Pain physician
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Peripheral neuropathic pain (PNP) is a complex, subjective experience affecting both physical and psychological aspects of functioning. Assessing patient-reported outcomes (PROs) beyond pain relief is important and aligns with the recommendations of IMMPACT (Initiative on Methods, Measurement, and Pain Assessment in Clinical Trials). Moreover, PRO data are key to clinical decision-making when evaluating treatment options. However, direct comparisons between such options are scarce. High-concentration capsaicin 179 mg (8% w/w) cutaneous patch (HCCP) is applied to the skin at minimum intervals of 90 days under physician supervision; alternative recommended treatments for PNP are mostly orally administered on a daily basis. The ELEVATE study directly compared HCCP with pregabalin and found noninferior efficacy of HCCP to pregabalin in relieving pain after 8 weeks, with a significantly faster onset of action and fewer systemic side effects. ⋯ NCT01713426.
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Intrawound treatments have been reported to have favorable efficacy for preventing surgical site infection (SSI); however, the best strategy remains unknown. ⋯ We found that VA and PI show promising results on reducing SSI. PI is recommended as the most efficacious intrawound treatment to prevent SSI after spine surgery.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Investigation of Effectiveness of Two Different Kinesiotaping Techniques in Myofascial Pain Syndrome: An Open-Label Randomized Clinical Trial.
Myofascial pain syndrome is a regional musculoskeletal pain syndrome characterized by trigger points. Although there are widely accepted treatment modalities, there is no gold standard treatment. Kinesiotaping represents an interesting modality in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and attracts attention with studies emerging in the recent years, but in spite of the proposed benefits of kinesiotaping, its efficacy is still unclear, thus further studies evaluating the effectiveness of kinesiotaping are needed. ⋯ Both kinesiotaping methods were associated with lower pain intensity levels and better functional status and were effective in increasing quality of life by improving physical functions and general health earlier than the home exercise program. There was no significant difference between the kinesiotaping methods, except for role limitations due to the physical factors domain of SF-36 which was improved in the KMIT group earlier than in the KSCT group and CGs.
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Chronic pain (CP) may increase the risk of cognitive impairment; however, the association between CP and dementia is still unclear. ⋯ CP was associated with a higher risk of dementia, especially in the 50-64 years age group. Early treatment of CP for the prevention of dementia is suggested.