European journal of pain : EJP
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Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) and Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) are two overlapping heritable connective tissue disorders characterized by joint hypermobility, chronic pain, impaired body perception, and musculoskeletal symptoms. Central sensitization has been proposed as a plausible explanation for symptoms like widespread pain, fatigue, mood disorders, and sleep disturbances in patients with HSD/hEDS. ⋯ This study breaks new ground by showing signs of central sensitization, including diminished EIH, in adolescents with HSD or hEDS. Given that exercise is a key element in pain management, these findings offer valuable insights when developing treatment plans for adolescents with HSD or hEDS.
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While the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in medicine has been significant, their application to acute and chronic pain management has not been well characterized. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the current state of AI in acute and chronic pain management. ⋯ This review characterizes current applications of AI for pain management and discusses barriers to their clinical integration. Our findings support continuing efforts directed towards establishing comprehensive systems that integrate AI throughout the patient care continuum.
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Chronic pain is among the leading causes of disability worldwide, of which only a small percentage of patients receive adequate treatment for. Non-prescribed opioid analgesics are commonly sought out in effort to alleviate unrelieved pain. This study assesses the prevalence and correlates of chronic pain among primary fentanyl users. ⋯ Our work points to the high prevalence of self-reported chronic pain among individuals who primarily use fentanyl. Among those with self-reported fentanyl use and chronic pain, self-medication with street opioids was found to be common and associated with higher reported pain levels on a typical day. This highlights the need for pain management strategies to be integrated into opioid dependence treatment and more research in the overlap of pain and fentanyl use.
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Persistent postsurgical pain (PPSP) following thoracic surgery affects 40%-60% of patients undergoing lung resection due to malignancies. Postoperative pain-related symptoms are common, leading to limitations in activities of daily living (ADL) and deterioration in physical function, which significantly impacts quality of life. Pain-related limitations are of interest, as postsurgical pain may present as a target for intervention to improve postoperative rehabilitation. This study aimed to evaluate the association between PPSP and ADL limitations during the first 12 postoperative months after surgery for lung cancer. ⋯ Surgery remains a cornerstone in the treatment of early-stage lung cancer. Despite advances in minimally invasive techniques and rehabilitation, persisting postsurgical pain and pain-related limitations in daily activities may endure. This study investigated specifically the pain-related limitations in activities of daily living and described recovery trajectories during the first 12 postoperative months. Patients with persistent postsurgical pain experienced multiple limitations compared to pain-free patients. Although partial recovery was observed, impairments remained significant for up to 12 months after surgery.