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Verdiner R, Khurmi N, Choukalas C, Erickson C, Poterack K. Does adding muscle relaxant make post-operative pain better? a narrative review of the literature from US and European studies. Anesth Pain Med (Seoul) 2023; 18:340-348. [PMID: 37919918 PMCID: PMC10635846 DOI: 10.17085/apm.23055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxants (CASMR) are widely prescribed as adjuncts for acute and chronic pain. Given the recent interest in multimodal analgesia and reducing opioid consumption, there has been an increase in its use for perioperative/postoperative pain control. The mechanism of action, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics of these drugs vary. Their use has been studied in a wide range of operative and non-operative settings. The best evidence for the efficacy of CASMRs is in acute, nonoperative musculoskeletal pain and, in the operative setting, in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty and abdominal surgery, including inguinal herniorrhaphy and hemorrhoidectomy. The risk of complications and side effects, coupled with the limited evidence of efficacy, should prompt careful consideration of individual patient circumstances when prescribing CASMRs as part of perioperative pain management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Narjeet Khurmi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Christopher Choukalas
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Colby Erickson
- Midwestern Osteopathic Medical School, Glendale, CA, USA
| | - Karl Poterack
- Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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de Souza Oliveira VH, Amorim MA, de Oliveira JRJM, Soley BS, Rocha FG, de Mello Bandenburg M, Lejeune VBP, de Lima Silva AHB, Witherden DA, Havran WL, Zanoveli JM, Cabrini DA, Calixto JB, Otuki MF, André E. Anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects of the application of baclofen cream, a GABA B receptor agonist, on skin inflammation in mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 955:175910. [PMID: 37479017 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175910] [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: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated the role of γ-aminobutyric acid type B (GABAB) receptors in skin-related conditions and pain. However, most studies have focused on the main effects of GABAB on the central nervous system. Therefore, this study has aimed to determine the potential topical anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects of baclofen cream in an inflammatory skin disease model. The effects of the baclofen cream were evaluated using acute and chronic models of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced skin inflammation in mouse ears. Histological and immunohistochemical evaluations were performed using an ear oedema assay. The effect of baclofen on keratinocyte proliferation was assessed in PAM212, the murine keratinocyte cell line. The results demonstrate that a single topical application of 5% baclofen, 7.5% baclofen, and 1% dexamethasone each inhibited acute TPA-induced ear oedema (58.94 ± 6.14%, 47.73 ± 11.26%, and 87.33 ± 4.59%, respectively). These results were confirmed by histological analysis. In the chronic model, baclofen (5%) and dexamethasone (1%) each inhibited ear oedema and the maximum inhibitory effect was reached at the end of the experiment (9th day of TPA application) with a percentage inhibition of 54.60 ± 6.15% for baclofen and 71.68 ± 3.45% for dexamethasone, when compared to the vehicle. These results were confirmed by histological analysis. Baclofen and dexamethasone also reduced proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression by 62.01 ± 6.65% and 70.42 ± 6.11%, respectively. However, baclofen did not inhibit keratinocyte proliferation in PAM212 cells. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that baclofen exhibits notable topical antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory properties and could be a potential therapeutic alternative for treating inflammatory and proliferative skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mayara Alves Amorim
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Bruna Silva Soley
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Deborah A Witherden
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Wendy L Havran
- Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Michel Fleith Otuki
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Eunice André
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
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Choudhary S, Kaur R, Waziri A, Garg A, Kadian R, Alam MS. N-type calcium channel blockers: a new approach towards the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain. EXPLORATION OF MEDICINE 2023. [DOI: 10.37349/emed.2023.00126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) remains maltreated for a wide number of patients by the currently available treatments and little research has been done in finding new drugs for treating NP. Ziconotide (PrialtTM) had been developed as the new drug, which belongs to the class of ω-conotoxin MVIIA. It inhibits N-type calcium channels. Ziconotide is under the last phase of the clinical trial, a new non-narcotic drug for the management of NP. Synthetically it has shown the similarities with ω-conotoxin MVIIA, a constituent of poison found in fish hunting snails (Conus magus). Ziconotide acts by selectively blocking neural N-type voltage-sensitized Ca2+ channels (NVSCCs). Certain herbal drugs also have been studied but no clinical result is there and the study is only limited to preclinical data. This review emphasizes the N-type calcium channel inhibitors, and their mechanisms for blocking calcium channels with their remedial prospects for treating chronic NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shikha Choudhary
- School of Medical and Allied Sciences, K.R. Mangalam University, Gurugram 122103, Haryana, India
| | - Raminderjit Kaur
- School of Medical and Allied Sciences, K.R. Mangalam University, Gurugram 122103, Haryana, India
| | - Aafrin Waziri
- University School of Biotechnology, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi, 110078, India
| | - Arun Garg
- Department of Pharmacology, NIMS Institute of Pharmacy, NIMS University, Jaipur 303121, Rajasthan, India
| | - Renu Kadian
- Ram Gopal College of Pharmacy, Gurugram 122506, Haryana, India
| | - Md Sabir Alam
- SGT College of Pharmacy, SGT University, Gurugram 122505, Haryana, India
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van Trigt VR, Pelsma ICM, Kroon HM, Pereira AM, van der Meulen C, Kloppenburg M, Biermasz NR, Claessen KMJA. Low prevalence of neuropathic-like pain symptoms in long-term controlled acromegaly. Pituitary 2022; 25:229-237. [PMID: 34687408 PMCID: PMC8894222 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-021-01190-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pain is a common symptom of acromegaly, impairing health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) significantly despite long-term disease remission. Neuropathic-like pain (NP-like) symptoms are invalidating, with great impact on HR-QoL. Studies characterizing or investigating the etiology of pain in acromegaly are scarce. Therefore, we aimed to assess NP-like symptoms in a cohort of controlled acromegaly patients. METHODS Forty-four long-term controlled acromegaly patients (aged 62.6 ± 12.6 years; 56.8% female) were included in this cross-sectional study. NP-like symptoms were assessed using the validated painDETECT questionnaire. Patients were divided in three probability-based NP-like symptoms categories based on the total score (range 0-35): unlikely (≤ 12), indeterminate (13-18) and likely (≥ 19). HR-QoL (physical component score (PCS), and mental component score (MCS)), and self-reported pain were assessed using Short Form-36 (SF-36). Potential risk factors were determined using linear regression analyses. RESULTS Self-reported pain was reported by 35 patients (79.5%). Likely NP-like symptoms were present in 4/44 patients (9.1%), and indeterminate NP-like symptoms in 6/44 patients (13.6%). All patients with likely NP-like symptoms were female. Higher painDETECT scores were negatively associated with HR-QoL (PCS: r = - 0.46, P = 0.003; MCS: r = - 0.37, P = 0.018), and SF-36 pain scores (r = - 0.63, P < 0.0001). Female sex was a risk factor for NP-like symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Pain was prevalent in controlled acromegaly patients, whereas NP-like symptoms were relatively infrequent, and only observed in females. NP-like symptoms were associated with lower HR-QoL in acromegaly. Since specific analgesic therapy is available, awareness for characterization, increased understanding, and clinical trials regarding neuropathic pain identification and treatment in acromegaly patients are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria R van Trigt
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, and Center for Endocrine Tumors Leiden, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Iris C M Pelsma
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, and Center for Endocrine Tumors Leiden, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Herman M Kroon
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Alberto M Pereira
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, and Center for Endocrine Tumors Leiden, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Coen van der Meulen
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Margreet Kloppenburg
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nienke R Biermasz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, and Center for Endocrine Tumors Leiden, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Kim M J A Claessen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, and Center for Endocrine Tumors Leiden, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Topical Treatments and Their Molecular/Cellular Mechanisms in Patients with Peripheral Neuropathic Pain-Narrative Review. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13040450. [PMID: 33810493 PMCID: PMC8067282 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13040450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain in humans results from an injury or disease of the somatosensory nervous system at the peripheral or central level. Despite the considerable progress in pain management methods made to date, peripheral neuropathic pain significantly impacts patients' quality of life, as pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods often fail or induce side effects. Topical treatments are gaining popularity in the management of peripheral neuropathic pain, due to excellent safety profiles and preferences. Moreover, topical treatments applied locally may target the underlying mechanisms of peripheral sensitization and pain. Recent studies showed that peripheral sensitization results from interactions between neuronal and non-neuronal cells, with numerous signaling molecules and molecular/cellular targets involved. This narrative review discusses the molecular/cellular mechanisms of drugs available in topical formulations utilized in clinical practice and their effectiveness in clinical studies in patients with peripheral neuropathic pain. We searched PubMed for papers published from 1 January 1995 to 30 November 2020. The key search phrases for identifying potentially relevant articles were "topical AND pain", "topical AND neuropathic", "topical AND treatment", "topical AND mechanism", "peripheral neuropathic", and "mechanism". The result of our search was 23 randomized controlled trials (RCT), 9 open-label studies, 16 retrospective studies, 20 case (series) reports, 8 systematic reviews, 66 narrative reviews, and 140 experimental studies. The data from preclinical studies revealed that active compounds of topical treatments exert multiple mechanisms of action, directly or indirectly modulating ion channels, receptors, proteins, and enzymes expressed by neuronal and non-neuronal cells, and thus contributing to antinociception. However, which mechanisms and the extent to which the mechanisms contribute to pain relief observed in humans remain unclear. The evidence from RCTs and reviews supports 5% lidocaine patches, 8% capsaicin patches, and botulinum toxin A injections as effective treatments in patients with peripheral neuropathic pain. In turn, single RCTs support evidence of doxepin, funapide, diclofenac, baclofen, clonidine, loperamide, and cannabidiol in neuropathic pain states. Topical administration of phenytoin, ambroxol, and prazosin is supported by observational clinical studies. For topical amitriptyline, menthol, and gabapentin, evidence comes from case reports and case series. For topical ketamine and baclofen, data supporting their effectiveness are provided by both single RCTs and case series. The discussed data from clinical studies and observations support the usefulness of topical treatments in neuropathic pain management. This review may help clinicians in making decisions regarding whether and which topical treatment may be a beneficial option, particularly in frail patients not tolerating systemic pharmacotherapy.
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Maloney J, Pew S, Wie C, Gupta R, Freeman J, Strand N. Comprehensive Review of Topical Analgesics for Chronic Pain. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2021; 25:7. [PMID: 33534003 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-020-00923-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Topical analgesics are a non-opioid option for the treatment of chronic pain conditions including neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal pain, and osteoarthritis. There are many topical medications available; however their efficacy is variable. This article reviews the various topical analgesics, their mechanisms of action, and their efficacy. RECENT FINDINGS Studies have found topical NSAIDs are useful in treating acute musculoskeletal pain syndromes (strains and sprains) and show some efficacy in treating hand and knee osteoarthritis (Derry et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 5:CD008609, 2017). Topical capsaicin 8% has been shown to be efficacious in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia, painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and HIV-neuropathy (Derry et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 1:CD007393, 2017). Topical lidocaine has been widely studied and found to reduce pain in patients with postherpetic neuralgia (Knezevic et al. Pain Manag 7:537-58, 2017). Although many other topical analgesics are available, there is limited data to support the efficacy of other agents. Topical analgesics are a relatively benign treatment for chronic pain conditions including neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal, and myofascial pain. There is evidence to support the use of topical NSAIDs, high concentration topical capsaicin, and topical lidocaine for various painful conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Maloney
- Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic of Arizona, 5777 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ, 85054, USA.
| | - Scott Pew
- Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic of Arizona, 5777 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ, 85054, USA
| | - Christopher Wie
- Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic of Arizona, 5777 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ, 85054, USA
| | - Ruchir Gupta
- Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic of Arizona, 5777 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ, 85054, USA
| | - John Freeman
- Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic of Arizona, 5777 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ, 85054, USA
| | - Natalie Strand
- Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic of Arizona, 5777 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ, 85054, USA
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Peripheral Mechanisms of Neuropathic Pain-the Role of Neuronal and Non-Neuronal Interactions and Their Implications for Topical Treatment of Neuropathic Pain. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14020077. [PMID: 33498496 PMCID: PMC7909513 DOI: 10.3390/ph14020077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain in humans arises as a consequence of injury or disease of somatosensory nervous system at peripheral or central level. Peripheral neuropathic pain is more common than central neuropathic pain, and is supposed to result from peripheral mechanisms, following nerve injury. The animal models of neuropathic pain show extensive functional and structural changes occurring in neuronal and non-neuronal cells in response to peripheral nerve injury. These pathological changes following damage lead to peripheral sensitization development, and subsequently to central sensitization initiation with spinal and supraspinal mechanism involved. The aim of this narrative review paper is to discuss the mechanisms engaged in peripheral neuropathic pain generation and maintenance, with special focus on the role of glial, immune, and epithelial cells in peripheral nociception. Based on the preclinical and clinical studies, interactions between neuronal and non-neuronal cells have been described, pointing out at the molecular/cellular underlying mechanisms of neuropathic pain, which might be potentially targeted by topical treatments in clinical practice. The modulation of the complex neuro-immuno-cutaneous interactions in the periphery represents a strategy for the development of new topical analgesics and their utilization in clinical settings.
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Choi E, Nahm FS, Han WK, Lee PB, Jo J. Topical agents: a thoughtful choice for multimodal analgesia. Korean J Anesthesiol 2020; 73:384-393. [PMID: 32752601 PMCID: PMC7533183 DOI: 10.4097/kja.20357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
For over a thousand years, various substances have been applied to the skin to treat pain. Some of these substances have active ingredients that we still use today. However, some have been discontinued due to their harmful effect, while others have been long forgotten. Recent concerns regarding the cardiovascular and renal risk from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and issues with opioids, have resulted in increasing demand and attention to non-systemic topical alternatives. There is increasing evidence of the efficacy and safety of topical agents in pain control. Topical analgesics are great alternatives for pain management and are an essential part of multimodal analgesia. This review aims to describe essential aspects of topical drugs that physicians should consider in their practice as part of multimodal analgesia. This review describes the mechanism of popular topical analgesics and also introduces the most recently released and experimental topical medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunjoo Choi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Francis Sahngun Nahm
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea.,Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Woong Ki Han
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Pyung-Bok Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea.,Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jihun Jo
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
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Ala S, Alvandipour M, Saeedi M, Mansourifar M, Monajati M, Shiva A. Effect of Topical Baclofen 5% on Post-Hemorrhoidectomy Pain: Randomized Double Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. J Gastrointest Surg 2020; 24:405-410. [PMID: 30783957 DOI: 10.1007/s11605-019-04147-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Baclofen is an agonist for a subtype of gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA-B) receptors and traditionally been used for the systemic treatment of spasticity. Topical application of baclofen has been shown to reduce pain in patients with localized neuropathic pain. OBJECTIVES In this study, we investigate the efficacy of baclofen cream (5%) in reducing postoperative pain and analgesic requirement after open hemorrhoidectomy. DESIGN The patients were randomly assigned to either baclofen (5%) cream or placebo immediately after surgery and then every 12 h for 14 days. PATIENTS A total of 66 patients with third- and fourth-degree hemorrhoids undergoing open hemorrhoidectomy were randomly assigned to this trial. SETTING This study was conducted at a single educational hospital. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcomes were intensity of pain, measured with a visual analog scale, and the analgesic requirement, measured by the amount of the acetaminophen consumption. RESULTS No significant difference was found in baseline characteristics between the two groups. Postoperative pain score of the baclofen group was significantly lower on week 1 (P = 0.01) and week 2 (P = 0.02) than the placebo group. Similarly, patients in the baclofen group consumed significantly less analgesic medication on week 1 (P = 0.025) and week 2 (P = 0.024) than the control group. CONCLUSION Topical application of baclofen effectively relieves pain after hemorrhoidectomy with minimal side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahram Ala
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Mina Alvandipour
- Department of Surgery, Imam Khomeini General Hospital Affiliated to Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran.
| | - Majid Saeedi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Mohaddeseh Mansourifar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Mahila Monajati
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Afshin Shiva
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Nephrology and Kidney Transplant Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Newton SC, Marshall S. Effects of anodyne treatment on local blood flow and cutaneous sensation of the foot in a patient with peripheral neuropathy secondary to acromegaly. Physiother Theory Pract 2019; 37:655-662. [PMID: 31294674 DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2019.1639233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Acromegaly is an excessive amount of serum growth hormone, which may present with sensorimotor polyneuropathy, affecting sensation and/or blood flow in the limbs. Symptoms include numbness, tingling or pain with impaired sensation including kinesthesia and proprioception. We report here of a 48-year-old male with a defined diagnosis of acromegaly and surgical excision of a pituitary adenoma 20 years ago. Recently he reports feet stepping on, and not feeling, objects under foot and balance problems starting 10 years ago. This study used a single-subject A-B-A design to show that behavioral changes are evident only in the presence of an intervention. Intervention consisted of Monochromatic Infrared Light Energy (MIRE), delivered by the Anodyne Therapy System (ATS). The DRT-4 laser Doppler measured red blood cell flux (flow), concentration and velocity. Levels of significance utilized the two standard deviation band method. Peripheral sensation of eight sites on each foot assessed using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments (SWM) revealed a lack of sensation in the feet. A treatment effect as exhibited by blood flow velocity and red blood cell concentration was detected after the third week of treatment indicating peripheral dilation of the microvasculature. MIRE was an effective intervention for the treatment of acromegaly - induced polyneuropathy in this patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean C Newton
- Department of Physical Therapy, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, USA
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Gazerani P. Identification of novel analgesics through a drug repurposing strategy. Pain Manag 2019; 9:399-415. [DOI: 10.2217/pmt-2018-0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of new indications for approved or failed drugs is a process called drug repositioning or drug repurposing. The motivation includes overcoming the productivity gap that exists in drug development, which is a high-cost–high-risk process. Repositioning also includes rescuing drugs that have safely entered the market but have failed to demonstrate sufficient efficiency for the initial clinical indication. Considering the high prevalence of chronic pain, the lack of sufficient efficacy and the safety issues of current analgesics, repositioning seems to be an attractive approach. This review presents example of drugs that already have been repositioned and highlights new technologies that are available for the identification of additional compounds to stimulate the curiosity of readers for further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Gazerani
- Biomedicine, Department of Health Science & Technology, Aalborg University, Frederik Bajers Vej 3 B, 9220 Aalborg East, Denmark
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuropathic pain (NP) is a particularly severe and intractable chronic condition that is not well treated by commonly recommended systemic pharmacological therapies, partly due to dose-limiting side effects or adverse events. The use of topical therapeutics for NP is growing and benefits from the reduced potential for adverse effects, as well as the ability to directly target peripheral pathological processes. AREAS COVERED The current review defines and describes the limitations of various commonly prescribed systemic pharmacological therapies for NP. It also provides a justification for increased research aimed at developing topical therapeutics for NP, particularly localized and peripheral NP. The review discusses the various classes of topical treatments used for NP, including agents that: block sensory inputs; activate inhibitory systems; provide mechanism-based therapeutics; are used in mucosal tissues; and include combinations that produce multimodal therapeutic effects. EXPERT OPINION There are arguments that the current topical therapeutics for NP rely too heavily on the use of local anesthetics and capsaicinoids, and more research is certainly needed on topical therapies that are multimodal and/or are targeted at the peripheral sources of pathology. The potential for novel topical therapeutics may be enhanced by further research on topical co-drugs, drug-drug salts, co-crystals and hydrates, and ionic liquids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terence J Coderre
- a Depts. of Anesthesia, Neurology & Neurosurgery, and Psychology, and Division of Experimental Medicine , McGill University , Montreal , QC , Canada.,b McGill University Health Centre Research Institute , Montreal , QC , Canada
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Kopsky DJ, Keppel Hesselink JM. Phenytoin Cream for the Treatment for Neuropathic Pain: Case Series. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2018; 11:ph11020053. [PMID: 29843362 PMCID: PMC6027409 DOI: 10.3390/ph11020053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Neuropathic pain can be disabling, and is often difficult to treat. Within a year, over half of all patients stop taking their prescribed neuropathic pain medication, which is most probably due to side effects or disappointing analgesic results. Therefore, new therapies are needed to alleviate neuropathic pain. As such, topical analgesics could be a new inroad in the treatment of neuropathic pain. In 2014, we developed a new topical formulation containing either phenytoin or sodium phenytoin. After optimization of the formulation, we were able to reach a 10% concentration and combine phenytoin with other co-analgesics in the same base cream. OBJECTIVE: To describe a series of 70 neuropathic pain patients who were treated with phenytoin cream. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cases treated with phenytoin 5% or 10% creams were gathered. The mean onset of pain relief, the duration of effect, and reduction in pain intensity measured on the 11-point numerical rating scale (NRS) were all studied. A single-blind response test with phenytoin 10% and placebo creams was conducted on 12 patients in order to select responders prior to prescribing the active cream. Plasma phenytoin concentrations were measured in 16 patients. RESULTS: Nine patients applied phenytoin 5% cream, and 61 patients used phenytoin 10% cream. After grouping the effects of all of the patients, the mean onset of pain relief was 16.3 min (SD: 14.8), the mean duration of analgesia was 8.1 h (SD: 9.1), and the mean pain reduction on the NRS was 61.2% (SD: 25.0). The mean pain reduction on the NRS while using phenytoin cream was statistically significant compared with the baseline, with a reduction of 4.5 (CI: 4.0 to 5.0, p < 0.01). The 12 patients on whom a single-blind response test was performed experienced a statistically significant reduction in pain in the area where the phenytoin 10% cream was applied in comparison to the area where the placebo cream was applied (p < 0.01). Thirty minutes after the test application, the mean pain reduction on the NRS in the areas where the phenytoin 10% cream and the placebo cream were applied was 3.3 (CI: 2.3 to 4.4, p < 0.01) and 1.1 (CI: 0.4 to 1.9, p < 0.05), respectively. In all 16 patients, the phenytoin plasma levels were below the limit of detection. So far, no systemic side effects were reported. Two patients only reported local side effects: a transient burning aggravation and skin rash. CONCLUSION: In this case series, the phenytoin cream had reduced neuropathic pain considerably, with a fast onset of analgesic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Kopsky
- Institute for Neuropathic Pain, Vespuccistraat 64-III, 1056 SN Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Knezevic NN, Tverdohleb T, Nikibin F, Knezevic I, Candido KD. Management of chronic neuropathic pain with single and compounded topical analgesics. Pain Manag 2017; 7:537-558. [PMID: 29125423 DOI: 10.2217/pmt-2017-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The goal of our review was to emphasize important aspects that physicians should take into consideration when prescribing topical analgesics as part of chronic neuropathic pain treatment. We discuss the dermatopharmacokinetics and microstructural components of the skin, differences between topical and transdermal drug delivery, and topical medication effects on peripheral neuropathy and central sensitization. Even though the US FDA approved topical analgesics are 8%-capsaicin and 5%-lidocaine patches for treating postherpetic neuralgia, there are many other studies conducted on the efficacy of topical ketamine cream, clonidine gel, topical gabapentin, topical baclofen and topical phenytoin for peripheral neuropathic pain, either alone or in combination with other formulations. Furthermore, we discuss new compounded topical analgesics that are becoming more popular and that are showing promising results in the management of chronic peripheral neuropathies. However, more studies are needed for elucidation of the role of topical analgesics and their effects, especially when combined with other treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nebojsa Nick Knezevic
- Department of Anesthesiology, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60657, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.,Department of Surgery, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Tatiana Tverdohleb
- Department of Anesthesiology, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60657, USA
| | - Farid Nikibin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60657, USA
| | - Ivana Knezevic
- Department of Anesthesiology, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60657, USA
| | - Kenneth D Candido
- Department of Anesthesiology, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60657, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.,Department of Surgery, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Keppel Hesselink JM, Kopsky DJ, Stahl SM. Bottlenecks in the development of topical analgesics: molecule, formulation, dose-finding, and phase III design. J Pain Res 2017; 10:635-641. [PMID: 28360532 PMCID: PMC5365321 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s131434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Topical analgesics can be defined as topical formulations containing analgesics or co-analgesics. Since 2000, interest in such formulations has been on the rise. There are, however, four critical issues in the research and development phases of topical analgesics: 1) The selection of the active pharmaceutical ingredient. Analgesics and co-analgesics differ greatly in their mechanism of action, and it is required to find the most optimal fit between such mechanisms of action and the pathogenesis of the targeted (neuropathic) pain. 2) Issues concerning the optimized formulation. For relevant clinical efficacy, specific characteristics for the selected vehicle (eg, cream base or gel base) are required, depending on the physicochemical characteristics of the active pharmaceutical ingredient(s) to be delivered. 3) Well-designed phase II dose-finding studies are required, and, unfortunately, such trials are missing. In fact, we will demonstrate that underdosing is one of the major hurdles to detect meaningful and statistically relevant clinical effects of topical analgesics. 4) Selection of clinical end points and innovatively designed phase III trials. End point selection can make or break a trial. For instance, to include numbness together with tingling as a composite end point for neuropathic pain seems stretching the therapeutic impact of an analgesic too far. Given the fast onset of action of topical analgesics (usually within 30 minutes), enrichment designs might enhance the chances for success, as the placebo response might decrease. Topical analgesics may become promising inroads for the treatment of neuropathic pain, once sufficient attention is given to these four key aspects.
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Abstract
Purpose of Review Topical therapeutic approaches in localized neuropathic pain (LNP) syndromes are increasingly used by both specialists and general practitioners, with a potentially promising effect on pain reduction. In this narrative review, we describe the available compounds for topical use in LNP syndromes and address their potential efficacy according to the literature. Recent Findings Local anaesthetics (e.g., lidocaine, bupivacaine and mepivacaine), as well as general anaesthetic agents (e.g., ketamine), muscle relaxants (e.g., baclofen), capsaicin, anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., diclofenac), salicylates, antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline and doxepin), α2 adrenergic agents (e.g., clonidine), or even a combination of them have been tested in various applications for the treatment of LNP. Few of them have reached a sufficient level of evidence to support systematic use as treatment options. Summary Relatively few systemic side effects or drug–drug interactions and satisfactory efficacy seem to be the benefits of topical treatments. More well-organized and tailored studies are necessary for the further conceptualization of topical treatments for LNP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Casale
- Department of High Technology Rehabilitation & Pain Rehabilitation Unit, Habilita Care and Research Hospitals, Via Bologna 1-24040, Zingonia di Ciserano (BG), Italy.
| | - Z Symeonidou
- Department of High Technology Rehabilitation & Pain Rehabilitation Unit, Habilita Care and Research Hospitals, Via Bologna 1-24040, Zingonia di Ciserano (BG), Italy.,Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, General Hospital of Attica "KAT", Athens, Greece
| | - M Bartolo
- Department of Rehabilitation, Neurorehabilitation Unit, Habilita, Zingonia di Ciserano (BG), Italy
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Abstract
We developed and tested a new putative analgesic cream, based on the anticonvulsant phenytoin in patients suffering from treatment refractory neuropathic pain. The use of commercial topical analgesics is not widespread due to the facts that capsaicin creams or patches can give rise to side effects, such as burning, and analgesic patches (e.g., lidocaine 5% patches) have complex handling, especially for geriatric patients. Only in a few countries, compounded creams based on tricyclic antidepressants or other (co-)analgesics are available. Such topical analgesic creams, however, are easy to administer and have a low propensity for inducing side effects. We, therefore, developed a new topical cream based on 5% and 10% phenytoin and described three successfully treated patients suffering from neuropathic pain. All patients were refractory to a number of other analgesics. In all patients, phenytoin cream was effective in reducing pain completely, without any side effects, and the tolerability was excellent. The onset of action of the phenytoin creams was within 30 minutes. Phenytoin cream might become a new treatment modality of the treatment of neuropathic pain.
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Keppel Hesselink JM, Kopsky DJ, Bhaskar AK. Skin matters! The role of keratinocytes in nociception: a rational argument for the development of topical analgesics. J Pain Res 2016; 10:1-8. [PMID: 28031725 PMCID: PMC5179230 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s122765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of neuropathic pain using topical formulations is still in its infancy. Only few topical analgesic formulations have become available for clinical use, and among these, analgesic creams are still rare. This is unfortunate because analgesic creams offer a number of advantages over patches, such as convenience, ease of adapting the frequency of application, and dose, and “rubbing cream where it hurts” involves the patient much more in the therapeutic process compared to patches and other localized treatment modalities. Although the literature supporting the efficacy and safety of analgesic creams (mostly compounded) is growing since the last decade, most pain physicians have not yet noticed and appreciated the therapeutic potential and clinical value of these creams. This is most probably due to a prejudice that topical application should need to act transdermally, more or less as a slow-release formulation, such as in patches delivering opioids. We will discuss this prejudice and show that there are multiple important targets in the skin to be reached by topical analgesic or anti-inflammatory compounds, and that the keratinocyte is one of those targets. By specifically targeting the keratinocyte, analgesia seems possible, effective, and safe, and thus topical analgesic creams may hold promise as a novel treatment modality for neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David J Kopsky
- Institute for Neuropathic Pain, Vespuccistraat 64-III, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Arun K Bhaskar
- Pain management Centre, Charing Cross Hospital Imperial Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
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Keppel Hesselink JM, Kopsky DJ, Sajben N. New topical treatment of vulvodynia based on the pathogenetic role of cross talk between nociceptors, immunocompetent cells, and epithelial cells. J Pain Res 2016; 9:757-762. [PMID: 27757050 PMCID: PMC5055105 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s115407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Topical treatments of localized neuropathic pain syndromes in general are mostly neglected, mainly due to the fact that most pain physicians expect that a topical formulation needs to result in a transdermal delivery of the active compounds. On the basis of the practical experience, this study brings forth a new, somewhat neglected element of the vulvodynia pathogenesis: the cross talk between the nerve endings of nociceptors, the adjacent immunocompetent cells, and vaginal epithelial cells. Insight into this cross talk during a pathogenic condition supports the treatment of vulvodynia with topical (compounded) creams. Vulvodynia was successfully treated with an analgesic cream consisting of baclofen 5% together with the autacoid palmitoylethanolamide 1%, an endogenous anti-inflammatory compound. In this review, data is presented to substantiate the rationale behind developing and prescribing topical products for localized pain states such as vulvodynia. Most chronic inflammatory disorders are based on a network pathogenesis, and monotherapeutic inroads into the treatment of such disorders are obsolete.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - D J Kopsky
- Institute for Neuropathic Pain, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - N Sajben
- Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Safaeian P, Mattie R, Hahn M, Plastaras CT, McCormick ZL. Novel Treatment of Radicular Pain With a Multi-Mechanistic Combination Topical Agent: A Case Series and Literature Review. Anesth Pain Med 2016; 6:e33322. [PMID: 27252902 PMCID: PMC4886452 DOI: 10.5812/aapm.33322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Revised: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pharmacologic treatment of radicular pain with oral medications is limited by adverse effects and concern for dependence. While topical formulations have been explored in pain research, there is no published literature evaluating the efficacy in radicular pain. We present the first three cases of radicular pain successfully treated with a topical formulation of diclofenac, ibuprofen, baclofen, cyclobenzaprine, bupivacaine, gabapentin, and pentoxifylline (T7). Case Presentation Case series evaluating T7 for treatment of radicular pain in a single, outpatient pain center. Pain was rated on the numeric rating scale (NRS) on initial evaluation and follow up after a trial of T7. One to two grams of T7 was applied to the affected area 3 - 4 times daily in addition to the patient’s baseline pharmacologic management. Three patients with median age of 50 (range, 39 to 65) and diagnosis of cervical and/or lumbosacral radicular pain participated. Two of the three had chronic radicular pain despite use of analgesic agents, spinal injections and failed spinal surgery syndrome. Each reported subjective improvement in radicular pain, function and sleep. There was an average decrease in NRS score consistent with 30% - 40% global improvement in symptoms, clinically significant based on the minimal clinically important difference for radicular pain. T7 was well tolerated without adverse reactions. Surgery was prevented or delayed in all cases. Conclusions This is the first report of the successful treatment of radicular pain with a topical agent. This highlights the need for randomized, prospective study of both single and compounded topical agents for treatment of radicular pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pegah Safaeian
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
- Corresponding author: Pegah Safaeian, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA. Tel: +1-3126951000, E-mail:
| | - Ryan Mattie
- Department of Orthopaedics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, USA
| | - Matthew Hahn
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Christopher T. Plastaras
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Zachary L. McCormick
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
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Walking with Neuropathic Pain: Paradoxical Shift from Burden to Support? Case Rep Med 2015; 2015:764950. [PMID: 26290669 PMCID: PMC4531204 DOI: 10.1155/2015/764950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Baclofen 5% cream can be used for the treatment of neuropathic pain. We describe an unusual case of a neuropathic pain patient with spinal cord injury. A 71-year-old woman with a partial spinal cord injury lesion at L4 complained of tingling, pins and needles, and burning in her legs. She scored her pain as 6 before adding baclofen 5% cream to her pain medication (pregabalin 450 mg, acetaminophen 3000 mg, and diclofenac 150 mg daily). One month later she experienced complete pain relief, though experienced increased difficulties in walking, leading to frequent falls. Her steadier walking without stumbling and falling was more important to her than pain reduction. Thus she decided to stop using baclofen. This unusual case report discusses two important issues that relate to pain medicine and rehabilitation in patients with painful spinal cord lesions: (1) the presence of wide areas of sensory loss “covered” by the presence of painful sensations and (2) pathological sensations that can be used and integrated in the body schema to create an improved spatiovisual orientation and thus mobility. Both these aspects have to be taken into account when treating pain and design rehabilitation programs.
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Tavares C. Alternative methods of pain management for the older adult population: Review of topical pain medications. Ment Health Clin 2015. [DOI: 10.9740/mhc.2015.05.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe older adult population is one of the fastest growing age groups in the United States. As this population continues to expand, determining the safest way to provide pain management has become increasingly important. More than 50% of community-dwelling older adults experience pain on a daily basis, and up to 83% of those in assisted living facilities experience persistent pain. Pain is exceedingly challenging to treat safely and effectively in the elderly because of the physiologic changes that occur as people age. In addition, many nonnarcotic medications with analgesic properties are listed in both the 2012 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults and the Pharmacy Quality Alliance high-risk medications lists. An approach to the growing challenge of managing pain in the elderly that is gaining popularity among community-dwelling patients is the use of topical pain medications. The goal of this article is to review some of the available literature regarding the use of various topical analgesics alone or in combination, and to discuss their known or theoretical mechanisms of peripheral pain modulation. Commercially available or compounded topical pain medications may be used to replace or augment doses of oral medications in an effort to decrease the risk of adverse drug events for older adult patients. When prescribing topical pain medications physicians should consider the nature of the pain targeted, the type of analgesia expected from each ingredient, the potential for systemic absorption, and related side effects.
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Vulvodynia and proctodynia treated with topical baclofen 5 % and palmitoylethanolamide. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2014; 290:389-93. [PMID: 24691823 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-014-3218-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of idiopathic vulvodynia and proctodynia is high. Pain management with anti-depressants and anti-epileptics may induce undesirable side effects. Therefore, topical baclofen cream and palmitoylethanolamide might be new therapeutic options. CASE A 33-year-old woman with intractable chronic vulvar and anal pain had to abstain from sexual intercourse and could neither cycle nor sit for more than 5 min. The patient did not respond to standard treatments. We prescribed a combination of topical baclofen 5 % and palmitoylethanolamide 400 mg, three times daily. After 3 months her symptoms decreased more than 50 % and sexual intercourse was possible again without pain. CONCLUSION Topical baclofen and palmitoylethanolamide can be a viable treatment option in chronic vulvodynia and proctodynia.
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