scholarly journals The Effect of Caudal Epidural Pulsed Radiofrequency Stimulation in Patients with Refractory Chronic Idiopathic Axonal Polyneuropathy

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (21;1) ◽  
pp. E57-E62
Author(s):  
Min Cheol Chang

Background: Many patients with chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy (CIAP) suffer from neuropathic pain, which is managed using several oral medications and modalities. However, despite these treatments, pain persists in some patients. Objective: In the clinical field, clinicians frequently meet patients with neuropathic pain caused by CIAP. The authors investigated the effect of caudal epidural pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) for the management of CIAP-induced refractory neuropathic pain. Study Design: This is a prospective study. Setting: The outpatient clinic of a single academic medical center in Korea Methods: Twenty patients with neuropathic pain and a diagnosis of refractory CIAP were recruited. For PRF stimulation, a 22-gauge cannula was inserted into the epidural space through the sacral hiatus under fluoroscopic guidance. PRF stimulation was administered once at 5 Hz with a 5-ms pulse width for 600 seconds at 55 V. The effect of stimulation was evaluated using a numeric rating scale (NRS) at 2 weeks and 1, 2, and 3 months after the procedure. Successful pain relief was defined as a reduction in the NRS score of ≥ 50% as compared with the score prior to treatment. In addition, at 3 months after treatment, patient satisfaction levels were examined; patients that reported “very good” (score = 7) or “good” (score = 6) results were considered to be satisfied with the procedure. Results: Neuropathic pain was significantly reduced at 2 weeks and at 1, 2, and 3 months followup after PRF (P < 0.001, repeated measures one-factor analysis). In addition, at 3 months post-PRF, half of the patients achieved a successful response (≥ 50% pain reduction) and were satisfied with treatment results. Limitations: A small number of patients were recruited, and we did not perform long-term follow-up. Conclusion: Caudal epidural PRF may be a good treatment option for managing neuropathic pain induced by CIAP, especially when pain is unresponsive to oral medications. Key words: Pulsed radiofrequency, chronic idiopathic axonal neuropathy, caudal epidural stimulation, neuropathic pain chronic pain, refractory pain

2014 ◽  
Vol 6;17 (6;12) ◽  
pp. 477-486 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Vigneri

Background: Lumbosacral radicular pain is a common clinical finding with a statistical prevalence ranging from 9.9% to 25% in the general population. Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of dorsal root ganglion pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) in patients with chronic lumbosacral radicular pain and neuropathic features. Study Design: Prospective case series clinical outcome study. Methods: We evaluated 34 patients with lumbosacral neuropathic pain who underwent PRF at the corresponding level of radicular symptoms distribution (ranging from L3 to S1). Each patient suffered a single leg-radiating pain with probable neuropathic features (assessed with clinical grading) lasting for > 6 months and unresponsive to previous treatments. A multifunctional PASHA-electrode® was introduced with trans-sacral access through a hollow needle, placed under fluoroscopic guidance into the lumbosacral epidural space and its active tip moved close to the dorsal root ganglion responsible of the clinical symptoms. After connecting the electrode to a generator, stimulation tests were performed and PRF was started and applied for 240 seconds at a frequency of 2Hz, amplitude of 45 V and a tip temperature between 40 – 42°C. If the pain involved more than a single nerve root, the electrode was placed at a different segment and the procedure repeated. Outcome measures included the pain intensity score on a 0 – 10 numeric rating scale (NRS) and the Italian Pain Questionnaire (QUID) at pre-treatment, one and 6 months post-treatment. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: In comparison with pre-treatment, a significant reduction in pain score was observed in mean NRS either at one and 6 months (P < 0.001). The QUID - Pain Rating Index rank displayed a parallel trend at the first (P < 0.001) and last follow-up (P = 0.01). Moreover, a direct correlation between the 2 scales occurred, showing a parallel score decreasing (P < 0.001). Eighteen (52.9%) and 17 (50%) of 34 patients showed pain reduction in NRS > 2 points and > 30%, at one and 6 months, respectively. Limitations: The non-controlled design of the study, the patients were heterogeneous, the small number of patients, and the duration of follow-up was limited to 6 months. Conclusions: PRF of dorsal root ganglion performed with a multifunctional electrode for > 240 seconds appears to be safe and might be more effective than the classic 120 seconds needlemediated approach. Therefore, it may be considered as a valuable tool for the treatment of lumbosacral radicular pain with neuropathic features. Key words: PRF, radicular pain, neuropathic pain, DRG, NRS, PRIr-T, multifunctional electrode


2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (10) ◽  
pp. 1020-1023 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masahiro Hasegawa ◽  
Shine Tone ◽  
Yohei Naito ◽  
Hiroki Wakabayashi ◽  
Akihiro Sudo

AbstractThe present study aimed to define the prevalence of pain persisting after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and determine the impact of neuropathic pain. Knee pain after TKA was evaluated in 154 patients (222 knees with osteoarthritis) using a numerical rating scale (NRS) and followed up for a mean of 4.7 years. The patients were classified according to whether they had no or mild pain (NRS ≤ 3), or moderate-to-severe pain (NRS > 3), and then assigned to groups with nociceptive, unclear, or neuropathic pain based on responses to painDETECT questionnaires. Risk factors for these types of pain were determined. The ratio of patients with moderate-to-severe pain was 28% (62 knees). Thirteen patients (21 knees; 9%) experienced unclear pain. Patients with moderate-to-severe or unclear pain had malalignment and lower Knee Society knee scores. In conclusion, a significant number of patients experienced moderate-to-severe and unclear pain after TKA. Moderate-to-severe pain was associated with unclear pain.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5;23 (9;5) ◽  
pp. E541-E548
Author(s):  
Décia Gonçalves

Background: Neuropathic pain is a complex condition that is difficult to control and has a high impact on quality of life. 8% Capsaicin patch can be a therapeutic strategy in the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain. Objectives: This study aims to (1) evaluate clinical efficacy and (2) tolerability of 8% capsaicin patch in a Pain Unit. Study Design: Retrospective observational study Setting: Portuguese Pain Unit Methods: A sample of 120 patients diagnosed with peripheral neuropathic pain, underwent treatment with the 8% capsaicin patch between February 2011 and February 2019 in a Portuguese Pain Unit. Patients were included in one of the following groups according to the etiology of pain: postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP), post traumatic neuropathic pain (PTNP), diabetic neuropathy (DN), regional pain syndrome. complex I and II (CRPS I / II), HIVassociated neuropathy (HIVN), lumbar neuropathic pain (LNP), trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and other neuropathies (O). The evaluated parameters were: pain intensity according to unit protocol (numerical rating scale), pain characteristics, location, size of the painful area. The evolution of pain intensity after treatment (patients were considered as responders to therapy if the decrease in NRS was equal to or greater than 30%; patients with a decrease in NRS of 50% or more were also analyzed), the area of pain and the need for adjuvant analgesic therapy, as well as the tolerability to treatment and the identification of eventual predictors of its efficacy were evaluated, at 15 days, 8 weeks and 12 weeks after 8% capsaicin patch. Results: Of the 120 patients in the sample, 40.8% had a ≥ 30% decrease in basal pain intensity 15 days after treatment, 43.3% after 8 weeks and 45.0% after 12 weeks. 30.8% of patients had ≥ 50% decreased basal pain intensity 15 days after treatment, 27.5% after 8 weeks and 30.0% after 12 weeks. Pain area decreased in 36.7% of patients and 18.3% reduced chronic analgesic therapy within 12 weeks after 8% capsaicin patch application. There was only one case of intolerance to the treatment. Limitations: This study has the limitations inherent to a retrospective study. The study period was only 12 weeks and some diagnostic groups included a small number of patients. Conclusion: Treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain with 8% capsaicin patch seem to be effective in the short and medium term, both in decreasing pain intensity and in reducing the painful area. Its application is tolerated by most patients. Key words: 8% capsaicin patch, peripheral neuropathic pain, pain intensity, painful area


2012 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tsipora Mankovsky ◽  
Mary E Lynch ◽  
AJ Clark ◽  
J Sawynok ◽  
Michael JL Sullivan

The prevalence of neuropathic pain approaches 10% in Canada and the United States. Given the aging population and the increasing survival rates following interventions for neuropathic pain, the prevalence of neuropathic pain conditions is expected to rise significantly over the next 20 years. Although pharmacological interventions represent the dominant treatment approach for neuropathic pain, as many as 50% of patients are partially or completely refractory to the available treatments. Pain catastrophizing has been associated with heightened pain experiences in patients with neuropathic pain conditions; however, the clinical relevance of the relationship between catastrophizing and poor treatment outcomes is, to date, unclear. Accordingly, using a numerical rating scale, this study aimed to examine this relationship in patients with varied neuropathic pain conditions who completed a measure of catastrophizing before initiating a course of topical analgesic.BACKGROUND: Previous research suggests that high levels of pain catastrophizing might predict poorer response to pharmacological interventions for neuropathic pain.OBJECTIVE: The present study sought to examine the clinical relevance of the relation between catastrophizing and analgesic response in individuals with neuropathic pain. Clinically meaningful reductions were defined in terms of the magnitude of reductions in pain through the course of treatment, and in terms of the number of patients whose end-of-treatment pain ratings were below 4/10.METHODS: Patients (n=82) with neuropathic pain conditions completed a measure of pain catastrophizing at the beginning of a three-week trial examining the efficacy of topical analgesics for neuropathic pain.RESULTS: Consistent with previous research, high scores on the measure of pain catastrophizing prospectively predicted poorer response to treatment. Fewer catastrophizers than noncatastrophizers showed moderate (≥2 points) or substantial reductions in pain ratings through the course of treatment. Fewer catastrophizers than noncatastrophizers achieved end-of-treatment pain ratings below 4/10.CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that the development of brief interventions specifically targeting catastrophic thinking might be useful for enhancing the effects of pharmacological interventions for neuropathic pain. Furthermore, failure to account for the level of catastrophizing might contribute to null findings in clinical trials of analgesic medication.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Eke ◽  
Mehmet Akif Akcal ◽  
Ali Vefa Sayrac ◽  
Yusuf Iyetin

Abstract Background This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of intralesional pulsed radiofrequency (RF) in the treatment of calcaneal spur and the results of patients who underwent single and double sessions of RF treatment. Methods The population of this retrospective study consisted of 460 patients who were diagnosed with calcaneal spur with clinical examination and direct radiography. The Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale and The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Score were used to determine the pain status and functional capacities of the patients. Posttreatment evaluation was carried out on average in the 6th week. Results The study involved 460 patients, 76.9% of whom were female, with the average age of 50.8 ± 10.9 years in total. Of the patients 43% was given RF therapy in a single session, and 57% of them in double sessions. After the RF procedure, the number of patients whose pain decreased according to both AOFAS and Wong-Baker pain scoring systems increased statistically significantly (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant increase in the AOFAS-pain scores and the total AOFAS scores and a significant decrease in the Wong Baker-pain scale after treatment. However, there was no significant change in treatment success with respect to the number of RF sessions. Although not statistically significant, the differences in the AOFAS-pain scores and in the total AOFAS scores were found to be higher in patients who underwent single session RF, while the difference in the Wong Baker-pain ranking was higher in patients who received double sessions RF. Conclusion Intralesional pulsed RF procedure can be preferred as a relatively less invasive method that does not have any serious complications in patients with persistent calcaneal spurs who do not respond to the use of oral anti-inflammatory drugs and shoe insoles, nor corticosteroid injection to the lesion area.


2020 ◽  
Vol 73 (9-10) ◽  
pp. 291-294
Author(s):  
Josip Ivacic ◽  
Enis Garipi ◽  
Aleksandar Knezevic ◽  
Nikola Boskovic

Introduction. Pain is the most common symptom of knee osteoarthritis. Until recently, this pain was referred to as nociceptive pain. However, the difficulties of pain management in knee osteoarthritis indicate the possible presence of a neuropathic component. The objective of this study was to determine how often neuropathic component is part of chronic pain in knee osteoarthritis. Material and Methods. The study included 417 patients with knee osteoarthritis. The patients were tested using the Neuropathic Pain (Douleur Neuropathique) 4 Questions and a Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Patients were divided into 2 groups. The first group included patients with a Neuropathic Pain 4 Questions score ? 4, and the second group with a score < 4. Results. The majority of patients included in this study were females (301, 72.2%), and most of the patients scored less than 4 in the questionnaire (231, 55.4%). Among the patients with a score ? 4, 144 (77.4%) were female, which is significantly higher compared to the group of patients who scored < 4, 157 (68%) (p = 0.037). There was no statistically significant difference in age between the two groups (p = 0.231). The current pain intensity, average pain, and maximum pain during the last 4 weeks were significantly higher in the group with a score ? 4 (p < 0.001). Conclusion. A significant number of patients with knee osteoarthritis had a neuropathic component of pain. There were significantly more women in the group with score ? 4, and this group also reported significantly higher current, as well as average and maximum pain during last 4 weeks than the other group.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 82-88
Author(s):  
Nugroho Wicaksono ◽  

Background: Lumbosacral radicular pain is the most common neuropathic pain. Pulsed Radio Frequency (PRF) is a method that believes to be safe and effective for reducing pain. Case: A 43-year-old woman experiences chronic right lumbar radiculopathy due to Herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) L4-5. Anamnesis and physical examination show a sign of neuropathic pain. The MRI examination shows a paracentral disc protrusion L4-5 that compresses the transversing nerve L5. The conservative management did not produce a satisfying result indicated by the patient still experience pain with the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) 4-5. Patient unable to do activity properly. We perform pain management using the dorsal root ganglion L5 pulsed radiofrequency-fluoroscopy (PRF) and producing a positive outcome. Patients experience a decrease in pain intensity with NRS 1. The examination on one and two months post-intervention show an improvement. Patient able to do the daily activity with NRS 1-2. Conclusion: Pulsed radiofrequency dorsal root ganglion-fluoroscopy guide that relatively safe, minimum complications, and minimal side effects, making it the preferred treatment for chronic lumbar radicular pain.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Paul Park ◽  
Victor Chang ◽  
Hsueh-Han Yeh ◽  
Jason M. Schwalb ◽  
David R. Nerenz ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEIn 2017, Michigan passed new legislation designed to reduce opioid abuse. This study evaluated the impact of these new restrictive laws on preoperative narcotic use, short-term outcomes, and readmission rates after spinal surgery.METHODSPatient data from 1 year before and 1 year after initiation of the new opioid laws (beginning July 1, 2018) were queried from the Michigan Spine Surgery Improvement Collaborative database. Before and after implementation of the major elements of the new laws, 12,325 and 11,988 patients, respectively, were treated.RESULTSPatients before and after passage of the opioid laws had generally similar demographic and surgical characteristics. Notably, after passage of the opioid laws, the number of patients taking daily narcotics preoperatively decreased from 3783 (48.7%) to 2698 (39.7%; p < 0.0001). Three months postoperatively, there were no differences in minimum clinically important difference (56.0% vs 58.0%, p = 0.1068), numeric rating scale (NRS) score of back pain (3.5 vs 3.4, p = 0.1156), NRS score of leg pain (2.7 vs 2.7, p = 0.3595), satisfaction (84.4% vs 84.7%, p = 0.6852), or 90-day readmission rate (5.8% vs 6.2%, p = 0.3202) between groups. Although there was no difference in readmission rates, pain as a reason for readmission was marginally more common (0.86% vs 1.22%, p = 0.0323).CONCLUSIONSThere was a meaningful decrease in preoperative narcotic use, but notably there was no apparent negative impact on postoperative recovery, patient satisfaction, or short-term outcomes after spinal surgery despite more restrictive opioid prescribing. Although the readmission rate did not significantly increase, pain as a reason for readmission was marginally more frequently observed.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 566
Author(s):  
Masato Ise ◽  
Eiji Nakata ◽  
Yoshimi Katayama ◽  
Masanori Hamada ◽  
Toshiyuki Kunisada ◽  
...  

Psychological distress is common in patients with soft tissue and bone tumors. We first investigated its frequency and the associated risk factors in patients with pre-operative bone and soft tissue tumors. Participants included 298 patients with bone and soft tissue tumors who underwent surgery in our institution between 2015 and 2020. Psychological distress was evaluated by the Distress and Impact Thermometer (DIT) that consists of two types of questions (questions about the severity of the patient’s distress (DIT-D) and its impact (DIT-I)). We used a cut-off point of 4 on the DIT-D and 3 on the DIT-I for screening patients with psychological distress. We therefore investigated: (1) the prevalence of psychological distress as assessed with DIT or distress thermometer (DT), which can be decided by DIT-D ≥ 4, (2) what are the risk factors for the prevalence of psychological distress, and (3) what is the number of patients who consulted a psychiatrist for psychological distress in patients with pre-operative bone and soft tissue tumors. With DIT and DT, we identified 64 patients (21%) and 95 patients (32%), respectively, with psychological distress. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that older age, sex (female), malignancy (malignant or intermediate tumor), a lower Barthel Index, and higher numeric rating scale were risk factors for psychological distress. Two patients (3%) consulted a psychiatrist after surgery. In conclusion, careful attention to psychological distress is needed, especially for female patients, older patients, and those with malignant soft or bone tissue tumors who have more than moderate pain.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mette U. Fredskild ◽  
Sharleny Stanislaus ◽  
Klara Coello ◽  
Sigurd A. Melbye ◽  
Hanne Lie Kjærstad ◽  
...  

Abstract Background DSM-IV states that criterion A for diagnosing hypomania/mania is mood change. The revised DSM-5 now states that increased energy or activity must be present alongside mood changes to diagnose hypomania/mania, thus raising energy/activity to criterion A. We set out to investigate how the change in criterion A affects the diagnosis of hypomanic/manic visits in patients with a newly diagnosed bipolar disorder. Results In this prospective cohort study, 373 patients were included (median age = 32; IQR, 27–40). Women constituted 66% (n = 245) of the cohort and 68% of the cohort (n = 253) met criteria for bipolar type II, the remaining patients were diagnosed bipolar type I. Median number of contributed visits was 2 per subject (IQR, 1–3) and median follow-up time was 3 years (IQR, 2–4). During follow-up, 127 patients had at least one visit with fulfilled DSM-IV criterion A. Applying DSM-5 criterion A reduced the number of patients experiencing a hypomanic/manic visit by 62% at baseline and by 50% during longitudinal follow-up, compared with DSM-IV criterion A. Fulfilling DSM-5 criterion A during follow-up was associated with higher modified young mania rating scale score (OR = 1.51, CL [1.34, 1.71], p < 0.0001) and increased number of visits contributed (OR = 1.86, CL [1.52, 2.29], p < 0.0001). Conclusion Applying the stricter DSM-5 criterion A in a cohort of newly diagnosed bipolar patients reduced the number of patients experiencing a hypomanic/manic visit substantially, and was associated with higher overall young mania rating scale scores, compared with DSM-IV criterion A. Consequently, fewer hypomanic/manic visits may be detected in newly diagnosed bipolar patients with applied DSM-5 criterion A, and the upcoming ICD-11, which may possibly result in longer diagnostic delay of BD as compared with the DSM-IV.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document