Articles: function.
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Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a rare neuroimmunological disorder characterized by rigidity and painful spasm primarily affecting the truncal and paraspinal musculature due to autoimmune-mediated neuronal hyperexcitability. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an approved therapy for managing painful neuropathic conditions, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy and refractory angina pectoris. We describe the novel use of SCS for the treatment of spasm and rigidity in a 49-year-old man with seropositive stiff person syndrome (SPS). The patient was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and oral medications over a 13-month period with minimal improvement, prompting consideration of SCS. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the successful use of SCS in SPS with the demonstration of multifaceted clinical improvement. ⋯ The novel use of SCS therapy in seropositive SPS resulted in functional improvement and attenuation of symptoms. We present possible mechanisms by which SCS may produce clinical response in patients with SPS and aim to demonstrate proof-of-concept for a future comprehensive pilot study evaluating SCS-mediated response in SPS.
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Critical care medicine · Jun 2024
Randomized Controlled TrialEffects of Vibration Therapy on the Physical Function of Critically Ill Adults Trial: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Vibration therapy uses vibration to rehabilitate physical functions. Recently, it has been demonstrated to be safe for critically ill patients. However, its effects on physical functions are unclear. ⋯ Vibration therapy did not improve the total FSS-ICU. However, the supine-to-sit ability in the FSS-ICU improved without any adverse event.
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Minerva anestesiologica · Jun 2024
Meta Analysis Comparative StudyEfficacy and safety of extrafascial injection versus intrafascial injection for interscalene brachial plexus block: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB) techniques in upper limb and shoulder surgeries. ⋯ Our findings favor extrafascial ISB techniques because they reduce hemidiaphragmatic paresis, preserve respiratory function, and lower block-related complications. However, further research is necessary to establish their safety and efficacy in specific patient populations.
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Current research indicates that tapering opioids may improve pain and function in patients with chronic noncancer pain. However, gaps in the literature remain regarding the choice of opioid and nonopioid interventions to support a successful taper. This study used an Australian primary care data set to identify a cohort of patients on long-term opioid therapy commencing opioid taper between January 2016 and September 2019. ⋯ Compared with those who did not complete taper, patients who successfully tapered were less likely to be prescribed any formulations of oxycodone (short-acting [SA]: OR, 0.533; 95% CI: 0.422-0.672, LA: OR, 0.356; 95% CI: 0.240-0.530) and tramadol (SA: OR, 0.370; 95% CI: 0.218-0.628, LA: OR, 0.317; 95% CI: 0.234-0.428). The type of opioid prescribed in the months after commencement of taper seems to influence the taper outcomes. These findings may inform prospective studies on opioid taper.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Jun 2024
ReviewChronic pain in pediatric patients: epidemiology, pathophysiology, and mitigation strategies.
To provide an updated summary on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment strategies of chronic pain in pediatric patients and its differences with chronic pain in adults. ⋯ Chronic pediatric pain should be addressed under the biopsychosocial model, where the biological, psychological, and social factors are evaluated on how they influence the pain perception, pain experience, functional ability, and treatment focus. Pain education to patients and their families is the crucial initial step towards a functional rehabilitation of pain.