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Lin T, Allaire C, As-Sanie S, Stratton P, Vincent K, Adamson GD, Arendt-Nielsen L, Bush D, Jansen F, Longpre J, Rombauts L, Shah J, Toussaint A, Hummelshoj L, Missmer SA, Yong PJ. World Endometriosis Research Foundation Endometriosis Phenome and Biobanking Harmonization Project: V. Physical examination standards in endometriosis research. Fertil Steril 2024; 122:304-315. [PMID: 38508508 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The World Endometriosis Research Foundation established the Endometriosis Phenome and Biobanking Harmonisation Project (EPHect) to create standardized documentation tools (with common data elements) to facilitate the comparison and combination of data across different research sites and studies. In 2014, 4 data research standards were published: clinician-reported surgical data, patient-reported clinical data, and fluid and tissue biospecimen collection. Our current objective is to create an EPHect standard for the clinician-reported physical examination (EPHect-PE) for research studies. DESIGN An international consortium involving 26 clinical and academic experts and patient partners from 11 countries representing 25 institutions and organizations. Two virtual workshops, followed by the development of the physical examination standards underwent multiple rounds of iterations and revisions. SUBJECTS N/A MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): N/A RESULT(S): The EPHect-PE tool provides standardized assessment of physical examination characteristics and pain phenotyping. Data elements involve examination of back and pelvic girdle; abdomen including allodynia and trigger points; vulva including provoked vestibulodynia; pelvic floor muscle tone and tenderness; tenderness on unidigital pelvic examination; presence of pelvic nodularity; uterine size and mobility; presence of adnexal masses; presence of incisional masses; speculum examination; tenderness and allodynia at an extra-pelvic site (e.g., forearm); and recording of anthropometrics. CONCLUSION(S) The EPHect-PE standards will facilitate the standardized documentation of the physical examination, including the assessment and documentation of examination phenotyping of endometriosis-associated pelvic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinya Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Catherine Allaire
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sawsan As-Sanie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | - Katy Vincent
- Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - G David Adamson
- World Endometriosis Research Foundation (WERF); Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Lars Arendt-Nielsen
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark; Aalborg University Hospital, Mech-Sense, Aalborg, Denmark
| | | | - Femke Jansen
- World Endometriosis Organisations (WEO); EndoHome - Endometriosis Association Belgium, Belgium
| | - Jennifer Longpre
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Luk Rombauts
- World Endometriosis Research Foundation (WERF); Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jay Shah
- National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Abeesha Toussaint
- World Endometriosis Organisations (WEO); Trinidad and Tobago Endometriosis Association, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
| | | | - Stacey A Missmer
- World Endometriosis Research Foundation (WERF); Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan
| | - Paul J Yong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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Allaire C, Yong PJ, Bajzak K, Jarrell J, Lemos N, Miller C, Morin M, Nasr-Esfahani M, Singh SS, Chen I. Directive clinique n o445 : Gestion de la douleur pelvienne chronique. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2024; 46:102284. [PMID: 38341222 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2023.102284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
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Sieberg CB, Lunde CE, Shafrir AL, Meints SM, Madraswalla M, Huntley D, Olsen H, Wong C, DiVasta AD, Missmer SA, Sethna N. Quantitative somatosensory testing of the abdomen: establishing initial reference values across developmental age and biological sex. Pain 2024; 165:115-125. [PMID: 37530649 PMCID: PMC10822023 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Abdominal pain is a common symptom of several debilitating conditions (eg, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and endometriosis) and affects individuals throughout their lifespan. Quantitative sensory testing (QST) reference values exist for many body sites but not the abdomen. Using a QST battery adapted from the German Research Network on Neuropathic Pain, we collected QST data on the upper and lower abdomen in 181 pain-free participants, ages 12 to 50 years, to establish reference values by age and biological sex. The normative values are presented as medians for each QST measure by sex (male, n = 63; female, n = 118) and across 3 age categories (adolescents: 12-19 years, n = 48; young adults: 20-30 years, n = 87; and adults: 31-50 years, n = 46). Evaluating the sensory functioning of the abdomen and characterizing ranges of QST measures is an essential first step in understanding and monitoring the clinical course of sensory abnormalities in patients with underlying diseases affecting the abdomen and pelvis. The impact of age and development on sensory functioning is necessary, given age-related changes in pain perception and modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine B. Sieberg
- Biobehavioral Pain Innovations Lab, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Boston Children’s Hospital, USA
- Pain and Affective Neuroscience Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, USA
| | - Claire E. Lunde
- Biobehavioral Pain Innovations Lab, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Boston Children’s Hospital, USA
- Pain and Affective Neuroscience Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, USA
- Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Amy L. Shafrir
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston Center for Endometriosis, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Samantha M. Meints
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Harvard Medical School, USA
| | - Mehnaz Madraswalla
- Biobehavioral Pain Innovations Lab, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Boston Children’s Hospital, USA
| | - Devon Huntley
- Biobehavioral Pain Innovations Lab, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Boston Children’s Hospital, USA
| | - Hannah Olsen
- Biobehavioral Pain Innovations Lab, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Boston Children’s Hospital, USA
| | - Cindy Wong
- Biobehavioral Pain Innovations Lab, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Boston Children’s Hospital, USA
| | - Amy D. DiVasta
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston Center for Endometriosis, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stacey A. Missmer
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston Center for Endometriosis, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, USA
| | - Navil Sethna
- Department of Anesthesiology, Harvard Medical School, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, USA
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Bartley EJ, Alappattu MJ, Manko K, Lewis H, Vasilopoulos T, Lamvu G. Presence of endometriosis and chronic overlapping pain conditions negatively impacts the pain experience in women with chronic pelvic-abdominal pain: A cross-sectional survey. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 20:17455057241248017. [PMID: 38682290 PMCID: PMC11057341 DOI: 10.1177/17455057241248017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence of overlap between endometriosis and chronic pain conditions is emerging; however, little is known about how the pain experience differs based on the presence or absence of endometriosis. OBJECTIVES In a sample of women reporting chronic pelvic-abdominal pain (CPP), the aim of this study was to characterize differences in pain symptomatology between women with and without endometriosis and to examine the influence of chronic overlapping pain conditions (COPCs) on pain among these two groups. DESIGN This was a cross-sectional study, based on an online survey. METHODS Participants (aged 18+ years) completed a survey collecting pain diagnoses and symptoms assessing pelvic pain severity, pain interference, and pain impact. Independent sample t-tests, chi-square, and multiple linear regression models were employed to analyze group differences in pain symptomatology and COPCs. RESULTS Of the 525 respondents with CPP, 25% (n = 133) reported having endometriosis. Women with endometriosis were younger at the onset of pelvic pain, relative to women without endometriosis (p = 0.04). There were no differences in age, race, ethnicity, or duration of pelvic pain between women with and without endometriosis. Women with endometriosis reported higher pelvic pain severity (+0.8, 95% CI = 0.4-1.1), pain interference (+5.9, 95% CI = 2.4-9.3), and pain impact (+1.9, 95% CI = 0.8-2.9). Endometriosis was associated with a higher number of COPCs (p = 0.003), with 25% (n = 33) of women reporting ⩾3 overlapping pain conditions compared with 12% (n = 45) of those without endometriosis. Women with endometriosis had a higher frequency of fibromyalgia (p < 0.001), chronic fatigue syndrome (p < 0.001), and temporomandibular disorder (p = 0.001). The number of COPCs was associated with higher pain severity, interference, and impact, independently of endometriosis. CONCLUSION Women with endometriosis experienced higher levels of pain-related burden and COPCs compared with those without endometriosis. Pain intensity, interference, and impact increased with a higher number of pain conditions regardless of endometriosis presence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Bartley
- College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Meryl J Alappattu
- College of Public Health & Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kelsey Manko
- College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Hannah Lewis
- Gynecology Section, Division of Surgery, Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Orlando, FL, USA
| | | | - Georgine Lamvu
- College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Gynecology Section, Division of Surgery, Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Orlando, FL, USA
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Allaire C, Yong PJ, Bajzak K, Jarrell J, Lemos N, Miller C, Morin M, Nasr-Esfahani M, Singh SS, Chen I. Guideline No. 445: Management of Chronic Pelvic Pain. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2024; 46:102283. [PMID: 38341225 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2023.102283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide evidence-based recommendations for the management of chronic pelvic pain in females. TARGET POPULATION This guideline is specific to pelvic pain in adolescent and adult females and excluded literature that looked at pelvic pain in males. It also did not address genital pain. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS The intent is to benefit patients with chronic pelvic pain by providing an evidence-based approach to management. Access to certain interventions such as physiotherapy and psychological treatments, and to interdisciplinary care overall, may be limited by costs and service availability. EVIDENCE Medline and the Cochrane Database from 1990 to 2020 were searched for articles in English on subjects related to chronic pelvic pain, including diagnosis, overlapping pain conditions, central sensitization, management, medications, surgery, physiotherapy, psychological therapies, alternative and complementary therapies, and multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary care. The committee reviewed the literature and available data and used a consensus approach to develop recommendations. Only articles in English and pertaining to female subjects were included. VALIDATION METHODS The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations of strong and conditional [weak] recommendations). INTENDED AUDIENCE Family physicians, gynaecologists, urologists, pain specialists, physiotherapists, and mental health professionals. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Management of chronic pelvic pain should consider multifactorial contributors, including underlying central sensitization/nociplastic pain, and employ an interdisciplinary biopsychosocial approach that includes pain education, physiotherapy, and psychological & medical treatments. SUMMARY STATEMENTS RECOMMENDATIONS.
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Feng Y, Dong H, Zheng L. Ligustrazine inhibits inflammatory response of human endometrial stromal cells through the STAT3/IGF2BP1/RELA axis. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2023; 61:666-673. [PMID: 37095705 PMCID: PMC10132247 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2023.2195883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Endometriosis (EMs) is a gynecological disorder. Ligustrazine has been reported to exert an anti-inflammatory effect on EMs. However, the underlying mechanisms are not completely understood. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of ligustrazine on the progression of EMs and the underlying regulatory mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) were isolated from patients with EMs or control subjects. HESCs were treated with 25, 50, 100, or 200 μM ligustrazine for 1, 3, 6, or 12 h. Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to determine the levels of proteins and inflammatory cytokines, respectively. The binding between STAT3 and insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) was assessed by chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter assays. The relationship between IGF2BP1 and RELA was assessed by RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull-down assay. RESULTS Phosphorylated STAT3, IGF2BP1, RELA, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were upregulated in EMs tissues compared with control tissues (by 1.79-, 2.55-, 1.58-, 3.01-, 2.55-, and 3.34-fold, respectively). Ligustrazine inhibited the expression of p-STAT3, IGF2BP1, RELA, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β. Overexpression of STAT3 promoted RELA-mediated inflammatory responses, while ligustrazine (100 µM) notably reversed this phenomenon. Ligustrazine also alleviated RELA-induced inflammation via downregulating IGF2BP1. STAT3 bound to the promoter of IGF2BP1, and IGF2BP1 bound to the RELA mRNA. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Ligustrazine inhibited inflammation in EMs via regulating the STAT3/IGF2BP1/RELA axis. These findings propose a new agent against EMs and support the development of ligustrazine-based treatment strategies for EMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Feng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, P.R. China
- CONTACT Ying Feng Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Donghu District, Nanchang330006, Jiangxi Province, P.R. China
| | - Han Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gynecology Women and Children’s Hospital of Jinzhou, Jinzhou, P.R. China
| | - Liyan Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ShangRao Guangxin District Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shangrao, P.R. China
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Coxon L, Vollert J, Perro D, Lunde CE, Ferreira-Gomes J, Charrua A, Abreu-Mendes P, Krassowski M, Birch J, Meijlink J, Hummelshoj L, Hoffmann A, Aziz Q, Arendt-Nielsen L, Pogatzki-Zahn E, Evans E, Demetriou L, McMahon SB, Missmer SA, Becker CM, Zondervan KT, Horne AW, Cruz F, Sieberg CB, Treede RD, Nagel J, Vincent K. Comprehensive quantitative sensory testing shows altered sensory function in women with chronic pelvic pain: results from the Translational Research in Pelvic Pain (TRiPP) Study. Pain 2023; 164:2528-2539. [PMID: 37289573 PMCID: PMC10578421 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Chronic pelvic pain (CPP), despite its high prevalence, is still relatively poorly understood mechanistically. This study, as part of the Translational Research in Pelvic Pain (TRiPP) project, has used a full quantitative sensory testing (QST) paradigm to profile n = 85 women with and without CPP (endometriosis or bladder pain specifically). We used the foot as a control site and abdomen as the test site. Across 5 diagnostically determined subgroups, we found features which are common across different aetiologies, eg, gain of function in pressure pain threshold (PPT) when assessing responses from the lower abdomen or pelvis (referred pain site). However, disease-specific phenotypes were also identified, eg, greater mechanical allodynia in endometriosis, despite there being large heterogeneities within diagnostic groups. The most common QST sensory phenotype was mechanical hyperalgesia (>50% across all the groups). A "healthy' sensory phenotype was seen in <7% of CPP participants. Specific QST measures correlated with sensory symptoms assessed by the painDETECT questionnaire (pressure-evoked pain [painDETECT] and PPT [QST] [ r = 0.47, P < 0.001]; mechanical hyperalgesia (painDETECT) and mechanical pain sensitivity [MPS from QST] [ r = 0.38, P = 0.009]). The data suggest that participants with CPP are sensitive to both deep tissue and cutaneous inputs, suggesting that central mechanisms may be important in this cohort. We also see phenotypes such as thermal hyperalgesia, which may be the result of peripheral mechanisms, such as irritable nociceptors. This highlights the importance of stratifying patients into clinically meaningful phenotypes, which may have implications for the development of better therapeutic strategies for CPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Coxon
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jan Vollert
- University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Pain Research, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany
| | - Danielle Perro
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Claire E. Lunde
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Biobehavioral Pain Innovations Lab, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Pain and Affective Neuroscience Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Ana Charrua
- IBMC/I3S, Faculty of Medicine of Porto & Hospital São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Abreu-Mendes
- IBMC/I3S, Faculty of Medicine of Porto & Hospital São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Michal Krassowski
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Judy Birch
- Pelvic Pain Support Network, Poole, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Meijlink
- International Painful Bladder Foundation, Naarden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Anja Hoffmann
- Bayer AG, Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Berlin, Germany
| | - Qasim Aziz
- Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lars Arendt-Nielsen
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Mech-Sense, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | | | - Emma Evans
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lysia Demetriou
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen B. McMahon
- Formerly of Neurorestoration Group, Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stacey A. Missmer
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Christian M. Becker
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Krina T. Zondervan
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Francisco Cruz
- IBMC/I3S, Faculty of Medicine of Porto & Hospital São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Christine B. Sieberg
- Biobehavioral Pain Innovations Lab, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Pain and Affective Neuroscience Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Jens Nagel
- Bayer AG, Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Katy Vincent
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Cardaillac C, Levesque A, Riant T, Mortier A, Neunlist M, Perrouin-Verbe MA, Volteau C, Thubert T, Brochard C, Ploteau S. Evaluation of a scoring system for the detection of central sensitization among women with chronic pelvic pain. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 229:530.e1-530.e17. [PMID: 37516398 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.07.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Central sensitization is frequently associated with chronic pelvic pain and requires specific management. The pain is described as hypersensitivity to an innocuous stimulus that is both widespread and persistent. However, no study has evaluated if central sensitization can be measured objectively with neurophysiological tests in the pelvic and perineal area to prove this concept in women with chronic pelvic pain. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate nociceptive thresholds (primary objective) and spatial and temporal diffusion of pain among women with chronic pelvic pain and high or low scores of central sensitization. STUDY DESIGN This prospective, assessor-blinded, comparative study compared a cohort of women with chronic pelvic pain and a high (>5/10; n=29) vs low (<5/10; n=24) score of sensitization according to the Convergences PP criteria. Participants underwent a noninvasive bladder sensory test, a rectal barostat test, and a muscular (algometer) and a vulvar (vulvagesiometer) sensory test. Poststimulation pain (minutes), quality of life (Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Survey), and psychological state, comprising anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), depression (Beck Depression Inventory Short Form), and catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing Scale), were assessed. RESULTS The participants mostly suffered from endometriosis (35.8%), irritable bowel syndrome (35.8%), bladder pain syndrome (32.1%), and vestibulodynia (28.3%). Baseline characteristics were similar. Women with a high sensitization score had more painful diseases diagnosed (2.7±1.3 vs 1.6±0.8; P=.002) and suffered for longer (11±8 vs 6±5 years; P=.028) than participants with a low score. The bladder maximum capacity was equivalent between participants (399±168 vs 465±164 mL; P=.18). However, the pain felt at each cystometric threshold was significantly increased in women with a high sensitization score. No difference was identified for the rectal pain pressure step (29.3±5.5 vs 30.7±6.5 mm Hg; P=.38). Rectal compliance was decreased in women with a high sensitization score with a considerable increase in pain felt. The average of pain pressure thresholds at the 5 vulvar sites tested was decreased in these participants (162.5±90.5 vs 358.7±196.5 g; P=.0003). Similar results were found for the average of the pain pressure thresholds at 6 muscles tested (1.34±0.41 vs 2.63±1.52 kg/m2; P=.0002). A longer period was needed for patients with high sensitization score to obtain a VAS <3 out of 10 after the stimulation of the bladder (4.52±5.26 vs 1.27±2.96 minutes; P=.01), the rectum (3.75±3.81 vs 1.19±1.23 minutes; P=.009), and the muscles (1.46±1.69 vs 0.64±0.40 minutes; P=.002). The psychological state was equivalent between groups. No association was found between the sensory thresholds and the psychological state results. The physical component of the quality of life score was reduced in women with high sensitization score (P=.0005), with no difference in the mental component. CONCLUSION Using neurophysiological tests, this study showed that there are objective elements to assess for the presence of central sensitization, independently of psychological factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Cardaillac
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France; Federative Pelvic Pain Center, Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France; Bretagne Loire University, Nantes University, Institut des Maladies de l'Appareil Digestif, Inserm Unit 1235-The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Disorders, Nantes, France
| | - Amélie Levesque
- Federative Pelvic Pain Center, Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France; Department of Urology, Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
| | - Thibault Riant
- Federative Pelvic Pain Center, Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France; Maurice Bensignor Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Catherine de Sienne Center, Nantes, France
| | - Anaïs Mortier
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France; Bretagne Loire University, Nantes University, Institut des Maladies de l'Appareil Digestif, Inserm Unit 1235-The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Disorders, Nantes, France
| | - Michel Neunlist
- Bretagne Loire University, Nantes University, Institut des Maladies de l'Appareil Digestif, Inserm Unit 1235-The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Disorders, Nantes, France
| | - Marie-Aimée Perrouin-Verbe
- Federative Pelvic Pain Center, Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France; Bretagne Loire University, Nantes University, Institut des Maladies de l'Appareil Digestif, Inserm Unit 1235-The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Disorders, Nantes, France; Department of Urology, Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
| | | | - Thibault Thubert
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
| | - Charlène Brochard
- Bretagne Loire University, Nantes University, Institut des Maladies de l'Appareil Digestif, Inserm Unit 1235-The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Disorders, Nantes, France; Department of Digestive Functional Exploration, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France
| | - Stéphane Ploteau
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France; Federative Pelvic Pain Center, Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France.
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Till SR, Schrepf A, Clauw DJ, Harte SE, Williams DA, As-Sanie S. Association Between Nociplastic Pain and Pain Severity and Impact in Women With Chronic Pelvic Pain. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2023; 24:1406-1414. [PMID: 36958459 PMCID: PMC10511662 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Exploring the relationship between nociplastic pain and the severity and impact of pelvic pain symptoms could lend insight into the heterogeneous symptom presentation and treatment response that complicates management of chronic pelvic pain. In this prospective cross-sectional study, we sought to evaluate relationships between degree of nociplastic pain, measured by the Fibromyalgia (FM) Survey Score, and multiple aspects of the chronic pelvic pain (CPP) experience, including severity, frequency, tenderness during pelvic myofascial exam, interference with daily life, and high-impact pain. The study included 303 women who presented to a tertiary referral clinic for chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis. Multiple measures of pelvic pain, including pain severity, frequency, interference, pelvic myofascial pain, and high-impact pain were examined in General Linear Models with FM Survey Score as the primary predictor of interest in models controlling for endometriosis, surgical history, use of opioids, body mass index, and patient age. Higher level of nociplastic pain was associated with greater pelvic pain severity, frequency, interference, and pelvic myofascial pain (all P < .05). For all models, degree of nociplastic pain was more strongly associated with pain outcomes than the presence of endometriosis, and use of opioids was the only stronger predictor of worse pain outcomes. The likelihood of high impact pain increased 7% for each additional point on the FM Survey Score. Degree of nociplastic pain was robustly associated with severity, frequency, and impact of pelvic pain, and was independent of the presence of endometriosis, history of surgical procedures for pelvic pain, age, and BMI. Trial registration: not applicable PERSPECTIVE: This article evaluates the impact of nociplastic pain on symptoms and functional status in chronic pelvic pain. These findings raise the possibility that a simple screening tool for nociplastic pain might provide clinically actionable information without the need for deep neurobiological phenotyping and may inform development of personalized management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara R Till
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan..
| | - Andrew Schrepf
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Daniel J Clauw
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Steven E Harte
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - David A Williams
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Sawsan As-Sanie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Bułdyś K, Górnicki T, Kałka D, Szuster E, Biernikiewicz M, Markuszewski L, Sobieszczańska M. What Do We Know about Nociplastic Pain? Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1794. [PMID: 37372912 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11121794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nociplastic pain is a recently distinguished type of pain, distinct from neuropathic and nociceptive pain, and is well described in the literature. It is often mistaken for central sensitization. Pathophysiology has not been clearly established with regard to alteration of the concentration of spinal fluid elements, the structure of the white and gray matter of the brain, and psychological aspects. Many different diagnostic tools, i.e., the painDETECT and Douleur Neuropathique 4 questionnaires, have been developed to diagnose neuropathic pain, but they can also be applied for nociplastic pain; however, more standardized instruments are still needed in order to assess its occurrence and clinical presentation. Numerous studies have shown that nociplastic pain is present in many different diseases such as fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome type 1, and irritable bowel syndrome. Current pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments for nociceptive and neuropathic pain are not entirely suitable for treating nociplastic pain. There is an ongoing effort to establish the most efficient way to manage it. The significance of this field has led to several clinical trials being carried out in a short time. The aim of this narrative review was to discuss the currently available evidence on pathophysiology, associated diseases, treatment possibilities, and clinical trials. It is important that physicians widely discuss and acknowledge this relatively new concept in order to provide optimized pain control for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kacper Bułdyś
- Faculty of Medical Sciences and Health Sciences, Kazimierz Pulaski University of Technology and Humanities in Radom, 26-600 Radom, Poland
| | - Tomasz Górnicki
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dariusz Kałka
- Faculty of Physiotherapy, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland
- Men's Health Centre in Wrocław, 53-151 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Szuster
- Cardiosexology Students Club, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Leszek Markuszewski
- Faculty of Medical Sciences and Health Sciences, Kazimierz Pulaski University of Technology and Humanities in Radom, 26-600 Radom, Poland
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11
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Schubert R, Song S, Everist R, Nesbitt-Hawes E, Abbott J. The impact of multimodal physiotherapy in an interdisciplinary setting for the management of women with persistent pelvic pain and pelvic floor tension myalgia. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOTHERAPY 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/21679169.2023.2188901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sophia Song
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Gynaecological Research and Clinical Evaluation (GRACE) Group, RHW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rebecca Everist
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Gynaecological Research and Clinical Evaluation (GRACE) Group, RHW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Erin Nesbitt-Hawes
- Alana Healthcare for Women, Randwick, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Gynaecological Research and Clinical Evaluation (GRACE) Group, RHW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jason Abbott
- Alana Healthcare for Women, Randwick, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Gynaecological Research and Clinical Evaluation (GRACE) Group, RHW, Sydney, Australia
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12
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Clower L, Fleshman T, Geldenhuys WJ, Santanam N. Targeting Oxidative Stress Involved in Endometriosis and Its Pain. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12081055. [PMID: 36008949 PMCID: PMC9405905 DOI: 10.3390/biom12081055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common gynecological disorder seen in women and is characterized by chronic pelvic pain and infertility. This disorder is becoming more prevalent with increased morbidity. The etiology of endometriosis remains to be fully elucidated, which will lead to improved therapeutic options. In this review, we will evaluate the biochemical mechanisms leading to oxidative stress and their implication in the pathophysiology of endometriosis, as well as potential treatments that target these processes. A comprehensive exploration of previous research revealed that endometriosis is associated with elevated reactive oxygen species and oxidation products, decreased antioxidants and detoxification enzymes, and dysregulated iron metabolism. High levels of oxidative stress contributed to inflammation, extracellular matrix degradation, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation, which may explain its role in endometriosis. Endometriosis-associated pain was attributed to neurogenic inflammation and a feed-forward mechanism involving macrophages, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and pain-inducing prostaglandins. N-acetylcysteine, curcumin, melatonin, and combined vitamin C and E supplementation displayed promising results for the treatment of endometriosis, but further research is needed for their use in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Clower
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, USA; (L.C.); (T.F.)
| | - Taylor Fleshman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, USA; (L.C.); (T.F.)
| | - Werner J. Geldenhuys
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA;
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Nalini Santanam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, USA; (L.C.); (T.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-304-696-7321
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13
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Siqueira-Campos VM, de Deus MSC, Poli-Neto OB, Rosa-E-Silva JC, de Deus JM, Conde DM. Current Challenges in the Management of Chronic Pelvic Pain in Women: From Bench to Bedside. Int J Womens Health 2022; 14:225-244. [PMID: 35210869 PMCID: PMC8863341 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s224891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) affects a significant proportion of women worldwide And has a negative impact on several aspects of these women’s lives including mental health, work, relationships and sexual function, among others. This set of factors ultimately reflects negatively on quality Of life. The physiopathology of CPP is complex and remains to be fully clarified; however, recent advances have increased understanding of the mechanisms involved in chronic pain in general, and more specifically, CPP. Nonetheless, even when a detailed clinical history is obtained, meticulous physical examination is performed and imaging resources are appropriately used, the organic cause of the pain may still fail to be identified in a substantial number of women with CPP. Management of CPP may therefore be challenging. This narrative review was aimed at adding to the available literature on the subject, presenting and discussing the principal characteristics of CPP in women. The paper highlights gaps in the literature while providing the most up-to-date evidence associated with the physiopathology and classification of pain, its diagnosis and treatment. In addition, current challenges in the management of women with CPP are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vânia Meira Siqueira-Campos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | | | - Omero Benedicto Poli-Neto
- Laboratory for Translational Data Science, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Julio Cesar Rosa-E-Silva
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Miguel de Deus
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Délio Marques Conde
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
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