Effective treatment of symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy by high-frequency external muscle stimulation

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation for the treatment of diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy: A prospective, cohort, proof-of-concept study

OBJECTIVE

To assess a potential efficacy signal, safety and feasibility of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) therapy as an adjunct to standard care in patients with diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN).

METHODS

In this single-centre, prospective, cohort, proof-of-concept study, 25 patients with DSPN consented to at least one daily 30-minute NMES therapy session (Revitive® IX) for 10 weeks, with 20 patients completing the study. The primary outcome measure was nerve conductivity assessed using a nerve conduction study of the sural, superficial peroneal, common peroneal and tibial nerves at 10 weeks compared to baseline. Secondary outcomes included superficial femoral artery (SFA) haemodynamics during NMES therapy compared to rest and quality-of-life at 10 weeks compared to baseline.

RESULTS

At 10 weeks, there were significant increases in sural sensory nerve action potential amplitude and conduction velocity (p < 0.001), superficial peroneal sensory nerve action potential amplitude (p = 0.001) and conduction velocity (p = 0.002), common peroneal nerve conduction velocity (p = 0.004) and tibial nerve compound muscle action potential amplitude (p = 0.002) compared to baseline. SFA volume flow and time-averaged mean velocity significantly increased (p ≤ 0.003) during NMES compared to rest. Patient-reported Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument scores significantly decreased (p = 0.028) at 10 weeks compared to baseline. Three unrelated adverse events occurred, and 15 participants adhered to treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

NMES therapy as an adjunct to standard care for 10 weeks significantly increased lower limb nerve conductivity in patients with DSPN and may be beneficial in the treatment of DSPN.

Home-based high tone therapy may alleviate chemotherapy-induced neuropathic symptoms in patients with colorectal cancer: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled pilot evaluation

BACKGROUND

Most oncologic patients receiving chemotherapy suffer from neuropathy, which not only severely affects quality of life but also may lead to chemotherapy dose reductions or even discontinuation of cancer therapy. Still, it is difficult to sufficiently control these symptoms with the currently available pharmacological treatments. High tone therapy was reported to be an effective option for neuropathies due to different etiologies. However, to date, there are no studies on high tone therapy in patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

METHODS

This randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled two-center study was conducted at the Departments of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine at the Clinics Donaustadt and Ottakring, Vienna, Austria. Patients with histologically verified colorectal carcinoma treated with a platin derivate and neuropathic symptoms were invited to participate. High tone therapy took place in a home-based setting using the HiToP 191 PNP ® or placebo device for three weeks. Neuropathic symptoms and quality of life were assessed via questionnaires. After the follow-up examination, an opt-in was offered to the patients in the placebo group in terms of an open-label treatment with a verum HiToP PNP ® device. In addition, patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy due to various malignant diseases were treated in an open-label setting reflecting a clinical application observation. These patients are reported as a separate group.

RESULTS

In the verum group, there was a significant reduction of paresthesias and mental stress due to paresthesias from baseline until end of therapy, compared to placebo. These findings were observed in the opt-in subgroup, as well. In the open-label clinical application observation group, intensity and mental stress due to paresthesia, pain, cramps, and intensity of tightness/pressure were significantly lower at the end of therapy, compared to baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

Home-based high tone therapy brought about a significant alleviation in paresthesias and mental stress due to paresthesias in the verum but not the placebo group. In the clinical application observation, a significant alleviation in several further neuropathic symptoms was seen.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06048471, 03/02/2020).

New Horizons in Diabetic Neuropathies: An Updated Review on their Pathology, Diagnosis, Mechanism, Screening Techniques, Pharmacological, and Future Approaches

BACKGROUND

One of the largest problems for global public health is diabetes mellitus (DM) and its micro and macrovascular consequences. Although prevention, diagnosis, and treatment have generally improved, its incidence is predicted to keep rising over the coming years. Due to the intricacy of the molecular mechanisms, which include inflammation, oxidative stress, and angiogenesis, among others, discovering treatments to stop or slow the course of diabetic complications is still a current unmet need.

METHODS

The pathogenesis and development of diabetic neuropathies may be explained by a wide variety of molecular pathways, hexosamine pathways, such as MAPK pathway, PARP pathway, oxidative stress pathway polyol (sorbitol) pathway, cyclooxygenase pathway, and lipoxygenase pathway. Although diabetic neuropathies can be treated symptomatically, there are limited options for treating the underlying cause.

RESULT

Various pathways and screening models involved in diabetic neuropathies are discussed, along with their possible outcomes. Moreover, both medicinal and non-medical approaches to therapy are also explored.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the probable involvement of several processes and pathways in the establishment of diabetic neuropathies and presents in-depth knowledge of new therapeutic approaches intended to stop, delay, or reverse different types of diabetic complications.

Emerging Nonpharmacologic Interventions to Treat Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Significance: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a complication of metabolic syndrome, type I and type II diabetes, leads to sensory changes that include slow nerve conduction, nerve degeneration, loss of sensation, pain, and gate disturbances. These complications remain largely untreatable, although tight glycemic control can prevent neuropathy progression. Nonpharmacologic approaches remain the most impactful to date, but additional advances in treatment approaches are needed. Recent Advances: This review highlights several emerging interventions, including a focus on dietary interventions and physical activity, that continue to show promise for treating DPN. We provide an overview of our current understanding of how exercise can improve aspects of DPN. We also highlight new studies in which a ketogenic diet has been used as an intervention to prevent and reverse DPN. Critical Issues: Both exercise and consuming a ketogenic diet induce systemic and cellular changes that collectively improve complications associated with DPN. Both interventions may involve similar signaling pathways and benefits but also impact DPN through unique mechanisms. Future Directions: These lifestyle interventions are critically important as personalized medicine approaches will likely be needed to identify specific subsets of neuropathy symptoms and deficits in patients, and determine the most impactful treatment. Overall, these two interventions have the potential to provide meaningful relief for patients with DPN and provide new avenues to identify new therapeutic targets.

TENS Improves Cisplatin-Induced Neuropathy in Lung Cancer Patients

Background: Cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of cisplatin therapy, which develops in most patients with lung cancer. There are no effective preventive measures and once it occurs there is no effective therapy, except symptomatic. In this study, we aimed to assess the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy on the pain intensity and the quality of life of patients with cisplatin-induced neuropathy. Material and Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed from 2013 to 2018, at the Clinical Center of Serbia. After the initial evaluation of 106 newly diagnosed patients with lung cancer, 68 patients did not have peripheral neuropathy. These 68 patients continued in the study and started the cisplatin chemotherapy. Forty of these patients developed cisplatin-induced neuropathy, which was manifested by neuropathic symptoms and proven by ENG examination. All patients with cisplatin-induced neuropathy were treated with TENS therapy. Their neuropathic pain and quality of life were evaluated using the following questionnaires at diagnosis, after cisplatin therapy and after four weeks of TENS use: DN4, VAS scale, EORTC QLQ-C30 and FACT-L. Results: Two thirds (68%) of the patients with cisplatin-induced neuropathy were male and the majority were smokers (70%). Adenocarcinoma was the most common (38%), followed by squamous (33%) and small-cell carcinoma (28%). The application of TENS therapy had a positive effect on reducing the neuropathic pain and increasing the quality of life for patients with painful cisplatin-induced neuropathy. The VAS and DN4 scores significantly decreased after TENS therapy, in comparison to its values after cisplatin therapy (p < 0.001). After TENS therapy, patients had significantly higher values in most of the domains of EORTC QLQ-C30 and FACT- L, in comparison with the values after cisplatin therapy (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The application of TENS therapy has a positive effect on reducing neuropathic pain and increasing the quality of life for patients with lung cancer and cisplatin-induced neuropathy.

Characterising the Features of 381 Clinical Studies Evaluating Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for Pain Relief: A Secondary Analysis of the Meta-TENS Study to Improve Future Research

Background and Objectives: Characterising the features of methodologies, clinical attributes and intervention protocols, of studies is valuable to advise directions for research and practice. This article reports the findings of a secondary analysis of the features from studies screened as part of a large systematic review of TENS (the meta-TENS study). Materials and Methods: A descriptive analysis was performed on information associated with methodology, sample populations and intervention protocols from 381 randomised controlled trials (24,532 participants) evaluating TENS delivered at a strong comfortable intensity at the painful site in adults with pain, irrespective of diagnosis. Results: Studies were conducted in 43 countries commonly using parallel group design (n = 334) and one comparator group (n = 231). Mean ± standard deviation (SD) study sample size (64.05 ± 58.29 participants) and TENS group size (27.67 ± 21.90 participants) were small, with only 13 of 381 studies having 100 participants or more in the TENS group. Most TENS interventions were ‘high frequency’ (>10 pps, n = 276) and using 100 Hz (109/353 reports that stated a pulse frequency value). Of 476 comparator groups, 54.2% were active treatments (i.e., analgesic medication(s), exercise, manual therapies and electrophysical agents). Of 202 placebo comparator groups, 155 used a TENS device that did not deliver currents. At least 216 of 383 study groups were able to access other treatments whilst receiving TENS. Only 136 out of 381 reports included a statement about adverse events. Conclusions: Clinical studies on TENS are dominated by small parallel group evaluations of high frequency TENS that are often contaminated by concurrent treatment(s). Study reports tended focus on physiological and clinical implications rather than the veracity of methodology and findings. Previously published criteria for designing and reporting TENS studies were neglected and this should be corrected in future research using insights gleaned from this analysis.

Current Strategies for the Management of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy

The development of painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a common complication of chronic diabetes that can be associated with significant disability and healthcare costs. Prompt symptom identification and aggressive glycemic control is essential in controlling the development of neuropathic complications; however, adequate pain relief remains challenging and there are considerable unmet needs in this patient population. Although guidelines have been established regarding the pharmacological management of PDN, pain control is inadequate or refractory in a high proportion of patients. Pharmacotherapy with anticonvulsants (pregabalin, gabapentin) and antidepressants (duloxetine) are common first-line agents. The use of oral opioids is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality and can also lead to opioid-induced hyperalgesia. Their use is therefore discouraged. There is an emerging role for neuromodulation treatment modalities including intrathecal drug delivery, spinal cord stimulation, and dorsal root ganglion stimulation. Furthermore, consideration of holistic alternative therapies such as yoga and acupuncture may augment a multidisciplinary treatment approach. This aim of this review is to focus on the current management strategies for the treatment of PDN, with a discussion of treatment rationale and practical considerations for their implementation.

Occurrence and perceived effectiveness of activities used to decrease chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms in the feet

PURPOSE

Investigate the reported use and perceived effectiveness of self-care activities for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) symptoms in the feet.

METHODS

Cancer survivors with CIPN (n = 405) completed a questionnaire that assessed the use and perceived effectiveness of 25 self-care activities. Effectiveness was rated on a 0 (not at all) to 10 (completely effective) numeric rating scale. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were conducted to identify demographic, clinical, and pain characteristics associated with the use and effectiveness of selected self-care activities.

RESULTS

The five most commonly used activities were: went for a walk (73.8%); watched television (67.8%); read a book, newspaper or magazine (64.4%); listened to radio, music (60.0%); and did exercises (jogging, swimming) (58.6%). The five most effective self-care activities were: had a trigger point injection (8.3 ( ± 1.3)); took tranquilizers (4.8 ( ± 2.6)); went for ultrasonic stimulation treatment (4.3 ( ± 3.1)); used a heating pad or hot water bottle (4.3 ( ± 2.5)); and used a transcutaneous electric nerve stimulator (4.2 ( ± 2.6)). Demographic, clinical, and pain characteristics influenced use and perceived effectiveness of selected self-care activities to varying degrees.

CONCLUSIONS

Two-thirds of the survivors used at least seven self-care activities to manage CIPN symptoms. The most commonly used activities did not receive the highest effectiveness ratings. Some activities that were rated as highly effective warrant more rigorous evaluation. Survivors can try a range of activities to decrease CIPN symptoms in the feet following discussion of their potential risks and benefits with their clinicians.

Treatment of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy-A Narrative Review of Pharmacological and Interventional Approaches

Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus that is associated with a significant decline in quality of life. Like other painful neuropathic conditions, PDN is difficult to manage clinically, and a variety of pharmacological and non-pharmacological options are available for this condition. Recommended pharmacotherapies include anticonvulsive agents, antidepressant drugs, and topical capsaicin; and tapentadol, which combines opioid agonism and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition, has also recently been approved for use. Additionally, several neuromodulation therapies have been successfully used for pain relief in PDN, including intrathecal therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and spinal cord stimulation (SCS). Recently, 10 kHz SCS has been shown to provide clinically meaningful pain relief for patients refractory to conventional medical management, with a subset of patients demonstrating improvement in neurological function. This literature review is intended to discuss the dosage and prospective data associated with pain management therapies for PDN.

High-Frequency External Muscle Stimulation Reduces Depressive Symptoms in Older Male Veterans: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE

Late-life depression (LLD) is a severe public health problem. Given that pharmacological treatments for LLD are limited by their side effects, development of efficient and tolerable nonpharmacological treatment for LLD is urgently required. This study investigated whether high-frequency external muscle stimulation could reduce depressive symptoms in LLD.

METHODS

Twenty-two older male veterans with major depression were recruited and randomized into a treatment (n = 9) or sham control group (n = 13). The groups received high-frequency external muscle stimulation or sham intervention 3 times per week for 12 weeks. Clinical symptoms and muscle strength were evaluated at baseline and every 2 weeks.

RESULTS

The 2 groups were homogeneous in age, baseline clinical symptoms, and muscle strength. The treatment group showed significant improvement in depression and anxiety scores and muscle strength (all P < .01), whereas the control group showed no significant change after the 12-week follow-up. Compared to the control group, the treatment group showed significant improvements in depression (Geriatric Depression Scale, P = .009; Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, P = .007) and anxiety scores (HAMA, P = .008) and muscle strength (all P < .001). Changes in depression and anxiety levels were significantly correlated with changes in muscle strength after the study. In the treatment group, we observed a trend of correlation between the reduction in depression and muscle strength gains.

CONCLUSION

High-frequency external muscle stimulation appears to be an effective treatment for older patients with LLD. Large studies with more tests and/or conducted in different populations are warranted to validate these preliminary findings.

Comparison of high tone therapy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy in chemotherapy-induced polyneuropathy

INTRODUCTION

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a worldwide concern in patients receiving neurotoxic agents for cancer therapy. High tone external muscle stimulation is a promising therapeutic approach to alleviate symptoms of CIPN.

METHODS

This pilot study aims to investigate whether the application of home-based high-tone external muscle stimulation therapy (HTEMS) improves symptoms of CIPN. The trial is planned as a therapist- and assessor-blinded, 1:1 randomized controlled study. A total of 50 patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral polyneuropathy will be included. All patients will perform therapy at home. Study participants will be allocated randomly to the HTEMS therapy (intervention group) or to the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS, control group), respectively, following a standardized therapy schedule. Compliance of participants can be verified by reading out the tool box. Outcomes will be evaluated at baseline and after 8 weeks of home-based therapy. The primary outcome includes improvement of CIPN according to the patient-reported EORTC QLQ-CIPN 20 questionnaire. Secondary outcomes are the patient-reported change in health-related quality of life and clinician-reported changes of vibration sensibility, tendon reflexes, temperature sensibility, perception of touch, and strength of the lower leg muscles. Further a safety- and process evaluation will be performed.

DISCUSSION

This pilot RCT aims to evaluate the impact of home-based HTEMS as compared to TENS in CIPN. There is a need for an effective treatment for CIPN and the results of this study are expected to possibly identify a novel and effective treatment strategy in the future.

Systematic review of the effectiveness of self-initiated interventions to decrease pain and sensory disturbances associated with peripheral neuropathy

PURPOSE

A small number of studies report that patients with peripheral neuropathy (PN) who engage in activities that promote a sense of personal well-being and provide physical, emotional, or spiritual comfort have a better quality of life and higher levels of adjustment to the changes generated by their illness and accompanying symptoms. This systematic review sought to evaluate the effectiveness of self-management activities that patients with PN initiate themselves to relieve PN symptoms and improve quality of life.

METHODS

Search terms were limited to include self-management activities initiated by patients (i.e., activities with no or minimal involvement from clinicians) that aim to provide relief of PN symptoms. Outcomes included in searches were pain, numbness, and tingling, associated with PN and quality of life.

RESULTS

The database searches identified 2979 records, of which 1620 were duplicates. A total of 1322 papers were excluded on the basis of screening the abstract. An additional 21 full text articles were excluded because they did not meet the eligibility criteria. A total of 16 papers were included in the review.

CONCLUSION

This review identified that a number of self-management strategies that were initiated by patients, including heat, exercise, meditation, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy, may reduce self-reported PN symptoms. As the available studies were of low quality, these strategies warrant further investigation with more homogeneous samples, using more rigorously designed trials and larger samples.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Patients experiencing PN may find a range of self-initiated strategies beneficial in reducing PN symptoms and improving quality of life. However, because of the low quality of the available studies, clinicians need to monitor patients' responses to determine the effectiveness of these interventions as adjuncts to clinician-initiated interventions.

New insights into bioelectronic medicines: A new approach to tackle diabetic peripheral neuropathy pain in clinics

Bioelectronic medicines are a newer way to treat and diagnose the diseases associated with biological systems. All vital organs of the body are innervated, commanding brain to regulate the homeostasis functions. Bioelectronic medicines rely on implications of electrical stimulations or signals associated with the nervous system for real-time treatment. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a most prevalent micro-vascular complication associated with diabetes mellitus. Complex plexus of nerves were affected in this complication with impaired function. Bioelectronic medicines are future hope for effective treatment of DPN.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for neuropathic pain in adults

BACKGROUND

Neuropathic pain, which is due to nerve disease or damage, represents a significant burden on people and society. It can be particularly unpleasant and achieving adequate symptom control can be difficult. Non-pharmacological methods of treatment are often employed by people with neuropathic pain and may include transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). This review supersedes one Cochrane Review 'Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for chronic pain' (Nnoaham 2014) and one withdrawn protocol 'Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for neuropathic pain in adults' (Claydon 2014). This review replaces the original protocol for neuropathic pain that was withdrawn.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the analgesic effectiveness of TENS versus placebo (sham) TENS, TENS versus usual care, TENS versus no treatment and TENS in addition to usual care versus usual care alone in the management of neuropathic pain in adults.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, AMED, CINAHL, Web of Science, PEDro, LILACS (up to September 2016) and various clinical trials registries. We also searched bibliographies of included studies for further relevant studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials where TENS was evaluated in the treatment of central or peripheral neuropathic pain. We included studies if they investigated the following: TENS versus placebo (sham) TENS, TENS versus usual care, TENS versus no treatment and TENS in addition to usual care versus usual care alone in the management of neuropathic pain in adults.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened all database search results and identified papers requiring full-text assessment. Subsequently, two review authors independently applied inclusion/exclusion criteria to these studies. The same review authors then independently extracted data, assessed for risk of bias using the Cochrane standard tool and rated the quality of evidence using GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 15 studies with 724 participants. We found a range of treatment protocols in terms of duration of care, TENS application times and intensity of application. Briefly, duration of care ranged from four days through to three months. Similarly, we found variation of TENS application times; from 15 minutes up to hourly sessions applied four times daily. We typically found intensity of TENS set to comfortable perceptible tingling with very few studies titrating the dose to maintain this perception. Of the comparisons, we had planned to explore, we were only able to undertake a quantitative synthesis for TENS versus sham TENS. Insufficient data and large diversity in the control conditions prevented us from undertaking a quantitative synthesis for the remaining comparisons.For TENS compared to sham TENS, five studies were suitable for pooled analysis. We described the remainder of the studies in narrative form. Overall, we judged 11 studies at high risk of bias, and four at unclear risk. Due to the small number of eligible studies, the high levels of risk of bias across the studies and small sample sizes, we rated the quality of the evidence as very low for the pooled analysis and very low individual GRADE rating of outcomes from single studies. For the individual studies discussed in narrative form, the methodological limitations, quality of reporting and heterogeneous nature of interventions compared did not allow for reliable overall estimates of the effect of TENS.Five studies (across various neuropathic conditions) were suitable for pooled analysis of TENS versus sham TENS investigating change in pain intensity using a visual analogue scale. We found a mean postintervention difference in effect size favouring TENS of -1.58 (95% confidence interval (CI) -2.08 to -1.09, P < 0.00001, n = 207, six comparisons from five studies) (very low quality evidence). There was no significant heterogeneity in this analysis. While this exceeded our prespecified minimally important difference for pain outcomes, we assessed the quality of evidence as very low meaning we have very little confidence in this effect estimate and the true effect is likely to be substantially different from that reported in this review. Only one study of these five investigated health related quality of life as an outcome meaning we were unable to report on this outcome in this comparison. Similarly, we were unable to report on global impression of change or changes in analgesic use in this pooled analysis.Ten small studies compared TENS to some form of usual care. However, there was great diversity in what constituted usual care, precluding pooling of data. Most of these studies found either no difference in pain outcomes between TENS versus other active treatments or favoured the comparator intervention (very low quality evidence). We were unable to report on other primary and secondary outcomes in these single trials (health-related quality of life, global impression of change and changes in analgesic use).Of the 15 included studies, three reported adverse events which were minor and limited to 'skin irritation' at or around the site of electrode placement (very low quality evidence). Three studies reported no adverse events while the remainder did not report any detail with regard adverse events.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In this review, we reported on the comparison between TENS and sham TENS. The quality of the evidence was very low meaning we were unable to confidently state whether TENS is effective for pain control in people with neuropathic pain. The very low quality of evidence means we have very limited confidence in the effect estimate reported; the true effect is likely to be substantially different. We make recommendations with respect to future TENS study designs which may meaningfully reduce the uncertainty relating to the effectiveness of this treatment modality.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for acute pain

BACKGROUND

This is a second update of a Cochrane Review originally published in Issue 2, 2009. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a non-pharmacological agent, based on delivering low voltage electrical currents to the skin. TENS is used by people to treat a variety of pain conditions.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the analgesic effectiveness of TENS, as a sole treatment, for acute pain in adults.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following databases up to 3 December 2014: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), in the Cochrane Library; MEDLINE; EMBASE; CINAHL; and AMED. We also checked the reference lists of included trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of adults with acute pain (< 12 weeks) if they examined TENS given as a sole treatment and assessed pain with subjective pain scales. Trials were eligible if they compared TENS to placebo TENS, no treatment controls, pharmacological interventions or non-pharmacological interventions. We excluded trials on experimental pain, case reports, clinical observations, letters, abstracts or reviews. Also we excluded trials investigating the effect of TENS on pain during childbirth (labour), primary dysmenorrhoea or dental procedures. Studies where TENS was given with another treatment as part of the formal trial design were excluded. We did not restrict any articles based on language of publication.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed study eligibility and carried out study selection, data extraction, 'Risk of bias' assessment and analyses of data. We extracted data on the following: types of participants and pain condition, trial design and methods, treatment parameters, adverse effects, and outcome measures. We contacted trial authors for additional information if necessary.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 12 trials in the original review (2009) and included no further trials in the first update (2011). An additional seven new trials met the inclusion criteria in this second update. In total, we included 19 RCTs involving 1346 participants at entry, with 11 trials awaiting classification either because the full text was unavailable or information in the full text failed to clarify eligibility. We excluded most trials because TENS was given in combination with another treatment as part of the formal study design or TENS was not delivered using appropriate TENS technique. The types of acute pain included in this Cochrane Review were procedural pain, e.g. cervical laser treatment, venepuncture, screening flexible sigmoidoscopy and non-procedural pain, e.g. postpartum uterine contractions and rib fractures. We pooled data for pain intensity for six trials (seven comparisons) comparing TENS with placebo but the I(2) statistic suggested substantial heterogeneity. Mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) on a visual analogue scale (VAS, 100 mm) was -24.62 mm (95% CI -31.79 to -17.46) in favour of TENS. Data for the proportion of participants achieving ≥ 50% reduction in pain was pooled for four trials (seven comparisons) and relative risk was 3.91 (95% CI 2.42 to 6.32) in favour of TENS over placebo. We pooled data for pain intensity from five trials (seven comparisons) but the I(2) statistic suggested considerable heterogeneity. MD was -19.05 mm (95% CI -27.30 to -10.79) in favour of TENS using a random-effects model. It was not possible to pool other data. There was a high risk of bias associated with inadequate sample sizes in treatment arms and unsuccessful blinding of treatment interventions. Seven trials reported minor adverse effects, such as mild erythema and itching underneath the electrodes and participants disliking TENS sensation.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This Cochrane Review update includes seven new trials, in addition to the 12 trials reviewed in the first update in 2011. The analysis provides tentative evidence that TENS reduces pain intensity over and above that seen with placebo (no current) TENS when administered as a stand-alone treatment for acute pain in adults. The high risk of bias associated with inadequate sample sizes in treatment arms and unsuccessful blinding of treatment interventions makes definitive conclusions impossible. There was incomplete reporting of treatment in many reports making replication of trials impossible.

Recent advances in the management of diabetic distal symmetrical polyneuropathy

There is now little doubt that poor blood glucose control is an important risk factor for the development of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Furthermore, traditional cardiovascular risk factors for macrovascular disease appear to be associated with an increased risk of DPN. The recently established International Expert Group on Diabetic Neuropathy has recommended new criteria for the diagnosis of DPN in the context of clinical and research settings. Studies in experimental diabetes examining the pathogenesis of DPN have identified a number of metabolic abnormalities including polyol pathway hyperactivity, increased advanced glycation end‐point formation, alterations in the protein kinase C beta pathway through diacylglycerol and oxidative stress. There is now strong evidence implicating nerve ischemia as the cause of DPN. Studies in human and animal models have shown reduced nerve perfusion and endoneurial hypoxia. These endoneurial microvascular changes strongly correlate with clinical severity and the degree of nerve‐fiber pathology. Unfortunately, many compounds that have been effective in animal models of neuropathy have not been successful in human diabetic neuropathy. The only compounds found to be efficacious in human diabetic neuropathy, and are in clinical use, are the anti‐oxidant, α‐lipoic acid and the aldose reductase inhibitor, epalrestat. Overall, the evidence emphasizes the importance of vascular dysfunction, driven by metabolic change, in the etiology of DPN, and highlights potential therapeutic approaches. Epidemiological data on diabetic painful neuropathic pain (DPNP) are limited. In one population‐based study, the prevalence of DPNP, as assessed by a structured questionnaire and examination, was estimated at 16%. It was notable that, of these patients, 12.5% had never reported symptoms to their doctor and 39% had never received treatment for their pain. Thus, despite being common, DPNP continues to be underdiagnosed and undertreated. Pharmacological treatment of DPNP include tricyclic compounds, serotonin noradrenalin reuptake inhibitors, the anti‐oxidant α‐lipoic acid, anticonvulsants, opiates, membrane stabilizers, topical capsaicin and so on. Management of the patient with DPNP must be tailored to individual requirements and will depend on the presence of other comorbidities. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2010.00083.x)

Electrical stimulation as an adjunctive treatment of painful and sensory diabetic neuropathy

BACKGROUND

The objective of this review is to evaluate the use of electrical stimulation to treat diabetic neuropathy. Application of electrical stimulation may provide a novel treatment option for large and small fiber neuropathy in persons with diabetes. Large and small nerve neuropathy alters pain, proprioception, touch perception, and motor function, which cause burning foot pain and serve as protective mechanisms from ulcerations.

METHODS

A content search for clinical trials involving electrical stimulation, neuropathy, and diabetes was conducted through PubMed. Randomized clinical trials and prospective studies with outcome measures affecting the lower extremity function were selected for review.

RESULTS

We identified eight studies in which electrical stimulation was used to treat diabetic neuropathy. Six studies evaluated small fiber neuropathy. Two studies evaluated patients with both small and large fiber neuropathy and reported significant improvement in vibration and monofilament testing and reduction in symptoms in the electrical stimulation treatment group. Six of the eight painful neuropathy studies identified significant improvement in symptoms. There were no studies that evaluated electrical stimulation to treated diabetic motor neuropathy, fall prevention or postural instability.

CONCLUSIONS

Electrical stimulation may be an effective alternative and adjunctive therapy to current interventions for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for the management of painful conditions: focus on neuropathic pain

The management of neuropathic pain is challenging, with medication being the first-line treatment. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is an inexpensive, noninvasive, self-administered technique that is used as an adjunct to medication. Clinical experience suggests that TENS is beneficial providing it is administered at a sufficiently strong intensity, close to the site of pain. At present, there are too few randomized controlled trials on TENS for neuropathic pain to judge effectiveness. The findings of systematic reviews of TENS for other pain syndromes are inconclusive because trials have a low fidelity associated with inadequate TENS technique and infrequent treatments of insufficient duration. The use of electrode arrays to spatially target stimulation more precisely may improve the efficacy of TENS in the future.

Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy: consensus recommendations on diagnosis, assessment and management

Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is common, is associated with significant reduction in quality of life and poses major treatment challenges to the practising physician. Although poor glucose control and cardiovascular risk factors have been proven to contribute to the aetiology of DPN, risk factors specific for painful DPN remain unknown. A number of instruments have been tested to assess the character, intensity and impact of painful DPN on quality of life, activities of daily living and mood. Management of the patient with DPN must be tailored to individual requirements, taking into consideration the co-morbidities and other factors. Pharmacological agents with proven efficacy for painful DPN include tricyclic anti-depressants, the selective serotonin and noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitors, anti-convulsants, opiates, membrane stabilizers, the anti-oxidant alpha-lipoic acid and topical agents including capsaicin. Current first-line therapies for painful DPN include tricyclic anti-depressants, the serotonin and noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitor duloxetine and the anti-convulsants pregabalin and gabapentin. When prescribing any of these agents, other co-morbidities and costs must be taken into account. Second-line approaches include the use of opiates such as synthetic opioid tramadol, morphine and oxycodone-controlled release. There is a limited literature with regard to combination treatment. In extreme cases of painful DPN unresponsive to pharmacotherapy, occasional use of electrical spinal cord stimulation might be indicated. There are a number of unmet needs in the therapeutic management of painful DPN. These include the need for randomized controlled trials with active comparators and data on the long-term efficacy of agents used, as most trials have lasted for less than 6 months. Finally, there is a need for appropriately designed studies to investigate non-pharmacological approaches.

Microcurrent transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation in painful diabetic neuropathy: a randomized placebo-controlled study

OBJECTIVES

Diabetes is a common health care problem in western countries. Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) might be one of the consequences of long ongoing diabetes; it is estimated that approximately 20% of European diabetic patients suffer from PDN. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is often used as additional pain treatment. However, recent studies show inconsistent results. We aimed to assess the effect of micro-TENS in reducing neuropathic pain in patients with PDN in a placebo-controlled, single-blinded, and randomized design. DESIGN/SETTING/PATIENTS/OUTCOME MEASURES: 22 diabetic patients have been treated with a micro-TENS therapy and 19 patients have been treated with a placebo therapy. Treatment duration was 4 weeks with three therapeutical settings per week. Standardized questionnaires (Pain Disability Index [PDI], neuropathic pain score [NPS], Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale [CES-D]) were used to assess pain intensity, pain disability, as well as quality of life at baseline at the end of the treatment period and 4 weeks after treatment termination.

RESULTS

Patients with a minimum of 30% reduction in NPS were defined as therapy responders. After 4 weeks of treatment, 6/21 patients in the verum group vs 10/19 patients in the placebo group responded to therapy. The median PDI score after 4 weeks of treatment showed a reduction of 23% in the verum vs 25% in the placebo group. The differences did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

The pain reduction with the applied transcutaneous electrotherapy regimen is not superior to a placebo treatment.

Screening for medical disease--nervous system disorders

NARRATIVE REVIEW: In general, nervous system disorders present with changes in sensation, strength, and cognitive function that must be recognized early for the timely referral often needed for optimal outcome. This article summarizes screening for nervous system disorders in patients who present to the hand therapist and the typical findings associated with common neurologic disorders. Recommendations for referral by the hand therapist of patients with a screening examination consistent with a nervous system disorder are also presented. Central nervous system (CNS) disorders discussed in this article include stroke, traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, CNS tumors, Parkinson disease, dementia, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. This is followed by a discussion of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) disorders of acquired and hereditary polyneuropathies, Guillain-Barré syndrome and myasthenia gravis. Lastly, there is a brief discussion of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a disorder affecting both the CNS and PNS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

5.

Effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on symptomatic diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIMS

To evaluate the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing TENS with routine care, pharmacological interventions or placebo devices on patients with symptomatic DPN, were identified by electronic and manual searches. Studies were selected and available data were extracted independently by two investigators. Meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 4.2.8 software.

RESULTS

Three RCTs involving 78 patients were included in this study. The reductions in mean pain score were significantly greater in TENS group than in placebo TENS group in 4 weeks and 6 weeks follow-up [4 weeks, SMD-5.37, 95% CI (-6.97, -3.77); 6 weeks, SMD-1.01, 95% CI (-2.01, -0.01)], but not in 12 weeks follow-up [SMD-1.65, 95% CI (-4.02, 0.73)]. TENS therapy was associated with significantly subjective improvement in overall neuropathic symptoms in 12 weeks follow-up [WMD-0.18, 95% CI (-0.32, -0.051)]. No TENS-related adverse events were registered in TENS group.

CONCLUSIONS

TENS therapy may be an effective and safe strategy in treatment of symptomatic DPN. Due to small sample and short-term treatment duration, large multi-centre RCTs are needed to further evaluate the long-term effect of TENS on DPN.

Advances in the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Over the past 5 years there have been significant advances in the pathogenesis and management of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP) and this review attempts to summarize these.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent research has shown that in addition to poor glucose control, traditional cardiovascular risk factors for macrovascular disease, are independent-risk factors for incident diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). In contrast, the risk factors for DPNP are not known although data from the EURODIAB cohort suggest that female sex may be an independent-risk factor. The pathogenisis of pain in DPNP is also not clear although differences in sural nerve epineurial blood flow, foot skin microcirculation and intraepidermal nerve fibre density (IENF), and thalamic magnetic resonance spectroscopy have been demonstrated between individuals with DPNP and painless neuropathy.Pharmacological treatment of DPNP includes tricyclic compounds (TCAs), selective serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), anticonvulsants, opiates, membrane stabilizers, the antioxidant alpha lipoic acid, capsaicin etc. Current first-line therapies for DPNP are a TCA, SNRI (such as duloxetine) or anticonvulsants (such as pregabalin or gabapentin), taking into account patient comorbidities and cost.

SUMMARY

There has recently been a consensus document suggesting an evidence-based protocol for the management of DPNP and this report is highlighted.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for acute pain

BACKGROUND

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a non-pharmacological agent, based on delivering low voltage electrical currents to the skin. TENS is used for the treatment of a variety of pain conditions.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the analgesic effectiveness of TENS for acute pain in adults to see if it had any clear analgesic effect in its own right.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The following databases were searched: Cochrane Pain, Palliative and Supportive Care Group Specialised Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CENTRAL (in The Cochrane Library); MEDLINE; EMBASE; CINAHL; AMED; PEDro; OTseeker; OpenSIGLE; and, reference lists of included studies. The most recent search was undertaken in August 2008.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of adults with acute pain (less than 12 weeks) were included if they examined TENS given as a sole treatment and assessed pain with subjective pain scales. Studies were eligible if they compared TENS to placebo TENS, no treatment controls, pharmacological interventions or non-pharmacological interventions. Studies on experimental pain, case reports, clinical observations, letters, abstracts or reviews were excluded. Studies on TENS and labour pain, pain due to dental procedures and primary dysmenorrhoea were excluded. Studies where TENS was given with another treatment as part of the formal study design were also excluded. No restrictions were made regarding language.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently assessed trial eligibility and extracted data. Data were extracted on the following: types of participants and pain condition, study design and methods, treatment parameters, adverse effects, and outcome measures. Study authors were contacted for additional information if necessary.

MAIN RESULTS

Of 1479 studies identified in the search, 132 were identified as relevant. Of these, 116 were excluded; the vast majority of these were excluded due to TENS being given with another treatment. Four studies were categorised as awaiting classification as the information provided in the full text failed to clarify their eligibility. Twelve RCTs involving 919 participants at entry were included. The types of acute pain conditions included procedural pain, e.g. cervical laser treatment, venipuncture, screening flexible sigmoidoscopy and non-procedural pain, e.g. postpartum uterine contractions, rib fractures. It was not possible to perform a meta-analysis due to insufficient data.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Due to insufficient extractable data in the studies included in this review, we are unable to make any definitive conclusions about the effectiveness of TENS as an isolated treatment for acute pain in adults.

External electric muscle stimulation improves burning sensations and sleeping disturbances in patients with type 2 diabetes and symptomatic neuropathy

OBJECTIVE

External muscle stimulation (EMS) of the thighs was previously shown to have beneficial effects in a pilot study on painful diabetic neuropathy. However, differential effects on specific symptoms of neuropathy as well as determinants of treatment response have not been described.

DESIGN

Ninety-two type 2 diabetes patients with different neuropathic symptoms were included in a prospective uncontrolled trial. Patients were treated twice a week for 4 weeks. Symptoms were graded on numeric scales at baseline, before the second and the eighth visit.

RESULTS

Seventy-three percent of the participants reported marked improvement of symptoms. Subjective treatment response was positively and independently associated with symptom intensity but independent of disease extent, metabolic factors, age, or gender. Total symptoms graded by patients on numerical scales decreased significantly after 4 weeks of treatment. Patients in the upper tertile of symptom intensity showed significant improvement of paresthesia, pain, numbness and most pronounced for burning sensations and sleeping disturbances.

CONCLUSIONS

In an uncontrolled setting, EMS seems to be an effective treatment for symptomatic neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes, especially in patients with strong symptoms.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for chronic pain

BACKGROUND

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a popular pain treatment modality but its effectiveness in chronic pain management is unknown. This review is an update of the original Cochrane review published in Issue 3, 2001.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness of TENS in chronic pain.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE and CINAHL were searched. Reference lists from retrieved reports and reviews were examined. Date of the most recent search: April 2008.

SELECTION CRITERIA

RCTs were eligible if they compared active TENS versus sham TENS controls; active TENS versus 'no treatment' controls; or active TENS versus active TENS controls (e.g. High Frequency TENS (HFTENS) versus Low Frequency TENS (LFTENS)). Studies of chronic pain for three months or more which included subjective outcome measures for pain intensity or relief were eligible for evaluation. No restrictions were made to language or sample size. Abstracts, letters, or unpublished studies, and studies of TENS in angina, headache, migraine, dysmenorrhoea and cancer-related pain were excluded.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data were extracted and summarised on the following items: patients and details of pain condition, treatments, study duration, design, methods, subjective pain outcome measures, methodological quality, results for pain outcome measures and adverse effects, and conclusions by authors of the studies. Extracted data and methodological quality of studies were confirmed by the review authors.

MAIN RESULTS

Of 124 studies identified from the searches, 99 did not fulfil pre-defined entry criteria. Twenty-five RCTs involving 1281 participants were evaluated. Included studies varied in design, analgesic outcomes, chronic pain conditions, TENS treatments and methodological quality. The reporting of methods and results for analgesic outcomes were inconsistent across studies and generally poor. Meta-analysis was not possible. Overall in 13 of 22 inactive control studies, there was a positive analgesic outcome in favour of active TENS treatments. For multiple dose treatment comparison studies, eight of fifteen were considered to be in favour of the active TENS treatments. Seven of the nine active controlled studies found no difference in analgesic efficacy between High Frequency (HF) TENS and Low Frequency (LF) TENS.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Since the last version of this review, new relevant studies have not provided additional information to change the conclusions. Published literature on the subject lacks the methodological rigour or robust reporting needed to make confident assessments of the role of TENS in chronic pain management. Large multi-centre RCTs of TENS in chronic pain are still needed.

Painful diabetic neuropathy: treatment and future aspects

Around one of three diabetic patients is affected by distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSP) which represents a major health problem, as it may present with partly excruciating neuropathic pain and is responsible for substantial morbidity and increased mortality. Treatment is based on four cornerstones: (1) multifactorial intervention aimed at (near)-normoglycaemia and reduction in cardiovascular risk factors, (2) treatment based on pathogenetic mechanisms, (3) symptomatic treatment, and (4) avoidance of risk factors and complications. Among the pathogenetic treatments only alpha-lipoic acid and epalrestat are available for treatment in several countries. Neuropathic pain, which is present in 8-26% of diabetic patients, exerts a substantial impact on the quality of life, particularly by causing considerable interference in sleep and enjoyment of life. Non-pharmacologic options such as nerve or muscle stimulation should always be given consideration. Among the centrally acting analgesic drugs for many years mainly the tricyclic antidepressants (TCA), carbamazepine, gabapentin, and opioids have been used to treat neuropathic pain. More recently, significant pain relief has been reported in clinical trials of painful diabetic neuropathy using agents such as the dual selective serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), duloxetine and the anticonvulsant pregabalin, a specific modulator of the alpha(2)delta subunit of the voltage-dependent calcium channels. A promising new anticonvulsant is lacosamide. In future, drug combinations might also include those aimed at symptomatic pain relief and quality of life on one hand and improvement or slowing the progression of the underlying neuropathic process on the other hand.

High-tone external muscle stimulation in end-stage renal disease: effects on symptomatic diabetic and uremic peripheral neuropathy

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

Pain and peripheral neuropathy are frequent complications of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Because drug treatment is associated with numerous side effects and is largely ineffective in many maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients, nonpharmacologic strategies such as electrotherapy are a potential recourse. Among various forms of electrostimulation, high-tone external muscle stimulation (HTEMS) is a promising alternative treatment for symptomatic diabetic peripheral polyneuropathy (PPN), as demonstrated in a short-term study. Based on these novel findings, we performed a prospective, nonrandomized, pilot trial in MHD patients to determine (1) whether HTEMS is also effective in treating diabetic PPN in the uremic state, and (2) whether uremic PPN is similarly modulated.

PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS

In total, 40 MHD patients diagnosed with symptomatic PPN (25 with diabetic and 15 with uremic PPN) were enrolled. Both lower extremities were treated intradialytically with HTEMS for 1 hour, three times a week. Initially, a subgroup of 12 patients was followed for 4 weeks, and a further 28 patients for 12 weeks. The patients' degree of neuropathy was graded at baseline before HTEMS and after 1 and 3 months, respectively. Five neuropathic symptoms (tingling, burning, pain, numbness, and numbness in painful areas) as well as sleep disturbances were measured, using the 10-point Neuropathic Pain Scale of Galer and Jensen (Neurology 48:332-338, 1997). A positive response was defined as the improvement of one symptom or more, by at least 3 points. Other parameters included blood pressure, heart rate, dry body weight, and a routine laboratory investigation.

RESULTS

The HTEMS led to a significant improvement in all five neuropathic symptoms, and to a significant reduction in sleep disturbances for both diabetic and uremic PPN. The response was independent of the patient's age, with a responder rate of 73%. The improvement of neuropathy was time-dependent, with the best results achieved after 3 months of treatment. The HTEMS was well-tolerated by nearly all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study shows for the first time that HTEMS can ameliorate the discomfort and pain associated with both diabetic and uremic PPN in MHD patients, and could be a valuable supplement in the treatment of pain and neuropathic discomfort in patients who do not respond to, or are unable to participate in, exercise programs during hemodialysis treatment.

Putting evidence into practice: evidence-based interventions for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) continues to be a significant, debilitating symptom resulting from the administration of neurotoxic chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer. CIPN is an important consequence of cancer treatment because of its potential impact on physical functioning and quality of life. Oncology nurses play an important role in assessing, monitoring, and educating clients about CIPN. Despite investigations concerning pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches to either preventing or minimizing the neurotoxicity resulting from certain chemotherapeutic agents, evidence to support the interventions is lacking. This article presents information concerning CIPN and summarizes the evidence for pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches to the prevention and treatment of CIPN.

Management of painful diabetic neuropathy: what is new or in the pipeline for 2007?

Approximately one of three diabetic patients is affected by distal symmetric polyneuropathy, which represents a major health problem because it may present with partly excruciating neuropathic pain and is responsible for substantial morbidity and increased mortality. Treatment is based on three cornerstones: 1) multifactorial intervention aimed at (near)-normoglycemia and reduction in cardiovascular risk factors; 2) treatment based on pathogenetic mechanisms; and 3) symptomatic treatment. Among the pathogenetic treatments, alpha-lipoic acid is the only available drug in several countries. Significant relief of neuropathic pain has recently been reported for duloxetine and pregabalin. Among at least 50 new drugs for treatment of neuropathic pain in the pipelines, there are several promising candidates such as lacosamide. Individual tolerability remains a major aspect in any treatment decision.

EFNS guidelines on neurostimulation therapy for neuropathic pain

Pharmacological relief of neuropathic pain is often insufficient. Electrical neurostimulation is efficacious in chronic neuropathic pain and other neurological diseases. European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS) launched a Task Force to evaluate the evidence for these techniques and to produce relevant recommendations. We searched the literature from 1968 to 2006, looking for neurostimulation in neuropathic pain conditions, and classified the trials according to the EFNS scheme of evidence for therapeutic interventions. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is efficacious in failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) type I (level B recommendation). High-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may be better than placebo (level C) although worse than electro-acupuncture (level B). One kind of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has transient efficacy in central and peripheral neuropathic pains (level B). Motor cortex stimulation (MCS) is efficacious in central post-stroke and facial pain (level C). Deep brain stimulation (DBS) should only be performed in experienced centres. Evidence for implanted peripheral stimulations is inadequate. TENS and r-TMS are non-invasive and suitable as preliminary or add-on therapies. Further controlled trials are warranted for SCS in conditions other than failed back surgery syndrome and CRPS and for MCS and DBS in general. These chronically implanted techniques provide satisfactory pain relief in many patients, including those resistant to medication or other means.

Treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy: Update 2006

At least one of four diabetic patients is affected by distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSP), which represents a major health problem, as it may present with partly excruciating neuropathic pain and is responsible for substantial morbidity, increased mortality, and impaired quality of life. Treatment is based on four cornerstones: (a) causal treatment aimed at (near)-normoglycemia, (b) treatment based on pathogenetic mechanisms, (c) symptomatic treatment, and (d) avoidance of risk factors and complications. Recent experimental studies suggest a multifactorial pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy. From the clinical point of view it is important to note that, on the basis of these pathogenetic mechanisms, therapeutic approaches could be derived, some of which are currently being evaluated in clinical trials. Among these agents only alpha-lipoic acid is available for treatment in several countries and epalrestat in Japan. Although several novel analgesic drugs, such as duloxetine and pregabalin, have recently been introduced into clinical practice, the pharmacological treatment of chronic painful diabetic neuropathy remains a challenge for the physician. Individual tolerability remains a major aspect in any treatment decision. Epidemiological data indicate that not only increased alcohol consumption but also the traditional cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, smoking, and visceral obesity, play a role in development and progression of diabetic neuropathy and, hence, need to be prevented or treated.

Recent clinical advances in diabetic polyneuropathy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Recent dramatic increases in the incidence and prevalence of diabetes make an understanding of chronic symmetric sensorimotor diabetic polyneuropathy, the most common and problematic of chronic diabetic complications, essential for a wide range of medical practitioners.

RECENT FINDINGS

The demonstration of neuropathic dysfunction in patients with prediabetes or impaired glucose tolerance emphasizes the susceptibility of peripheral nerve fibers, especially small A delta fibers and C fibers, to relatively mild, short-duration hyperglycemia. New testing can reveal peripheral nerve dysfunction prior to clinical neuropathic symptoms and signs. In the absence of effective medications to halt or reverse nerve damage or promote nerve regeneration, early diagnosis of diabetic polyneuropathy, followed by tight glycemic control with diet and exercise, offers the best opportunity to prevent progressive symptoms of sensory loss, pain, autonomic dysfunction, ulcerations, and amputations. Some patients with impaired glucose tolerance have a reversal of neuropathic features with tight glycemic control. Nonpharmacologic therapies for neuropathic pain in diabetic polyneuropathy appear promising.

SUMMARY

Tight glycemic control, especially early in diabetes, is the best approach to minimizing the prevalence and severity of diabetic polyneuropathy and makes research into the deleterious effects of even mild hyperglycemia imperative.

New perspectives on the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain

Peripheral neuropathy affects about 30% of people with diabetes mellitus. Between 16% and 26% of diabetes patients experience chronic pain. This may be referred to as diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) or diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP). Minimum requirements for diagnosis of DPNP should include assessment of pain and symptoms and neurological examination, with the accent on sensory examination. Given that depression and other co-morbidities are commonly associated with this condition, a broad approach to management is essential. Lifestyle intervention and optimisation of glycaemic control are recommended as initial steps in management. An evidence-based treatment algorithm for DPNP has been proposed, recommending initial use of either a tricyclic antidepressant, selective serotonin noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitor or alpha-2-delta agonist, depending on patient co-morbidities and contra-indications. Addition of an opioid agonist may be required in the event of inadequate pain control. Irrespective of which treatment is offered, only about one third of patients are likely to achieve more than 50% pain relief. Further research to improve the diagnosis and management of DPNP is needed.