatrics
Alice Bruneau, Catherine E. Ferland, Rafael Perez-Medina-Carballo, Marta Somaini, Nada Mohamed, Michele Curatolo, Jean A. Ouellet, Pablo Ingelmo
Summary: The evidence supporting pharmacological treatments for pediatric chronic pain is limited. This retrospective study found that using quantitative sensory testing (QST) and conditioned pain modulation evaluation (CPM) provided clinicians with pain phenotype information that helped tailor treatment for children with chronic pain conditions. The group that underwent QST/CPM testing received fewer opioids, anticonvulsants, and interventional treatments compared to the control group. The duration of treatment did not differ between the groups. QST/CPM testing appears to offer more targeted therapeutic options, reducing the need for polypharmacy and interventional treatments while maintaining effectiveness.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Hidenori Suzuki, Shu Tahara, Mao Mitsuda, Hironori Izumi, Satoshi Ikeda, Kazushige Seki, Norihiro Nishida, Masahiro Funaba, Yasuaki Imajo, Kiminori Yukata, Takashi Sakai
Summary: QST and PPT are useful in the analysis of neck/shoulder and low back pain. However, there is currently a lack of reliable reference values for PPT in these conditions. This article reviews previous studies and provides a summary of the current data on PPT values.
Article
Anesthesiology
Yelena Granovsky, Leah Shafran Topaz, Helen Laycock, Rabab Zubiedat, Shoshana Crystal, Chen Buxbaum, Noam Bosak, Rafi Hadad, Erel Domany, Mogher Khamaisi, Elliot Sprecher, David L. Bennett, Andrew Rice, David Yarnitsky
Summary: According to the study, patients with painful diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) have lower efficiency in conditioned pain modulation (CPM) compared to those with nonpainful DPN. However, these patients demonstrate unexpectedly higher efficiency in thermal CPM. Higher efficiency in thermal CPM is associated with higher levels of clinical pain and greater loss of mechanical sensation. Patients with mechanical hypoesthesia also show higher efficiency in thermal CPM.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Nadia Kriek, Cecile C. de Vos, Johannes G. Groeneweg, Sara J. Baart, Frank J. P. M. Huygen
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the effects of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy on sensory characteristics in patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). The findings showed that 40-Hz tonic SCS significantly reduced pain, allodynia, and hyperalgesia in CRPS patients. These results suggest that SCS therapy is effective for patients suffering from allodynia and hyperalgesia.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Jessica A. Peterson, Michael G. Bemben, Rebecca D. Larson, Hugo Pereira, H. Michael Crowson, Christopher D. Black
Summary: This study reveals that CPM was impaired in individuals who had symptomatic COVID-19, which may have long-term implications on pain modulation.
Article
Neuroimaging
Iris Coppieters, Barbara Cagnie, Robby De Pauw, Mira Meeus, Inge Timmers
Summary: This study revealed distinct brain functional connectivity changes in patients with chronic neck pain during resting state, which were related to central sensitization symptoms, pain testing results, and self-reported pain experiences. The findings suggest that enhanced amygdala-frontal operculum connectivity is a crucial factor in chronic neck pain.
NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL
(2021)
Article
Anesthesiology
Madeleine Verriotis, Judy Peters, Clarissa Sorger, Suellen M. Walker
Summary: The study recruited adolescents aged 10-17 with neuropathic pain or complex regional pain syndrome. The results showed that changes in pain symptoms, sensory features, and psychological function were associated with severe pain, decreased quality of life, and emotional distress.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Alberto Arribas-Romano, Josue Fernandez-Carnero, Yeray Gonzalez-Zamorano, Leonardo Rodriguez-Lagos, Isabel Maria Alguacil-Diego, Miguel Molina-Alvarez, David Morales Tejera, Francisco Mercado-Romero
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms through which manual therapy (MT) works in patients with neck pain, comparing the effects of painful and pain-free MT treatment. The results showed that the immediate and short-term effects of MT on neck pain are not mediated by mechanisms related to conditioned pain modulation (CPM).
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Kordula Lang-Illievich, Christoph Klivinyi, Gudrun Rumpold-Seitlinger, Christian Dorn, Helmar Bornemann-Cimenti
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the analgesic mechanisms of Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and found that PEA significantly reduced heat pain, prolonged cold pain tolerance, increased pressure pain tolerance and conditioned pain modulation, decreased wind-up ratio and average distance of allodynia, and improved heat pain tolerance.
Article
Anesthesiology
Matthew J. Kmiecik, Frank F. Tu, Daniel J. Clauw, Kevin M. Hellman
Summary: Multimodal hypersensitivity (MMH), characterized by increased sensitivity across multiple sensory modalities, is associated with the development of chronic pain. This study examined a cohort of women and found that MMH was a significant predictor of pelvic pain, even after adjusting for baseline pain levels. These findings suggest that MMH may play a crucial role in the long-term risk and development of pelvic pain.
Review
Orthopedics
Mohamed Gomaa Sobeeh, Karima Abdelaty Hassan, Anabela Goncalves da Silva, Enas Fawzy Youssef, Nadia Abdelazim Fayaz, Maha Mostafa Mohammed
Summary: This review aimed to understand the sensory phenotype of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and guide treatment strategies based on quantitative sensory testing (QST). The results showed that adults with CRPS experience significant loss of thermal, mechanical, and vibration sensations, as well as increased pain thresholds and ratings. Adolescents and children with CRPS have milder sensory abnormalities compared to adults. These findings are important for understanding the pain mechanisms of CRPS and guiding treatment.
JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY AND RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Daniel S. Harvie, Eva Y. Poolman, Victoria J. Madden, Nick A. Olthof, Michel W. Coppieters
Summary: Pain-associated cues may induce hyperalgesia to some degree, particularly in relation to stimulus intensity during and after the initial painful experience.
EXPERIMENTAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Orthopedics
Ebonie Rio, Jonathan Sandler, Kylie Cheng, G. Lorimer Moseley, Jill Cook, Michael Girdwood
Summary: The study synthesized results from 30 studies, with 18 focusing on lateral elbow tendinopathy. Moderate evidence was found for local and regional reduction of pressure pain threshold in upper-limb tendinopathies, while conflicting evidence exists for lower-limb tendinopathies. Sensitization of thermal pain threshold was observed at local sites in upper-limb tendinopathies, while limited evidence of no difference was seen in lower-limb tendinopathies.
JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC & SPORTS PHYSICAL THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Laura R. Koenen, Robert J. Pawlik, Adriane Icenhour, Ljubov Petrakova, Katarina Forkmann, Nina Theysohn, Harald Engler, Sigrid Elsenbruch
Summary: Through functional magnetic resonance imaging studies in healthy humans, Koenen et al. investigated the process of negative pain-related expectations formed and sustained by classical conditioning. They found that conditioned responses to interoceptive threat predictors were enhanced, primarily involving the insula and cingulate cortex. Interoceptive threats had a greater impact on extinction efficacy, suggesting a preference for learning and remembering interoceptive danger signals in the face of multiple threats.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Anne Wolowski, N. Schwarzbach, H. Hoerning
Summary: Patients with burning mouth syndrome show altered thermal sensitivity and pain thresholds compared to healthy controls, indicating a dysfunction in both the peripheral and central nervous systems in processing pain.
CLINICAL ORAL INVESTIGATIONS
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Inge Knippenberg, Nasira Zaghouli, Yvonne Engels, Kris C. P. Vissers, Marieke M. Groot
Summary: A study conducted in the Netherlands found that patients with severe mental illness (SMI) have different perceptions, experiences and expectations regarding palliative care. The study revealed a lack of awareness and planning among these patients when it comes to end-of-life issues. Therefore, the study suggests focusing on the values, current and future wishes, and needs of these patients to provide more personalized medical and mental treatment and care.
BMJ SUPPORTIVE & PALLIATIVE CARE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Esther P. Z. van Heteren, Bert-Kristian W. P. van Roosendaal, Eric-Jan J. A. A. van Gorp, Ewald M. Bronkhorst, Jan Willem Kallewaard, Jessica T. Wegener, Katja Burger, Otto P. M. Teernstra, Hendrik P. J. Buschman, Tanja E. Hamm-Faber, Kris C. P. Vissers
Summary: Persistent spinal pain syndrome (PSPS) or failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) refers to new or persistent pain following spinal surgery for back or leg pain in a subset of patients. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) can be considered for patients with leg pain refractory to conservative treatment, while subcutaneous stimulation or peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) is an alternative for chronic low back pain. This study compared the effects of SCS with additional PNFS to SCS alone on pain and quality of life in patients with PSPS after 12 months. The results showed that SCS alone provided similar pain relief and quality-of-life improvement as PNFS in addition to SCS.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Bert -Kristian W. P. van Roosendaal, Esther P. Z. van Heteren, Eric-Jan van Gorp, Ewald M. Bronkhorst, Jan Willem Kallewaard, Jessica T. Wegener, Katja Burger, Onno P. M. Teernstra, Hendrik P. J. Buschman, Tanja Hamm-Faber, Kris C. P. Vissers
Summary: In this study, we compared the stimulation parameters and energy requirements between patients who only received SCS treatment and those who received SCS treatment along with PNFS. The results showed that the total charge per second was higher in the group with add-on PNFS, indicating the increased energy consumption. However, the reasons why some patients require PNFS treatment for low back pain still need further research.
Letter
Anesthesiology
Koen Van Boxem, Antal van der Gaag, Monique Steegers, Jan Willem Kallewaard, Andre Wolff, Kris Vissers, Jan Van Zundert
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PAIN
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hans Timmerman, Regina L. M. van Boekel, Ludo van de Linde, Ewald D. Bronkhorst, Kris C. P. D. Vissers, Selina E. I. D. van der Wal, Monique A. H. D. Steegers
Summary: This observational study aimed to assess the effect of preferred music compared to disliked music on pain thresholds and perceived pain intensity in healthy volunteers. The results showed that preferred music led to higher pain thresholds and lower perceived pain intensity. Listening to preferred music during painful stimuli can help alleviate pain.
Review
Anesthesiology
Ilse H. van de Wijgert, Jantina C. de Groot, Akkie Rood, Maarten Spruit, Kris C. P. Vissers, Maaike G. E. Fenten, Miranda L. van Hooff
Summary: This scoping review provides an overview of outcomes used in evaluating perioperative pain interventions after lumbar spine surgery. Twelve outcome domains and 63 corresponding measurement instruments were identified through the analysis of 75 articles. However, there is currently a lack of consensus on the indicators for evaluating such pain interventions.
REGIONAL ANESTHESIA AND PAIN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Maaike Rijpstra, Kris Vissers, Carlos Centeno, Johan Menten, Lukas Radbruch, Sebastiano Mercadante, Michael van der Elst, Claudio Adile, Maria Arantzamendi, Evelien Kuip, Sheila Payne, Nancy Preston, Jeroen Hasselaar
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the effects of palliative sedation by measuring discomfort levels and sedation/agitation levels of patients. It will be the first international prospective multicenter observational study to provide valuable information about palliative sedation practice in European countries.
BMC PALLIATIVE CARE
(2023)
Review
Anesthesiology
Song Li, Annika Brimmers, Regina L. M. van Boekel, Kris C. P. Vissers, Marieke J. H. Coenen
Summary: Pain is the leading cause of disability, and genetic factors play an important role in individual susceptibility to pain and pain treatment response. Through systematic review of genome-wide association studies, several genetic loci associated with pain and pain-related phenotypes have been identified. Replication studies and bioinformatic tools are needed to further validate and understand the function of these pain-associated genes.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Maaike Rijpstra, Evelien Kuip, Jeroen Hasselaar, Kris Vissers
Summary: This study retrospectively analyzed data from a Dutch tertiary medical center to compare the clinical practice of palliative sedation (PS) between COVID and non-COVID patients. The primary indication for starting PS in COVID patients was refractory dyspnea, which differed significantly from other patients. COVID patients had a shorter duration of PS, higher hourly dose of midazolam, and earlier medication adjustments. Timely evaluation of efficacy is recommended in COVID patients.
BMC PALLIATIVE CARE
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Jelle Zwaag, Hans Timmerman, Peter Pickkers, Matthijs Kox
JOURNAL OF PAIN RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Anesthesiology
T. R. Grigio, H. Timmerman, J. V. B. Martins, A. Slullitel, A. P. Wolff, A. M. Sousa
Summary: This study aimed to examine whether pre-operative olanzapine reduced the incidence of postoperative nausea or vomiting. The results showed that the incidence of postoperative nausea or vomiting in the first 24 hours after surgery was lower in the group receiving olanzapine.
Letter
Anesthesiology
Thiago R. Grigio, Hans Timmerman, Andre P. Wolff
BRITISH JOURNAL OF ANAESTHESIA
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Richard L. Witkam, Lara S. Burmeister, Johan W. M. Van Goethem, Anja G. van der Kolk, Kris C. P. Vissers, Dylan J. H. A. Henssen
Summary: This study investigated the use of cerebral diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging to analyze imaging data in CPSS patients and compare them with a matched healthy control group. The results showed that the mean ADC value of the spinothalamic tract was significantly higher in CPSS patients, suggesting microstructural changes. This study could potentially contribute to the development of imaging biomarkers for CPSS patients.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Ristiawan M. Laksono, Taufiq A. Siswagama, Aswoco A. Asmoro, Hasan Sjahrir, Andi M. T. Musba, Willy Halim, Walter van der Weegen, Kris Vissers
Summary: Multidisciplinary pain centers (MPC) are beneficial but not established in developing countries like Indonesia. A national survey on 1058 healthcare professionals (HCP) revealed the issues of pain management in Indonesia, including insufficient pain management, lack of pain data, and unawareness about MPC. However, most HCP agreed on the need for pain centers and recommended referring patients with "pain that requires intervention" to MPC. Financial barriers, such as insufficient patient insurance, were identified as the most important obstacle for referring patients to MPC in Indonesia. The high incidence of pain, inadequate pain management, and lack of pain data are the core problems underlying the need for MPC establishment in Indonesia. Overall, HCP have positive perceptions and expectations regarding MPC, but financial barriers are a potential burden.
