Der Schmerz
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
[Clonidine for remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia: a double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled study of clonidine under intra-operative use of remifentanil in elective surgery of the shoulder].
In the postoperative period, α2-adrenergic agonists have an opioid sparing effect. In a previous, experimental study, it was also shown that clonidine attenuates remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia. In this study, we examined under clinical conditions whether early administration of a single dose of clonidine can inhibit remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia in patients undergoing elective surgery of the shoulder and with continuous intraoperative use of remifentanil. ⋯ An early single dose of 150 µg of clonidine did not reduce the postoperative morphine consumption and pain scores in patients undergoing elective surgery of the shoulder with remifentanil/propofol-based anaesthesia. After the effect of clonidine has presumably subsided the pain can even increase, therefore further studies with repetitive doses of clonidine should be carried out.
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Postoperative pain assessment in children with cognitive impairment poses major challenges to healthcare professionals. Children with moderate to severe cognitive impairment are generally unable to communicate effectively and to self-report the level of pain. Difficulties assessing pain have led to their exclusion from clinical trials and rendered them vulnerable to insufficient treatment of pain. ⋯ Scales based on a child's own perception of pain and its severity play a limited role in this vulnerable population and pain assessment tools which rely on observing pain behavior are essential. The r-FLACC, which is reliable and valid, includes specific behavioral descriptors and can be used simply and effectively postoperatively in clinical practice. Our task has to be assessing pain as a routine procedure in cognitively impaired children as a keystone for an improved and successful pain management in this very sensitive patient population.
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The intensity of pain cannot be measured directly but can only be described subjectively. This obviously complicates the assessment especially in the younger age group. Pain evaluation and documentation are essential for good results in pain therapy. ⋯ In neonates and children up to 4 years of age, standardized scales have been developed for observation of their activities. Children in the age group 4-6 years old are able to communicate about pain. At this age self-report scales can be used to assess pain sensations."Quality Improvement in Postoperative Pain Management in Infants" (QUIPSInfant) represents a new tool for pediatric outcome evaluation, consisting of standardized data acquisition of outcome and process quality indicators.
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Review Comparative Study
[Serotonin receptor 1A-modulated dephosphorylation of glycine receptor α3: a new molecular mechanism of breathing control for compensation of opioid-induced respiratory depression without loss of analgesia].
To control the breathing rhythm the medullary respiratory network generates periodic salvo activities for inspiration, post-inspiration and expiration. These are under permanent modulatory control by serotonergic neurons of the raphe which governs the degree of phosphorylation of the inhibitory glycine receptor α3. ⋯ Our physiological investigations show that this 5-HTR(1A)-GlyRα3 modulation allows treatment of respiratory depression due to opioids without affecting the desired analgesic effects of opioids. The molecular mechanism presented here opens new pharmacological possibilities to treat opioid-induced respiratory depression and respiratory disorders due to disturbed inhibitory synaptic transmission, such as hyperekplexia.
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The effect of interdisciplinary multimodal therapy of chronic back pain is well documented. With elapsing time changing diagnostic focuses, therapeutic strategies and objectives have to be considered. ⋯ The requirement of a rational causal therapy in chronic back pain still remains but the focal points shift to the consideration of somatic, psychological and social disposing and supporting factors. The aim of this paper is to reflect the necessary orthopedic expertise in the context of the pathomechanics of chronic back pain and the interdisciplinary teamwork.