• Kyomin Choi, Ohyun Kwon, Bum Chun Suh, Eunhee Sohn, In Soo Joo, and Jeeyoung Oh.
• Department of Neurology, Konkuk University Medical Center, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
• J. Korean Med. Sci. 2022 Jan 17; 37 (3): e8.

BackgroundA culturally validated Korean version of the PainDETECT Questionnaire (PD-Q) was used to identify neuropathic pain components (NeP) in patients suffering from chronic pain. The purpose of this study was to determine if the Korean PD-Q can be used to subgroup patients with peripheral NeP according to sensory symptom profiles.MethodsThis study included 400 Korean patients with peripheral neuropathic pain diagnosed as probable or definite NeP. The total scores and subscores for each item in PD-Q were transformed into a Z-score for standardization. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to identify clusters of subjects by PD-Q scores.ResultsThe mean total PD-Q score of the study participants was 14.57 ± 6.46. A hierarchical cluster analysis identified 5 clusters with distinct pain characteristic profiles. Cluster 1 had relatively severe burning and tingling sensations. The mean total PD-Q score for cluster 2 was the lowest of the 5 clusters. Cluster 3 tended to be vulnerable to pain in response to cold/heat stimulation. Cluster 4 showed relatively severe pain induced by physical stimuli, such as light touch or slight pressure. Cluster 5 had high scores for all NeP symptoms.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the ability of patients to cluster by symptoms using the Korean PD-Q. Subgrouping of peripheral neuropathic pain by sensory symptom profile may be useful in making effective drug treatment decisions.© 2022 The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences.

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