{"title":"Long-term explantation risk in patients with chronic pain treated with spinal cord or dorsal root ganglion stimulation.","authors":"Kliment Gatzinsky, Beatrice Brink, Kristin Lilja Eyglóardóttir, Tobias Hallén","doi":"10.1136/rapm-2024-105719","DOIUrl":"10.1136/rapm-2024-105719","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To investigate long-term explantation risks and causes for the explantation of neuromodulation devices for the treatment of chronic pain from different manufacturers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective analysis included patients implanted with a system for spinal cord stimulation (SCS) or dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation at Sahlgrenska University Hospital between January 2012 and December 2022. Patient characteristics, explantation rates and causes for explantation were obtained by reviewing medical records.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 400 patients were included in the study. Including all manufacturers, the cumulative explantation risk for any reason was 17%, 23% and 38% at 3, 5 and 10 years, respectively. Explantation risk due to diminished pain relief at the same intervals was 10%, 14% and 23%. A subgroup comparison of 5-year explantation risk using Kaplan-Meier analysis did not show a statistically significant difference between the manufacturers. In multivariable Cox regression analyses, there was no difference in explantation risk for any reason, but for explantation due to diminished pain relief, a higher risk was noted for Medtronic (preferably older types of SCS devices) and DRG stimulation. No other predictive factor for explantation was found.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Although SCS and DRG stimulation are well-established and safe treatments for chronic pain, the long-term explantation risk remains high. The difference between manufacturers highlights the importance of technological evolution for improving therapy outcomes. Increased stringency in patient selection and follow-up strategies, as well as further development of device hardware and software technology for increased longevity, could possibly reduce long-term explantation risks.</p>","PeriodicalId":54503,"journal":{"name":"Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141861680","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Thomas Giral, Bernard Victor Delvaux, Davy Huynh, Bertrand Morel, Nabil Zanoun, Franck Ehooman, Thierry Garnier, Olivier Maupain
{"title":"Posterior quadratus lumborum block versus intrathecal morphine analgesia after scheduled cesarean section: a prospective, randomized, controlled study.","authors":"Thomas Giral, Bernard Victor Delvaux, Davy Huynh, Bertrand Morel, Nabil Zanoun, Franck Ehooman, Thierry Garnier, Olivier Maupain","doi":"10.1136/rapm-2024-105454","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1136/rapm-2024-105454","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>During the postoperative period of elective cesarean section, intrathecal morphine is effective in the multimodal analgesic regimen, but can cause significant adverse effects. Bilateral posterior quadratus lumborum block could be alternatively used. The aim of this study was to compare efficacy and safety of both strategies as part of a multimodal analgesic regimen.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a prospective, randomized, blinded, controlled study. 104 parturients were randomly selected to receive intrathecal morphine or posterior quadratus lumborum block during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. The primary endpoint was patient-controlled 24-hour cumulative intravenous morphine use. Secondary endpoints were 48-hour cumulative morphine use, static/dynamic pain scores, functional recovery (ObsQoR-11 questionnaire) and adverse effects.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There was no statistical difference in the mean cumulative morphine dose at 24-hour between groups (posterior quadratus lumborum block group, 13.7 (97.5% CI 10.4 to 16.9) mg; intrathecal morphine group, 11.1 (97.5% CI 8.4 to 13.8) mg, p=0.111). Pain scores did not show any difference between groups, excepted at 6 hours for the pain at cough/movement in favor of the posterior quadratus lumborum block group (p=0.013). A better recovery quality was observed at 24 hours in the posterior quadratus lumborum block group (p=0.009). Pruritus was more frequent in intrathecal morphine group parturients (35% vs 2%) CONCLUSIONS: No difference in cumulative morphine dose at 24 hours was observed in posterior quadratus lumborum block group compared with intrathecal morphine group. Posterior quadratus lumborum block can be considered an alternative to intrathecal morphine in cesarean postoperative analgesia, especially in cases of intolerance to morphine.</p><p><strong>Trial registration number: </strong>NCT04755712.</p>","PeriodicalId":54503,"journal":{"name":"Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142141795","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Anuj Kailash Aggarwal, Meredith Barad, Nu Cindy Chai, Timothy Furnish, Puneet Mishra, Lynn Kohan, Susan Moeschler, Rajiv D Reddy, Bhavana Yalamuru
{"title":"Current state of the pain medicine match: perspective and an eye to the future.","authors":"Anuj Kailash Aggarwal, Meredith Barad, Nu Cindy Chai, Timothy Furnish, Puneet Mishra, Lynn Kohan, Susan Moeschler, Rajiv D Reddy, Bhavana Yalamuru","doi":"10.1136/rapm-2024-105770","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1136/rapm-2024-105770","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) for pain medicine fellowships marked its 10th anniversary in 2023, coinciding with growing discussions within the Association of Pain Program Directors (APPD) regarding the program's future in the context of a recent decline of applicants into pain medicine. This letter explores the rationale behind reassessing the NRMP's utility for pain medicine, examining historical and current trends, and considering the implications of withdrawing from the match. Despite a recent decline in applicants and an increase in unfilled positions, the APPD advocates for continued participation in the match. The match ensures equitable and stable recruitment, preventing the chaotic pre-match environment of competitive, early offers. Data from similar specialties highlight the pitfalls of non-match systems, such as increased applicant pressure and reduced program visibility. The APPD supports maintaining the NRMP match while implementing reforms like preference signaling to address evolving challenges. The APPD aims to preserve the match's benefits and ensure a stable future for pain medicine fellowship recruitment.</p>","PeriodicalId":54503,"journal":{"name":"Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142134477","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Patient's plight to self-advocacy: the battle is won, the war goes on.","authors":"Ryan S D'Souza","doi":"10.1136/rapm-2024-105924","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1136/rapm-2024-105924","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":54503,"journal":{"name":"Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142134446","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Christopher P Cheng, Tony Owusu, Paul Shekane, Alopi M Patel
{"title":"Sentiment analysis of pain physician reviews on Healthgrades: a physician review website.","authors":"Christopher P Cheng, Tony Owusu, Paul Shekane, Alopi M Patel","doi":"10.1136/rapm-2023-104650","DOIUrl":"10.1136/rapm-2023-104650","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>There are currently no published studies using patient reviews of pain physicians to quantitatively assess patient preferences for pain physician attributes. The aim of the present study was to use natural language processing to quantitatively analyze patient reviews of pain physicians by determining the effect of physician demographics and word frequency on positive review outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using a peer-reviewed algorithm, online Healthgrades reviews of pain physicians practicing in the USA were scored according to their positive sentiment from -1 to 1. These sentiment scores and star ratings were used to compare physicians by age, gender and region of practice. Frequency analysis of words and bigrams was performed for all reviews.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There were 15 101 reviews collected among 1275 pain physicians which showed male physicians received higher star ratings and review sentiment scores than female physicians. Pain physicians younger than 55 years received higher star ratings and sentiment scores than those of 55 years and older. Frequency analysis revealed that words most commonly used in the more positive patient reviews included 'care', 'professional', 'patient', 'help' and 'kind'; the words most commonly used in less positive reviews included 'pain', 'back', 'office', 'time' and 'years'.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Male and/or younger pain physicians receive more positive reviews. Patients highly rate pain physicians who are perceived as personable. Patients lowly rate physicians who are perceived as providing ineffective treatment of their pain as well as when they experience barriers to their access to care.</p>","PeriodicalId":54503,"journal":{"name":"Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"656-660"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9779581","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Karim S Ladha, Kathak Vachhani, Gretchen Gabriel, Rasheeda Darville, Karl Everett, Jodi M Gatley, Refik Saskin, Dorothy Wong, Praveen Ganty, Rita Katznelson, Alexander Huang, Joseph Fiorellino, Diana Tamir, Maxwell Slepian, Joel Katz, Hance Clarke
{"title":"Impact of a Transitional Pain Service on postoperative opioid trajectories: a retrospective cohort study.","authors":"Karim S Ladha, Kathak Vachhani, Gretchen Gabriel, Rasheeda Darville, Karl Everett, Jodi M Gatley, Refik Saskin, Dorothy Wong, Praveen Ganty, Rita Katznelson, Alexander Huang, Joseph Fiorellino, Diana Tamir, Maxwell Slepian, Joel Katz, Hance Clarke","doi":"10.1136/rapm-2023-104709","DOIUrl":"10.1136/rapm-2023-104709","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>It has been well described that a small but significant proportion of patients continue to use opioids months after surgical discharge. We sought to evaluate postdischarge opioid use of patients who were seen by a Transitional Pain Service compared with controls.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a retrospective cohort study using administrative data of individuals who underwent surgery in Ontario, Canada from 2014 to 2018. Matched cohort pairs were created by matching Transitional Pain Service patients to patients of other academic hospitals in Ontario who were not enrolled in a Transitional Pain Service. Segmented regression was performed to assess changes in monthly mean daily opioid dosage.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 209 Transitional Pain Service patients were matched to 209 patients who underwent surgery at other academic centers. Over the 12 months after surgery, the mean daily dose decreased by an estimated 3.53 morphine milligram equivalents (95% CI 2.67 to 4.39, p<0.001) per month for the Transitional Pain Service group, compared with a decline of only 1.05 morphine milligram equivalents (95% CI 0.43 to 1.66, p<0.001) for the controls. The difference-in-difference change in opioid use for the Transitional Pain Service group versus the control group was -2.48 morphine milligram equivalents per month (95% CI -3.54 to -1.43, p=0.003).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Patients enrolled in the Transitional Pain Service were able to achieve opioid dose reduction faster than in the control cohorts. The difficulty in finding an appropriate control group for this retrospective study highlights the need for future randomized controlled trials to determine efficacy.</p>","PeriodicalId":54503,"journal":{"name":"Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"650-655"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71523390","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Alcohol use disorder in the perioperative period: a summary and recommendations for anesthesiologists and pain physicians.","authors":"Olabisi Lane, Vats Ambai, Arjun Bakshi, Sudheer Potru","doi":"10.1136/rapm-2023-104354","DOIUrl":"10.1136/rapm-2023-104354","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Excessive alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorder (AUD) increase the risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality. Aspiration, malnutrition, coagulopathies, seizures, and hemodynamic alterations are only a few of the major concerns related to acute alcohol intoxication and AUD. There are also numerous physiological effects, changes in medication metabolism and pharmacology, and adverse events related to chronic alcohol consumption. These are all important considerations for the anesthesiologist in the perioperative management of a patient with AUD. Pain perception and thresholds are altered in patients with acute and chronic alcohol use. Medications used to manage AUD symptoms, particularly naltrexone, can have significant perioperative implications. Patients on naltrexone who continue or stop this medication in the perioperative period are at an increased risk for undertreated pain or substance use relapse. This review highlights key considerations for the anesthesiologist and pain physician in the perioperative management of patients with active AUD (or those in recovery). It discusses the effects of acute and chronic alcohol use on pain perception and thresholds, provides guidance on the perioperative management of naltrexone and low-dose naltrexone, and reviews a multimodal approach to pain management.</p>","PeriodicalId":54503,"journal":{"name":"Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"621-627"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138483451","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comments on: Pulsed radiofrequency treatment of the Gasserian ganglion for trigeminal neuralgia - a retrospective study (PROGRESS).","authors":"Victor M Silva-Ortiz","doi":"10.1136/rapm-2023-104858","DOIUrl":"10.1136/rapm-2023-104858","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":54503,"journal":{"name":"Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"697"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10246109","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}