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The latest medical research on Pain Medicine

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0.25% bupivacaine-1% lidocaine vs 0.5% bupivacaine for ultrasound-guided infraclavicular brachial plexus block: a randomized controlled trial.

Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine

NCT05834023.

40 patients receiving ultrasound-guided infraclavicular brachial plexus block were randomly assigned to receive either 35 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine and 1% lidocaine or 0.5% bupivacaine, both associated with perineural adjuvants (epinephrine 5 µg/mL and dexamethasone 4 mg). After the block was performed, a blinded observer evaluated the success of the block, the onset time, and the incidence of surgical anesthesia. Postoperatively, a blinded observer contacted patients who had successful blocks to inquire about the duration of motor block, sensory block, postoperative analgesia, and the presence of rebound pain.

When comparing patients having bupivacaine alone versus bupivacaine and lidocaine, the mean (SD) motor block duration was 28.4 (5.2) vs 18.9 (3.1) hours, respectively; the mean difference 9.5 hours (95% CI 6.5 to 12.4; p<0.001); the mean (SD) sensory block duration was 29.3 (5.8) vs 18.7 (4.0) hours, respectively; the mean difference 10.6 hours (95% CI 7.1 to 14.0; p<0.001); the mean (SD) postoperative analgesia duration was 38.3 (7.4) vs 24.3 (6.6) hours, respectively; the mean difference 14 hours (95% CI 9.2 to 18.8; p<0.001); and the median (IQR) onset time was 35 (15) vs 20 (10) min, respectively; p<0.001. No other significant differences were detected.

Compared with mixed bupivacaine-lidocaine, 0.5% bupivacaine significantly prolongs sensorimotor block and postoperative analgesia at the expense of a delayed onset time.

Extended reality navigation for pain procedures: a narrative review.

Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine

Extended reality (XR) technology, encompassing virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality, has been widely studied for procedural navigation in surgical specialties. Similar to how ultrasound transformed regional anesthesia, XR has the potential to reshape how anesthesiologists and pain physicians perform procedures to relieve pain.

This narrative review examines the clinical benefits of XR for navigation in various pain procedures. It defines key terms and concepts related to XR technology and explores characteristics of procedures that are most amenable to XR-based navigation. Finally, it suggests best practices for developing XR navigation systems and discusses the role of emerging technology in the future of XR in regional anesthesia and pain medicine.

A search was performed across PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for primary literature investigating the clinical benefits of XR navigation for pain procedures.

Thirteen studies using XR for procedural navigation are included. The evidence includes randomized controlled trials, retrospective studies, and case series.

Early randomized controlled trials show potential for XR to improve procedural efficiency, but more comprehensive research is needed to determine if there are significant clinical benefits. Case reports demonstrate XR's utility in generating patient-specific navigation plans when difficult anatomy is encountered. Procedures that facilitate the generation and registration of XR images are most conducive to XR navigation, whereas those that rely on frequent re-imaging will continue to depend on traditional modes of navigation.

No quadriceps muscle weakness following anterior quadratus lumborum block compared with placebo: a randomized, non-inferiority, blinded, volunteer trial.

Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine

Anterior quadratus lumborum block is a truncal block, applied in close proximity to the lumbar plexus, potentially causing lower limb weakness. This trial aimed to evaluate whether a unilateral anterior quadratus lumborum block caused quadriceps muscle weakness compared with placebo.

In this randomized, non-inferiority, triple-blind trial, 20 healthy volunteers received an active unilateral anterior quadratus lumborum block with 30 mL ropivacaine 0.75% and a placebo block on the contralateral side. Primary outcome was change in maximal quadriceps muscle strength from baseline to 60 min postblock compared with placebo. Secondary outcomes were change in single-leg 6 m timed hop test, change in Timed-Up and Go test, change in mean arterial pressure from baseline to 30 min postblock and dermatomal affection.

There was no statistically significant difference in changes in maximal quadriceps muscle strength between active and placebo block; 15.88 N (95% CI -12.19 to +43.94), pnon-inf=0.003, indicating non-inferiority. Timed-Up and Go test was performed significantly faster 60 min postblock; -0.23 s (95% CI -0.38 to -0.08, p=0.005). Mean change in mean arterial pressure from baseline to 30 min postblock was 4.25 mm Hg (95% CI 0.24 to 8.26, p=0.04). Dermatome testing revealed an affection primarily of the lower abdomen (Th10-L1) with the active block.

In this randomized controlled trial including healthy volunteers a unilateral anterior quadratus lumborum block does not cause statistical or clinical significant motor block of the quadriceps muscle compared with placebo. When administered correctly, the block can be used for procedures where early postoperative mobilization is essential.

NCT05023343.

Predictive validity of the STarT Back screening tool among older adults with back pain.

Eur J Pain

The predictive validity of the STarT Back screening tool among older adults is uncertain. This study aimed to assess the predictive validity of the SBT among older adults in primary care.

This prospective cohort study included 452 patients aged ≥55 years seeking Norwegian primary care with a new episode of back pain. A poor outcome (persistent disabling back pain) was defined as a score of ≥7/24 on the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) at 3, 6 or 12 months of follow-up. The ability of the SBT risk groups to identify persistent disabling back pain was assessed with multivariable logistic regression, area under receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC), and with the accuracy measures sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and likelihood ratios.

The adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) for persistent disabling back pain were 2.40 (1.34-4.30) at 3 months, 3.42 (1.76-6.67) at 6 months and 2.81 (1.47-5.38) at 12 months for the medium-risk group (n = 118), and 8.90 (1.83-43.24), 2.66 (0.81-8.67) and 4.53 (1.24-16.46) for the high-risk group (n = 27), compared to the low-risk group (n = 282). There were no statistically significant differences in odds between the medium- and high-risk groups at any time point. AUC values (95% CI) were 0.65 (0.59-0.71), 0.67 (0.60-0.73) and 0.65 (0.58-0.71) at 3, 6 and 12 months. Accuracy measures were poor at all time points, with particularly poor sensitivity and negative likelihood ratio values.

This study found that the STarT Back screening tool had poor predictive validity among older adults and that it may need recalibration or extension before widespread implementation among older adults. Having valid tools for this population may aid clinicians with allocating scarce healthcare resources, which is especially important considering the rapidly ageing population and its expected challenge to the healthcare systems.

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation of the Shoulder: A Technical Primer.

Journal of Pain

Scapulalgia or shoulder pain accounts for 16% of all musculoskeletal complaints in the healthy adult population and becomes more common as we age. ...

Network Meta-analysis and Economic Evaluation of Neurostimulation Interventions for Chronic Non-surgical Refractory back Pain.

Clin J Pain

Different types of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) have now been evaluated for the management of chronic non-surgical refractory back pain (NSRBP). A direct comparison between the different types of SCS or between closed-loop SCS with conventional medical management (CMM) for patients with NSRBP has not been previously conducted, and therefore, their relative effectiveness and cost-effectiveness remain unknown. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review, network meta-analysis (NMA) and economic evaluation of closed-loop SCS compared with fixed-output SCS and CMM for patients with NSRBP.

Databases were searched to 8th September 2023. Randomised controlled trials of SCS for NSRBP were included. Results of studies were combined using fixed-effect NMA models. A cost-utility analysis was performed from the perspective of the UK National Health Service with results reported as incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY).

Closed-loop SCS resulted in statistically and clinically significant reductions in pain intensity (mean difference [MD] 32.72 [95% CrI 15.69-49.78]) and improvements in secondary outcomes compared to fixed-output SCS at 6-months follow-up. Compared to CMM, both closed-loop and fixed-output SCS result in statistically and clinically significant reductions in pain intensity (closed-loop SCS vs. CMM MD 101.58 [95% CrI 83.73-119.48]; fixed-output SCS versus CMM MD 68.86 [95% CrI 63.43-74.31]) and improvements in secondary outcomes. Cost-utility analysis shows that closed-loop SCS dominates fixed-output SCS and CMM, and fixed-output SCS also dominates CMM.

Current evidence shows that closed-loop and fixed-output SCS provide more benefits and are cost-saving compared to CMM for patients with NSRBP.

Pains Revisited.

Clin J Pain

The management of pain patients has not evolved as rapidly as envisioned when IASP was founded almost 50 years ago. We sought to identify factors that could contribute to this situation, with a focus on concepts of pain and the education of pain physicians.

Relevant literature describing new strategies for diagnosing and managing high impact chronic pain patients was reviewed.

It appears that the acute-chronic dichotomy has outlived its usefulness and pains should be identified as of peripheral origin or due to central processing errors. Pains of peripheral origin and those of central processing errors require different diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Peripheral treatments and opioids are not effective for central pains. When the cause of the pain lies in the central nervous system, a more centrally focused approach is needed to minimize wasteful pursuit of peripheral causes. The education and training of pain physicians should reflect the skills needed to address these two very different clinical problems.

Credibility, readability and content analysis of treatment recommendations for adolescents with nonspecific back pain published on consumer websites.

Eur J Pain

Parents may seek out health information online when their adolescent has nonspecific back pain to better understand treatment options. Such information directed towards consumers has not been previously analysed.

A descriptive cross-sectional content analysis was performed to describe the treatments recommended on consumer websites for nonspecific back pain in adolescents. The credibility and readability of the websites were also assessed. Systematic Google searches were completed in five countries, and relevant content from eligible web pages was analysed. An a priori codebook with 34 treatment-related codes was developed. Nine additional codes were inductively created during analysis. Credibility was assessed using the JAMA benchmark. Readability was assessed via the Flesch Kincaid Grade Level.

Of 245 web pages, 48 were deemed eligible and analysed. Of 43 treatment codes, 37 were present in at least one web page. The five most frequently identified codes were See the doctor/get a diagnosis (found on 85% of web pages), Ergonomics/posture/biomechanics (52%), Reassurance (48%), Physiotherapy (48%) and Non-prescription pharmaceuticals/supplements (46%). Only 21% of the web pages met all four JAMA benchmark criteria, and 15% cited at least one recent or high-quality source. The median Flesch Kincaid Grade Level score was 9.0 (range 3.5-12.9).

This analysis reveals that public-facing websites with recommendations for treating adolescent nonspecific back pain do not cite the most recent, high-quality research. Although web pages correctly encourage physical activity and exercise over surgery and prescription medications, they do not reflect the psychologically informed or interdisciplinary care emphasized in recently published treatment recommendations. Clinicians must be aware that caregivers of their adolescent patients with nonspecific back pain may be exposed to online messages that encourage them to keep seeking a diagnosis.

Understanding the Relationship Between Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Function and the Efficacy of Acupuncture in Treating Cerebral Ischemic Stroke: A Preclinical Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

Journal of Pain

Cerebral blood flow and vascular structures serve as the fundamental components of brain metabolism and circulation. Acupuncture, an alternative and complementary medical approach, has demonstrated efficacy in treating cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS). Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying the impact of acupuncture on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) function remain uncertain. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the alterations in VSMC function following acupuncture stimulation in CIS models.

The databases PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and EMBASE were queried until November 2022 using a predetermined search strategy. The FORMAT BY SYRCLE guidelines were adhered to, and the risk of bias of the included studies was evaluated using the Risk of Bias tool developed by the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation. The random-effects model was employed to estimate the standardized mean difference (SMD).

Eighteen articles are included in this review. Acupuncture showed significant positive effects on the region cerebral blood flow (SMD=8.15 [95% CI, 4.52 to 11.78]) and neurological deficiency (SMD=-3.75 [95% CI, -5.54 to -1.97]). Descriptive analysis showed a probable mechanism of acupuncture stimulation in CIS rats related to VSMC function. Limitations and publication bias were presented in the studies.

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, our findings indicate that acupuncture stimulation has the potential to improve regional cerebral blood flow and alleviate neurological deficits, possibly by regulating VSMC function. However, it is important to exercise caution when interpreting these results due to the limitations of animal experimental design and methodological quality.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine to Treat Fibromyalgia Symptoms. A Systematic Review.

Journal of Pain

This study aims to investigate the current evidence for the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in fibromyalgia (FM). A systematic ...

Recruitment of cortical silent responses by forskolin in the anterior cingulate cortex of adult mice.

Molecular Pain

Recent studies using different experimental approaches demonstrate that silent synapses may exist in adult cortex including the sensory cortex and ...

Electroacupuncture improves allodynia and central sensitization via modulation of microglial activation associated P2X4R and inflammation in a rat model of migraine.

Molecular Pain

Recent studies have demonstrated that activated microglia were involved in the pathogenesis of central sensitization characterized by cutaneous allodynia in migraine.Activation of microglia is accompanied by increased expression of its receptors and release of inflammatory mediators.Acupuncture and its developed electroacupuncture (EA) have been recommended as an alternative therapy for migraine and are widely used for relieving migraine-associated pain.However,it remains rare studies that show whether EA exerts anti-migraine effects via inhibiting microglial activation related to a release of microglial receptors and the inflammatory pathway.Therefore,this study aimed to investigate EA' ability to ameliorate central sensitization via modulation of microglial activation,microglial receptor,and inflammatory response using a rat model of migraine induced by repeated epidural chemical stimulation.

In the present study,a rat model of migraine was established by epidural repeated inflammatory soup (IS) stimulation and treated with EA at Fengchi (GB20) and Yanglingquan (GB34) and acupuncture at sham-acupoints.Pain hypersensitivity was further determined by measuring the mechanical withdrawal threshold using the von-Frey filament.The changes in c-Fos and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Ibal-1) labeled microglia in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC) were examined by immunflurescence to assess the central sensitization and whether accompanied with microglia activation.In addition,the expression of Ibal-1,microglial purinoceptor P2X4,and its associated inflammatory signaling pathway mediators,including interleukin (IL)-1β,NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3),and Caspase-1 in the TNC were investigated by western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis.

Allodynia increased of c-Fos,and activated microglia were observed after repeated IS stimulation.EA alleviated the decrease in mechanical withdrawal thresholds,reduced the activation of c-Fos and microglia labeled with Ibal-1,downregulated the level of microglial purinoceptor P2X4,and limited the inflammatory response (NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β signaling pathway) in the TNC of migraine rat model.

Our results indicate that the anti-hyperalgesia effects of EA ameliorate central sensitization in IS-induced migraine by regulating microglial activation related to P2X4R and NLRP3/IL-1β inflammatory pathway.