European journal of pain : EJP
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Both, pruritus and pain are aversive, but clearly distinct sensations originating in the peripheral and central nervous system. During the last years, many interactions between itch and pain in acute transmission and sensitization processes have been identified. It is common experience that the itch sensation can be reduced by the painful sensations caused by scratching. ⋯ Also regulation of gene expression induced by trophic factors, such as NGF, plays a major role in persistently increased neuronal sensitivity for itch and pain. Finally, itch and pain exhibit corresponding patterns of central sensitization. The knowledge of antagonistic interaction, but also of similar sensitization processes has major implication for antipruritic therapeutic approaches.
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The aim of this paper is to describe the first reported use of computed tomography (CT) guided lumbar sympathetic block as treatment of a case of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in a child. The potential aetiology of CRPS is discussed in relation to the mechanism of action of local anaesthetics used in the block. Based on the successful treatment of this child and the documented success of its use in adults, we conclude that despite the minimal dose of radiation given, CT guided lumbar sympathetic block is an important treatment option in CRPS in children.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Do dialogues about concepts of pain reduce immigrant patients' reported spread of pain? A comparison between two consultation methods in primary care.
Do dialogues about concepts of pain reduce the reported spread of pain more than the usual consultations? ⋯ Particularly the women in both consultation groups demonstrated much less spread of pain after treatment, despite similar clinical findings and less anxiety about pain in group A. The initially wide spread of pain may thus have been a way of communicating with the doctors.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Analgesic efficacy and safety of intravenous paracetamol (acetaminophen) administered as a 2 g starting dose following third molar surgery.
The recommended dose for intravenous (IV) paracetamol injection in adults is 1g, however pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic findings suggest that a better analgesia could be obtained with a 2 g starting dose. ⋯ The analgesic efficacy of a 2 g starting dose of IV paracetamol was superior over the recommended dose of 1g in terms of magnitude and duration of analgesic effect for postoperative pain following third molar surgery, with no significant difference between groups regarding safety.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Reliability and validity of a modified Brief Pain Inventory short form in patients with osteoarthritis.
The Brief Pain Inventory short form (BPI-sf) is a validated, widely used, self-administered questionnaire developed to assess the severity of pain and the impact of pain on daily functions. A modified version was used daily in randomised control trials of patients with arthritis undergoing treatment with cyclooxygenase-2 specific inhibitors and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. ⋯ Each scale and individual pain intensity item refers to changes in osteoarthritis pain associated with medication use. The modified BPI-sf, like the parent scale, is a valid and reliable tool for situations in which pain is assessed daily and minimises the burden placed on patients to record information necessary for scientific investigations.