Articles: neuropathic-pain.
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We aimed at investigating whether functional and morphometric tests assessing small-fibre damage, ie quantitative sensory testing, Sudoscan and skin biopsy, reliably reflect neuropathic pain and autonomic symptoms in patients with late-onset hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with polyneuropathy (ATTRv-PN). ⋯ Our findings indicate that functional test parameters reliably reflect neuropathic pain and autonomic symptoms related to small-fibre damage. These findings might help to identify clinically useful biomarkers to assess patient follow-up.
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Pain-depression comorbidity has become a great burden to individuals and society. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying comorbid diseases have still not been fully revealed. Ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) on peripheral nerves, which produces remarkable analgesia via high-frequency electromagnetic energy, has become a main, minimally invasive treatment for chronic neuropathic pain. ⋯ These findings suggest that ultrasound-guided PRF on sciatic nerve could alleviate pain-induced depression. The mechanisms of this treatment may be involved in the downregulated spinal IRF8 and the increased BDNF in PFC.
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Current research indicates that spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has a positive short-term impact on outcomes, such as quality of life, pain, and productivity in patients with chronic neuropathic pain. However, there is a need for studies on larger population samples. This study used data from Swedish national registers to analyze change and predictors of sick leave and disability pension 2 years before and after SCS treatment. ⋯ Large work loss prior to index date was also demonstrated (average 214 days before 1 year), indicating a significant burden on the patient, employers, and the society at large. The number of disability days varied considerably depending on age, sex, socioeconomic variables, and comorbidities; however, the effect of SCS seemed to have little association with patient characteristics. This economic benefit needs to be considered, as well as the clinical outcome, when evaluating the full societal value of SCS.
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Background: The goal of the Edmonton Classification System for Cancer Pain (ECS-CP) is to create an international classification system for cancer pain. Previous studies reinforce the need for standardized training to ensure consistency across assessors. There is no universally accepted classification for neuropathic pain. ⋯ Conclusion: The ECS-CP was able to detect salient pain features across settings. Furthermore, the frequencies of neuropathic pain utilizing the NeuPSIG criteria fits within the lower-end of literature estimates (13%-40%). Further research is warranted to validate the NeuPSIG criteria in cancer pain.