European journal of pain : EJP
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PUVA (psoralen UVA) therapy is used to treat a variety of skin conditions, such as vitiligo psoriasis, eczema and mycosis fungoides, but it is frequently accompanied by phototoxicity leading to burning pain, itch and erythema. ⋯ Our work provides evidence for the involvement of thermoTRP channels TRPA1 and TRPV1 in the activation and photosensitization of peripheral nociceptors during PUVA (Psoralen UVA) therapy.
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Increased bone resorption is driven by augmented osteoclast activity in pathological states of the bone, including osteoporosis, fracture and metastatic bone cancer. Pain is a frequent co-morbidity in bone pathologies and adequate pain management is necessary for symptomatic relief. Bone cancer is associated with severe skeletal pain and dysregulated bone remodelling, while increased osteoclast activity and bone pain are also observed in osteoporosis and during fracture repair. However, the effects of altered osteoclast activity and bone resorption on nociceptive processing of bone afferents remain unclear. ⋯ The role of osteoclasts in peripheral sensitization of sensory neurones is not fully understood. This study reports on the direct link between oestrogen-independent osteoclast activation and skeletal pain. Administration of exogenous receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) increases bone resorption, but does not produce pro-nociceptive changes in behavioural pain thresholds. Our data demonstrates that physiologic osteoclasts are not essential for skeletal pain behaviours.
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Chronic pain following musculoskeletal trauma is common, which may partially be attributed to the early presence of central sensitization (CS). Multiple measures are suggested to assess clinical features of CS, yet no systematic review has evaluated the measurement properties of these measures in a musculoskeletal trauma population. ⋯ Many measures are used to evaluate CS but with limited established measurement properties in musculoskeletal trauma. High quality research to establish measurement properties of CS outcome measures is required.
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This systematic, rapid review aimed to critically appraise and synthesize the recent literature (2014-2019) evaluating the incidence and prevalence of post-amputation phantom limb pain (PLP) and sensation (PLS). ⋯ This systematic rapid review provides a reference for clinicians to make informed prognosis estimates of phantom phenomena for patients undergoing amputation. Results show that most amputees will experience phantom limb pain (PLP) and phantom limb sensations (PLS): high PLP incidence 1-year post-amputation (82%); high lifetime prevalence for PLP (76%-87%) and PLS (87%). Approximately 25% of amputees will experience telescoping. Consideration of individual patient characteristics (cause, amputation site, pre-amputation pain) is pertinent given their likely contribution to incidence/prevalence of phantom phenomena.
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Although paediatric chronic pain is common, it is not yet clear which individuals with chronic pain are likely to seek health care for their pain. The aims of this study were to summarize the current evidence of the characteristics of children and adolescents with chronic pain who consult a physician or use medication for their pain. Additionally, we aimed to expand knowledge by further investigating key and promising, factors in a large community sample of adolescents. ⋯ A scoping summary of existing research on predictors for physician consultation and medication use in children and adolescents with chronic pain is provided. Furthermore, the role of potential predictors for health care utilisation-sociodemographic, pain, school, psychological and parent-related characteristics-is analysed in a population-based cross-sectional survey. Controlling for illness and injuries, and using a strict chronic pain definition, the cross-sectional survey allows conclusions on healthcare utilisation specific to chronic pain in adolescents.