European journal of pain : EJP
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Breakthrough cancer pain (BTP) can place physical, psychological and economic burdens on patients and their productive life. By preventing instead of treating BTP after it occurs, the efficacy of analgesic treatment in cancer patients could be maximized. With this study, we investigated circadian variations in the occurrence of BTP events in cancer patients. ⋯ BTP onset follows a circadian rhythm, with an acrophase occurring in the late morning.
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Pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are two of the most common health complaints among US veterans. Studies suggest that the co-morbidity of these disorders exacerbates veterans' experiences of chronic pain. Although a limited number of papers have reviewed reasons for this exacerbation, no studies have explored the potential contribution of significant others' responses to veterans' experience of pain in the context of PTSD symptomatology. The purpose of this study was to explore whether significant others' responses to chronic pain differed for veterans with and without clinical levels of PTSD symptoms. It was hypothesized that veterans who presented with higher levels of PTSD symptomatology would report higher levels of 'punishing' responses to their pain from significant others. ⋯ The presence of more punishing responses may impact the cognitive-behavioural components of the chronic pain experience. For example, it may worsen negative affect, which can thus impact the fear-avoidance model. Further discussion focuses on the implications of these results, including guidelines for clinical applications.
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Previous studies have shown 17β-estradiol will reduce temporomandibular joint (TMJ) inflammation and hypersensitivity in female rats. Although male rats contain significant amounts of oestradiol, it was unknown whether a physiological concentration of 17β-estradiol would attenuate male TMJ inflammation and nociception. ⋯ Similar to females, male rats with TMJ inflammation showed a reduced nociceptive response after treatment with a physiological concentration of oestradiol suggesting the effects of oestradiol treatment were not constrained by organizational processes in the males.
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Review Meta Analysis
Treatment of complex regional pain syndrome in adults: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials published from June 2000 to February 2012.
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a disabling pain condition with sensory, motor and autonomic manifestations. Uncertainty remains about how CRPS can be effectively managed. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for treatment and prophylactic interventions for CRPS published during the period 2000-2012, building on previous work by another group reviewing the period 1966-2000. ⋯ The heterogeneity of trialled interventions and the pilot nature of many trials militate against drawing clear conclusions about the clinical usefulness of most interventions. This and the observed phenomenon of excellent responses in CRPS subgroups would support the case for a network- and multi-centre approach in the conduct of future clinical trials. Most published trials in CRPS are small with a short follow-up period, although several novel interventions investigated from 2000 to 2012 appear promising.