1
|
Bjelica B, Bartels MB, Hesebeck-Brinckmann J, Petri S. Non-motor symptoms in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: current state and future directions. J Neurol 2024:10.1007/s00415-024-12455-5. [PMID: 38805053 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12455-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons. A defining histopathological feature in approximately 97% of all ALS cases is the accumulation of phosphorylated trans-activation response (TAR) DNA-binding protein 43 protein (pTDP-43) aggregates in the cytoplasm of neurons and glial cells within the central nervous system. Traditionally, it was believed that the accumulation of TDP-43 aggregates and subsequent neurodegeneration primarily occurs in motor neurons. However, contemporary evidence suggests that as the disease progresses, other systems and brain regions are also affected. Despite this, there has been a limited number of clinical studies assessing the non-motor symptoms in ALS patients. These studies often employ various outcome measures, resulting in a wide range of reported frequencies of non-motor symptoms in ALS patients. The importance of assessing the non-motor symptoms reflects in a fact that they have a significant impact on patients' quality of life, yet they frequently go underdiagnosed and unreported during clinical evaluations. This review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the current knowledge concerning non-motor symptoms in ALS. Furthermore, we address their diagnosis and treatment in everyday clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Bjelica
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 1, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Maj-Britt Bartels
- Precision Neurology of Neuromuscular and Motoneuron Diseases, University of Luebeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jasper Hesebeck-Brinckmann
- Neurology Department, Division for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University Medicine Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim Center for Translational Medicine, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 1, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Papadopoulou M, Papapostolou A, Dimakopoulos R, Salakou S, Koropouli E, Fanouraki S, Bakola E, Moschovos C, Tsivgoulis G. Non-Pharmacological Interventions on Pain in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:770. [PMID: 38610192 PMCID: PMC11011838 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12070770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting upper and lower motor neurons. Some ALS patients exhibit concomitant nonmotor signs; thus, ALS is considered a multisystemic disorder. Pain is an important nonmotor symptom. Observational and case-control studies report high frequency of pain in ALS patients and it has been correlated with depression and quality of life. There are no specific scales for the assessment of pain and no randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the drug management of pain in ALS. AIM To systematically review the evidence for the nonpharmacological interventions (NPIs) in relieving pain in ALS, on March 2024, we searched the following databases: Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane. We also checked the bibliographies of trials identified to include further published or unpublished trials. MAIN RESULTS A total of 1003 records were identified. Finally, five RCTs including 131 patients (64 in the intervention group and 67 in the control group) were included for meta-analysis. The interventions of the included RCTs consisted of muscle exercise, combined aerobics-strength intervention, and osteopathic manual treatment. The meta-analysis did not find a statistically significant difference in favor of NPIs for alleviating pain in ALS patients. CONCLUSIONS ALS has a fulminant course and irreversibly leads to death. Pain in ALS patients, although a common nonmotor symptom, is often unrecognized and undertreated, and this is underlined by the lack of any RCTs on drug therapy for pain. Albeit NPIs are considered safe, as adverse effects are rarely reported, this systematic review did not provide sufficient evidence for a beneficial effect on pain. The scarceness of relevant literature highlights the need for future studies, with larger samples, more homogeneous in terms of interventions and population characteristics (stage of disease), and better choice of measurement scales to further investigate the efficacy, if any, of various pain interventions in ALS patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Papadopoulou
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of West Attica, Ag. Spyridonos Str., 12243 Athens, Greece;
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Rimini 1, 12462 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (S.S.); (E.K.); (S.F.); (E.B.); (C.M.); (G.T.)
| | - Apostolos Papapostolou
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Rimini 1, 12462 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (S.S.); (E.K.); (S.F.); (E.B.); (C.M.); (G.T.)
| | - Rigas Dimakopoulos
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of West Attica, Ag. Spyridonos Str., 12243 Athens, Greece;
| | - Stavroula Salakou
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Rimini 1, 12462 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (S.S.); (E.K.); (S.F.); (E.B.); (C.M.); (G.T.)
| | - Eleftheria Koropouli
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Rimini 1, 12462 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (S.S.); (E.K.); (S.F.); (E.B.); (C.M.); (G.T.)
| | - Stella Fanouraki
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Rimini 1, 12462 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (S.S.); (E.K.); (S.F.); (E.B.); (C.M.); (G.T.)
| | - Eleni Bakola
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Rimini 1, 12462 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (S.S.); (E.K.); (S.F.); (E.B.); (C.M.); (G.T.)
| | - Christos Moschovos
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Rimini 1, 12462 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (S.S.); (E.K.); (S.F.); (E.B.); (C.M.); (G.T.)
| | - Georgios Tsivgoulis
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Rimini 1, 12462 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (S.S.); (E.K.); (S.F.); (E.B.); (C.M.); (G.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pota V, Sansone P, De Sarno S, Aurilio C, Coppolino F, Barbarisi M, Barbato F, Fiore M, Cosenza G, Passavanti MB, Pace MC. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Pain: A Narrative Review from Pain Assessment to Therapy. Behav Neurol 2024; 2024:1228194. [PMID: 38524401 PMCID: PMC10960655 DOI: 10.1155/2024/1228194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most frequent neurodegenerative disease of the motor system that affects upper and lower motor neurons, leading to progressive muscle weakness, spasticity, atrophy, and respiratory failure, with a life expectancy of 2-5 years after symptom onset. In addition to motor symptoms, patients with ALS have a multitude of nonmotor symptoms; in fact, it is currently considered a multisystem disease. The purpose of our narrative review is to evaluate the different types of pain, the correlation between pain and the disease's stages, the pain assessment tools in ALS patients, and the available therapies focusing above all on the benefits of cannabis use. Pain is an underestimated and undertreated symptom that, in the last few years, has received more attention from research because it has a strong impact on the quality of life of these patients. The prevalence of pain is between 15% and 85% of ALS patients, and the studies on the type and intensity of pain are controversial. The absence of pain assessment tools validated in the ALS population and the dissimilar study designs influence the knowledge of ALS pain and consequently the pharmacological therapy. Several studies suggest that ALS is associated with changes in the endocannabinoid system, and the use of cannabis could slow the disease progression due to its neuroprotective action and act on pain, spasticity, cramps, sialorrhea, and depression. Our research has shown high patients' satisfaction with the use of cannabis for the treatment of spasticity and related pain. However, especially due to the ethical problems and the lack of interest of pharmaceutical companies, further studies are needed to ensure the most appropriate care for ALS patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Pota
- Department of Women, Child, General and Specialistic Surgery, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Sansone
- Department of Women, Child, General and Specialistic Surgery, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Sara De Sarno
- Department of Women, Child, General and Specialistic Surgery, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Aurilio
- Department of Women, Child, General and Specialistic Surgery, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Coppolino
- Department of Women, Child, General and Specialistic Surgery, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Manlio Barbarisi
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Specialties, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Marco Fiore
- Department of Women, Child, General and Specialistic Surgery, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Cosenza
- Department of Women, Child, General and Specialistic Surgery, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Beatrice Passavanti
- Department of Women, Child, General and Specialistic Surgery, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Caterina Pace
- Department of Women, Child, General and Specialistic Surgery, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Spörndly-Nees S, Jakobsson Larsson B, Zetterberg L, Åkerblom Y, Nyholm D, Åsenlöf P. Pain in patients with motor neuron disease: Variation of pain and association with disease severity, health-related quality of life and depression - A longitudinal study. Palliat Support Care 2023:1-8. [PMID: 37955056 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951523001347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe levels of pain over time during disease progression in individual patients and for a total sample of patients with motor neuron disease (MND), respectively, and to examine associations between pain, disease severity, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and depression. METHODS A prospective cohort study was conducted on 68 patients with MND, including data collected on five occasions over a period of 2 years. Pain was assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory - Short Form. Depression was assessed using the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)-Depression-Inventory (ADI-12). Disability progression was measured using the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale - Revised Version (ALSFRS-R). HRQOL was assessed using the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Assessment Questionnaire (ALSAQ-5). RESULTS Participants reported great individual variation over time. The median level of pain was 4 (min 0 and max 10). Higher levels of pain during the last 24 h were associated with higher depression scores (ADI-12), poorer quality of life (ALSAQ-5), and lower reporting of fine and gross motor skills (ALSFRS-R). Baseline pain levels did not predict future values of depression and function. Individuals reporting average pain >3 experienced more hopelessness toward the future and reported higher depression scores compared with participants reporting average pain <3. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Great within-individual variation of pain intensity was reported. Pain intensity was associated with depression, function and HRQOL cross-sectionally, but it did not have a strong prognostic value for future depression, function, or HRQOL. Patients with MND should be offered frequent assessment of pain and depressive symptoms in person-centered care, allowing for individualization of treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sören Spörndly-Nees
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Physiotherapy and Behavioral Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Lena Zetterberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Physiotherapy and Behavioral Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ylva Åkerblom
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Physiotherapy and Behavioral Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Dag Nyholm
- Department of Medical Sciences, Neurology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Pernilla Åsenlöf
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Physiotherapy and Behavioral Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ruiz-Cantero MC, Huerta MÁ, Tejada MÁ, Santos-Caballero M, Fernández-Segura E, Cañizares FJ, Entrena JM, Baeyens JM, Cobos EJ. Sigma-1 receptor agonism exacerbates immune-driven nociception: Role of TRPV1 + nociceptors. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115534. [PMID: 37729726 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The analgesic effects of sigma-1 antagonists are undisputed, but the effects of sigma-1 agonists on pain are not well studied. Here, we used a mouse model to show that the administration of the sigma-1 agonists dextromethorphan (a widely used antitussive drug), PRE-084 (a standard sigma-1 ligand), and pridopidine (a selective drug being investigated in clinical trials for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases) enhances PGE2-induced mechanical hyperalgesia. Superficial plantar incision induced transient weight-bearing asymmetry at early time points, but the mice appeared to recover at 24 h, despite noticeable edema and infiltration of neutrophils (a well-known cellular source of PGE2) at the injured site. Sigma-1 agonists induced a relapse of weight bearing asymmetry in a manner dependent on the presence of neutrophils. The effects of sigma-1 agonists were all reversed by administration of the sigma-1 antagonist BD-1063 in wild-type mice, and were absent in sigma-1 knockout mice, supporting the selectivity of the effects observed. The proalgesic effects of sigma-1 agonism were also abolished by the TRP antagonist ruthenium red and by in vivo resiniferatoxin ablation of TRPV1 + peripheral sensory neurons. Therefore, sigma-1 agonism exacerbates pain-like responses in mice with a mild inflammatory state through the action of TRPV1 + nociceptors. We also show that sigma-1 receptors are present in most (if not all) mouse and human DRG neurons. If our findings translate to humans, further studies will be needed to investigate potential proalgesic effects induced by sigma-1 agonism in patients treated with sigma-1 agonists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Carmen Ruiz-Cantero
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; Institute of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Center, University of Granada, Armilla, 18100 Granada, Spain; Biosanitary Research Institute ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel Á Huerta
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; Institute of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Center, University of Granada, Armilla, 18100 Granada, Spain; Biosanitary Research Institute ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel Á Tejada
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; Institute of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Center, University of Granada, Armilla, 18100 Granada, Spain; Biosanitary Research Institute ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Miriam Santos-Caballero
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; Institute of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Center, University of Granada, Armilla, 18100 Granada, Spain; Biosanitary Research Institute ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Eduardo Fernández-Segura
- Institute of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Center, University of Granada, Armilla, 18100 Granada, Spain; Biosanitary Research Institute ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain; Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco J Cañizares
- Institute of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Center, University of Granada, Armilla, 18100 Granada, Spain; Biosanitary Research Institute ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain; Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - José M Entrena
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; Institute of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Center, University of Granada, Armilla, 18100 Granada, Spain; Biosanitary Research Institute ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - José M Baeyens
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; Institute of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Center, University of Granada, Armilla, 18100 Granada, Spain; Biosanitary Research Institute ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Enrique J Cobos
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; Institute of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Center, University of Granada, Armilla, 18100 Granada, Spain; Biosanitary Research Institute ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain; Teófilo Hernando Institute for Drug Discovery, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mercadante S, Al-Husinat L. Palliative Care in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 66:e485-e499. [PMID: 37380145 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable neurodegenerative disease of the motor neurons. Given the evolutive characteristics of this disease, palliative care principles should be a foundation of ALS care. A multidisciplinary medical intervention is of paramount importance in the different phases of disease. The involvement of the palliative care team improves quality of life and symptoms, and prognosis. Early initiation is of paramount importance to ensuring patient-centered care, when the patient has still the capability to communicate effectively and participate in his medical care. Advance care planning supports patients and family members in understanding and sharing their preferences according to their personal values and life goals regarding future medical treatment. The principal problems which require intensive supportive care include cognitive disturbances, psychological distress, pain, sialorrhrea, nutrition, and ventilatory support. Communication skills of health-care professionals are mandatory to manage the inevitability of death. Palliative sedation has peculiar aspects in this population, particularly with the decision of withdrawing ventilatory support.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastiano Mercadante
- Main Regional Center of Pain Relief and Supportive/Palliative Care (S.M.), La Maddalena Cancer Center, Palermo, Italy; Regional Home Care Program, SAMOT (S.M.), Palermo, Italy.
| | - Lou'i Al-Husinat
- Department of Clinical Medical Sciences (L.A.H.), Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Religiosity in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a cross-country comparison. Qual Life Res 2023:10.1007/s11136-023-03383-4. [PMID: 36929475 PMCID: PMC10328897 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-023-03383-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive motor impairment leading to early death. Religiousness is one of the factors potentially alleviating the psychological burden of patients. However, its role might vary according to cultural context. Our study aimed to analyze religiosity, and its clinical, psychological and socio-demographic correlates in ALS patients and controls, comparing two European countries with different cultural backgrounds. METHODS 268 Polish and German ALS patients, including 18 with locked-in syndrome (LIS) and 198 healthy controls (HC) were interviewed about religiousness, quality of life (Qol), depression, functional status and pain. A follow-up was conducted on 71 patients. RESULTS Polish subjects had a significantly higher level of public, private and general religiosity than the German sample. Importantly, we found no difference in total and public religiousness between ALS patients and HC within either population. Only the private religiousness was significantly higher in German patients compared to controls. In the same sample, private religiousness correlated with functional impairment due to disease progression. In ALS groups and LIS patients, religiousness did not correlate with any disease-associated factors: disease duration, pain, Qol or depression. Follow-up comparisons in the ALS group revealed worsening functional status, increased depression and no significant change in religiosity. CONCLUSIONS Religiosity was linked to the cultural background rather than ALS. Generally, it did not correlate with clinical, psychological and socio-demographic parameters and was stable throughout disease progression. The only exception was the relationship between the functional decline and private religiosity among German patients.
Collapse
|
8
|
Alencar MA, Soares BL, Rangel MFDA, Abdo JS, Almeida RAPD, Araújo CMD, Souza LCD, Gomes GDC. Fatigue in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and correlated factors. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2022; 80:1045-1051. [PMID: 36535289 PMCID: PMC9770075 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1758563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that leads to muscle weakness and paralysis. Fatigue is a disabling symptom, frequently reported in ALS, but remains under-investigated in this population. Thus, an accurate investigation of this symptom and possible associated factors in this clinical condition is needed to assist in the establishment of an adequate treatment approach. OBJECTIVE To investigate the presence of fatigue in individuals with ALS and possible factors correlated with this symptom. METHODS Sixty-five individuals with sporadic ALS participated in the present study. Demographic, clinical, and functional aspects were investigated. Evaluations involved the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), ALS Functional Scale (ALSRFS-R), and Quality of Life (QoL) questionnaire (ALSAQ-40). Descriptive and correlation analyses were performed with SPSS statistical program for Windows version 19.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). RESULTS Among the 65 individuals evaluated, 44.6% (n = 29) presented fatigue based on the FSS. The mean fatigue intensity was 5.4 ± 1.2 and only 10.4% used a specific medication for fatigue. Differences between the groups with and without fatigue were found regarding sex (p = 0.049), pain intensity (p = 0.026), functioning (p = 0.004), disease severity (p = 0.029), and QoL (p = 0.000). Fatigue was correlated with pain intensity (r = 0.425; p = 0.001), muscle strength (r = - 0.356; p = 0.004), functioning (r = - 0.363; p = 0.003), and QoL (r = 0.481; p = 0.000). No correlations were found with age, time since diagnosis, cramps, or other mobility parameters. CONCLUSIONS Fatigue is a common symptom among individuals with ALS and may be present in all stages of the disease. This symptom was correlated with worse functioning, poorer QoL, greater pain intensity, disease severity, muscle weakness, and the female sex in individuals with ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Asmar Alencar
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Fisioterapia, Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil.,Address for correspondence Mariana Asmar Alencar
| | - Bruna Laura Soares
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Fisioterapia, Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil.
| | | | - Juliana Silva Abdo
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Fisioterapia, Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil.
| | | | - Caroline Martins de Araújo
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociência, Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil.
| | - Leonardo Cruz de Souza
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociência, Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil.,Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Medicina Interna, Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil.
| | - Gisele de Cássia Gomes
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Fisioterapia, Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sensory Involvement in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415521. [PMID: 36555161 PMCID: PMC9779879 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is pre-eminently a motor disease, the existence of non-motor manifestations, including sensory involvement, has been described in the last few years. Although from a clinical perspective, sensory symptoms are overshadowed by their motor manifestations, this does not mean that their pathological significance is not relevant. In this review, we have made an extensive description of the involvement of sensory and autonomic systems described to date in ALS, from clinical, neurophysiological, neuroimaging, neuropathological, functional, and molecular perspectives.
Collapse
|
10
|
An R, Wu Y, Li Y, Li X, Ai S, Xu Y, He C. Pain-Related Factors and Their Impact on Quality of Life in Chinese Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:897598. [PMID: 35924224 PMCID: PMC9340542 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.897598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Pain is considered a common symptom in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the results of studies on pain in ALS are limited and inconsistent. The aim of our study was to comprehensively evaluate the potential factors of pain and effects on quality of life (QoL) in patients with ALS from China. Participants and Methods Patients were eligible if they fulfilled the criteria of probable and definitive ALS according to the revised El Escorial criteria. Pain was assessed by the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). Disease severity, sleep quality, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QoL) were evaluated in ALS patients by the ALS Functional Rating Scale-revised (ALSFRS-R) and ALS severity scale (ALSSS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire (MQOL). Then, the clinical characteristics of ALS patients with pain were compared with those without pain. Last, associated factors of pain, as well as impact on QoL in Chinese ALS patients, were assessed. Results A total of 86 ALS patients were included. ALS patients with pain tended to have higher FSS scores and poorer QoL. The FSS score and ALSSS [lower extremity (LE) + upper extremity (UE)] were associated with pain in ALS patients. The ALS Functional Rating Scale-revised (ALSFRS-R), Pain Severity Index (PSI), HARS and HDRS scores were significantly associated with both the physical and psychological domains of QoL. Conclusion Our study was the first to comprehensively evaluate factors associated with pain in Chinese ALS patients, finding that fatigue can be a risk factor for pain and ALSSS (LE + UE) score was related with pain intensity. Additionally, we identified the adverse effects of ALSSS (LE + UE), HARS and HDRS scores on QoL in Chinese ALS patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ran An
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Li
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shaolong Ai
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanming Xu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yanming Xu,
| | - Chengqi He
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Chengqi He,
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kwak S. Pain in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a narrative review. JOURNAL OF YEUNGNAM MEDICAL SCIENCE 2022; 39:181-189. [PMID: 35673830 PMCID: PMC9273136 DOI: 10.12701/jyms.2022.00332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative condition characterized by loss of motor neurons, resulting in motor weakness of the limbs and/or bulbar muscles. Pain is a prevalent but neglected symptom of ALS, and it has a significant negative impact on the quality of life of patients and their caregivers. This review outlines the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, underlying mechanisms, and management strategies of pain in ALS to improve clinical practice and patient outcomes related to pain. Pain is a prevalent symptom among patients with ALS, with a variable reported prevalence. It may occur at any stage of the disease and can involve any part of the body without a specific pattern. Primary pain includes neuropathic pain and pain from spasticity or cramps, while secondary pain is mainly nociceptive, occurring with the progression of muscle weakness and atrophy, prolonged immobility causing degenerative changes in joints and connective tissue, and long-term home mechanical ventilation. Prior to treatment, the exact patterns and causes of pain must first be identified, and the treatment should be tailored to each patient. Treatment options can be classified into pharmacological treatments, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antiepileptic drugs, drugs for cramps or spasticity, and opioid; and nonpharmacological treatments, including positioning, splints, joint injections, and physical therapy. The development of standardized and specific assessment tools for pain-specific to ALS is required, as are further studies on treatments to reduce pain, diminish suffering, and improve the quality of life of patients with ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soyoung Kwak
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pain-Related Coping Behavior in ALS: The Interplay between Maladaptive Coping, the Patient’s Affective State and Pain. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11040944. [PMID: 35207215 PMCID: PMC8877778 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11040944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pain is a common symptom in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Coping plays a central role in adjustment to pain. Objective: This study evaluates the use of different pain coping strategies in patients with ALS and investigates the interplay of maladaptive coping, and the patient’s affective state and pain. Methods: One hundred and fifty ALS patients from three German outpatient clinics completed the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), the ALS-Functional Rating Scale-Extension (ALSFRS-EX), the ALS Depression Inventory (ADI-12), the subscale “emotional functioning” of the ALS Assessment Questionnaire (ALSAQ-40) and the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ). Based upon the results of correlational analyses, multiple regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of pain severity and to explore factors contributing to maladaptive coping. Results: Pain was prevalent in 56% (n = 84) of the patients. Patients applied different adaptive coping strategies as well as the maladaptive strategy “catastrophizing”. Regression analysis indicated that the CSQ-subscale “catastrophizing” significantly predicted pain intensity, explaining 34.0% of the variance (p < 0.001). Pain-related catastrophizing was associated with higher pain-related functional impairments and worse emotional functioning. The ADI-12 sum score as an indicator for depressive symptoms contributed significantly to the maladaptive coping strategy “catastrophizing” (p < 0.001) and explained 40.8% of the variance. Conclusion: Patients with ALS apply different strategies to cope with pain. Catastrophizing is an important determinant of higher pain intensity ratings and is associated with higher pain interferences and decreased emotional well-being. Pain-related catastrophizing is promoted by depressive symptoms. Catastrophizing and depressive symptoms thus represent important targets of individualized pain-management strategies.
Collapse
|
13
|
Alencar MA, Guedes MCB, Pereira TAL, Rangel MFDA, Abdo JS, Souza LCD. Functional ambulation decline and factors associated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. FISIOTERAPIA EM MOVIMENTO 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/fm.2022.35127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Introduction: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disabling neurodegenerative disease, which compromises locomotion and functional independence. As the goal of physical therapy is to maintain the individual's locomotion capacity and independence as long as possible, it is necessary to gain a better understanding of the possible factors associated with the loss of this capacity. Objective: To evaluate functional ambulation in patients with ALS and possible factors associated with its decline. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with sporadic ALS patients. Demographic and clinical/functional aspects were evaluated. ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R), Functional Ambulation Category, Medical Research Council scale and Fatigue Severity Scale were used. Descriptive and comparative analyses were conducted of the groups capable and incapable of functional ambulation. Binary logistic regression (stepwise forward method) was performed to determine potential factors associated with the loss of functional ambulation. Results: Among the 55 patients (mean age: 56.9 ± 11.2 years), 74.5% were able to walk functionally. Differences were found between groups regarding time of diagnosis, number of falls, pain, use of noninvasive ventilation, gastrostomy, ability to turn in bed, mobility aids, home adaptations, functional performance, muscle strength and fatigue. The possible predictors of walking disability were overall muscle strength (OR = 0.837; p = 0.003) and fatigue (OR =1.653; p = 0.034). Conclusion: Muscle strength and fatigue are associated with the decline in ambulation capacity in patients with ALS. In view of the complexity of elements involved in walking, further studies are needed to investigate the influence of these aspects in this population.
Collapse
|
14
|
Alencar MA, Silva IMMD, Hilário SM, Rangel MFDA, Abdo JS, Araújo CMD, Souza LCD. Quality of life, disability, and clinical variables in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2021; 80:255-261. [PMID: 34932653 DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x-anp-2021-0201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a motor neuron disease that results in a progressive increase in dysfunctions, limitations and restrictions over time, which can impact on quality of life (QoL). Therefore, expanding knowledge on QoL and possible factors associated with ALS can enable the development of actions to ensure greater wellbeing for the population. OBJECTIVE To investigate QoL in ALS and determine associations with demographic, functional and clinical aspects. METHODS Forty-five individuals with ALS (56.4±11.1 years) participated in the study. Demographic, clinical and functional aspects were investigated. Functioning and QoL were assessed using disease-specific tools (ALS Functional Ranting Scale-Revised/ALSFRS-R and ALS Assessment Questionnaire/ALSAQ-40). Fatigue was assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale. Descriptive, correlation and stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were performed with the aid of the SPSS. RESULTS The mean ALSAQ-40 score was 279.0±118.3. QoL was significantly worse among women (p=0.001) and poor QoL was associated with the inability to walk (p=0.014), pain (p=0.021) and disease severity (p≤0.002). QoL was strongly correlated with the ALSFRS-R score (r=-0.82). Moderate to weak correlations were found for mobility [turning in bed (r=-0.62), locomotion (r=-0.33) and sit to stand (r=-0.40)], strength (r=-0.49), fatigue (r=0.35) and pain (r=-0.32) (p<0.03). The regression analysis revealed that the ALSFRS-R score (β=-0.76; p=0.00) and fatigue (β=0.20; p=0.04) were predictors of QoL. CONCLUSIONS QoL was worse in women, older people, severe stages of ALS, patients with impaired mobility, those with a poorer physical performance and those who reported pain. Functional status and fatigue are predictors of QoL in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Asmar Alencar
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Fisioterapia, Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Juliana Silva Abdo
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Fisioterapia, Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil
| | - Caroline Martins de Araújo
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociência, Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Cruz de Souza
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociência, Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil.,Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Medicina Interna, Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Åkerblom Y, Zetterberg L, Larsson BJ, Nyholm D, Nygren I, Åsenlöf P. Pain, disease severity and associations with individual quality of life in patients with motor neuron diseases. BMC Palliat Care 2021; 20:154. [PMID: 34641829 PMCID: PMC8507097 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-021-00848-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Up to 85% of people with motor neuron disease (MND) report pain, but whether pain has negative impact on quality of life is unclear. The aim was to study associations between pain, disease severity and individual quality of life (IQOL) in patients with MND. Methods In this cross sectional study, 61 patients were recruited from four multidisciplinary teams in Sweden, whereof 55 responded to the pain measure (The Brief Pain Inventory – Short form) and were included in the main analyses. Disease severity was measured with the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale - Revised Version, and individual quality of life was measured with a study-specific version of the Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life - Direct Weighting. Results Forty-one (74%) of the participants who answered BPI-SF (n = 55) reported pain. Thirty-nine (71%) of those reported pain during the past 24 h. The severity of pain was on average moderate, with eight participants (14%) reporting severe pain (PSI ≥ 7). Satisfaction with IQOL for the entire sample was good (scale 1-7, where 1 equals poor quality of life): median 5, interquartile range (IQR) 2.75 and there was no difference in satisfaction with IQOL between those reporting pain/not reporting pain (median 5, IQR 2/median 5, IQR 3.5, Mann-Whitney U = 249, p = 0.452). There was neither any correlation between pain severity and satisfaction with IQOL, nor between disease severity and satisfaction with IQOL. Conclusions The results add to the hypothesis that associations between non-motor symptoms such as pain prevalence and pain severity and IQOL in MND are weak. Pain prevalence was high and the results pointed to that some participants experienced high pain severity, which indicate that pain assessments and pain treatments tailored to the specific needs of the MND population should be developed and scientifically evaluated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ylva Åkerblom
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiotherapy, Uppsala University, Box 593 BMC, 751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lena Zetterberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiotherapy, Uppsala University, Box 593 BMC, 751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Dag Nyholm
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurology, Uppsala University, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ingela Nygren
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurology, Uppsala University, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Pernilla Åsenlöf
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiotherapy, Uppsala University, Box 593 BMC, 751 24, Uppsala, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
A Multi-Center Cohort Study on Characteristics of Pain, Its Impact and Pharmacotherapeutic Management in Patients with ALS. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10194552. [PMID: 34640573 PMCID: PMC8509485 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10194552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although pain is common in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and an effectively treatable symptom, it is widely under-recognized and undertreated. This study investigates epidemiological and clinical characteristics of pain, its impact and pharmacological treatment in ALS patients. In addition, opportunities for further optimization of pain therapy need to be identified. Methods: Patients from three German ALS outpatient clinics were asked to complete the Brief Pain Inventory and the ALS Functional Rating Scale—Extension and to participate in semi-structured telephone interviews. Results: Of the 150 study participants, 84 patients reported pain. Pain occurred across all disease stages, predominantly in the neck, back and lower extremities. It was described with a broad spectrum of pain descriptors and mostly interfered with activity-related functions. Of the 84 pain patients, 53.8% reported an average pain intensity ≥4 on the numerical rating scale (NRS), indicating pain of at least moderate intensity, and 64.3% used pain medication. Irrespective of the medication type, 20.4% of them had no sufficient pain relief. Thirteen out of 30 patients without pain medication reported an average NRS value ≥4. Eleven of them—mainly in the context of high pain interference with daily functions—were supposed to benefit from adequate pain therapy. However, many patients had relevant concerns and misconceptions about pain therapy. Conclusion: Given the frequency, extent and multi-faceted impact of pain, it is necessary to systematically assess pain throughout the disease course. Potentials to optimize pain therapy were seen in the subset of patients with insufficient pain relief despite medication and in those patients without pain medication but high pain interference. However, there is a need to respond to patients’ barriers to pain therapy.
Collapse
|
17
|
Chiò A, Canosa A, Calvo A, Moglia C, Cicolin A, Mora G. Developments in the assessment of non-motor disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Expert Rev Neurother 2021; 21:1419-1440. [PMID: 34554894 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2021.1984883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The burden of non-motor symptoms is a major determinant of quality of life and outcome in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and has profound negative effect also on caregivers. AREAS COVERED Non-motor symptoms in ALS include cognitive impairment, neurobehavioral symptoms, depression and anxiety, suicidal ideation, pain, disordered sleep, fatigue, weight loss and reduced appetite, and autonomic dysfunctions. This review summarizes the measures used for the assessment of non-motor symptoms and their properties and recaps the frequency and progression of these symptoms along the course of ALS. EXPERT OPINION Non-motor symptoms in ALS represent a major component of the disease and span over several domains. These symptoms require a high level of medical attention and should be checked at each visit using ad hoc questionnaires and proactively treated. Several instruments assessing non-motor symptoms have been used in ALS. Specific screening questionnaires for non-motor symptoms can be used for monitoring patients during telehealth visits and for remote surveillance through sensors and apps installed on smartphones. Novel trials for non-motor symptoms treatment specifically designed for ALS are necessary to increase and refine the therapeutic armamentarium. Finally, scales assessing the most frequent and burdensome non-motor symptoms should be included in clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Chiò
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Neurology I, Azienda Ospedaliera Città Della Salute E Della Scienza of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonio Canosa
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Neurology I, Azienda Ospedaliera Città Della Salute E Della Scienza of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Calvo
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Neurology I, Azienda Ospedaliera Città Della Salute E Della Scienza of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Cristina Moglia
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Neurology I, Azienda Ospedaliera Città Della Salute E Della Scienza of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cicolin
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Sleep Medicine Center, Azienda Ospedaliera Città Della Salute E Della Scienza of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Gabriele Mora
- Neurorehabilitation Department, Ics Maugeri Irccs, Institute of Milan, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wigand B, Schlichte I, Schreiber S, Heitmann J, Meyer T, Dengler R, Petri S, Haghikia A, Vielhaber S, Vogt S. Characteristics of pain and the burden it causes in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - a longitudinal study. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2021; 23:284-291. [PMID: 34392762 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2021.1962354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pain currently plays a subordinate role in the clinical care of patients with ALS. We aim to examine epidemiological and clinical characteristics of pain as well as its impact throughout the disease course. METHODS During a longitudinal follow-up at three time points, 151 ALS patients from three German outpatient clinics completed the Brief Pain Inventory, ALS-Functional Rating Scale-Extension and ALS Depression Inventory. Analysis of variance and covariance with repeated measures were performed. RESULTS Pain was prevalent in 56% of the 151 patients at baseline and in 70% of the remaining 40 patients at the third survey. Of the 28 patients with pain who participated in all three surveys, about two thirds suffered from an average pain intensity corresponding to at least moderate pain on the numerical rating scale (NRS ≥ 4). Patients reported different pain qualities and localized the pain most frequently in the extremities, back and neck. Pain moderately impaired the functions of daily living. Pain intensity, pain quality and pain-related impairment did not significantly change over time. One third of the patients suffered from clinically relevant depressive symptoms. However, there was no conclusive evidence of a link between pain intensity and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION Pain is frequent and constitutes an additional strain on ALS patients who have to endure a rapidly progressive and severely debilitating disease. This study contributes to better understanding of the characteristics of pain and its impact on ALS patients throughout the disease course and may thus help to more effectively address this symptom.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette Wigand
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ina Schlichte
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Schreiber
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany.,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Johanna Heitmann
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Meyer
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and other Motor Neuron Disorders, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Ambulanzpartner Soziotechnologie APST GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Reinhard Dengler
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Aiden Haghikia
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany.,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Vielhaber
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Vogt
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
The Evaluation of Pain with Nociceptive and Neuropathic Characteristics from Three Different Perspectives in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients: A Case Controlled Observational Study in Southwestern China. Neural Plast 2021; 2021:5537892. [PMID: 34373688 PMCID: PMC8349251 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5537892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pain was considered a common and neglected symptom in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and had a substantial impact on the quality of life of ALS patients and their caregivers. However, pain in ALS was mainly evaluated from the perspective of nociceptive pain; only three studies referred to neuropathic pain in ALS, and there has been yet no study considering the neuropathic pain characteristics in ALS patients from China. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to determine characteristics of pain (nociceptive pain and neuropathic pain) by three different types of questionnaires. The correlation between pain and clinical parameters in ALS patients was also evaluated. Methods Patients were eligible if they fulfilled the criteria of probable and definitive ALS according to the revised El Escorial criteria. Healthy normal controls, matched to ALS patients by age and gender, were recruited. Pain was evaluated by numerical pain rating scale (NRS), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), and Douleur Neuropathique-4 (DN4) in ALS patients and controls. Physical status of ALS patients was evaluated with ALS Functional Rating Scale-revised (ALSFRS-R). Results 65 patients with sporadic ALS and 100 healthy normal controls in Southwestern China were included. Pain in the preceding week was more frequently reported by patients with ALS (30, 46.2%) than controls (36, 36%) (p = 0.193). DN4 score⩾4 was found in three ALS patients and one control (p = 0.480). Ten ALS patients (33.3%) and twenty-eight controls (77.8%) (p < 0.001) received therapy for pain. ALS patients with a DN4 score ≥ 4 had a longer disease duration and a higher PSI and PII score than ALS cases reporting nociceptive pain (p = 0.041, 0.048, and 0.027, respectively). Pain mainly interfered with ALS patients' mood, enjoyment of life, and the Pain Interference Index (PII) score. Conclusions Our findings indicated that pain in our ALS cohorts was insufficiently treated and interfered with patients' mood and enjoyment of life. Most notably, we found that ALS patients with a DN4 score⩾4 may have a longer disease duration and a higher PSI and PII score than ALS patients reporting nociceptive pain, which has never been reported, strongly deserving further validation.
Collapse
|
20
|
Hauswirth AG, George HC, Lomen-Hoerth C. ALS patient and caregiver attitudes toward physician-hastened death in California. Muscle Nerve 2021; 64:428-434. [PMID: 34076273 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Since 2016, six states have legalized physician-hastened death (PHD). Neuromuscular disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), are common diagnoses for patients who use PHD, but how patients with ALS view PHD in California has not been systematically studied. We aimed to quantify how many patients with ALS and their caregivers have considered PHD and to assess reasons to consider using or not using it. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study at one ALS center surveying patients with ALS and their caregivers. Data on disease characteristics, demographics, quality of life, and depression were also collected. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Qualitative data were also collected and analyzed. Patients were followed up longitudinally to assess if they died or if they used PHD. RESULTS A small majority of ALS patients surveyed had considered or would consider using PHD (16/30). Patients most commonly described having intolerable symptoms, being a burden on their loved ones, and losing independence as reasons to consider using PHD. Many patients shared that "their life has purpose" and "they are making the most of their lives" as to why they are not considering PHD. Considering PHD was not related to disease severity or depression. On longitudinal follow-up, 10 of the 30 patients have died, and none have used PHD. DISCUSSION Pursuing PHD is a personal decision for each individual patient. This study shows that considering PHD is relatively common in ALS patients, independent of disease severity or presence of depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna G Hauswirth
- University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA.,Internal Medicine Department, Kaiser San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Hannah C George
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Catherine Lomen-Hoerth
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Eljas Ahlberg E, Axelsson B. End-of-life care in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A comparative registry study. Acta Neurol Scand 2021; 143:481-488. [PMID: 33141927 DOI: 10.1111/ane.13370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease requiring palliative care. End-of-life care has been well studied in patients with incurable cancer, but less is known about the quality of such care for patients with ALS. AIM To study whether the quality of end-of-life care the last week in life for patients dying from ALS differed compared to patients with cancer in terms of registered symptoms, symptom management, and communication. DESIGN This retrospective comparative registry study used data from the Swedish Registry of Palliative Care for 2012-2016. Each patient with ALS (n = 825) was matched to 4 patients with cancer (n = 3,300). RESULTS Between-group differences in assessments for pain and other symptoms were significant (p < 0.01), and patients with ALS had fewer as-needed injection drugs prescribed than patients with cancer. Patients with ALS also had dyspnea and anxiety significantly more often than patients with cancer. There was no significant difference in communication about transition to end-of-life care between the two groups. Patients dying from ALS received artificial nutrition on their last day of life significantly more often than patients with cancer. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that patients with ALS receive poorer end-of-life care than patients dying from cancer in terms of validated symptom assessments, prescription of as-needed drugs, and timely cessation of artificial nutrition. Educational efforts seem needed to facilitate equal care of dying patients, regardless of diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Bertil Axelsson
- Unit of Clinical Research Centre Östersund Umeå University Umeå Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Hurwitz N, Radakovic R, Boyce E, Peryer G. Prevalence of pain in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2021; 22:449-458. [PMID: 33661072 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2021.1892765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Physical pain is a known symptom in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but no systematically derived prevalence estimate is available. The aim of this study was to determine the pooled prevalence of pain in ALS, relative to its method of measurement and pain characteristics. Methods: A systematic search across multiple databases was conducted on January 16, 2020. Random-effects meta-analyses of single proportions were performed on prevalence data. Heterogeneity was determined using the I2 statistic. Where available, pain location, intensity, and type or source were compared. Results: 2552 articles were identified. Twenty-one eligible studies were included. All studies used observational designs (14 cross-sectional, 6 cohort, 1 case-control). Pooled prevalence of pain in ALS across all studies was 60% (95% CI = 50-69%), with a high degree of heterogeneity (I2 = 94%, p < .001). Studies that used only validated measures had lower heterogeneity (I2 = 82%, p = 0.002), compared to those that used tailored measures, or tailored supplemented with validated measures (I2 = 90%, p < 0.001 and I2 = 83%, p < 0.001, respectively). In a subset of studies (N = 9), the most commonly reported pain location was the upper limbs including shoulders/extremities (41.5%). A further study subset (N = 7) showed moderate-severe intensity pain was most frequently reported. Type of pain was commonly related to cramp or spasm. Conclusions: Experiencing physical pain in ALS occurs with high prevalence. Deriving consensus on which specific tools should be used to assess, monitor and compare symptoms of pain in this population will reduce current heterogeneity in approaches and increase the likelihood of ameliorating distressing experiences more effectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Hurwitz
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.,Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK
| | - Ratko Radakovic
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.,Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK.,Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK and
| | - Eleanor Boyce
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.,Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK
| | - Guy Peryer
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.,St. Nicholas Hospice Care, Bury St. Edmunds, UK
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Pain Phenotypes in Rare Musculoskeletal and Neuromuscular Diseases. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 124:267-290. [PMID: 33581222 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
For patients diagnosed with a rare musculoskeletal or neuromuscular disease, pain may transition from acute to chronic; the latter yielding additional challenges for both patients and care providers. We assessed the present understanding of pain across a set of ten rare, noninfectious, noncancerous disorders; Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Achondroplasia, Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva, Fibrous Dysplasia/McCune-Albright Syndrome, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Infantile- and Late-Onset Pompe disease, Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Through the integration of natural history, cross-sectional, retrospective, clinical trials, & case studies we described pathologic and genetic factors, pain sources, phenotypes, and lastly, existing therapeutic approaches. We highlight that while rare diseases possess distinct core pathologic features, there are a number of shared pain phenotypes and mechanisms that may be prospectively examined and therapeutically targeted in a parallel manner. Finally, we describe clinical and research approaches that may facilitate more accurate diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of pain as well as elucidation of the evolving nature of pain phenotypes in rare musculoskeletal or neuromuscular illnesses.
Collapse
|
24
|
Verschueren A, Grapperon AM, Delmont E, Attarian S. Prevalence of spasticity and spasticity-related pain among patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2021; 177:694-698. [PMID: 33423807 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2020.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Although they are common symptoms of ALS, there is little information on the prevalence of spasticity and spasticity-related pain. Consecutive patients were prospectively recruited from an ALS referral center. Clinical assessment, functional scores, features of spasticity-related pains has been recorded. In a cohort of 150 patients, 36% presented with spasticity. Spastic patients were younger, with a longer duration of disease. Spasticity accelerates the functional decline of patients. Spasticity-related pain was reported in 42.5% of spastic patients with mild pain. However, 16.7% of spastic patients presented significant pain with numeric rating scale≥4. More clinical trials are needed to treat spasticity more effectively and to relieve ALS patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Verschueren
- Reference Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders and ALS, CHU de La Timone, Aix-Marseille University, 264, rue Saint-Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France.
| | - A-M Grapperon
- Reference Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders and ALS, CHU de La Timone, Aix-Marseille University, 264, rue Saint-Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - E Delmont
- Reference Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders and ALS, CHU de La Timone, Aix-Marseille University, 264, rue Saint-Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - S Attarian
- Reference Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders and ALS, CHU de La Timone, Aix-Marseille University, 264, rue Saint-Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Burke K, DE Marchi F, Swartz Ellrodt A, Doyle M, Koul M, Comeau O, Adelson E, Walter R, Kusy M, Amaya F, Anderson C, Honda J, Chan J, Berry J, Paganoni S. Exploring the use of educational materials for increasing participation in a stretching program: a quality improvement project in people with motor neuron disease. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med 2020; 57:78-84. [PMID: 32744050 DOI: 10.23736/s1973-9087.20.06245-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decreased range of motion is a common secondary complication of motor neuron disease (MND) that can contribute to functional decline and decreased participation in daily activities. AIM The purpose of this study was to develop and assess the effectiveness of educational brochures and videos aimed at improving knowledge regarding the importance of a regular stretching program. DESIGN This was a quality improvement (QI) project. SETTING Participants were seen in an outpatient multidisciplinary neuromuscular clinic. POPULATION Individuals with motor neuron disease were invited to participate in this QI study. METHODS Individuals were asked to complete surveys asking questions regarding current stretching program, pain levels, and knowledge of benefits of stretching before and after receiving the stretching brochures or videos. RESULTS A total of 53 participants completed the pre-intervention survey, 28 in the brochure group and 25 in the video group. Of those, 86% and 88% completed the post-intervention survey in the brochure and video groups, respectively. The video group increased stretching frequency significantly more than the brochure group (2.04 and 0.62 days/week respectively, P=0.004). Significantly more participants in the video group reported usage of stretches from the educational materials on a regular basis (54% for brochure group and 86% for video group, P=0.024). CONCLUSIONS Educational brochures and videos are two different strategies to improve knowledge of benefits of stretching for individuals with MND. Both groups increased frequency of stretching. Videos may be better able to improve frequency of stretching when compared to brochures. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT The brochures and videos developed for this study can be used by clinicians treating individuals with MND. By improving knowledge regarding the benefits of stretching, individuals with MND may choose to prioritize stretching as a part of their routine. This in turn may help to prevent or address potential joint or muscle length issues or assist patients to incorporate preventative measures into their treatment plans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Burke
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA - .,Department of Physical Therapy, Institute of Health Professions, MGH, Boston, MA, USA -
| | - Fabiola DE Marchi
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amy Swartz Ellrodt
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Doyle
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Megha Koul
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Olivia Comeau
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Adelson
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca Walter
- Department of Physical Therapy, Institute of Health Professions, MGH, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Melissa Kusy
- Department of Physical Therapy, Institute of Health Professions, MGH, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Flor Amaya
- Department of Physical Therapy, Institute of Health Professions, MGH, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carissa Anderson
- Department of Physical Therapy, Institute of Health Professions, MGH, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer Honda
- Department of Physical Therapy, Institute of Health Professions, MGH, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James Chan
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James Berry
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sabrina Paganoni
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Edge R, Mills R, Tennant A, Diggle PJ, Young CA. Do pain, anxiety and depression influence quality of life for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease? A national study reconciling previous conflicting literature. J Neurol 2020; 267:607-615. [PMID: 31696295 PMCID: PMC7035222 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-019-09615-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The importance of elucidating the relationships between pain, mood and quality of life (QoL) amongst people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease is evident to clinicians, yet the literature is limited and inconsistent. We explored the relationships between pain, depression, anxiety and QoL to reconcile the previous contrasting findings and inform future research and clinical practice. METHODS Patient-reported outcomes were obtained as part of the Trajectories of Outcomes in Neurological Conditions study. Mood and QoL scales underwent Rasch analysis. Correlation coefficients examined the strength of association between variables of interest. A bivariate regression model was developed to examine the effects of pain, depression and anxiety on joint psychological and physical QoL domains. RESULTS Of 636 people with ALS, 69% reported pain, of these most had mild pain. Seven percent (7%) of participants exceeded published cutoffs for probable depression and 14% had probable anxiety. Pain, depression and anxiety all influence quality of life; depression has a significant effect on both physical and psychological domains of QoL, whereas pain affects physical QoL and anxiety psychological QoL. CONCLUSIONS These results show the importance of expressing quality of life in a conceptually appropriate way, as failing to take account of the multidimensional nature of QoL can result in important nuances being overlooked. Clinicians must be aware that pain, depression and anxiety all worsen QoL across their ranges, and not just when pain is severe or when anxiety or depression reach case level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rhiannon Edge
- Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, B38 Furness Building, Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK, LA1 4YW.
| | - Roger Mills
- Walton Centre NHS Trust, Lower Lane, Liverpool, L9 7LJ, UK
| | - Alan Tennant
- Emeritus Professor, Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Peter J Diggle
- Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, B38 Furness Building, Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK, LA1 4YW
| | - Carolyn A Young
- Walton Centre NHS Trust, Lower Lane, Liverpool, L9 7LJ, UK
- University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Taga A, Schito P, Trapasso MC, Zinno L, Pavesi G. Pain at the onset of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: a cross-sectional study. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2019; 186:105540. [PMID: 31634749 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2019.105540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We evaluated ALS patients reporting pain, either generalized or localized, at disease onset and determined whether this feature defined a specific ALS phenotype. PATIENTS AND METHODS We considered all consecutive ALS patients referred to our Motor Neuron Diseases Center between 2006 and 2016 and included only patients who fulfilled the El Escorial revised criteria for probable and definite ALS diagnosis. We then identified those cases who reported pain at disease onset and compared them to all remaining cases. Secondary causes of pain have been excluded. RESULTS Our initial sample consisted of 108 patients (55 men and 53 women). We identified 5 cases with generalized pain and 16 cases with localized pain at disease onset, corresponding to 4.6% and 14.8% of the initial sample, respectively. Cases with generalized pain were all female and had an earlier disease onset (49.6 ± 1.5 vs 66.6 ± 10.2 yrs, p = 0.002). Cases with localized pain showed a preponderance of upper motor neuron symptoms/signs at disease onset. Patients with pain, either localized or generalized, had a significantly higher involvement of the limbs (82.6% vs 100%, p = 0.022), while the bulbar district was spared at disease onset (17.4% vs 0%, p = 0.008). More specifically, the proximal upper and distal lower limbs were more frequently affected by ALS in patients with pain at disease onset. In two cases, the clinical presentation was notable for the resemblance with complex regional pain syndrome. CONCLUSION The presence of pain at disease onset seems to relate to peculiar clinical features of ALS and may be pathophysiologically associated with neurodegeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arens Taga
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, 855 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Paride Schito
- Università degli Studi di Parma, Via Università 12, 43121, Parma, Italy
| | - Maria Claudia Trapasso
- Dipartimento di Emergenza-Urgenza, ed Area Medica Generale e Specialistica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Lucia Zinno
- Dipartimento di Emergenza-Urgenza, ed Area Medica Generale e Specialistica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pavesi
- Dipartimento di Emergenza-Urgenza, ed Area Medica Generale e Specialistica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126, Parma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Åkerblom Y, Jakobsson Larsson B, Zetterberg L, Åsenlöf P. The multiple faces of pain in motor neuron disease: a qualitative study to inform pain assessment and pain management. Disabil Rehabil 2019; 42:2123-2132. [PMID: 31014130 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2018.1555615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: The aim was to explore personal experiences of pain in people with motor neuron disease.Materials and methods: Sixteen participants were individually interviewed on one occasion concerning their experiences of presentation, consequences, and management of pain. Qualitative content analysis with researcher triangulation was used to synthesize and interpret data.Results: Four themes emerged as the result of the analysis: (1) The multiple faces of pain, (2) The thin line between experience of pain and no pain, (3) The negative effects of pain on role functioning (4) Successful coping with pain requiring personal effort and competent engagement. The important findings were the experiences of unpredictability of pain breakthroughs, the efforts required to manage pain, consequences for activity and quality of life, and the suffering induced by diminishment and neglect of pain from both patients and staff.Conclusions: Pain in motor neuron disease seems to have certain and multiple characteristics, which is why there is a need to develop and implement pain assessment methods adapted to this population. Such methods may help make pain more predictable, and increase the possibilities to provide effective and individually tailored pain treatment.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONPain is a common, but often neglected, ailment in motor neuro disease, which deserves more attention from health care.Staff should provide information about the pain being possible to treat successfully with medication, by contrast to the possibility of curing the disease itself.Pain assessments should be implemented during the entire course of the disease, covering a time frame long enough to cover characteristic fluctuations of pain.Whenever possible, facilitate the performance of painful activities of daily living as much as possible to make room for engagement in other personally valued activities of importance for individual quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ylva Åkerblom
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Lena Zetterberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Exploring the Use of Educational Material About Shoulder Dysfunction: A Quality Improvement Project in People With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2019; 97:379-382. [PMID: 29303793 PMCID: PMC5903949 DOI: 10.1097/phm.0000000000000885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Supplemental digital content is available in the text. Shoulder pain is a common secondary complication of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that can contribute to functional decline and decreased participation in daily activities. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an educational brochure aimed at improving knowledge regarding shoulder pain and dysfunction in people with ALS. Participants completed a preintervention survey with questions regarding their knowledge of how ALS may affect their shoulders. After completing the presurvey, they were mailed a brochure that described shoulder health and range of motion and stretching exercises. Four weeks after receiving the brochure, participants were then asked to determine the effectiveness of the educational materials in terms of impact on shoulder-related knowledge and self-efficacy with regard to prevention of shoulder pain and dysfunction. More than 50% of participants reported pain, decreased range of motion, or weakness in at least one shoulder since being diagnosed with ALS. All participants were interested in receiving educational materials, and all agreed that the brochure was easy to interpret and understand, with most (87%) reporting that it was helpful. Educational brochures are one strategy to improve awareness about shoulder health and to educate patients with ALS about exercises that may help reduce shoulder pain and dysfunction.
Collapse
|
30
|
Lai X, Gu X, Yang X, Sun J, Jiang M, Bu B, Feng G, Li L. Motor neurone disease-associated neck pain misdiagnosed as cervical spondylosis: A case report and literature review. J Clin Neurosci 2018; 55:112-115. [PMID: 30257805 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2018.06.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Motor neurone disease (MND) is a chronic, progressive and currently incurable neurodegenerative disorder. Although pain as a symptom appears in many patients with MND, it is often misdiagnosed as other diseases when occurs before the onset of weakness. Patients are often assigned to non-neurological departments due to the atypical symptoms, which can lead to diagnostic delay and inappropriate treatment. OBJECTIVE To analyze the causes of misdiagnosis and improve the clinician's understanding of neck pain in patients with MND. METHODS We reviewed relevant literature and retrospectively reported a misdiagnosis case of MND-associated neck pain. RESULTS A case of MND presenting prominently as neck pain was suspected of suffering from cervical spondylosis and wrongly assigned to orthopedic clinic. When eventually being diagnosed as MND, his neck pain was found to be caused by intracranial hypertension (ICH) resulting from hypoxia via insidious respiratory failure through ventilator insufficiency. CONCLUSION Careful evaluation of the clinical progression of the symptoms, extensive EMG and nerve conduction study, as well as the establishment of better clinical approach to the diagnosis and higher public awareness allow a reduction of misdiagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyin Lai
- Department of Neurology, Gongli Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 200135, PR China
| | - Xiaju Gu
- Department of Neurology, Gongli Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 200135, PR China
| | - Xuelian Yang
- Department of Neurology, Gongli Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 200135, PR China
| | - Jialan Sun
- Department of Neurology, Gongli Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 200135, PR China
| | - Mei Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Gongli Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 200135, PR China
| | - Bitao Bu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave., Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Gang Feng
- Intensive Care Unit, Gongli Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 219 Miaopu Rd, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 200135, PR China.
| | - Longxuan Li
- Department of Neurology, Gongli Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 200135, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Delpont B, Beauvais K, Jacquin-Piques A, Alavoine V, Rault P, Blanc-Labarre C, Osseby GV, Hervieu-Bègue M, Giroud M, Béjot Y. Clinical features of pain in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A clinical challenge. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2018; 175:11-15. [PMID: 30131172 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2017.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pain in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is paradoxical in this disease of the upper and lower motor neurons. As such, it remains an underestimated and neglected clinical problem because it is poorly identified by physicians, its mechanisms are numerous and its treatments are generally not effective. Pain may be primary in the form of cramps, spasticity and neuropathy, or secondary as nociceptive pain, and may arise before the first motor symptoms. It may also lead to depression and, in all cases, affect patients' daily activities and quality of life. Given the high frequency of pain in ALS, the use of analgesic or sedative drugs is necessary and should reduce the course of the disease. Nevertheless, it is important to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of pain in ALS, and to train physicians how to detect ALS pain early on and provide dedicated treatments. In France, the implementation of ALS centers is a positive response to the public-health problem resulting from this disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Delpont
- Service de Neurologie, CHU de Dijon-Bourgogne, 14, rue Paul-Gaffarel, 21079 Dijon cedex, France; Centre de Lutte contre la Douleur, CHU de Dijon-Bourgogne, 14, rue Paul-Gaffarel, 21079 Dijon cedex, France
| | - K Beauvais
- Centre SLA, CHU de Dijon-Bourgogne, 14, rue Paul-Gaffarel, 21079 Dijon cedex, France
| | - A Jacquin-Piques
- Centre SLA, CHU de Dijon-Bourgogne, 14, rue Paul-Gaffarel, 21079 Dijon cedex, France
| | - V Alavoine
- Unité de Soins Palliatifs, CHU de Dijon-Bourgogne, 14, rue Paul-Gaffarel, 21079 Dijon cedex, France
| | - P Rault
- Centre de Lutte contre la Douleur, CHU de Dijon-Bourgogne, 14, rue Paul-Gaffarel, 21079 Dijon cedex, France
| | - C Blanc-Labarre
- Service de Neurologie, CHU de Dijon-Bourgogne, 14, rue Paul-Gaffarel, 21079 Dijon cedex, France
| | - G-V Osseby
- Service de Neurologie, CHU de Dijon-Bourgogne, 14, rue Paul-Gaffarel, 21079 Dijon cedex, France; Centre de Lutte contre la Douleur, CHU de Dijon-Bourgogne, 14, rue Paul-Gaffarel, 21079 Dijon cedex, France
| | - M Hervieu-Bègue
- Service de Neurologie, CHU de Dijon-Bourgogne, 14, rue Paul-Gaffarel, 21079 Dijon cedex, France
| | - M Giroud
- Service de Neurologie, CHU de Dijon-Bourgogne, 14, rue Paul-Gaffarel, 21079 Dijon cedex, France; Centre de Lutte contre la Douleur, CHU de Dijon-Bourgogne, 14, rue Paul-Gaffarel, 21079 Dijon cedex, France; Centre SLA, CHU de Dijon-Bourgogne, 14, rue Paul-Gaffarel, 21079 Dijon cedex, France.
| | - Y Béjot
- Service de Neurologie, CHU de Dijon-Bourgogne, 14, rue Paul-Gaffarel, 21079 Dijon cedex, France
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Ren Y, Liu W, Li Y, Sun B, Li Y, Yang F, Wang H, Li M, Cui F, Huang X. Cutaneous somatic and autonomic nerve TDP-43 deposition in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol 2018; 265:1753-1763. [PMID: 29804146 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-018-8897-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the involvement of the sensory and autonomic nervous system in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and to determine whether TDP-43/pTDP-43 deposits in skin nerve fibers signify a valuable biomarker for ALS. METHODS Eighteen patients with ALS and 18 age- and sex-matched control subjects underwent physical examinations, in addition to donating skin biopsies from the distal leg. The density of epidermal, Meissner's corpuscle (MC), sudomotor, and pilomotor nerve fibers were measured. Confocal microscopy was used to determine the cutaneous somatic and autonomic nerve fiber density and TDP-43/pTDP-43 deposition. RESULTS Intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) was reduced in individuals with ALS (P < 0.001). MC density (MCD) (P = 0.001), sweat gland nerve fiber density (SGNFD) (P < 0.001), and pilomotor nerve fiber density (PNFD) (P < 0.001) were all reduced in ALS patients. The SGNFD correlated with the small-fiber neuropathy Symptoms Inventory Questionnaire (SFN-SIQ), VAS and age. The SFN-SIQ was higher in ALS with sensory symptoms than without sensory symptoms (P = 0.000). Furthermore, the SFN-SIQ was higher in ALS with autonomic symptoms than without autonomic symptoms (P = 0.002). SFN-SIQ was higher in ALS patients that were pTDP-43 positive than pTDP-43 negative (P = 0.04), respectively. CONCLUSIONS We established in the peripheral nervous system that higher SFN-SIQ and VAS was involved in ALS, indicating the loss of SGNF. The deposition of TDP-43/pTDP-43 in ALS nerve fibers may indicate an important role in the underlying pathogenesis of ALS. This observation might be used as a potential biomarker for diagnosing ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Ren
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenxiu Liu
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yifan Li
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Bo Sun
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yanran Li
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Fei Yang
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Hongfen Wang
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Mao Li
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Fang Cui
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Xusheng Huang
- Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Kim S, Kim JK, Son MJ, Kim D, Song B, Son I, Kang HW, Lee J, Kim S. Mecasin treatment in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2018; 19:225. [PMID: 29653550 PMCID: PMC5899359 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-018-2557-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that causes paralysis of limb, swallowing, and breathing muscles. Riluzole, the Food and Drug Administration-approved drug for ALS, provides minimal benefit, prolonging patient life by only 2–3 months. Previous studies have found a neuro-protective and anti-neuroinflammatory effect of Mecasin, with retrospective studies providing suggestive evidence for a beneficial effect of Mecasin. The aim of this study was to develop a protocol to determine the proper dosage of Mecasin. Methods This is a phase II-A, multi-center, randomized study with three arms. Thirty-six patients with ALS will be randomly assigned to one of three groups, each receiving the standard treatment with 100 mg of riluzole in addition to one of 1.6 g of Mecasin, 2.4 g of Mecasin, or a placebo. The Primary outcome is the Korean version of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised result after 12 weeks of treatment. Secondary outcomes include results of the Short Form Health Survey-8, Medical Research Council Scale, Visual Analogue Scale for Pain, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, Fatigue Severity Scale, Patient Global Impression of Change, pulmonary function test, forced expiratory volume in 1 s and its ratio to forced vital capacity, creatine kinase, and body weight. The frequencies of total adverse events and serious adverse events will be described and documented. The trial protocol has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Wonkwang University Gwangju and Sanbon Hospital (2016–5-4 and 2016–34-01, respectively). An Investigational New Drug status (30731) was granted by the Korea Food and Drug Administration. Discussion This trial will aim to identify the optimal dosage of Mecasin. Additionally, it will test the efficacy and safety of Mecasin in conjunction with standard treatment, riluzole, for alleviating the functional decline in patients with ALS. Trial registration Korean National Clinical Trial Registry CRIS; KCT0001984. Registered on 28 July 2016. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-018-2557-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sungha Kim
- Clinical Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Kyoun Kim
- Department of Global Public Health and Korean Medicine Management, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Ju Son
- Clinical Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongwoung Kim
- Center of ALS/MND, Wonkwang University Gwangju Medical Hospital, 1140-23 Hyjae-ro, Nam-gu, Gwangju, 61729, Republic of Korea
| | - Bongkeun Song
- Center of ALS/MND, Wonkwang University Gwangju Medical Hospital, 1140-23 Hyjae-ro, Nam-gu, Gwangju, 61729, Republic of Korea
| | - Ilhong Son
- Department of Neurology, Wonkwang University Sanbon Hospital, 327 Sanbon-ro, Gunpo-si, Gyunggi-do, 15865, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Won Kang
- Department of Korean Neuropsychiatry Medicine, Wonkwang University Sanbon Hospital, 327 Sanbon-ro, Gunpo-si, Gyunggi-do, 15865, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongdeok Lee
- Center of ALS/MND, Wonkwang University Gwangju Medical Hospital, 1140-23 Hyjae-ro, Nam-gu, Gwangju, 61729, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungchul Kim
- Center of ALS/MND, Wonkwang University Gwangju Medical Hospital, 1140-23 Hyjae-ro, Nam-gu, Gwangju, 61729, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Ishida N, Hongo S, Kumano A, Hatta H, Zakoji N, Hirutani M, Yamamoto Y, Aono H, Tuigi M, Suzuki R, Hanamitsu H, Wakasugi E, Takahashi M, Yamatani A. Relationship between Pain and Functional Status in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study. J Palliat Med 2018; 21:588-591. [PMID: 29319397 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2017.0503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pain is a widely neglected symptom in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), even though it may be common and have a significant impact on the quality of life. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and characteristics of pain and its treatment in ALS patients. DESIGN A multicenter cross-sectional study. SETTING/SUBJECTS Eighty patients with ALS from eight hospitals. MEASUREMENTS Data on demographics, functional status, and pharmacological treatment were collected. The Barthel Index (BI) was used to assess functional status. Pain was measured using the 0-5-point Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale. RESULTS Pain was reported by 53.8% of ALS patients, and 36.3% reported receiving pain medication. Opioids were the drugs most commonly used to treat pain. The differences in pain frequency according to functional status were not statistically significant (p = 0.38). The pain intensity in patients whose functional status was total dependence (BI 0-20, 2.5 ± 1.2) was significantly worse than that in those with better functional status (BI 21-60, 1.4 ± 0.7; BI 61-99, 1.4 ± 0.5; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates that all patients with ALS have the potential to suffer from pain, the intensity of which increases with decreased functional status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natsuko Ishida
- 1 Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University , Kanazawa, Japan .,2 Department of Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization Iou Hospital , Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shuya Hongo
- 3 Department of Pharmacy, National Hospital Organization Iou Hospital , Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Ayaka Kumano
- 3 Department of Pharmacy, National Hospital Organization Iou Hospital , Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Hatta
- 3 Department of Pharmacy, National Hospital Organization Iou Hospital , Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Zakoji
- 4 Department of Pharmacy, National Hospital Organization Toyama Hospital , Toyama, Japan
| | - Makiko Hirutani
- 4 Department of Pharmacy, National Hospital Organization Toyama Hospital , Toyama, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Yamamoto
- 5 Department of Clinical Research, NHO, National Epilepsy Center, Shizuoka Institute of Epilepsy and Neurological Disorders , Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hirohumi Aono
- 6 Department of Pharmacy, National Hospital Organization Shizuoka-Fuji Hospital , Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Moe Tuigi
- 7 Department of Pharmacy, National Hospital Organization Tenryu Hospital , Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Ryohei Suzuki
- 8 Department of Pharmacy, National Hospital Organization Higashinagoya National Hospital , Aichi, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Hanamitsu
- 9 Department of Pharmacy, National Hospital Organization Mie Hospital , Mie, Japan
| | - Eisaku Wakasugi
- 10 Department of Pharmacy, National Hospital Organization Suzuka Hospital , Mie, Japan
| | - Masaaki Takahashi
- 10 Department of Pharmacy, National Hospital Organization Suzuka Hospital , Mie, Japan
| | - Akimasa Yamatani
- 11 Medical Service Division, Department of Medical Service, Headquarters, National Hospital Organization , Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Lopes LCG, Galhardoni R, Silva V, Jorge FMH, Yeng LT, Callegaro D, Chadi G, Teixeira MJ, Ciampi de Andrade D. Beyond weakness: Characterization of pain, sensory profile and conditioned pain modulation in patients with motor neuron disease: A controlled study. Eur J Pain 2017; 22:72-83. [PMID: 28833988 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Motor neuron diseases (MND) represent a group of disorders that evolve with inexorable muscle weakness and medical management is based on symptom control. However, deeper characterization of non-motor symptoms in these patients have been rarely reported. METHODS This cross-sectional study aimed to describe non-motor symptoms in MND and their impact on quality of life and functional status, with a focus on pain and sensory changes. Eighty patients (31 females, 55.7 ± 12.9 years old) with MND underwent a neurological examination, pain, mood, catastrophizing and psychophysics assessments [quantitative sensory testing (QST) and conditioned pain modulation (CPM)], and were compared to sex- and age-matched healthy controls (HC). RESULTS Chronic pain was present in 46% of patients (VAS =5.18 ± 2.0). Pain of musculoskeletal origin occurred in 40.5% and was mainly located in the head/neck (51%) and lower back (35%). Neuropathic pain was not present in this sample. Compared to HC, MND patients had a lower cold detection threshold (p < 0.002), and significantly lower CPM scores (4.9 ± 0.2% vs. 22.1 ± 0.2%, p = 0.012). QST/CPM results did not differ between MND patients with and without pain. Pain intensity was statistically correlated with anxiety, depression and catastrophism, and spasticity scores were inversely correlated with CPM (ρ = -0.30, p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS Pain is frequently reported by patients with MNDs. Somatosensory and CPM changes exist in MNDs and may be related to the neurodegenerative nature of the disease. Further studies should investigate the most appropriate treatment strategies for these patients. SIGNIFICANCE We report a comprehensive evaluation of pain and sensory abnormalities in motor neuron disease (MND) patients. We assessed the different pain syndromes present in MND with validated tools, and described the QST and conditioned pain modulation profiles in a controlled design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L C G Lopes
- Pain Center, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo Octavio Frias de Oliveira, São Paulo, Brazil.,Neurology Division, Department of Neurology, São Paulo State University (Unesp) Medical School, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - R Galhardoni
- Pain Center, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo, Brazil.,Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Laboratory, Psychiatry Institute, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - V Silva
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Laboratory, Psychiatry Institute, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - F M H Jorge
- Neuroregeneration Center and ALS Brazil Project, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, Brazil
| | - L T Yeng
- Instituto de Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - D Callegaro
- Neuroimmunology Group, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - G Chadi
- Neuroregeneration Center and ALS Brazil Project, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, Brazil
| | - M J Teixeira
- Pain Center, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo Octavio Frias de Oliveira, São Paulo, Brazil.,Pain Center, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo, Brazil.,Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Laboratory, Psychiatry Institute, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - D Ciampi de Andrade
- Pain Center, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo Octavio Frias de Oliveira, São Paulo, Brazil.,Pain Center, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo, Brazil.,Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Laboratory, Psychiatry Institute, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Abstract
Genetic and acquired motor-neuron-disorders (MNDs) may undergo acute deterioration resulting in various emergency situations. This literature review aims at summarising and discussing current knowledge about emergencies in MNDs. Emergencies that have been reported in MND patients include: respiratory, bulbar, cardiac, septic, epileptic, psychiatric, pain-related, and traumatic emergencies. Emergencies due to respiratory insufficiency have the strongest impact on morbidity and mortality in MNDs. To optimise the management of emergencies in MNDs, it is recommended to discuss these topics with the patient prior to their occurrence. After informed consent, patients may indicate their decision by signing an advance directive as to how such emergencies should be managed in case they arise. Generally, treatment of emergencies in MNDs is not at variance from treatment of similar emergencies due to other causes, but some peculiarities need to be pointed out. It is concluded that patients with MNDs may experience various emergencies during the disease course. Management of these conditions should be discussed with the patient prior to their appearance. Management of these emergencies follows general guidelines, which widely vary between countries, and depend on the availability of a patient's advance directive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josef Finsterer
- Krankenanstalt Rudolfstiftung, Postfach 20, 1180, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Claudia Stöllberger
- 2nd Medical Department with Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Krankenanstalt Rudolfstiftung, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Ngo ST, Mi JD, Henderson RD, McCombe PA, Steyn FJ. Exploring targets and therapies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: current insights into dietary interventions. Degener Neurol Neuromuscul Dis 2017; 7:95-108. [PMID: 30050381 PMCID: PMC6053104 DOI: 10.2147/dnnd.s120607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing number of preclinical and human studies demonstrate a disease-modifying effect of nutritional state in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The management of optimal nutrition in ALS is complicated, as physiological, physical, and psychological effects of the disease need to be considered and addressed accordingly. In this regard, multidisciplinary care teams play an integral role in providing dietary guidance to ALS patients and their carers. However, with an increasing research focus on the use of dietary intervention strategies to manage disease symptoms and improve prognosis in ALS, many ALS patients are now seeking or are actively engaged in using complementary and alternative therapies that are dietary in nature. In this article, we review the aspects of appetite control, energy balance, and the physiological effects of ALS relative to their impact on overall nutrition. We then provide current insights into dietary interventions for ALS, considering the mechanisms of action of some of the common dietary interventions used in ALS, discussing their validity in the context of clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shyuan T Ngo
- School of Biomedical Sciences.,Queensland Brain Institute.,Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, .,Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, .,Wesley Medical Research, The Wesley Hospital, Auchenflower, Brisbane, QLD, Australia,
| | | | - Robert D Henderson
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, .,Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital,
| | - Pamela A McCombe
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, .,Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital,
| | - Frederik J Steyn
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, .,Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, .,Wesley Medical Research, The Wesley Hospital, Auchenflower, Brisbane, QLD, Australia,
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Fang T, Jozsa F, Al-Chalabi A. Nonmotor Symptoms in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2017; 134:1409-1441. [PMID: 28805578 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2017.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with no curative treatment. Nonmotor symptoms presenting in ALS may cause significant distress, worsen prognosis, and affect survival. OBJECTIVE To systematically review evidence for the prevalence of nonmotor ALS symptoms, and treatment options. METHODS Multiple medical literature databases were searched and studies screened using predefined inclusion criteria. Of 4580 studies, 44 were eligible for inclusion with 25 relating to treatment and 19 to the prevalence of nonmotor symptoms in ALS. RESULTS Nonmotor symptoms involve neuropsychiatric, autonomic, gastrointestinal, and vascular systems, and affect between 5% and 80% of people with ALS. Screening tools for individual nonmotor symptoms are useful in classifying symptom severity and to compare between treatment options. Several methods to relieve nonmotor symptoms have been trialed with varying success rates. CONCLUSIONS Many of the current studies of nonmotor symptoms in ALS have small sample sizes, requiring more evidence to increase precision in prevalence estimates. Further research is needed to assess the efficacy of current treatments and to find new therapies. Symptom relief or treatment of these nonmotor symptoms should therefore be considered during the clinical management of ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ton Fang
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Felix Jozsa
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ammar Al-Chalabi
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Soriani MH, Desnuelle C. Care management in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2017; 173:288-299. [PMID: 28461024 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2017.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a relentlessly progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive weakness of voluntary muscles of movement as well as those for swallowing, speech and respiration. In the absence of curative treatment, care can improve quality of life, prolong survival, and support ALS patients and their families, and also help them to anticipate and prepare for the end of life. Multidisciplinary management in tertiary centers is recommended in close collaboration with general practitioners, home carers and a dedicated health network. Patients' follow-up deals mainly with motor impairment and physical disability, adaptation, nutrition and respiratory function. Involvement of palliative care as part of the multidisciplinary team management offers patients the possibility of discussing their end of life issues. This review summarizes the different aspects of ALS care, from delivering the diagnosis to the end of life, and the organization of its management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M-H Soriani
- Centre de référence maladies neuromusculaire/SLA, university hospital of Nice, CS 51069, 06001 Nice cedex 1, France.
| | - C Desnuelle
- Centre de référence maladies neuromusculaire/SLA, university hospital of Nice, CS 51069, 06001 Nice cedex 1, France
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Pain in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Lancet Neurol 2017; 16:144-157. [DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(16)30358-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2016] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
41
|
McCombe PA, Wray NR, Henderson RD. Extra-motor abnormalities in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: another layer of heterogeneity. Expert Rev Neurother 2017; 17:561-577. [PMID: 27983884 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2017.1273772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease defined by the presence of muscle weakness. The motor features of disease are heterogeneous in site of onset and progression. There are also extra-motor features in some patients. The genetic basis for extra-motor features is uncertain. The heterogeneity of ALS is an issue for clinical trials. Areas covered: This paper reviews the range and prevalence of extra-motor features associated with ALS, and highlights the current information about genetic associations with extra-motor features. Expert commentary: There are extra-motor features of ALS, but these are not found in all patients. The most common is cognitive abnormality. More data is required to ascertain whether extra-motor features arise with progression of disease. Extra-motor features are reported in patients with a range of causative genetic mutations, but are not found in all patients with these mutations. Further studies are required of the heterogeneity of ALS, and genotype/phenotype correlations are required, taking note of extra-motor features.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P A McCombe
- a The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research and Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital , Brisbane , Australia
| | - N R Wray
- b The University of Queensland Institute for Molecular Bioscience , Brisbane , Australia
| | - R D Henderson
- a The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research and Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital , Brisbane , Australia
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Dangers L, Laviolette L, Georges M, Gonzalez-Bermejo J, Rivals I, Similowski T, Morelot-Panzini C. Relieving dyspnoea by non-invasive ventilation decreases pain thresholds in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Thorax 2016; 72:230-235. [PMID: 27507899 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2016-208544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dyspnoea is a threatening sensation of respiratory discomfort that presents many similarities with pain. Experimental dyspnoea in healthy subjects induces analgesia. This 'dyspnoea-pain counter-irritation' could, in reverse, imply that relieving dyspnoea in patients with chronic respiratory diseases would lower their pain thresholds. METHODS We first determined pressure pain thresholds in 25 healthy volunteers (22-31 years; 13 men; handheld algometer), during unloaded breathing (BASELINE) and during inspiratory threshold loading (ITL). Two levels of loading were used, adjusted to induce dyspnoea self-rated at 60% or 80% of a 10 cm visual analogue scale (ITL6 and ITL8). 18 patients with chronic respiratory failure due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) were then studied during unassisted breathing and after 30 and 60 min of non-invasive ventilation-NIV30 and NIV60-(same dyspnoea evaluation). RESULTS In healthy volunteers, pressure pain thresholds increased significantly in the deltoid during ITL6 (p<0.05) and ITL8 (p<0.05) and in the trapezius during ITL8 (p<0.05), validating the use of pressure pain thresholds to study dyspnoea-pain counter-irritation. In patients with ALS, the pressure pain thresholds measured in the deltoid during unassisted breathing decreased by a median of 24.5%-33.0% of baseline during NIV30 and NIV60 (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Relieving dyspnoea by NIV in patients with ALS having respiratory failure is associated with decreased pressure pain thresholds. Clinical implications have yet to be determined, but this observation suggests that patients with ALS could become more susceptible to pain after the institution of NIV, hence the need for reinforced attention towards potentially painful diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Dangers
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, UMRS1158 Neurophysiologie respiratoire expérimentale et clinique, Paris, France.,Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière Charles Foix, Service de Pneumologie et Réanimation Médicale (Département 'R3S'), AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Louis Laviolette
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, UMRS1158 Neurophysiologie respiratoire expérimentale et clinique, Paris, France.,Centre de recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (CRIUCPQ), Québec, Canada
| | - Marjolaine Georges
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, UMRS1158 Neurophysiologie respiratoire expérimentale et clinique, Paris, France.,Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière Charles Foix, Service de Pneumologie et Réanimation Médicale (Département 'R3S'), AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Jésus Gonzalez-Bermejo
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, UMRS1158 Neurophysiologie respiratoire expérimentale et clinique, Paris, France.,Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière Charles Foix, Service de Pneumologie et Réanimation Médicale (Département 'R3S'), AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Rivals
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, UMRS1158 Neurophysiologie respiratoire expérimentale et clinique, Paris, France.,Ecole Supérieure de Physique et de Chimie de la Ville de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Similowski
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, UMRS1158 Neurophysiologie respiratoire expérimentale et clinique, Paris, France.,Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière Charles Foix, Service de Pneumologie et Réanimation Médicale (Département 'R3S'), AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Capucine Morelot-Panzini
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, UMRS1158 Neurophysiologie respiratoire expérimentale et clinique, Paris, France.,Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière Charles Foix, Service de Pneumologie et Réanimation Médicale (Département 'R3S'), AP-HP, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
de Tommaso M, Kunz M, Valeriani M. Therapeutic approach to pain in neurodegenerative diseases: current evidence and perspectives. Expert Rev Neurother 2016; 17:143-153. [DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2016.1210512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marina de Tommaso
- Neurophysiopathology of Pain Section, SMBNOS Department, Bari Aldo Moro University, Bari, Italy
| | - Miriam Kunz
- Department of General Practice, Section Gerontology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
de Tommaso M, Arendt-Nielsen L, Defrin R, Kunz M, Pickering G, Valeriani M. Pain in Neurodegenerative Disease: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives. Behav Neurol 2016; 2016:7576292. [PMID: 27313396 PMCID: PMC4904074 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7576292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2016] [Revised: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are going to increase as the life expectancy is getting longer. The management of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias, Parkinson's disease (PD) and PD related disorders, motor neuron diseases (MND), Huntington's disease (HD), spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), is mainly addressed to motor and cognitive impairment, with special care to vital functions as breathing and feeding. Many of these patients complain of painful symptoms though their origin is variable, and their presence is frequently not considered in the treatment guidelines, leaving their management to the decision of the clinicians alone. However, studies focusing on pain frequency in such disorders suggest a high prevalence of pain in selected populations from 38 to 75% in AD, 40% to 86% in PD, and 19 to 85% in MND. The methods of pain assessment vary between studies so the type of pain has been rarely reported. However, a prevalent nonneuropathic origin of pain emerged for MND and PD. In AD, no data on pain features are available. No controlled therapeutic trials and guidelines are currently available. Given the relevance of pain in neurodegenerative disorders, the comprehensive understanding of mechanisms and predisposing factors, the application and validation of specific scales, and new specific therapeutic trials are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina de Tommaso
- Neurophysiopathology of Pain Section, SMBNOS Department, Bari Aldo Moro University, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Ruth Defrin
- Department of Physical Therapy, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Miriam Kunz
- Department of General Practice, Section Gerontology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Gisele Pickering
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Centre de Pharmacologie Clinique, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Inserm, CIC 1405, Neurodol 1107, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Massimiliano Valeriani
- Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Division of Neurology, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Moisset X, Cornut-Chauvinc C, Clavelou P, Pereira B, Dallel R, Guy N. Is there pain with neuropathic characteristics in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis? A cross-sectional study. Palliat Med 2016; 30:486-94. [PMID: 26269326 DOI: 10.1177/0269216315600332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive debilitating and lethal disorder, characterized by degeneration of motor neurons that warrant palliative care. Pain is frequent in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and significantly impacts on quality of life. AIM To describe pain and assess the prevalence of pain with neuropathic characteristics in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey from March 2009 to October 2013. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients underwent multidisciplinary assessment and completed questionnaires measuring the severity and impact of pain and anxiety. The Douleur Neuropathique-4 questionnaire was used to look for pain with neuropathic characteristics. RESULTS Of 96 clinical evaluations, 93 were usable for analysis (age at onset: 62 ± 12.5 years; disease duration: 34 ± 33 months). The overall pain prevalence was 66%, with 9% experiencing pain with neuropathic characteristics. Pain was most often located in the neck and shoulders (38% of pain patients). Neck and shoulder pain was associated with neck (p = 0.04) and proximal upper limb muscular weakness (p = 0.02), respectively. Pain was not associated with disease duration, respiratory or nutritional parameters, but with higher anxiety scores (p = 0.01). Patients with neuropathic characteristics pain did not differ significantly from patients with or without pain, except that they had higher minimal pain intensity score (p < 0.05). Neuropathic characteristics pain was frequently spontaneous (rarely evoked) and described as numbness, burning, electric shock, tingling, and pins-and-needle. CONCLUSION Even if amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a disease of the motor system, pain is frequent and can rarely have neuropathic characteristics. Pain must be always sought and appropriately treated to limit quality of life impairment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Moisset
- Neuro-Dol, Clermont Université, Université d'Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France Centre SLA, Service de Neurologie, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Pierre Clavelou
- Neuro-Dol, Clermont Université, Université d'Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France Centre SLA, Service de Neurologie, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Bruno Pereira
- Biostatistics Unit, Délégation Recherche Clinique & Innovation, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Radhouane Dallel
- Neuro-Dol, Clermont Université, Université d'Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Nathalie Guy
- Neuro-Dol, Clermont Université, Université d'Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France Centre SLA, Service de Neurologie, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Raheja D, Stephens HE, Lehman E, Walsh S, Yang C, Simmons Z. Patient-reported problematic symptoms in an ALS treatment trial. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2016; 17:198-205. [PMID: 26824413 DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2015.1131831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
This study was undertaken to determine which symptoms are perceived to be most problematic for patients with ALS and how their severity changes over time. A retrospective study was performed of data from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of ceftriaxone in ALS. Participants completed the ALS Specific Quality of Life Instrument (ALSSQoL) at baseline and at intervals up to 96 weeks. Ten ALSSQoL items ask participants to rate how problematic symptoms are (the subjective feeling of burden of these symptoms), ranging from 0 (no problem) to 10 (tremendous problem). Six are non-bulbar (pain, fatigue, breathing, strength and ability to move, sleep, and bowel and bladder) and four are bulbar (eating, speaking, excessive saliva, and mucus). Results revealed that there were 82 subjects (56% males, mean age 53 ± 10.3 years) with ALSSQoL data for weeks 0 and 96. All 10 symptoms became more problematic over time. For non-bulbar symptoms, strength/ability to move and fatigue were the most problematic. Speaking was the most problematic bulbar symptom. In conclusion, although all the symptoms in the ALSSQoL were acknowledged as problematic, some had greater impact than others. All became more problematic over time. This should help prioritize research into symptom management, and assist individual clinicians in their approach to patient care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Divisha Raheja
- a Department of Neurology , The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey Pennsylvania
| | - Helen E Stephens
- a Department of Neurology , The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey Pennsylvania
| | - Erik Lehman
- b Department of Public Health Sciences , The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey Pennsylvania
| | - Susan Walsh
- c ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter , Harrisburg Pennsylvania
| | - Chengwu Yang
- d Department of Public Health Sciences & Office for Scholarship in Learning and Education Research , Hershey Pennsylvania , USA , and
| | - Zachary Simmons
- e Departments of Neurology and Humanities , The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey Pennsylvania , USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Di L, Chen H, Da Y, Wang S, Shen XM. Atypical familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with initial symptoms of pain or tremor in a Chinese family harboring VAPB-P56S mutation. J Neurol 2015; 263:263-268. [PMID: 26566915 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-015-7965-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2015] [Revised: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most prevalent fatal motor neuron disease and ~10% of cases are hereditary. Mutations associated with ALS have been identified in more than 20 genes, but ALS type 8 (ALS8), which is caused by mutations in vesicle-associated membrane protein-associated protein B (VAPB), is rare. To date, the dominant missense mutation P56S, which is in the major sperm protein domain of VAPB, has been described in nine families of Portuguese-Brazilian origin and one family of German origin. Here, we report a Chinese family spanning three generations with ALS8 caused by the same VAPB-P56S mutation detected in these cohorts, but which in its initial manifestation displays different features. We also detected a R545Q variant of optineurin (OPTN) in this family and which was previously considered a pathogenic mutation. However, our analysis showed that OPTN-R545Q is benign and that VAPB-P56S accounts for the phenotype. Haplotype tests revealed that VAPB-P56S in the Chinese family has arisen independently from the Brazilian cohorts. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report ALS caused by a VAPB mutation in a Chinese population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Di
- Department of Neurology, Xuan Wu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Chang Chun Street, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Hai Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xuan Wu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Chang Chun Street, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Yuwei Da
- Department of Neurology, Xuan Wu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Chang Chun Street, Beijing, 100053, China.
| | - Suobing Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xuan Wu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Chang Chun Street, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Xin-Ming Shen
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Stephens HE, Lehman E, Raheja D, Yang C, Walsh S, Mcarthur DB, Simmons Z. Pain in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Patient and physician perspectives and practices. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2015; 17:21-9. [PMID: 26513301 DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2015.1074701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Our objective was to better understand the experience and impact of pain on ALS patients in the U.S., and to survey ALS physicians on their pain assessment and management practices. Individuals with ALS were invited to complete an online survey of pain in ALS. ALS specialist physicians were sent an e-mail survey about their experiences in evaluating and managing patients' pain. Nearly 75% of patients with ALS reported significant pain, and most thought that ALS was the source of at least some of this pain. Pain intensity scores (mean 3.9/10) and pain interference scores (mean 4.3/10) were moderate on average, but nearly 80% of participants were using pain medication, including 22% using opioids. Nearly 25% of patients thought they needed stronger pain medication than they were receiving. Physicians generally assess and manage pain in ALS patients, but few use standardized assessment tools. Nearly two-thirds felt that there is a need for better pain management practices and more than one-third felt better training was needed. In conclusion, pain in patients with ALS is not always well controlled. Improvement in care may be facilitated by a more standardized approach to evaluation, and by additional education and training of ALS health care professionals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Chengwu Yang
- b Department of Public Health Sciences.,d Office For Scholarship in Learning and Education Research, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey , Pennsylvania and
| | - Susan Walsh
- e ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter , Ambler , Pennsylvania
| | - Donna B Mcarthur
- f Community and Systems Health Science Division University of Arizona College of Nursing , Tucson , Arizona , USA
| | | |
Collapse
|