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Vargas-Costales JA, Rosero CYDLMV, Mazin SC, Candido-Dos-Reis FJ, Nogueira AA, Rosa-E-Silva JC, Poli-Neto OB. Prevalence of chronic pelvic pain and associated factors among indigenous women of reproductive age in Ecuador. BMC Womens Health 2024; 24:388. [PMID: 38965526 PMCID: PMC11223279 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-03189-7] [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: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pelvic pain is a common disease that affects approximately 4% of women of reproductive age in developed countries. This number is estimated to be higher in developing countries, with a significant negative personal and socioeconomic impact on women. The lack of data on this condition in several countries, particularly those in development and in socially and biologically vulnerable populations such as the indigenous, makes it difficult to guide public policies. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the prevalence of chronic pelvic pain (dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, non-cyclical pain) and identify which variables are independently associated with the presence of the condition in indigenous women from Otavalo-Ecuador. DESIGN A cross-sectional study was carried out including a sample of 2429 women of reproductive age between 14 and 49 years old, obtained from April 2022 to March 2023. A directed questionnaire was used, collected by bilingual interviewers (Kichwa and Spanish) belonging to the community itself; the number of patients was selected by random sampling proportional to the number of women estimated by sample calculation. Data are presented as case prevalence, odds ratio, and 95% confidence interval, with p < 0.05. RESULTS The prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea, non-cyclic pelvic pain, and dyspareunia was, respectively, 26.6%, 8.9%, and 3.9%.all forms of chronic pain were independently associated with each other. Additionally, dysmenorrhoea was independently associated with hypertension, intestinal symptoms, miscegenation, long cycles, previous pregnancy, use of contraceptives and pear body shape. Pain in other sites, late menarche, exercise, and pear body shape were associated with non-cyclic pelvic pain. And, urinary symptoms, previous pregnancy loss, miscegenation, and pear body shape were associated with dyspareunia. CONCLUSION The prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea and non-cyclical chronic pelvic pain was notably high, in contrast with the frequency of reported dyspareunia. Briefly, our results suggest an association between dysmenorrhoea and conditions related to inflammatory and/or systemic metabolic disorders, including a potential causal relationship with other manifestations of pelvic pain, and between non-cyclical pelvic pain and signs/symptoms suggesting central sensitization. The report of dyspareunia may be influenced by local cultural values and beliefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Antonio Vargas-Costales
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Central University of Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Suleimy Cristina Mazin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laboratory for Translational Data Science, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo USP, Bandeirantes Avenue. Monte Alegre. Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 3900, 049-900, Brazil
| | - Francisco José Candido-Dos-Reis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laboratory for Translational Data Science, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo USP, Bandeirantes Avenue. Monte Alegre. Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 3900, 049-900, Brazil
- Laboratory for Translational Data Science, CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico), Brasília, Brazil
| | - Antonio Alberto Nogueira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laboratory for Translational Data Science, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo USP, Bandeirantes Avenue. Monte Alegre. Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 3900, 049-900, Brazil
| | - Julio Cesar Rosa-E-Silva
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laboratory for Translational Data Science, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo USP, Bandeirantes Avenue. Monte Alegre. Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 3900, 049-900, Brazil
- Laboratory for Translational Data Science, CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico), Brasília, Brazil
| | - Omero Benedicto Poli-Neto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laboratory for Translational Data Science, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo USP, Bandeirantes Avenue. Monte Alegre. Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 3900, 049-900, Brazil.
- Laboratory for Translational Data Science, CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico), Brasília, Brazil.
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Kaplan CM, Kelleher E, Irani A, Schrepf A, Clauw DJ, Harte SE. Deciphering nociplastic pain: clinical features, risk factors and potential mechanisms. Nat Rev Neurol 2024; 20:347-363. [PMID: 38755449 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-024-00966-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Nociplastic pain is a mechanistic term used to describe pain that arises or is sustained by altered nociception, despite the absence of tissue damage. Although nociplastic pain has distinct pathophysiology from nociceptive and neuropathic pain, these pain mechanisms often coincide within individuals, which contributes to the intractability of chronic pain. Key symptoms of nociplastic pain include pain in multiple body regions, fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive dysfunction, depression and anxiety. Individuals with nociplastic pain are often diffusely tender - indicative of hyperalgesia and/or allodynia - and are often more sensitive than others to non-painful sensory stimuli such as lights, odours and noises. This Review summarizes the risk factors, clinical presentation and treatment of nociplastic pain, and describes how alterations in brain function and structure, immune processing and peripheral factors might contribute to the nociplastic pain phenotype. This article concludes with a discussion of two proposed subtypes of nociplastic pain that reflect distinct neurobiological features and treatment responsivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea M Kaplan
- Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Eoin Kelleher
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Anushka Irani
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Division of Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Andrew Schrepf
- Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Daniel J Clauw
- Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Steven E Harte
- Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Chen CX, Rogers SK, Li R, Hinrichs RJ, Fortenberry JD, Carpenter JS. Social Determinants of Health and Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024:104574. [PMID: 38788887 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2024.104574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Social determinants of health play a key role in health disparities. Dysmenorrhea is a highly prevalent and impactful public health problem affecting reproductive-age females. Systematically examining social determinants of health (SDoH) in dysmenorrhea is important for identifying gaps in the literature and informing research, policy, and clinical practice to reduce the public health burden associated with dysmenorrhea. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize the literature on SDoH and dysmenorrhea. The review protocol was prospectively registered. We searched Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Google Scholar through February 2024 using search strategies informed by the literature. Screening of the articles, data extraction, and risk-of-bias (RoB) assessment were conducted independently by at least 2 reviewers on the Covidence platform. Among 2,594 unique records screened, 166 met eligibility criteria and were included for data extraction and RoB assessment. Evidence suggests traumatic experiences, toxic environmental exposures, female genital mutilation, job-related stress, lack of menstrual education, and low social support were associated with worse dysmenorrhea outcomes. However, evidence was equivocal regarding the relationships between dysmenorrhea outcomes and SDoH factors, including socioeconomic status, geographical location, race/ethnicity, employment, and religion. Nearly all articles (99.4%) had a high or very high overall RoB. The relationships between SDoH and dysmenorrhea outcomes were often inconsistent and complicated by heterogeneous study populations and methodologies. More rigorous research examining SDoH in dysmenorrhea is needed to inform policy and clinical practice. PERSPECTIVE: This systematic review synthesizes evidence linking SDoH and dysmenorrhea. The relationships between SDoH and dysmenorrhea were often equivocal and complicated by heterogeneous study populations and methodologies. We identify directions for future research and SDoH factors that could be addressed clinically (eg, trauma, menstrual education, and occupational stress).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen X Chen
- Indiana University School of Nursing, Indianapolis, Indiana.
| | - Sarah K Rogers
- Department of Psychology, School of Science, Indiana University Purdue University-Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Rui Li
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington; Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Rachel J Hinrichs
- Indiana University Indianapolis, University Library, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - J Dennis Fortenberry
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Mohammed SS, Gagnon MM, Cummings JA. "You're Not Alone": How Adolescents Share Dysmenorrhea Experiences Through Vlogs. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 34:540-551. [PMID: 38127003 PMCID: PMC11080392 DOI: 10.1177/10497323231216654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Many adolescents experience severe pain during menstruation, yet their attempts to receive medical attention to alleviate or manage this pain are often met with dismissal or disbelief. In light of these barriers to care, many adolescents turn to social media to share their experiences with menstruation and pain, as well as hear from other members of their community. In this study, we investigated how adolescents present their experiences with menstruation in vlogs (or "video blogs"). Using critical qualitative methods and a four-column analysis structure, we transcribed and thematically analyzed the audio and video content of 17 YouTube vlogs wherein adolescents described their experiences with menstrual pain. We found that stylistically, the vloggers modulated between a polished documentary style and an intimate storytime style of video production. We additionally found that vloggers spoke about their menstrual pain experiences from three perspectives: as a Patient managing and diagnosing physical symptoms, as a Self considering how the pain affects their life and ambitions, and as a Teacher educating their audience. Considering both the visual and audio data, we discuss how healthcare providers can use these findings to inform their approach to discussing menstrual pain with adolescents. We further discuss possible future directions for research into health story sharing on social media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah S. Mohammed
- Department of Psychology and Health Studies, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Michelle M. Gagnon
- Department of Psychology and Health Studies, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Jorden A. Cummings
- Department of Psychology and Health Studies, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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Liang Y. Life course socioeconomic status, chronic pain, and the mediating role of allostatic load: findings from the midlife in the United States. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1365105. [PMID: 38562255 PMCID: PMC10982432 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1365105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Low socioeconomic status (SES) has been linked to chronic pain (CP); however, the mechanisms by which SES over the life course influences downstream CP outcomes remain unclear. Methods This study utilizes data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) survey, a prospective sample of community-dwelling individuals (N=781), to investigate the chain of risk additive model of SES in relation to CP. Additionally, the study examines the mediating role of allostatic load (AL) in the relationship between life course SES and CP. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to capture the multidimensionality of life course SES and path analysis was used to examine the direct and indirect effects on CP. AL was computed by quartile-based summation and by latent class analysis. Results Results indicated lower SES in MIDUS 2 was associated with greater high-interference CP odds in MIDUS 3 (OR=1.069, 95% CI=1.006-1.136, P < 0.05) and no association was found between distal SES and levels of CP interference. Similarly, no significant relationship was observed between SES and the number of CP locations. Additionally, no additive effects of SES were found, and AL did not present mediation effects on the association between life course SES and CP. Discussion The present study emphasizes the importance of directly proximal effects of SES on CP, underscoring the need for equitable distribution of health resources and the implementation of policies focused on diminishing socioeconomic inequalities. Further research is needed to examine alternative pathways by which proximal SES impact CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Liang
- Institute for Social and Economic Research, University of Essex, Colchester, United Kingdom
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Hellman KM, Tu FF. Hal, how many types of pelvic pain are there? Pain 2024:00006396-990000000-00550. [PMID: 38564003 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Hellman
- Department of Ob/Gyn, Endeavor Health, Evanston, IL, United States
- Department of Ob/Gyn, The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Frank F Tu
- Department of Ob/Gyn, Endeavor Health, Evanston, IL, United States
- Department of Ob/Gyn, The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
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Liang Y, Booker C. Allostatic load and chronic pain: a prospective finding from the national survey of midlife development in the United States, 2004-2014. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:416. [PMID: 38336697 PMCID: PMC10854121 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17888-1] [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: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has demonstrated a correlation between chronic stress and chronic pain (CP). However, there have been few studies examining the prospective association of allostatic load (AL)-the biological processes related to stress-with CP. METHODS We firstly conducted latent class analysis to identify phenotypes of AL using a community-dwelling sample, the Midlife in the United States. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine the prospective association between phenotypes of AL at MIDUS 2 biomarker project and the presence of CP, CP interference and the number of CP sites at MIDUS 3. RESULTS Three phenotypes of AL, low biological dysregulation, parasympathetic dysregulation and metabolic dysregulation, were identified. Compared to low biological dysregulation group, participants experiencing metabolic dysregulation phenotype of AL at MIDUS 2 had higher risks of having high-interference CP (RRR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.06, 3.79, P < 0.05) and 3 or more CP sites (RRR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.08, 3.83, P < 0.05) at MIDUS 3. CONCLUSION The findings indicate that focusing on mitigating the metabolic dysfunction phenotype of AL has the potential to be an efficacious strategy for alleviating future CP bodily widespreadness and high CP interference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Liang
- Institute for Social and Economic Research, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3SQ, UK.
| | - Cara Booker
- Institute for Social and Economic Research, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3SQ, UK
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Fortún-Rabadán R, Boudreau SA, Bellosta-López P, Herrero P, Graven-Nielsen T, Doménech-García V. Facilitated Central Pain Mechanisms Across the Menstrual Cycle in Dysmenorrhea and Enlarged Pain Distribution in Women With Longer Pain History. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2023; 24:1541-1554. [PMID: 37100358 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Dysmenorrhea (DYS), or recurrent menstrual pain, is a highly prevalent pain condition among otherwise healthy women. However, the progression of DYS over time and the influence of the menstrual cycle phases need to be better understood. While the location and distribution of pain have been used to assess pain mechanisms in other conditions, they are unexplored in DYS. Thirty otherwise healthy women with severe DYS and 30 healthy control women were recruited into 3 subgroups (n = 10) according to the length of their menstrual history (<5, 5-15, or>15 years since menarche). The intensity and distribution of menstrual pain were recorded. Pressure pain thresholds at abdominal, hip, and arm sites, pressure-induced pain distribution, temporal summation of pain, and pain intensity after pressure cessation over the gluteus medius were assessed at 3 menstrual cycle phases. Compared with the healthy control women, those with DYS showed lower pressure pain thresholds in every site and menstrual cycle phase (P < .05), enlarged pressure-induced pain areas during menstruations (P < .01), and increased temporal summation and pain intensity after pressure cessation in the overall menstrual cycle (P < .05). Additionally, these manifestations were enhanced during the menstrual and premenstrual phases compared to ovulation in women with DYS (P < .01). Women with long-term DYS demonstrated enlarged pressure-induced pain distribution, enlarged menstrual pain areas, and more days with severe menstrual pain compared to the short-term DYS subgroup (P < .01). Pressure-induced and menstrual pain distributions were strongly correlated (P < .001). These findings suggest that severe DYS is a progressive condition underscored by facilitated central pain mechanisms associated with pain recurrence and exacerbation. PERSPECTIVE: Enlarged pressure-induced pain areas occur in DYS, associated with the length of the condition and the distribution of menstrual pain. Generalized hyperalgesia is present throughout the entire menstrual cycle and intensifies during premenstrual and menstrual phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Fortún-Rabadán
- Universidad San Jorge. Campus Universitario, Autov. A23 km 299, 50830. Villanueva de Gállego, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Shellie A Boudreau
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Pablo Bellosta-López
- Universidad San Jorge. Campus Universitario, Autov. A23 km 299, 50830. Villanueva de Gállego, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Pablo Herrero
- Department of Physiatry and Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, IIS Aragon, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Thomas Graven-Nielsen
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Víctor Doménech-García
- Universidad San Jorge. Campus Universitario, Autov. A23 km 299, 50830. Villanueva de Gállego, Zaragoza, Spain
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Liang Y. The mediating effect of allostatic load on the association between life course socioeconomic disadvantage and chronic pain: a prospective finding from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2023; 4:1213750. [PMID: 37521943 PMCID: PMC10374263 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1213750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Socioeconomic disadvantages (SEDs) are associated with chronic pain (CP) and allostatic load (AL). Few prospective population-based studies have examined the relationship between life course SED, CP interference, and CP widespreadness, and there is no prospective population-based study on whether AL mediates the association between SED and CP. Objective In this study, we investigated whether the prospective effect of SED on CP at Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) 3 is consistent with the accumulation of risk model and social mobility model, using the National Survey of MIDUS (n = 593). To prepare for the mediation analysis, we tested (1) whether SED would be prospectively associated with AL in the MIDUS 2 biomarker project, (2) whether AL would be prospectively associated with CP, and (3) whether childhood, as a critical period, moderated the association between AL and CP. In addition, the mediating effect of AL on the association between SED and CP was examined. Method SED was measured using cumulative scores and disadvantage trajectories derived from latent class trajectory modeling (LCTM). After multiple imputations, analyses were conducted using multinomial logistic regression for CP and negative binomial regression for AL, respectively. Finally, mediation analyses and moderated mediation analyses were performed. Results LCTM identified three SED trajectories, namely, constant low, high to low, and medium to high. The results showed that proximal cumulative SED was associated with high-interference CP. Furthermore, compared with the group with constant low SED, the group with medium-to-high SED was significantly associated with high-interference pain and experienced pain in at least three different sites. Cumulative SED and deteriorating SED trajectories were associated with higher AL, consistent with previous studies. Furthermore, childhood SED moderated the effect of AL on CP widespreadness and unexpectedly demonstrated a protective effect, while other associations between AL and CP were not significant. Subsequent mediation analysis did not yield statistically significant evidence. Conclusions People who experienced more recent SED or increasing disadvantage throughout their lives were more likely to suffer from CP, and this association was not mediated by physiological system dysregulation caused by chronic stress. Therefore, measures to alleviate AL may not be effective in protecting socioeconomically disadvantaged populations from CP.
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Li R, Kreher DA, Gubbels AL, Palermo TM, Benjamin AR, Irvine CS, Hart A, Jusko TA, Seplaki CL. Dysmenorrhea catastrophizing and functional impairment in female pelvic pain. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH (LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 3:1053026. [PMID: 36688085 PMCID: PMC9853896 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2022.1053026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Dysmenorrhea is suggested to increase the risk of chronic pain by enhancing central sensitization. However, little is known about whether emotional and cognitive responses induced by dysmenorrhea contribute to chronic pain interference. This study examined the association between catastrophizing specific to dysmenorrhea and both dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain (CPP)-associated pain interference. Methods Women (N = 104) receiving care for CPP through a tertiary gynecological pain clinic between 2017 and 2020 were recruited. They completed the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, the Brief Pain Inventory-pain interference, and a separate questionnaire regarding dysmenorrhea symptoms and treatment preceding the development of CPP. Dysmenorrhea catastrophizing and interference measures were developed and tested for internal consistency and construct validity. Multiple linear regression models examined dysmenorrhea catastrophizing in association with dysmenorrhea interference and CPP-associated pain interference. Results Dysmenorrhea catastrophizing and interference measures demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.93 and 0.92 respectively) and evidence of construct validity (correlated with dysmenorrhea severity and treatment, Ps < 0.01). Dysmenorrhea catastrophizing was moderately correlated with pain catastrophizing (ρ = 0.30, P = 0.003), and was associated with greater dysmenorrhea interference (P < 0.001) and CPP-associated pain interference (P = 0.032) accounting for general pain catastrophizing and other outcome-specific confounders. Dysmenorrhea intensity was most predictive of dysmenorrhea catastrophizing. Conclusion Among our clinical sample of women with CPP, dysmenorrhea catastrophizing was associated with greater dysmenorrhea interference and subsequent CPP-associated pain interference. More research is needed to determine whether reduction in dysmenorrhea catastrophizing leads to reduced pain interference associated with female pelvic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- Center for Child Health, Behavior & Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States,Correspondence: Rui Li
| | - Donna A. Kreher
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Ashley L. Gubbels
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Tonya M. Palermo
- Center for Child Health, Behavior & Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States,Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Amy R. Benjamin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Carrie S. Irvine
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Andrea Hart
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Todd A. Jusko
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Christopher L. Seplaki
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States,Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
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Rabinowitz EP, Sayer MA, Delahanty DL. The role of catastrophizing in chronic cyclical pelvic pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 19:17455057231199949. [PMID: 37752879 PMCID: PMC10524082 DOI: 10.1177/17455057231199949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual cramps) is one of the most common gynecological complaints in women and girls. Dysmenorrhea may be a condition itself or a result of another medical condition, including endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain. Research examining the relationship between menstrual pain ratings and catastrophizing has produced mixed results. OBJECTIVE To review and meta-analyze the relationship between catastrophizing and pain ratings of chronic cyclical pelvic pain. DESIGN Cross-sectional, longitudinal, and intervention studies that reported the relationship between menstrual/pelvic pain and catastrophizing were included. Study populations had to include healthy menstruating persons or persons with a condition associated with cyclical pelvic pain including primary dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, and/or chronic pelvic pain. DATA SOURCES AND METHODS A systematic search of articles published since 2012 on PubMed, PsychInfo, CINHAL, and Medline was conducted in January and rerun in November of 2022. Search terms included cyclical pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, pelvic pain, and catastrophizing. Data extraction was completed independently by two extractors and cross-checked for errors. A random-effects meta-regression was used to synthesize the data using restricted maximum likelihood. RESULTS Twenty-five studies examining 4,540 participants were included. A random effects model found a meta-correlation between catastrophizing and pain of r = .31 (95% confidence interval: .23-.40) p < .001. Heterogeneity was large and significant (I2 = 84.5%, Q(24) = 155.16, p < .001). Studies that measured general pelvic pain rather than cyclical pelvic pain specifically and those that used multi-item rather than single-item measures of pain had significantly higher correlations. Age and depression did not moderate the relationship between catastrophizing and pain. CONCLUSION A systematic review and meta-analysis found that catastrophizing had a small but significant positive association with pain ratings. Patients experiencing cyclical pelvic pain may benefit from interventions targeting the psychological management of pain. REGISTRATION This meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO on 14 January 2022. Registration number: CRD42022295328.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily P Rabinowitz
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - MacKenzie A Sayer
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Douglas L Delahanty
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
- Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
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Moussaoui D, Grover SR. The Association between Childhood Adversity and Risk of Dysmenorrhea, Pelvic Pain, and Dyspareunia in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2022; 35:567-574. [PMID: 35569788 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2022.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) has been associated with poor health outcomes, including chronic pain. However, little is known about the potential impact on the development of pelvic pain in adolescents and young adults. This systematic review was conducted to explore the association between ACEs and dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, and dyspareunia in adolescents and young adults. METHODS Medline, Embase, and PsycNET were searched, using keywords related to childhood adversity, dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, and dyspareunia. RESULTS Of the 566 articles identified, 19 studies were included. There was an association between the number and severity of ACEs and the risk of dysmenorrhea. Sexual abuse and posttraumatic stress disorder appeared to be associated with dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, and dyspareunia, but it was unclear whether this relationship was mediated by poorer mental health. No association was found for immigration and bullying, and findings were inconsistent regarding female genital mutilation, parental separation, and parental death. CONCLUSIONS Future research should include longitudinal follow-up and use validated tools to assess childhood adversity. A greater understanding of the risk of ACEs among adolescents and young adults with dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, and dyspareunia could provide insight into the development of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dehlia Moussaoui
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Sonia Regina Grover
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Prevalence of chronic pelvic pain and primary dysmenorrhea in women of reproductive age in Ecuador. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:363. [PMID: 36056424 PMCID: PMC9438184 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-01948-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and primary dysmenorrhoea are debilitating conditions that can impair the quality of life of affected women. These conditions are frequently neglected, delaying proper diagnosis and healthcare provision. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of CPP and primary dysmenorrhoea in Ecuador and identify potential variables associated with their occurrence.
Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey in an urban neighbourhood of Quito, the capital of Ecuador. A total of 2397 participants of 14–49 years of age were included. The data were collected through questionnaires administered by trained interviewers.The crude and adjusted prevalence ratios were calculated using a log-binomial regression model. The correlation between pain intensity catastrophising of symptoms were statistically analysed. Results The prevalence of CPP and primary dysmenorrhoea was 9.8% and 8.9%, respectively. Irritative urinary symptoms, primary dysmenorrhoea, and underlying mental disorders were associated with CPP, while smoking, irritable bowel syndrome, sleep disturbance, dyspareunia, and mental disorders were associated with primary dysmenorrhoea.
Conclusions The prevalence of CPP and primary dysmenorrhoea in Ecuador was similar to that in other Latin American countries. Primary dysmenorrhoea is a risk factor of CPP, and less than a quarter of women are undergoing treatment for the condition. Our findings reinforce the importance of healthcare interventions in anticipating the diagnosis of these conditions in women of reproductive age. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12905-022-01948-y.
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Kmiecik MJ, Tu FF, Silton RL, Dillane KE, Roth GE, Harte SE, Hellman KM. Cortical mechanisms of visual hypersensitivity in women at risk for chronic pelvic pain. Pain 2022; 163:1035-1048. [PMID: 34510138 PMCID: PMC8882209 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Increased sensory sensitivity across non-nociceptive modalities is a common symptom of chronic pain conditions and is associated with chronic pain development. Providing a better understanding of the brain-behavior relationships that underlie multimodal hypersensitivity (MMH) may clarify the role of MMH in the development of chronic pain. We studied sensory hypersensitivity in a cohort of women (n = 147) who had diary confirmation of menstrual status and were enriched with risk factors for chronic pelvic pain, such as dysmenorrhea and increased bladder sensitivity. We administered 2 experimental tasks to evaluate the cross-modal relationship between visual and visceral sensitivity. Visual sensitivity was probed by presenting participants with a periodic pattern-reversal checkerboard stimulus presented across 5 brightness intensities during electroencephalography recording. Self-reported visual unpleasantness ratings for each brightness intensity were simultaneously assessed. Visceral sensitivity was evaluated with an experimental bladder-filling task associated with early clinical symptoms of chronic pelvic pain. Visually evoked cortical activity increased with brightness intensity across the entire scalp, especially at occipital electrode sites. Visual stimulation-induced unpleasantness was associated with provoked bladder pain and evoked primary visual cortex activity. However, the relationship between unpleasantness and cortical activity was moderated by provoked bladder pain. These results demonstrate that activity in the primary visual cortex is not greater in individuals with greater visceral sensitivity. We hypothesize that downstream interpretation or integration of this signal is amplified in individuals with visceral hypersensitivity. Future studies aimed at reducing MMH in chronic pain conditions should prioritize targeting of cortical mechanisms responsible for aberrant downstream sensory integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Kmiecik
- Department of Ob/Gyn, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, United States
- Department of Ob/Gyn, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Frank F. Tu
- Department of Ob/Gyn, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, United States
- Department of Ob/Gyn, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Rebecca L. Silton
- Department of Psychology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Katlyn E. Dillane
- Department of Ob/Gyn, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Genevieve E. Roth
- Department of Ob/Gyn, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Steven E. Harte
- Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Kevin M. Hellman
- Department of Ob/Gyn, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, United States
- Department of Ob/Gyn, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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Dysmenorrhea across the lifespan: a biopsychosocial perspective to understanding the dysmenorrhea trajectory and association with comorbid pain experiences. Pain 2022; 163:2069-2075. [PMID: 35420567 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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