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Itani M, Gylfadottir S, Krøigård T, Gaist L, Holbech JV, Kristensen AG, Karlsson P, Möller S, Tankisi H, Gaist D, Jensen TS, Finnerup NB, Sindrup SH. Comparison of diabetic and idiopathic sensory polyneuropathies with respect to nerve fibre affection and risk factors. BMJ Neurol Open 2022; 4:e000247. [PMID: 35360409 PMCID: PMC8921860 DOI: 10.1136/bmjno-2021-000247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Chronic distal sensory or sensorimotor polyneuropathy is the most common pattern of polyneuropathy. The cause of this pattern is most often diabetes or unknown. This cross-sectional study is one of the first studies to compare the demographics, cardiovascular risk factors and clinical characteristics of diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) with idiopathic polyneuropathy (IPN). Methods Patients with DPN were included from a sample of 389 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) enrolled from a national cohort of patients with recently diagnosed T2DM (Danish Centre for Strategic Research in Type 2 Diabetes cohort). Patients with IPN were included from a regional cohort of patients with symptoms of polyneuropathy referred for workup at a combined secondary and tertiary neurological centre (database cohort). Results A total of 214 patients with DPN were compared with a total of 88 patients with IPN. Patients with DPN were older (67.4 vs 59 years) and had a longer duration of neuropathy symptoms. Patients with DPN had greater body mass index (32 vs 27.4 kg/m2) and waist circumference (110 cm vs 97 cm); higher frequency of hypertension diagnosis (72.9% vs 30.7%); lower total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels; and a higher prevalence of use of statins (81.8% vs 19.3%). DPN was associated with a slightly higher autonomic score and total score on the Neuropathy Symptom Score; lower frequency of hyperalgesia, allodynia and decreased vibration on quantitative sensory testing; lower intraepidermal nerve fibre density count and higher frequency of small-fibre neuropathy. Conclusion DPN and IPN showed clear differences in neuropathy characteristics, indicating that these two entities are to be regarded as aetiologically and pathogenetically distinct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustapha Itani
- Research Unit for Neurology, Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Clinical Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Sif Gylfadottir
- Danish Pain Research Center, Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Neurology, Aarhus Universitetshospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Thomas Krøigård
- Research Unit for Neurology, Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Clinical Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Laura Gaist
- Research Unit for Neurology, Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jakob Vormstrup Holbech
- Research Unit for Neurology, Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Pall Karlsson
- Danish Pain Research Centre, Department of Clinical Medicine, Core Center for Molecular Morphology, Aarhus Universitet, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sören Möller
- OPEN, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Hatice Tankisi
- Clinical Neurophysiology, Aarhus Universitetshospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - David Gaist
- Research Unit for Neurology, Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Clinical Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Troels S Jensen
- Danish Pain Research Center, Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Neurology, Aarhus Universitetshospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nanna Brix Finnerup
- Neurology, Aarhus Universitetshospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus Universitet, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Søren Hein Sindrup
- Research Unit for Neurology, Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Clinical Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Verdú E, Homs J, Boadas-Vaello P. Physiological Changes and Pathological Pain Associated with Sedentary Lifestyle-Induced Body Systems Fat Accumulation and Their Modulation by Physical Exercise. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182413333. [PMID: 34948944 PMCID: PMC8705491 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A sedentary lifestyle is associated with overweight/obesity, which involves excessive fat body accumulation, triggering structural and functional changes in tissues, organs, and body systems. Research shows that this fat accumulation is responsible for several comorbidities, including cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and metabolic dysfunctions, as well as pathological pain behaviors. These health concerns are related to the crosstalk between adipose tissue and body systems, leading to pathophysiological changes to the latter. To deal with these health issues, it has been suggested that physical exercise may reverse part of these obesity-related pathologies by modulating the cross talk between the adipose tissue and body systems. In this context, this review was carried out to provide knowledge about (i) the structural and functional changes in tissues, organs, and body systems from accumulation of fat in obesity, emphasizing the crosstalk between fat and body tissues; (ii) the crosstalk between fat and body tissues triggering pain; and (iii) the effects of physical exercise on body tissues and organs in obese and non-obese subjects, and their impact on pathological pain. This information may help one to better understand this crosstalk and the factors involved, and it could be useful in designing more specific training interventions (according to the nature of the comorbidity).
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Verdú
- Research Group of Clinical Anatomy, Embryology and Neuroscience (NEOMA), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain;
- Correspondence: (E.V.); (P.B.-V.)
| | - Judit Homs
- Research Group of Clinical Anatomy, Embryology and Neuroscience (NEOMA), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain;
- Department of Physical Therapy, EUSES-University of Girona, 17190 Salt, Spain
| | - Pere Boadas-Vaello
- Research Group of Clinical Anatomy, Embryology and Neuroscience (NEOMA), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain;
- Correspondence: (E.V.); (P.B.-V.)
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Neuropathic Pain Related to Peripheral Neuropathies According to the IASP Grading System Criteria. Brain Sci 2020; 11:brainsci11010001. [PMID: 33374929 PMCID: PMC7821938 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is defined as pain caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory system. Neuropathic pain represents a broad category of pain conditions, common complications of peripheral neuropathies, which are characterized by a combination of positive symptoms, including paresthesia and/or dysesthesia and sensory deficits in the painful area. In the present paper, we aimed to assess neuropathic pain frequency and clinical characteristics of peripheral neuropathies due to different aetiologies according to grading system criteria of the International Association for the Study of Pain for a definitive diagnosis of neuropathic pain. Epidemiological studies applying these criteria have been conducted in patients with diabetes, brachial plexus injury, and other traumatic nerve injuries. Neuropathic pain was diagnosed in 37–42% of patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, 56% of patients with brachial plexus injury, and 22% of patients with intercostobrachial neuropathy. The most frequent neuropathic pain type was ongoing pain (described as burning or pressing), followed by paroxysmal pain (electric shock-like sensations) and allodynia (pain evoked by brushing and pressure). By providing information on the frequency, clinical signs, and variables associated with neuropathic pain due to different aetiologies, these studies contribute to improving the clinical management of this condition.
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Galosi E, Di Pietro G, La Cesa S, Di Stefano G, Leone C, Fasolino A, Di Lionardo A, Leonetti F, Buzzetti R, Mollica C, Cruccu G, Truini A. Differential involvement of myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibers in painful diabetic polyneuropathy. Muscle Nerve 2020; 63:68-74. [PMID: 32996600 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed at evaluating the differential involvement of large myelinated Aβ-, small myelinated Aδ-, and unmyelinated C-fibers in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy and how they contribute to neuropathic pain. METHODS We collected clinical and diagnostic test variables in 133 consecutive patients with diabetic polyneuropathy. All patients underwent Aβ-fiber mediated nerve conduction study, Aδ-fiber mediated laser-evoked potentials and skin biopsy mainly assessing unmyelinated C-fibers. RESULTS Pure large-fiber and small-fiber polyneuropathy were relatively uncommon; conversely mixed-fiber polyneuropathy was the most common type of diabetic polyneuropathy (74%). The frequency of neuropathic pain was similar in the three different polyneuropathies. Ongoing burning pain and dynamic mechanical allodynia were similarly associated with specific small-fiber related variables. CONCLUSIONS Diabetic polyneuropathy mainly manifests as a mixed-fiber polyneuropathy, simultaneously involving Aβ-, Aδ-, and C-fibers. In most patients, neuropathic pain is distinctly associated with small-fiber damage. The evidence that the frequency of neuropathic pain does not differ across pure large-, pure small-, and mixed-fiber polyneuropathy, raises the possibility that in patients with pure large-fiber polyneuropathy nociceptive nerve terminal involvement might be undetected by standard diagnostic techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Galosi
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Pietro
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia La Cesa
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Di Stefano
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Leone
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Di Lionardo
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Frida Leonetti
- Diabetes Unit, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaella Buzzetti
- Experimental Medicine Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Mollica
- Dipartimento di Metodi e Modelli per l'Economia, il Territorio e la Finanza, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Cruccu
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Truini
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Timmins HC, Li T, Kiernan MC, Horvath LG, Goldstein D, Park SB. Quantification of Small Fiber Neuropathy in Chemotherapy-Treated Patients. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2019; 21:44-58. [PMID: 31325646 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2019.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a major, dose-limiting side effect of treatment with neurotoxic cancer treatments which can result in long-term impairment. Deficits often reflect a large fiber polyneuropathy, however small fiber involvement resulting in neuropathic pain and autonomic dysfunction can occur. Quantification of both CIPN and small fiber neuropathy (SFN) remains a challenge. Accordingly, the prevalence and pathophysiology of small fiber neuropathy amongst cancer survivors remains poorly understood. This review will provide an overview of the clinical features of SFN associated with neurotoxic cancer treatments as well as a summary of current assessment tools for evaluating small fiber function, and their use in patients treated with neurotoxic chemotherapies. The continued development and utilization of novel measures quantifying small fiber involvement will help elucidate the pathophysiology underlying symptoms of CIPN and assist in informing treatment approaches. Accurately identifying subgroups of patients with neuropathic symptoms which may respond to existing pain medication may reduce the impact of CIPN and improve long-term quality of life as well as provide better categorization of patients for future clinical trials of neuroprotective and treatment strategies for CIPN. PERSPECTIVE: This review provides a critical analysis of SFN associated with neurotoxic cancer treatments and the assessment tools for evaluating small fiber dysfunction in cancer patients. Quantification of small fiber involvement in CIPN will assist in identifying subgroups of patients with neuropathic symptoms which may respond to existing pain medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C Timmins
- Brain and Mind Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Tiffany Li
- Brain and Mind Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Matthew C Kiernan
- Brain and Mind Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia; Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Australia; Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Lisa G Horvath
- The Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, Australia; Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Australia; Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - David Goldstein
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia; Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | - Susanna B Park
- Brain and Mind Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.
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Abstract
Clinical neurophysiologic investigation of pain pathways in humans is based on specific techniques and approaches, since conventional methods of nerve conduction studies and somatosensory evoked potentials do not explore these pathways. The proposed techniques use various types of painful stimuli (thermal, laser, mechanical, or electrical) and various types of assessments (measurement of sensory thresholds, study of nerve fiber excitability, or recording of electromyographic reflexes or cortical potentials). The two main tests used in clinical practice are quantitative sensory testing and pain-related evoked potentials (PREPs). In particular, PREPs offer the possibility of an objective assessment of nociceptive pathways. Three types of PREPs can be distinguished depending on the type of stimulation used to evoke pain: laser-evoked potentials, contact heat evoked potentials, and intraepidermal electrical stimulation evoked potentials (IEEPs). These three techniques investigate both small-diameter peripheral nociceptive afferents (mainly Aδ nerve fibers) and spinothalamic tracts without theoretically being able to differentiate the level of lesion in the case of abnormal results. In routine clinical practice, PREP recording is a reliable method of investigation for objectifying the existence of a peripheral or central lesion or loss of function concerning the nociceptive pathways, but not the existence of pain. Other methods, such as nerve fiber excitability studies using microneurography, more directly reflect the activities of nociceptive axons in response to provoked pain, but without detecting or quantifying the presence of spontaneous pain. These methods are more often used in research or experimental study design. Thus, it should be kept in mind that most of the results of neurophysiologic investigation performed in clinical practice assess small fiber or spinothalamic tract lesions rather than the neuronal mechanisms directly at the origin of pain and they do not provide objective quantification of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pascal Lefaucheur
- Excitabilité Nerveuse et Thérapeutique, Faculté de Médecine de Créteil, Université Paris-Est-Créteil, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France; Service de Physiologie-Explorations Fonctionnelles, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France.
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7
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Galosi E, La Cesa S, Di Stefano G, Karlsson P, Fasolino A, Leone C, Biasiotta A, Cruccu G, Truini A. A pain in the skin. Regenerating nerve sprouts are distinctly associated with ongoing burning pain in patients with diabetes. Eur J Pain 2018; 22:1727-1734. [PMID: 29885017 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Patients with diabetic polyneuropathy commonly suffer from ongoing burning pain and dynamic mechanical allodynia. In this clinical and skin biopsy study, we aimed at assessing how intraepidermal regenerating nerve sprouts are associated with these two types of pain. METHODS We consecutively enrolled 85 patients with diabetic polyneuropathy. All patients underwent skin biopsy at the distal leg. Intraepidermal nerve fibres were immunostained with the anti-protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5) to quantify all intraepidermal nerve fibres, and the growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43) to quantify regenerating nerve sprouts. RESULTS We found that the GAP43-stained intraepidermal nerve fibre density and the ratio GAP43/PGP9.5 were significantly higher in patients with ongoing burning pain than in those without. The area of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the ratio GAP43/PGP9.5 was 0.74 and yielded a sensitivity and specificity for identifying ongoing burning pain of 72% and 71%, respectively. Conversely, although the density of PGP9.5 and GAP43 intraepidermal nerve fibre was higher in patients with dynamic mechanical allodynia than in those without, this difference was statistically weak and the ROC curve analysis of skin biopsy variables for this type of pain failed to reach the statistical significance. CONCLUSION Our clinical and skin biopsy study showed that ongoing burning pain was strongly associated with regenerating sprouts, as assessed with GAP43 immunostaining. This finding improves our understanding on the mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy and suggests that the GAP43/PGP 9.5 ratio might be used as an objective marker for ongoing burning pain due to regenerating sprouts. SIGNIFICANCE Our skin biopsy study showing that regenerating sprouts, as assessed with GAP43-staining, were strongly associated with ongoing burning pain, improves our knowledge on the mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain in patients with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Galosi
- Department Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - S La Cesa
- Department Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - G Di Stefano
- Department Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - P Karlsson
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark.,Core Center for Molecular Morphology, Section for Stereology and Microscopy, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - A Fasolino
- Department Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - C Leone
- Department Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - A Biasiotta
- Department Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - G Cruccu
- Department Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - A Truini
- Department Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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8
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Gonçalves NP, Vægter CB, Pallesen LT. Peripheral Glial Cells in the Development of Diabetic Neuropathy. Front Neurol 2018; 9:268. [PMID: 29770116 PMCID: PMC5940740 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The global prevalence of diabetes is rapidly increasing, affecting more than half a billion individuals within the next few years. As diabetes negatively affects several physiological systems, this dramatic increase represents not only impaired quality of life on the individual level but also a huge socioeconomic challenge. One of the physiological consequences affecting up to half of diabetic patients is the progressive deterioration of the peripheral nervous system, resulting in spontaneous pain and eventually loss of sensory function, motor weakness, and organ dysfunctions. Despite intense research on the consequences of hyperglycemia on nerve functions, the biological mechanisms underlying diabetic neuropathy are still largely unknown, and treatment options lacking. Research has mainly focused directly on the neuronal component, presumably from the perspective that this is the functional signal-transmitting unit of the nerve. However, it is noteworthy that each single peripheral sensory neuron is intimately associated with numerous glial cells; the neuronal soma is completely enclosed by satellite glial cells and the length of the longest axons covered by at least 1,000 Schwann cells. The glial cells are vital for the neuron, but very little is still known about these cells in general and especially how they respond to diabetes in terms of altered neuronal support. We will discuss current knowledge of peripheral glial cells and argue that increased research in these cells is imperative for a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying diabetic neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nádia Pereira Gonçalves
- Department of Biomedicine, Nordic-EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience (DANDRITE), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,The International Diabetic Neuropathy Consortium (IDNC), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Christian Bjerggaard Vægter
- Department of Biomedicine, Nordic-EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience (DANDRITE), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,The International Diabetic Neuropathy Consortium (IDNC), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lone Tjener Pallesen
- Department of Biomedicine, Nordic-EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience (DANDRITE), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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La Cesa S, Sammartino P, Mollica C, Cascialli G, Cruccu G, Truini A, Framarino-Dei-Malatesta M. A longitudinal study of painless and painful intercostobrachial neuropathy after breast cancer surgery. Neurol Sci 2018; 39:1245-1251. [PMID: 29705914 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-018-3418-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Intercostobrachial neuropathy, often resulting in neuropathic pain, is a common complication of breast cancer surgery. In this 1-year longitudinal study, we aimed at seeking information on the frequency, clinical features, and course of painless and painful intercostobrachial neuropathy. We enrolled 40 women previously undergoing breast cancer surgery. In these patients, we collected, at 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery, clinical and quantitative sensory testing (QST) variables to diagnose intercostobrachial neuropathy, DN4 questionnaire to identify neuropathic pain, Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory to assess the different neuropathic pain symptoms, the Beck Depression Inventory to assess depressive symptoms, and SF36 to assess quality of life and Patient Global Impression of Change. Clinical and QST examination showed an intercostobrachial neuropathy in 23 patients (57.5%). Out of the 23 patients, five experienced neuropathic pain, as assessed with clinical examination and DN4. Axillary surgery clearance was associated with an increased risk of intercostobrachial neuropathy. Whereas sensory disturbances improved during the 1-year observation, neuropathic pain did not. Nevertheless, Beck Depression Inventory, SF36, and the Patient Global Impression of Change scores significantly improved over time. Our study shows that although intercostobrachial neuropathy is a common complication of breast cancer surgery, neuropathic pain affects only a minor proportion of patients. After 1 year, sensory disturbances partially improve and have only a mild impact on mood and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- S La Cesa
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza, University of Rome, Viale Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - P Sammartino
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C Mollica
- Departments of Methods and Models for Economy, Territory and Finance, Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - G Cascialli
- Department of Gynecologic Obstetrics and Urologic Sciences, Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - G Cruccu
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza, University of Rome, Viale Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - A Truini
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza, University of Rome, Viale Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - M Framarino-Dei-Malatesta
- Department of Gynecologic Obstetrics and Urologic Sciences, Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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10
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Vollert J, Magerl W, Baron R, Binder A, Enax-Krumova EK, Geisslinger G, Gierthmühlen J, Henrich F, Hüllemann P, Klein T, Lötsch J, Maier C, Oertel B, Schuh-Hofer S, Tölle TR, Treede RD. Pathophysiological mechanisms of neuropathic pain: comparison of sensory phenotypes in patients and human surrogate pain models. Pain 2018; 159:1090-1102. [DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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11
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Cruccu G, Nurmikko TJ, Ernault E, Riaz FK, McBride WT, Haanpää M. Superiority of capsaicin 8% patch versus oral pregabalin on dynamic mechanical allodynia in patients with peripheral neuropathic pain. Eur J Pain 2017; 22:700-706. [PMID: 29194851 PMCID: PMC5887877 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Dynamic Mechanical Allodynia (DMA) is a typical symptom of neuropathic pain (NP). In a recent study, the capsaicin 8% patch was noninferior to pregabalin in overall peripheral NP relief. In this study, we report the comparison of the two treatments in relieving DMA. Methods In a randomized, open‐label, head‐to‐head, 8‐week study, 488 patients with peripheral NP were treated with the capsaicin 8% patch (one application) or an optimized dose of pregabalin. Assessments included the area and intensity of DMA, and the number of patients achieving complete resolution of DMA. Results At baseline, 253 patients in the capsaicin 8% patch group and 235 patients in the pregabalin group had DMA. From baseline to end of study, the change in DMA intensity was significantly in favour of the capsaicin 8% patch versus pregabalin [−0.63 (95% CI: −1.04, −0.23; p = 0.002)]. Similarly, the capsaicin 8% patch was superior to pregabalin in reducing the area of DMA [−39.5 cm2 (95% CI: −69.1, −10.0; p = 0.009)] from baseline to end of study. Overall, a greater proportion of patients had a complete resolution of allodynia with capsaicin 8% patch treatment compared with pregabalin treatment (24.1% vs. 12.3%; p = 0.001) at end of study. Conclusion Capsaicin 8% treatment was superior to pregabalin in reducing the intensity and area of DMA, and in the number of patients with complete resolution of DMA. Significance The superiority of a topical treatment over pregabalin in relieving DMA supports the view that both peripheral and central sensitization can mediate allodynia.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Cruccu
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - T J Nurmikko
- The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - E Ernault
- Astellas Pharma Inc., Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - F K Riaz
- Astellas Pharma Inc., Chertsey, UK
| | - W T McBride
- Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - M Haanpää
- Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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12
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Abstract
More than 1100 patients with neuropathic pain were examined using quantitative sensory testing. Independent of the etiology, 3 subtypes with distinct sensory profiles were identified and replicated. Patients with neuropathic pain are heterogeneous in etiology, pathophysiology, and clinical appearance. They exhibit a variety of pain-related sensory symptoms and signs (sensory profile). Different sensory profiles might indicate different classes of neurobiological mechanisms, and hence subgroups with different sensory profiles might respond differently to treatment. The aim of the investigation was to identify subgroups in a large sample of patients with neuropathic pain using hypothesis-free statistical methods on the database of 3 large multinational research networks (German Research Network on Neuropathic Pain (DFNS), IMI-Europain, and Neuropain). Standardized quantitative sensory testing was used in 902 (test cohort) and 233 (validation cohort) patients with peripheral neuropathic pain of different etiologies. For subgrouping, we performed a cluster analysis using 13 quantitative sensory testing parameters. Three distinct subgroups with characteristic sensory profiles were identified and replicated. Cluster 1 (sensory loss, 42%) showed a loss of small and large fiber function in combination with paradoxical heat sensations. Cluster 2 (thermal hyperalgesia, 33%) was characterized by preserved sensory functions in combination with heat and cold hyperalgesia and mild dynamic mechanical allodynia. Cluster 3 (mechanical hyperalgesia, 24%) was characterized by a loss of small fiber function in combination with pinprick hyperalgesia and dynamic mechanical allodynia. All clusters occurred across etiologies but frequencies differed. We present a new approach of subgrouping patients with peripheral neuropathic pain of different etiologies according to intrinsic sensory profiles. These 3 profiles may be related to pathophysiological mechanisms and may be useful in clinical trial design to enrich the study population for treatment responders.
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Omori S, Isose S, Misawa S, Watanabe K, Sekiguchi Y, Shibuya K, Beppu M, Amino H, Kuwabara S. Pain-related evoked potentials after intraepidermal electrical stimulation to Aδ and C fibers in patients with neuropathic pain. Neurosci Res 2017; 121:43-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2017.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2016] [Revised: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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14
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Gonçalves NP, Vægter CB, Andersen H, Østergaard L, Calcutt NA, Jensen TS. Schwann cell interactions with axons and microvessels in diabetic neuropathy. Nat Rev Neurol 2017; 13:135-147. [PMID: 28134254 DOI: 10.1038/nrneurol.2016.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of diabetes worldwide is at pandemic levels, with the number of patients increasing by 5% annually. The most common complication of diabetes is peripheral neuropathy, which has a prevalence as high as 50% and is characterized by damage to neurons, Schwann cells and blood vessels within the nerve. The pathogenic mechanisms of diabetic neuropathy remain poorly understood, impeding the development of targeted therapies to treat nerve degeneration and its most disruptive consequences of sensory loss and neuropathic pain. Involvement of Schwann cells has long been proposed, and new research techniques are beginning to unravel a complex interplay between these cells, axons and microvessels that is compromised during the development of diabetic neuropathy. In this Review, we discuss the evolving concept of Schwannopathy as an integral factor in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy, and how disruption of the interactions between Schwann cells, axons and microvessels contribute to the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nádia P Gonçalves
- The International Diabetic Neuropathy Consortium (IDNC), Aarhus University, Nørrebrogade, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Christian B Vægter
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience DANDRITE, Nordic-EMBL Partnership, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Ole Worms Alle 3, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Henning Andersen
- Department of Neurology, Danish Pain Research Center and IDNC, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Leif Østergaard
- Department of Neuroradiology and Center for Functionally Integrative Neuroscience, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Nigel A Calcutt
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Troels S Jensen
- Department of Neurology, Danish Pain Research Center and IDNC, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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15
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How diagnostic tests help to disentangle the mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain symptoms in painful neuropathies. Pain 2016; 157 Suppl 1:S53-S59. [PMID: 26785156 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain, ie, pain arising directly from a lesion or disease affecting the somatosensory afferent pathway, manifests with various symptoms, the commonest being ongoing burning pain, electrical shock-like sensations, and dynamic mechanical allodynia. Reliable insights into the mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain symptoms come from diagnostic tests documenting and quantifying somatosensory afferent pathway damage in patients with painful neuropathies. Neurophysiological investigation and skin biopsy studies suggest that ongoing burning pain primarily reflects spontaneous activity in nociceptive-fiber pathways. Electrical shock-like sensations presumably arise from high-frequency ectopic bursts generated in demyelinated, nonnociceptive, Aβ fibers. Although the mechanisms underlying dynamic mechanical allodynia remain debatable, normally innocuous stimuli might cause pain by activating spared and sensitized nociceptive afferents. Extending the mechanistic approach to neuropathic pain symptoms might advance targeted therapy for the individual patient and improve testing for new drugs.
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16
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Di Stefano G, Celletti C, Baron R, Castori M, Di Franco M, La Cesa S, Leone C, Pepe A, Cruccu G, Truini A, Camerota F. Central sensitization as the mechanism underlying pain in joint hypermobility syndrome/Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, hypermobility type. Eur J Pain 2016; 20:1319-25. [DOI: 10.1002/ejp.856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G. Di Stefano
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry; Sapienza University; Rome Italy
| | - C. Celletti
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Division; Policlinico Umberto I; Sapienza University; Rome Italy
| | - R. Baron
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy; Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein; Kiel Germany
| | - M. Castori
- Division of Medical Genetics; Department of Molecular Medicine; San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital; Sapienza University; Rome Italy
| | - M. Di Franco
- Rheumatology Unit; Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities; Sapienza University; Rome Italy
| | - S. La Cesa
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry; Sapienza University; Rome Italy
| | - C. Leone
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry; Sapienza University; Rome Italy
| | - A. Pepe
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry; Sapienza University; Rome Italy
| | - G. Cruccu
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry; Sapienza University; Rome Italy
| | - A. Truini
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry; Sapienza University; Rome Italy
| | - F. Camerota
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Division; Policlinico Umberto I; Sapienza University; Rome Italy
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17
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Ng Wing Tin S, Planté-Bordeneuve V, Salhi H, Goujon C, Damy T, Lefaucheur JP. Characterization of Pain in Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2015; 16:1106-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2015.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Revised: 06/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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18
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Allodynia and hyperalgesia in neuropathic pain: clinical manifestations and mechanisms. Lancet Neurol 2014; 13:924-35. [PMID: 25142459 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(14)70102-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 522] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Allodynia (pain due to a stimulus that does not usually provoke pain) and hyperalgesia (increased pain from a stimulus that usually provokes pain) are prominent symptoms in patients with neuropathic pain. Both are seen in various peripheral neuropathies and central pain disorders, and affect 15-50% of patients with neuropathic pain. Allodynia and hyperalgesia are classified according to the sensory modality (touch, pressure, pinprick, cold, and heat) that is used to elicit the sensation. Peripheral sensitisation and maladaptive central changes contribute to the generation and maintenance of these reactions, with separate mechanisms in different subtypes of allodynia and hyperalgesia. Pain intensity and relief are important measures in clinical pain studies, but might be insufficient to capture the complexity of the pain experience. Better understanding of allodynia and hyperalgesia might provide clues to the underlying pathophysiology of neuropathic pain and, as such, they represent new or additional endpoints in pain trials.
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19
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Response to letter to the Editor. Pain 2014; 155:1179-1180. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2014.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Revised: 03/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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20
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Biasiotta A, Casato M, La Cesa S, Colantuono S, Di Stefano G, Leone C, Carlesimo M, Piroso S, Cruccu G, Truini A. Clinical, neurophysiological, and skin biopsy findings in peripheral neuropathy associated with hepatitis C virus-related cryoglobulinemia. J Neurol 2014; 261:725-31. [PMID: 24500496 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-014-7261-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2013] [Revised: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cryoglobulinemia commonly causes disabling complications including peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic pain. In this prospective clinical, neurophysiological, and skin biopsy study we aimed at assessing clinical characteristics and risk factors of peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic pain in patients with HCV-related cryoglobulinemia. We enrolled 69 consecutive patients with HCV-related cryoglobulinemia. We diagnosed neuropathic pain with the DN4 (Neuropathic Pain Diagnostic) questionnaire, and rated the various neuropathic pains with the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI). All patients underwent a standard nerve conduction study to assess Aβ-fiber function, laser-evoked potentials to assess Aδ-fiber function, and skin biopsy to assess C-fiber terminals. Of the 69 patients studied, 47 had a peripheral neuropathy, and 29 had neuropathic pain. Patients with peripheral neuropathy were older than those without (P < 0.0001). While peripheral neuropathy was significantly associated with the duration of HCV infection (P < 0.01), it was unrelated to the duration of cryoglobulinemia and cryocrit (P > 0.5). The severity of peripheral neuropathy significantly correlated with the duration of HCV infection (P < 0.05). Laser-evoked potential amplitudes were significantly lower in patients with than in those without neuropathic pain (P < 0.05). Conversely, no difference was found in nerve conduction study and skin biopsy findings (P > 0.05). Our findings show that peripheral neuropathy is related to age and HCV infection, rather than to cryoglobulinemia, and neuropathic pain is associated with damage to nociceptive pathways as assessed with laser-evoked potentials; this might be useful for designing more effective clinical interventions for these common HCV related-cryoglobulinemia complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Biasiotta
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University, Viale Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
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21
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Truini A, Garcia-Larrea L, Cruccu G. Reappraising neuropathic pain in humans--how symptoms help disclose mechanisms. Nat Rev Neurol 2013; 9:572-82. [PMID: 24018479 DOI: 10.1038/nrneurol.2013.180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain--that is, pain arising directly from a lesion or disease that affects the somatosensory system--is a common clinical problem, and typically causes patients intense distress. Patients with neuropathic pain have sensory abnormalities on clinical examination and experience pain of diverse types, some spontaneous and others provoked. Spontaneous pain typically manifests as ongoing burning pain or paroxysmal electric shock-like sensations. Provoked pain includes pain induced by various stimuli or even gentle brushing (dynamic mechanical allodynia). Recent clinical and neurophysiological studies suggest that the various pain types arise through distinct pathophysiological mechanisms. Ongoing burning pain primarily reflects spontaneous hyperactivity in nociceptive-fibre pathways, originating from 'irritable' nociceptors, regenerating nerve sprouts or denervated central neurons. Paroxysmal sensations can be caused by several mechanisms; for example, electric shock-like sensations probably arise from high-frequency bursts generated in demyelinated non-nociceptive Aβ fibres. Most human and animal findings suggest that brush-evoked allodynia originates from Aβ fibres projecting onto previously sensitized nociceptive neurons in the dorsal horn, with additional contributions from plastic changes in the brainstem and thalamus. Here, we propose that the emerging mechanism-based approach to the study of neuropathic pain might aid the tailoring of therapy to the individual patient, and could be useful for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Truini
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University, Viale Università 30, 00185 Rome, Italy
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