European journal of pain : EJP
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Opioids are powerful analgesics when used to treat acute pain and some forms of chronic pain. In addition, opioids can preempt some forms of central sensitization. Here we review evidence that opioids may also induce and perhaps reverse some forms of central sensitization.
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The human genome project has revealed data on genomic variation which may influence the pharmacological responses. In pain therapy, the genetic background influencing the efficacy of opioid therapy is of special interest. ⋯ Further candidate genes involved in pain perception, pain processing and pain management like opioid receptors, transporters and other targets of pharmacotherapy are under investigation. Aspects of genetic differences influencing efficacy, side effects and adverse outcome of pharmacotherapy will be of importance for future pain management.
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The clinical use of an intravenous opioid testing can help to predict whether opioids will be beneficial. The determination of individual opioid responsiveness justifies subsequent long-term opioid treatment and is generally recommended. An overview over current testing procedures is given with particular regard to choice of opioid, maximum dose, determination of endpoints and duration of testing and recovery. ⋯ Complete recovery after end of infusion was rapid with a reach of baseline conditions after 25 min in all patients. Thus the complete remifentanil testing procedure required at utmost 1 h. In conclusion, remifentanil testing offers a more rapid procedure allowing the routine use in an ambulatory setting.
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Opioid effectiveness can be improved by individualizing dosing, route of administration and the drug. Particularly in the treatment of chronic non-cancer pain, careful patient selection is essential. ⋯ These pharmacological "oipioid adjuvants" include e.g. alpha(2)-adrenergic agonists, non-steroidal anti-flammatory analgesics, NMDA-receptor antagonists, CCK-antagonists, gabapentinoids and NK-1 receptor antagonists. The theoretical background and the clinical evidence of these combinations will be discussed.
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The Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale for Physiotherapists (PABS-PT) differentiates between a biomedical versus a biopsychosocial treatment orientation with regard to common low back pain. This study re-examined the factor structure and psychometric properties of the PABS-PT, along with the relationship between PABS-PT scores and the perceived harmfulness of physical activities and treatment recommendations for common low back pain. ⋯ Furthermore, scores on both factors of the PABS-PT were related to measures of related concepts (statistically significant Pearson correlation coefficients between 0.30 and 0.65) such as the HC-PAIRS and a therapist version of the TSK. Regression analyses revealed that both factors were consistent predictors of judgements of the harmfulness of physical activities (PHODA) and of recommendations for return to work and normal activity.