European journal of pain : EJP
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To assess the relationship between demographic, clinical, psychological and pressure pain sensitivity outcomes with the central sensitization inventory (CSI) in female with fibromyalgia (FMS). ⋯ This study found that sensitization-associated symptoms in women with FMS are partially influenced by age, pain intensity at rest and pain during daily living activities, anxiety levels and pressure pain sensitivity.
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Postoperative pain is common at the global level, despite considerable attempts for improvement, reflecting the complexity of offering effective pain relief. In this study, clinicians from Mexico, China, and eight European countries evaluated perioperative pain practices and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in their hospitals as a basis for carrying out quality improvement (QI) projects in each country. ⋯ In preparation for quality improvement projects, we comprehensively evaluated pain-related patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and treatment practices of 10,415 adult patients spanning 10 countries. PROs were generally poor. Demographics, country and surgical discipline explained a small proportion of variation for the PROs, about 88% remained unexplained. Treatment practices varied considerably between wards. Ward effects accounted for about 7% and 32% of variation in PROs and treatment processes, respectively. Future studies will aim to identify treatments which are associated with improved outcomes.
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The mechanisms of pain perception in individuals with masochistic behaviour (MB) remain poorly documented. We hypothesized that MB is associated with context-specific changes in descending pain modulation. ⋯ Decrease pain perception related to masochistic behaviours is associated with specific activation of descending pain inhibition.
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Kv4 channels are key components controlling neuronal excitability at membrane potentials below action potential thresholds. It remains elusive whether Kv4.1 participates in pain regulation. ⋯ Based on the expression of Kv4.1 and Kv4.3 in the nociceptors, Kv4.1 in the secondary nociceptive neurons, Kv4.1 in spinal lamina I excitatory interneurons that regulate the activity of the secondary nociceptive neurons, as well as Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 in spinal lamina II excitatory interneurons that also regulate the activity of the secondary nociceptive neurons, developing Kv4 activators or genetic manipulation to increase Kv4 channel activity in these pain-related Kv4+ neurons will be useful in future pain therapeutics.
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Review
Glucocorticoid treatment in patients with complex regional pain syndrome: A systematic review.
The pathophysiology of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is multifactorial, with an exaggerated inflammatory response being the most prominent. Treatment for CRPS is carried out according to the presenting pathophysiological mechanism. Anti-inflammatory treatment with glucocorticoids is therefore an option. The aim of this study was to systematically review the efficacy of glucocorticoids in CRPS. ⋯ Several studies point towards CRPS being an inflammatory response after tissue or nerve damage, with higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in serum, plasma, cerebrospinal fluid and artificial skin blisters. Inflammation provides a possible role for glucocorticoids in treating CRPS. This systematic review provides a structured overview of glucocorticoid treatment in patients with CRPS. Improvement in pain and range of motion is shown. Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO-CRD42020144671.