Pain medicine : the official journal of the American Academy of Pain Medicine
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There is considerable overlap in risk profiles between chronic low back pain with radiculopathy (CLBPR) and cardiovascular health among older adults; obesity and smoking are related to both conditions and may largely drive the potential relationship. We sought to explore the impact of CLBPR on cardiovascular health outcomes, independent of body mass index (BMI) and current smoking status. ⋯ Among older adults, CLBPR is linked with worse endothelial function, regardless of educational level and independent of BMI and smoking. These findings suggest that older adults with CLBPR may be at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
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To analyze industry payments to pain medicine physicians in the United States. ⋯ Overall payments made to PMPs seem to be decreasing since 2016. The majority of the payments are made for the food, beverage, and travel categories. Public and physician awareness of the Open Payments system reports is essential to promote transparency and to minimize adverse effects of financial relationships on patient care.
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Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is a potential complication of certain neuraxial anesthesia and spinal procedures, and some risk factors for PDPH have been identified. However, there have been no detailed analyses of rates and risk factors of PDPH after various spinal and neuraxial anesthesia procedures. ⋯ PDPH incidence and risk factors depended on the type of neuraxial anesthesia and spinal procedures. PDPH incidence after lumbar puncture using a 22 G Tuohy needle was higher than that after lumbar CSF drainage using an 18 G Tuohy needle, suggesting that catheter insertion may reduce PDPH risk. In non-dural puncture procedures, PDPH risk did not differ according to type of procedure, and no risk factors were found.
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To provide an update on Australian persistent pain services (number, structure, funding, wait times, activity). ⋯ Specialist pain services have expanded since the original WIP survey, facilitating treatment access for many. However, wait time range suggested that the most disadvantaged individuals still experienced the longest wait times, often far exceeding the recommended 6-month maximum wait. More needs to be done. Numerous developments (e.g., National Strategic Action Plan for Pain Management, health system changes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic) will continue to influence the delivery of pain services in Australia, and repeated analysis of service structures and wait times will optimize our health system response to the management of this condition.