Article
Clinical Neurology
Zeynab Alshelh, Ludovica Brusaferri, Atreyi Saha, Erin Morrissey, Paulina Knight, Minhae Kim, Yi Zhang, Jacob M. Hooker, Daniel Albrecht, Angel Torrado-Carvajal, Michael S. Placzek, Oluwaseun Akeju, Julie Price, Robert R. Edwards, Jeungchan Lee, Roberta Sclocco, Ciprian Catana, Vitaly Napadow, Marco L. Loggia
Summary: This study suggests that patients with different chronic pain conditions exhibit neuroinflammation, which is accompanied by neurophysiological changes and correlates with clinical presentation. These findings contribute to the subtyping of distinct pain syndromes and provide potential targets for precision medicine.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Nebojsa Nick Knezevic, Kenneth D. Candido, Johan W. S. Vlaeyen, Jan Van Zundert, Steven P. Cohen
Summary: Low back pain encompasses various types of pain, with diagnostic and therapeutic methods controversial, requiring a comprehensive approach considering biological, psychological, and social factors. Improvement in diagnostic accuracy, treatment algorithms, and multimodal interdisciplinary treatment are essential.
Review
Neurosciences
Tian-Tian Chang, Yu-Hao Chang, Shu-Hao Du, Pei-Jie Chen, Xue-Qiang Wang
Summary: This article summarizes the effectiveness and limitations of NIBS techniques in the management of chronic low back pain (CLBP). It suggests that NIBS may be effective for treating CLBP, but there are limitations in current research that require further investigation.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Eric J. Roseen, Adlin Pinheiro, Chelsey M. Lemaster, Dorothy Plumb, Shihwe Wang, A. Rani Elwy, Chris C. Streeter, Susan Lynch, Erik Groessl, Karen J. Sherman, Janice Weinberg, Robert B. Saper
Summary: This study investigated the effects of yoga and education on patients with chronic low back pain and found that yoga was not more effective than education in improving pain and disability outcomes. However, participants in the yoga group reported greater improvements and higher satisfaction with treatment.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
Thiru M. Annaswamy, Kegan J. Cunniff, Mitchell Kroll, Lori Yap, Matthew Hasley, Chung-Kuang Lin, Jason Petrasic
Summary: In patients with uncomplicated chronic low back pain, the use of a back brace in addition to education and exercise instruction did not provide any pain relief compared to education and exercise instruction alone. Due to unlikely significant changes in results, the study was halted.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Josephine Ahenkorah Ampiah, Fiona Moffatt, Claire Diver, Paapa Kwesi Ampiah
Summary: This study explores the psychosocial impact of chronic low back pain (CLBP) among patients in Ghana, highlighting the loss of self and roles, emotional distress, fear, stigmatization and marginalization, financial burden, and social support experienced by patients. The study emphasizes the need for a biopsychosocial approach to the management of CLBP and suggests reassessing current management strategies to address the influence of healthcare professionals' beliefs on psychosocial consequences.
Article
Anesthesiology
Alexis F. Homs, Arnaud Dupeyron, Kjerstin Torre
Summary: Clinical models of chronic low back pain emphasize the role of excessive attention to pain and kinesiophobia in causing disability. This study used a complex systems approach and a distraction task to assess the impact of maladaptive attentional behaviors on patients with chronic low back pain. The findings suggest that excessive attention to pain leads to a loss of complexity and adaptability in motor control among individuals with chronic low back pain.
Article
Neurosciences
Ge Luo, Yuanyuan Yao, Jiachun Tao, Tingting Wang, Min Yan
Summary: This study found a potential bidirectional causal association between insomnia and low back pain (LBP), highlighting the importance of improving sleep in the comprehensive management of LBP.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Anesthesiology
Emily J. Bartley, Melissa Makhoul, Shreela Palit, Michael E. Robinson, Roger B. Fillingim
Summary: The study identified four different resilience profiles, with individuals with the highest resilience demonstrating better outcomes in sleep, fatigue, and cognitive abilities. The findings support the multidimensional nature of resilience and suggest that interventions targeting resilience from a multisystem perspective may be beneficial for older adults with chronic pain.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Thomas Matheve, Paul Hodges, Lieven Danneels
Summary: Changes in back muscle function and structure are common in patients with chronic low back pain. The potential role of back muscle dysfunctions in the persistence of low back pain differs between individuals due to heterogeneity in clinical presentation and back muscle dysfunctions within this population. Therefore, tailored interventions based on a thorough clinical examination considering the multidimensional nature of chronic low back pain are necessary. This article provides a state-of-the-art update on back muscle dysfunctions in patients with chronic low back pain and their implications for treatment, including dysfunctions in back muscle structure and function, exercise therapy potential, and the relationship between back muscle dysfunctions and clinical parameters. Additionally, an individualized approach for back muscle training in patients with chronic low back pain is described.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ingrid Schuttert, Hans Timmerman, Gerbrand J. Groen, Kristian Kjaer Petersen, Lars Arendt-Nielsen, Andre P. Wolff
Summary: This study aims to identify the presence of central sensitisation in patients with chronic low back pain radiating to the leg, and to determine its association with the effect of selective nerve root blocks and compare outcomes with healthy volunteers. The primary study parameters are quantitative sensory testing (QST) and the Central Sensitisation Inventory. The results of this study will be disseminated through publications and conferences.
Editorial Material
Orthopedics
Filippo Migliorini, Nicola Maffulli
Summary: The pharmacological management of nonspecific chronic low back pain aims to improve daily activities and enhance quality of life, but the long-term results are unpredictable. Education needs to be improved to prevent non-evidence-based solutions from being promoted. The management of NCLBP is diverse and often leads to residual symptoms. Depending on the severity, pharmacological management can range from nonopioid to opioid analgesics.
JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY AND RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Asimina Lazaridou, Myrella Paschali, Eric S. Vilsmark, Jason Sadora, Dustin Burton, Annie Bashara, Robert R. Edwards
Summary: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and potential effectiveness of an 8-week virtual EMG biofeedback intervention for patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). The results showed that compared to the treatment as usual comparison group, patients in the EMG biofeedback group reported lower pain intensity after completing the intervention, and demonstrated significant reductions in pain interference, disability, and significant increases in low back pain thresholds. In addition, significant changes were observed in muscle tension for the trapezius, latissimus, and low back muscles in the EMG biofeedback group. Therefore, virtual EMG biofeedback shows promise as a potential therapy for reducing pain and disability in individuals with chronic nonspecific low back pain.
Article
Anesthesiology
Anthony Chau, Sharis Steib, Evans Whitaker, David Kohns, Alexander Quinter, Anita Craig, Anthony Chiodo, SriKrishan Chandran, Ann Laidlaw, Zachary Schott, Nathan Farlow, John Yarjanian, Ashley Omwanghe, Ronald Wasserman, Conor O'Neill, Dan Clauw, Anton Bowden, William Marras, Tim Carey, Wolf Mehling, C. Anthony Hunt, Jeffrey Lotz
Summary: This article summarizes the initial work of the Theoretical Model Working Group in understanding factors that contribute to chronic low back pain (cLBP). The results show that the majority of potential risk and prognostic factors have little association with cLBP, except for a few that have a substantial positive or negative association. The conclusion highlights the need for further research and the development of tools and algorithms to unravel the dynamic interactions among cLBP factors.
Article
Neurosciences
Gary Z. Yu, Maria Ly, Helmet T. Karim, Nishita Muppidi, Howard J. Aizenstein, James W. Ibinson
Summary: Chronic low back pain is associated with accelerated aging in the brain, leading to cognitive impairments. This study used machine-learning estimated brain age as a metric to assess morphometric changes in CLBP patients. The results indicated that CLBP individuals had a brain age closer to older individuals, with lower gray matter density in various brain regions, and a stronger association between brain age and aging, particularly in later life.
Article
Rheumatology
Jihad Moulay Berkchi, Hanan Rkain, Laila Benbrahim, Souad Aktaou, Noufissa Lazrak, Souad Faiz, Samir Ahid, Radouane Abouqal, Saloua Labzizi, Naima Ouzeddoun, Latifa Oukerraj, Ihsane Hmamouchi, Najia Hajjaj-Hassouni, Fadoua Allali
RHEUMATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2020)
Article
Rheumatology
Safaa Fellous, Hanan Rkain, Samir Ahid, Redouane Abouqal, Latifa Tahiri, Ihsane Hmamouchi, Lahsen Achemlal, Imane El Bouchti, Abdellah El Maghraoui, Imad Ghozlani, Hasna Hassikou, Taoufik Harzy, Linda Ichchou, Ouafa Mkinsi, Radouane Niamane, Rachid Bahiri, Fadoua Allali
Summary: The study aimed to estimate the annual direct costs of biological therapies in rheumatoid arthritis and identified insurance type and body mass index as factors positively correlated with costs. Rituximab, TNFα blockers, and tocilizumab accounted for 25.7%, 27.3%, and 47% of the total budget respectively.
RHEUMATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Rheumatology
Bassel Elzorkany, Abir Mokbel, Sherif M. Gamal, Ihsane Hmamouchi, Maxime Dougados
Summary: The study found an association between smoking status and level of seropositivity in RA patients, with smokers having higher levels of seropositivity.
RHEUMATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Rheumatology
Lamia Oulkadi, Samira Rostom, Ihsane Hmamouchi, Salma El Hassani Sbai, Imane El Binoune, Bouchra Amine, Redouane Abouqal, Fadoua Allali, Lahsen Achemlal, Imane El Bouchti, Abdellah El Maghraoui, Imad Ghozlani, Hasna Hassikou, Taoufik Harzy, Linda Ichchou, Ouafae Mkinsi, Redouane Niamane, Rachid Bahiri
Summary: Before initiating biologic therapy for rheumatic diseases, screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in patients is crucial. This study found a high prevalence of LTBI in patients with SpA and RA in Morocco, with SpA patients having a higher prevalence compared to RA patients. Demographic, clinical, or therapeutic characteristics were not statistically associated with LTBI in rheumatic disease patients.
RHEUMATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Rheumatology
Clementina Lopez-Medina, Sylvie Chevret, Anna Molto, Joachim Sieper, Tuncay Duruoz, Uta Kiltz, Bassel Elzorkany, Najia Hajjaj-Hassouni, Ruben Burgos-Vargas, Jose Maldonado-Cocco, Nelly Ziade, Meghna Gavali, Victoria Navarro-Compan, Shue-Fen Luo, Alessandro Biglia, Kim Tae-Jong, Mitsumasa Kishimoto, Fernando M. Pimentel-Santos, Jieruo Gu, Laura Muntean, Floris A. van Gaalen, Pal Geher, Marina Magrey, Sebastian E. Ibanez-Vodnizza, Wilson Bautista-Molano, Walter Maksymowych, Pedro M. Machado, Robert Landewe, Desiree van der Heijde, Maxime Dougados
Summary: The study identified two main phenotypes (predominantly axial and predominantly peripheral) in patients with SpA, based on the presence and location of peripheral manifestations. In the predominantly axial phenotype, hip involvement and lower limb large joint arthritis, heel enthesitis, and lack of dactylitis were more prevalent. In the predominantly peripheral phenotype, different subgroups were distinguished based on the type and location of peripheral involvement.
Editorial Material
Health Policy & Services
Ihsane Hmamouchi, Nelly Ziade
HEALTH POLICY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Rheumatology
Pedro David Carvalho, Elsa Vieira-Sousa, Ihsane Hmamouchi, Ana Marreiros, Pedro M. Machado
Summary: This study aimed to assess the hierarchy of outcomes contributing to health-related quality of life in spondyloarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The findings revealed that physical function is the main contributor to HRQoL in both diseases, followed by disease activity and work productivity loss.
SEMINARS IN ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM
(2022)
Letter
Rheumatology
Ihsane Hmamouchi, Adewale Adebajo
Article
Rheumatology
Nelly Ziade, Marc Aoude, Ihsane Hmamouchi, R. Naveen, James B. Lilleker, Parikshit Sen, Mrudula Joshi, Vishwesh Agarwal, Sinan Kardes, Jessica Day, Ashima Makol, Marcin Milchert, Tamer Gheita, Babur Salim, Tsvetelina Velikova, Abraham Edgar Gracia-Ramos, Ioannis Parodis, Elena Nikiphorou, Tulika Chatterjee, Ai Lyn Tan, Miguel A. Saavedra, Samuel Katsuyuki Shinjo, Johannes Knitza, Masataka Kuwana, Arvind Nune, Lorenzo Cavagna, Oliver Distler, Hector Chinoy, Vikas Agarwal, Rohit Aggarwal, Latika Gupta
Summary: This study aimed to explore the current practice and interregional differences in the treatment of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs). The findings revealed marked regional treatment disparities in a global cohort of IIM and emphasized the need for international consensus-driven management guidelines.
Article
Rheumatology
Ihsane Hmamouchi, Antonella Abi Najm, Lina El Kibbi, Mona Metawee, Hussein Halabi, Nizar Abdulateef, Mervat Eissa, Manal El Rakawi, Basel Masri, Fatma Boutaiban, Wafa Hamdi, Asal Adnan, Renaud Felten, Laurent Arnaud, Nelly Ziade
Summary: The use of online surveys as a recruitment tool for clinical research has expanded recently, but optimal recruitment strategies are yet to be identified. This study aimed to identify the most effective recruitment strategies for online research studies and determine the optimal survey channels for obtaining patients' responses.
RHEUMATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Ihsane Hmamouchi, Farhanah Paruk, Samar Tabra, Kaouther Maatallah, Amal Bouziane, Redouane Abouqal, Yasser El Maidany, Abdellah El Maghraoui, Asgar Ali Kalla
Summary: This study found significant variation in the prevalence of glucocorticosteroid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) in Africa. Limited data is available for most of Africa, and further prospective studies are needed to develop context-specific strategies for GIOP prevention.
ARCHIVES OF OSTEOPOROSIS
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Nelly Ziade, Ihsane Hmamouchi, Chafika Haouichat, Fatemah Baron, Sulaiman Al Mayouf, Nizar Abdulateef, Basel Masri, Manal El Mashaleh, Lina El Kibbi, Manal El Mashaleh, Bassel Elzorkany, Jamal Al Saleh, Christian Dejaco, Fatemah Abutiban
Summary: This study investigated the number of rheumatologists in Arab countries and projected future numbers. The findings suggest a 50% increase in rheumatologists, but also highlight the potential increase in demand due to population growth. The study also provides insights into the practice profiles and waiting times for rheumatology consultations.
RHEUMATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
N. El Ouardi, A. El Maghraoui, H. J. Djossou, L. Taoubane, A. M. Ghassem, H. Toufik, A. Majjad, S. Sadni, A. Mounach, I Hmamouchi, R. Abouqal, R. Bahiri, F. Allali, I El Bouchti, I Ghozlani, H. Hassikou, T. Harzy, L. Ichchou, O. Mkinsi, R. Niamane, A. Bezza
Summary: This study analyzed the reasons for discontinuation of bDMARDs in RA and AS patients in Morocco. The results showed that adverse events were the main cause of discontinuation in RA patients, while social security reimbursement problems were the main cause in AS patients. In addition, female sex and comorbidities increased the risk of discontinuation in RA patients, and the disease activity of AS patients affected the interruption of anti-TNF treatment.
RHEUMATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Rheumatology
Clementina Lopez-Medina, Anna Molto, Joachim Sieper, Tuncay Duruoz, Uta Kiltz, Bassel Elzorkany, Najia Hajjaj-Hassouni, Ruben Burgos-Vargas, Jose Maldonado-Cocco, Nelly Ziade, Meghna Gavali, Victoria Navarro-Compan, Shue-Fen Luo, Sara Monti, Kim Tae-Jong, Mitsumasa Kishimoto, F. M. Pimentel-Santos, Jieruo Gu, Ruxandra Schiotis, Floris A. van Gaalen, Pal Geher, Marina Magrey, Sebastian E. Ibanez Vodnizza, Wilson Bautista-Molano, Walter Maksymowych, Pedro M. Machado, Robert Landew, Desiree van der Heijde, Maxime Dougados
Summary: This study included 4465 patients with SpA from 24 countries around the world, showing quantitative differences in peripheral manifestations among different subtypes but no significant qualitative differences. It was found that a high proportion of patients with SpA had both axial and peripheral manifestations coinciding.
