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Fetell M, Sendel M, Li T, Marinelli L, Vollert J, Ruggerio E, Houk G, Dockum M, Albrecht PJ, Rice FL, Baron R. Cutaneous nerve fiber and peripheral Nav1.7 assessment in a large cohort of patients with postherpetic neuralgia. Pain 2023; 164:2435-2446. [PMID: 37366590 PMCID: PMC10578423 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002950] [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: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The mechanisms of pain in postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) are still unclear, with some studies showing loss of cutaneous sensory nerve fibers that seemed to correlate with pain level. We report results of skin biopsies and correlations with baseline pain scores, mechanical hyperalgesia, and the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI) in 294 patients who participated in a clinical trial of TV-45070, a topical semiselective sodium 1.7 channel (Nav1.7) blocker. Intraepidermal nerve fibers and subepidermal Nav1.7 immunolabeled fibers were quantified in skin punch biopsies from the area of maximal PHN pain, as well as from the contralateral, homologous (mirror image) region. Across the entire study population, a 20% reduction in nerve fibers on the PHN-affected side compared with that in the contralateral side was noted; however, the reduction was much higher in older individuals, approaching 40% in those aged 70 years or older. There was a decrease in contralateral fiber counts as well, also noted in prior biopsy studies, the mechanism of which is not fully clear. Nav1.7-positive immunolabeling was present in approximately one-third of subepidermal nerve fibers and did not differ on the PHN-affected vs contralateral sides. Using cluster analysis, 2 groups could be identified, with the first cluster showing higher baseline pain, higher NPSI scores for squeezing and cold-induced pain, higher nerve fiber density, and higher Nav1.7 expression. While Nav1.7 varies from patient to patient, it does not seem to be a key pathophysiological driver of PHN pain. Individual differences in Nav1.7 expression, however, may determine the intensity and sensory aspects of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manon Sendel
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany
| | - Thomas Li
- Teva Pharmaceuticals, West Chester, PA, United States
| | | | - Jan Vollert
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany
- Pain Research, MSk Lab, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Neurophysiology, Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience MCTN, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht Karls University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | | | - George Houk
- Integrated Tissue Dynamics LLC, Rensselaer, NY, United States
| | - Marilyn Dockum
- Integrated Tissue Dynamics LLC, Rensselaer, NY, United States
| | | | - Frank L. Rice
- Integrated Tissue Dynamics LLC, Rensselaer, NY, United States
| | - Ralf Baron
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany
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Cao X, Jiao B, Wen D, Duan G, Zhang M, Zhang C, Wu G, Zhang X. Evaluation of the correlation of dorsal root ganglia and spinal nerves with clinical symptoms in patients with postherpetic neuralgia using magnetic resonance neurography. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15998. [PMID: 37667753 PMCID: PMC10475274 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15998] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To assess changes of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and spinal nerves in patients with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), and investigate the correlation between DRG morphology and clinical symptoms in PHN patients using magnetic resonance neurography (MRN). Methods In this case-control study, forty-nine lesioned DRG in 30 patients and 49 normal DRG in 30 well-matched (age, sex, height, weight) healthy controls were assessed. Clinical symptoms of patients (pain, allodynia, itching, and numbness) were assessed. MRN features (DRG volume (VDRG), the largest diameter (Dmax) of spinal nerves, signal intensity of DRG and spinal nerves (M-value)) were measured in all participants. Multilinear regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between the DRG morphology and clinical symptoms in patients. Results The volume and relative M-value of lesioned DRG in patients were significantly higher than those on the same side of healthy controls (p = 0.013, p < 0.001, respectively). The mean Dmax and relative M-value of spinal nerves on the lesioned side were significantly higher than those on the contralateral and same side of healthy controls (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0001, p = 0.0011, p = 0.0053, respectively). No difference was found between the mean VDRG of the lesioned and contralateral sides. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that disease duration was independent risk factor for the maximum rate of VDRG differences (p = 0.013). Conclusions DRG and spinal nerves on the lesioned side are swollen during PHN. Disease duration is an independent risk factor for morphological differences in the lesioned DRG of PHN patients. This study provides important guidance for individualized treatments of PHN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqin Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Bo Jiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Donglin Wen
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Guangyou Duan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Mi Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Caixia Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Gang Wu
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xianwei Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Comparison of Adjuvant Hypertonic Saline and Normal Saline for Epidural Block in Patients with Postherpetic Neuralgia: A Double-Blind, Randomized Trial. Pain Res Manag 2022; 2022:8081443. [PMID: 36451915 PMCID: PMC9705113 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8081443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background In patients with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), the effectiveness of epidural block and the benefits of adjuvant hypertonic saline (HS) have not been fully determined. Therefore, we investigated these issues in this study. Methods At a tertiary medical center's single pain clinic in Seoul, Republic of Korea, patients complaining of PHN even after 4 months of herpes zoster onset were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the HS or normal saline (NS) group. After epidural block with adjuvant HS or NS administration according to each protocol, outcomes were assessed at baseline and one and three months after the intervention. The primary outcome was pain intensity on the numerical rating scale (NRS). The secondary outcomes were the insomnia severity index (ISI), the medication quantification scale (MQS), and the global perceived effect of satisfaction (GPES). Results Thirty-six patients (NS: 17, HS: 19) were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. The estimated pain intensity decreased in both groups at one and three months after the procedure (P < 0.001), without a significant group difference. The estimated ISI and MQS were not significantly different at 1 month compared with baseline but significantly decreased at 3 months in each group (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively), without group differences. In addition, there was no difference between the groups on the GPES scale at one and three months after the procedure. Conclusions Epidural steroid injection may have the advantages of short-term pain relief, improved sleep quality, and decreased medication usage in patients with PHN. In addition, adjuvant HS administration with epidural steroid injection did not show beneficial effects in patients with PHN. Further studies are needed to clarify the potential effectiveness of HS in treating neuropathic pain such as PHN. This trial is registered with KCT0002845.
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Dermatopharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation of a novel nanostructured formulation containing capsaicinoids for treating neuropathic pain. Int J Pharm 2021; 596:120294. [PMID: 33497705 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The in vivo skin penetration by dermal microdialysis and the pharmacological efficacy of a chitosan hydrogel containing capsaicinoids-loaded nanocapsules (CHNCCaps) was evaluated in this study. Such gel has previously been proven to control capsaicinoids release and decrease the drugs side effects in humans. The nanocapsules containing capsaicinoids had an average size around 150 nm, with a low polydispersity index, positive zeta potential, and high encapsulation efficiency of the drugs. The CHNCCaps showed intact nanocapsules, a slightly acid pH value, and a pseudoplastic behavior suitable for topical application. Microdialysis experiments showed a 1.6-fold increase in the concentration of capsaicinoids in the dermis (after 12 h of its application) when CHNCCaps was administered compared to a chitosan hydrogel containing capsaicinoids in hydroethanolic solution (CHETCaps) and the commercial cream. The CHNCCaps showed antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic effects from 6 h to 96 h after treatment initiation, whereas CHETCaps and the commercial cream showed antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic effects only at 48 h and 96 h after treatment initiation, respectively. CHNCCaps and the commercial cream maintained antihyperalgesic activity for 6 days after treatment interruption. For mechanical allodynia, the antinociceptive effect was maintained for 48 h after treatment interruption only with CHNCCaps. In conclusion, CHNCCaps is a promising formulation for treating peripheral neuropathic pain.
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Abstract
Neuropathic pain caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system is a common chronic pain condition with major impact on quality of life. Examples include trigeminal neuralgia, painful polyneuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, and central poststroke pain. Most patients complain of an ongoing or intermittent spontaneous pain of, for example, burning, pricking, squeezing quality, which may be accompanied by evoked pain, particular to light touch and cold. Ectopic activity in, for example, nerve-end neuroma, compressed nerves or nerve roots, dorsal root ganglia, and the thalamus may in different conditions underlie the spontaneous pain. Evoked pain may spread to neighboring areas, and the underlying pathophysiology involves peripheral and central sensitization. Maladaptive structural changes and a number of cell-cell interactions and molecular signaling underlie the sensitization of nociceptive pathways. These include alteration in ion channels, activation of immune cells, glial-derived mediators, and epigenetic regulation. The major classes of therapeutics include drugs acting on α2δ subunits of calcium channels, sodium channels, and descending modulatory inhibitory pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanna Brix Finnerup
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; and Department of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rohini Kuner
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; and Department of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Troels Staehelin Jensen
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; and Department of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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Abd-Elsayed A, Jackson M, Gu SL, Fiala K, Gu J. Neuropathic pain and Kv7 voltage-gated potassium channels: The potential role of Kv7 activators in the treatment of neuropathic pain. Mol Pain 2020; 15:1744806919864256. [PMID: 31342847 PMCID: PMC6659175 DOI: 10.1177/1744806919864256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain conditions severely and chronically affect the quality of life
in a large human population, but the pain conditions are not adequately managed
due to poor understanding of their underlying mechanisms. There is a pressing
need for further research into this field to help develop effective and
nonaddictive medications to treat neuropathic pain. This article first describes
general clinical classification of pain, types and symptoms of neuropathic pain,
and current practices of clinical management for neuropathic pain. This is
followed by a discussion of various cellular and molecular mechanisms
responsible for the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain. In this
review, we highlight the loss of function of Kv7 voltage-gated potassium as a
mechanism of neuropathic pain and the potential use of Kv7 channel activator as
subsequent treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Abd-Elsayed
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,2 Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Markus Jackson
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Steven L Gu
- 3 Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Kenneth Fiala
- 2 Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jianguo Gu
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,3 Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Rice FL, Castel D, Ruggiero E, Dockum M, Houk G, Sabbag I, Albrecht PJ, Meilin S. Human-like cutaneous neuropathologies associated with a porcine model of peripheral neuritis: A translational platform for neuropathic pain. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2019; 5:100021. [PMID: 31194066 PMCID: PMC6550106 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2018.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Despite enormous investment in research and development of novel treatments, there remains a lack of predictable, effective, and safe therapeutics for human chronic neuropathic pain (NP) afflictions. NP continues to increase among the population and treatments remain a major unmet public health care need. In recent years, numerous costly (time and money) failures have occurred attempting to translate successful animal pain model results, typically using rodents, to human clinical trials. These continued failures point to the essential need for better animal models of human pain conditions. To address this challenge, we have previously developed a peripheral neuritis trauma (PNT) model of chronic pain induced by a proximal sciatic nerve irritation in pigs, which have a body size, metabolism, skin structure, and cutaneous innervation more similar to humans. Here, we set out to determine the extent that the PNT model presents with cutaneous neuropathologies consistent with those associated with human chronic NP afflictions. Exactly as is performed in human skin biopsies, extensive quantitative multi-molecular immunofluorescence analyses of porcine skin biopsies were performed to assess cutaneous innervation and skin structure. ChemoMorphometric Analysis (CMA) results demonstrated a significant reduction in small caliber intraepidermal nerve fiber (IENF) innervation, altered dermal vascular innervation, and aberrant analgesic/algesic neurochemical properties among epidermal keratinocytes, which are implicated in modulating sensory innervation. These comprehensive pathologic changes very closely resemble those observed from CMA of human skin biopsies collected from NP afflictions. The results indicate that the porcine PNT model is more appropriate for translational NP research compared with commonly utilized rodent models. Because the PNT model creates cutaneous innervation and keratinocyte immunolabeling alterations consistent with human NP conditions, use of this animal model for NP testing and treatment response characteristics will likely provide more realistic results to direct successful translation to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank L. Rice
- Neuroscience & Pain Research Group, Integrated Tissue Dynamics, LLC, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
- Division of Health Sciences, University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - David Castel
- The Neufeld Cardiac Research Institute, Sheba Medical Centre, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Elizabeth Ruggiero
- Neuroscience & Pain Research Group, Integrated Tissue Dynamics, LLC, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - Marilyn Dockum
- Neuroscience & Pain Research Group, Integrated Tissue Dynamics, LLC, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - George Houk
- Neuroscience & Pain Research Group, Integrated Tissue Dynamics, LLC, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - Itai Sabbag
- Lahav Research Institute, Kibutz Lahav, Negev 85335, Israel
| | - Phillip J. Albrecht
- Neuroscience & Pain Research Group, Integrated Tissue Dynamics, LLC, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
- Division of Health Sciences, University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - Sigal Meilin
- MD Biosciences, Neurology R&D Division, Nes-Ziona 74140, Israel
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Dynamic of the somatosensory system in postherpetic neuralgia. Pain Rep 2018; 3:e668. [PMID: 30706032 PMCID: PMC6344136 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000000668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: In postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) different types of patients can be distinguished regarding their predominant peripheral nociceptor function. Objective: The aim was to examine somatosensory profiles in the course of disease with special regard to the different subtypes existing in PHN. Methods: Twenty patients with PHN (7 men and 13 women, age 67 ± 9.6 years) were examined at baseline (disease duration 18.1 ± 26 months) and follow-up (31.6 ± 23.8 months later) with quantitative sensory testing (protocol of the German Research Network on Neuropathic Pain). Results: Fourteen (70%) PHN patients presented with impaired (iPHN) and 6 (30%) with preserved (pPHN) C-fiber function. Groups did not differ regarding age, disease duration, or pain intensity at baseline. Both groups did not differ regarding change in pain intensity (−0.5 ± 2.3 vs −1.7 ± 2.6 numerical rating scale, P = n.s.) at follow-up. Impaired PHN improved in thermal and mechanical detection thresholds as well as allodynia independent from change in pain intensity. By contrast, pPHN showed an increase in mechanical pain sensitivity (1.4 ± 2.5 vs −0.4 ± 2.2, P < 0.05) and a trend towards a stronger loss of detection (66% vs 33%, P = n.s.) on follow-up. Conclusion: Results demonstrate that patients with preserved C-fiber function are more predisposed to develop signs of central sensitization as demonstrated by an increased mechanical pain sensitivity. Impaired C-fiber function is able to improve even in chronic cases, but a functional loss is unlikely to play a role here. The knowledge of development of somatosensory profiles in the course of the disease offers possibilities to optimize a mechanism-based treatment.
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Natural history of pain associated with melanoma surgery. Pain Rep 2018; 3:e689. [PMID: 30706034 PMCID: PMC6344134 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000000689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction After excision of a primary malignant melanoma (MM), treatment of stage IB or higher MM consists of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). If malignant cells are identified, a complete lymph node dissection (CLND) can be performed. Objective To determine the natural history of pain and sensory changes after MM surgery. Methods We prospectively followed 39 patients (29 SLNB-only, 2 CLND-only, and 8 CLND preceded by SLNB) from before inguinal or axillary surgery through 6 months after surgery on measures of pain intensity, sensory symptoms, allodynia, and questionnaires of anxiety, depression, and catastrophizing. Results No patient had pain preoperatively. Ten days after surgery, 35% had surgical site pain after SLNB-only compared with 90% after CLND (P < 0.003); clinically meaningful pain (Visual Analogue Scale ≥ 30 mm/100 mm) was reported by 3% of patients after SLNB-only compared with 40% after CLND (P < 0.001). At 6 months, all SLNB-only patients were pain-free. By contrast, 4 of 7 in the SLNB + CLND group still had pain (P < 0.002). At 6 months, symptoms of altered sensation or numbness were reported by 32% and 42% of SLNB-only patients, and by 67% and 67% of patients undergoing CLND surgery (both P > 0.05). Conclusion Acute pain is more common after CLND surgery. Undergoing SLNB followed by more invasive CLND surgery may increase the likelihood of pain at 6 months. Persistent sensory symptoms typical of those associated with nerve injury are more common after CLND. Surgery for MM is a good model for studying the natural history of postsurgical pain and sensory changes.
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Abstract
Premise In this article we review some lesser known cranial neuralgias that are distinct from trigeminal neuralgia, trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, or trigeminal neuropathies. Included are occipital neuralgia, superior laryngeal neuralgia, auriculotemporal neuralgia, glossopharyngeal and nervus intermedius neuralgia, and pain from acute herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia of the trigeminal and intermedius nerves. Problem Facial neuralgias are rare and many physicians do not see such cases in their lifetime, so patients with a suspected diagnosis within this group should be referred to a specialized center where multidisciplinary team diagnosis may be available. Potential solution Each facial neuralgia can be identified on the basis of clinical presentation, allowing for precision diagnosis and planning of treatment. Treatment remains conservative with oral or topical medication recommended for neuropathic pain to be tried before more invasive procedures are undertaken. However, evidence for efficacy of current treatments remains weak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis O'Neill
- 1 Department of Oral Surgery, Liverpool University Dental Hospital, Liverpool, UK.,2 Pain Research Institute, Clinical Sciences Centre, Fazakerley, Liverpool, UK
| | - Turo Nurmikko
- 2 Pain Research Institute, Clinical Sciences Centre, Fazakerley, Liverpool, UK.,3 Neuroscience Research, The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Claudia Sommer
- 4 Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, Germany
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Häuser W, Bock F, Engeser P, Hege-Scheuing G, Hüppe M, Lindena G, Maier C, Norda H, Radbruch L, Sabatowski R, Schäfer M, Schiltenwolf M, Schuler M, Sorgatz H, Tölle T, Willweber-Strumpf A, Petzke F. [Recommendations of the updated LONTS guidelines. Long-term opioid therapy for chronic noncancer pain]. Schmerz 2016; 29:109-30. [PMID: 25616996 DOI: 10.1007/s00482-014-1463-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The regular update of the German S3 guidelines on long-term opioid therapy for chronic noncancer pain (CNCP), the"LONTS" (AWMF registration number 145/003), began in November 2013. METHODS The guidelines were developed by 26 scientific societies and two patient self-help organisations under the coordination of the Deutsche Schmerzgesellschaft (German Pain Society). A systematic literature search in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Medline and Scopus databases (up until October 2013) was performed. Levels of evidence were assigned according to the classification system of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. The strength of the recommendations was established by multistep formal procedures, in order to reach a consensus according to German Association of the Medical Scientific Societies ("Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlich Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften", AWMF) regulations. The guidelines were reviewed by the Drug Commission of the German Medical Association, the Austrian Pain Society and the Swiss Association for the Study of Pain. RESULTS Opioids are one drug-based treatment option for short- (4-12 weeks), intermediate- (13-25 weeks) and long-term (≥ 26 weeks) therapy of chronic osteoarthritis, diabetic polyneuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia and low back pain. Contraindications are primary headaches, as well as functional somatic syndromes and mental disorders with the (cardinal) symptom pain. For all other clinical presentations, a short- and long-term therapy with opioid-containing analgesics should be evaluated on an individual basis. Long-term therapy with opioid-containing analgesics is associated with relevant risks (sexual disorders, increased mortality). CONCLUSION Responsible application of opioid-containing analgesics requires consideration of possible indications and contraindications, as well as regular assessment of efficacy and adverse effects. Neither an uncritical increase in opioid application, nor the global rejection of opioid-containing analgesics is justified in patients with CNCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Häuser
- Medizinisches Versorgungszentrum (Schmerztherapie, Palliativmedizin, Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie) Saarbrücken - St. Johann, Saarbrücken, Deutschland,
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Truini A, Haanpaa M, Provitera V, Biasiotta A, Stancanelli A, Caporaso G, Santoro L, Cruccu G, Nolano M. Differential myelinated and unmyelinated sensory and autonomic skin nerve fiber involvement in patients with ophthalmic postherpetic neuralgia. Front Neuroanat 2015; 9:105. [PMID: 26300742 PMCID: PMC4523825 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2015.00105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a common and exceptionally drug-resistant neuropathic pain condition. In this cross-sectional skin biopsy study, seeking information on the responsible pathophysiological mechanisms we assessed how ophthalmic PHN affects sensory and autonomic skin innervation. We took 2-mm supraorbital punch skin biopsies from the affected and unaffected sides in 10 patients with ophthalmic PHN. Using indirect immunofluorescence and a large panel of antibodies including protein gene product (PGP) 9.5 we quantified epidermal unmyelinated, dermal myelinated and autonomic nerve fibers. Although skin biopsy showed reduced epidermal and dermal myelinated fiber density in specimens from the affected side, the epidermal/dermal myelinated nerve fiber ratio was lower in the affected than in the unaffected side (p < 0.001), thus suggesting a predominant epidermal unmyelinated nerve fiber loss. Conversely, autonomic skin innervation was spared. Our study showing that ophthalmic PHN predominantly affects unmyelinated nerve fiber and spares autonomic nerve fiber might help to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this difficult-to-treat condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Truini
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome Rome, Italy
| | - Maija Haanpaa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital Helsinki, Finland
| | - Vincenzo Provitera
- Neurology Division "Salvatore Maugeri" Foundation-Institute of Telese Terme (BN) Italy Telese Terme, Italy
| | - Antonella Biasiotta
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome Rome, Italy
| | - Annamaria Stancanelli
- Neurology Division "Salvatore Maugeri" Foundation-Institute of Telese Terme (BN) Italy Telese Terme, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Caporaso
- Neurology Division "Salvatore Maugeri" Foundation-Institute of Telese Terme (BN) Italy Telese Terme, Italy
| | - Lucio Santoro
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University Federico II of Naples Naples, Italy
| | - Giorgio Cruccu
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Nolano
- Neurology Division "Salvatore Maugeri" Foundation-Institute of Telese Terme (BN) Italy Telese Terme, Italy
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Pica F, Gatti A, Divizia M, Lazzari M, Ciotti M, Sabato AF, Volpi A. One-year follow-up of patients with long-lasting post-herpetic neuralgia. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14:556. [PMID: 25361823 PMCID: PMC4226872 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-014-0556-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent information on epidemiology and management of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), a painful complication of zoster, is scarce. METHODS This study was conducted at the Pain Clinic of the Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy, on eighty-five immunocompetent patients with a clinical diagnosis of PHN. At enrollment (time 0, T0), the patients were interviewed by physicians to obtain demographic data and information about their zoster clinical history and underwent a blood test for VZV-DNA research. DN4 and SF-12 questionnaires were used to assess the neuropathic nature of pain and the overall health status, respectively. A one-year follow-up was planned for enrolled cases, who were visited at regular intervals of at least 3 months. RESULTS At T0 all the patients were at least 6 months from the episode of acute zoster and still presented with intense pain (mean VAS =6.7; mean DN4 = 5.7). Using antivirals within 72 hours from the rash onset was associated to a significant reduction of pain at T0 (p = 0.006 vs untreated patients). Only 2.6% of patients treated with antivirals during acute zoster but 18.6% of the untreated ones presented with neuropathic pain at T12 (p =0.007), even though the two groups were similar at T0. VZV-DNA was found in 5 out of the 50 available blood samples. At the last follow-up visit, PCS and MCS scores of the PHN patients were found to be recovered over those of the historical age-matched healthy controls. Undesirable side effects of analgesic therapies were observed in 15.3 to 28.8% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS Patients who six months after acute zoster still have significant neuropathic pain, have a high probability of suffering from chronic pain in the subsequent months/years. The initial antiviral treatment has a significant impact on the pain. Current strategies of analgesic therapy are effective to achieve relief of pain in PHN patients, but they are burdened with heavy and undesirable side effects.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to characterise the incidence rates of herpes zoster (HZ), also known as shingles, and risk of complications across the world. DESIGN We systematically reviewed studies examining the incidence rates of HZ, temporal trends of HZ, the risk of complications including postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and HZ-associated hospitalisation and mortality rates in the general population. The literature search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE and the WHO library up to December 2013. RESULTS We included 130 studies conducted in 26 countries. The incidence rate of HZ ranged between 3 and 5/1000 person-years in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, based on studies using prospective surveillance, electronic medical record data or administrative data with medical record review. A temporal increase in the incidence of HZ was reported in the past several decades across seven countries, often occurring before the introduction of varicella vaccination programmes. The risk of developing PHN varied from 5% to more than 30%, depending on the type of study design, age distribution of study populations and definition. More than 30% of patients with PHN experienced persistent pain for more than 1 year. The risk of recurrence of HZ ranged from 1% to 6%, with long-term follow-up studies showing higher risk (5-6%). Hospitalisation rates ranged from 2 to 25/100 000 person-years, with higher rates among elderly populations. CONCLUSIONS HZ is a significant global health burden that is expected to increase as the population ages. Future research with rigorous methods is important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Kawai
- Global Health Outcomes, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Berhanu G Gebremeskel
- School of Public Health, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Camilo J Acosta
- Global Health Outcomes, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania, USA
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Massengill JS, Kittredge JL. Practical considerations in the pharmacological treatment of postherpetic neuralgia for the primary care provider. J Pain Res 2014; 7:125-32. [PMID: 24648752 PMCID: PMC3956687 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s57242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
An estimated one million individuals in the US are diagnosed with herpes zoster (HZ; shingles) each year. Approximately 20% of these patients will develop postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a complex HZ complication characterized by neuropathic pain isolated to the dermatome that was affected by the HZ virus. PHN is debilitating, altering physical function and quality of life, and commonly affects vulnerable populations, including the elderly and the immunocompromised. Despite the availability of an immunization for HZ prevention and several approved HZ treatments, the incidence of PHN is increasing. Furthermore, management of the neuropathic pain associated with PHN is often suboptimal, and the use of available therapeutics may be complicated by adverse effects and complex, burdensome treatment regimens, as well as by patients’ comorbidities and polypharmacy, which may lead to drug–drug interactions. Informed and comprehensive assessments of currently available pharmacological treatment options to achieve effective pain control in the primary care setting are needed. In this article, we discuss the situation in clinical practice, review currently recommended prevention and treatment options for PHN, and outline practical considerations for the management of this neuropathic pain syndrome, with a focus on optimal, individual-based treatment plans for use in the primary care setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John L Kittredge
- Michiana Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehab, PC, Mishawaka, IN, USA
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Natural course of herpes zoster: Resolution of pain in spite of poor recovery of nerve fibers. Pain 2013; 154:1908-1909. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2013.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 06/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Ultsch B, Weidemann F, Reinhold T, Siedler A, Krause G, Wichmann O. Health economic evaluation of vaccination strategies for the prevention of herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia in Germany. BMC Health Serv Res 2013; 13:359. [PMID: 24070414 PMCID: PMC3849436 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-13-359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Accepted: 09/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Herpes zoster (HZ) is a self-limiting painful skin rash affecting mostly individuals from 50 years of age. The main complication is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a long-lasting pain after rash has resolved. A HZ-vaccine has recently been licensed in Europe for individuals older than 50 years. To support an informed decision-making for a potential vaccination recommendation, we conducted a health economic evaluation to identify the most cost-effective vaccination strategy. METHODS We developed a static Markov-cohort model, which compared a vaccine-scenario with no vaccination. The cohort entering the model was 50 years of age, vaccinated at age 60, and stayed over life-time in the model. Transition probabilities were based on HZ/PHN-epidemiology and demographic data from Germany, as well as vaccine efficacy (VE) data from clinical trials. Costs for vaccination and HZ/PHN-treatment (in Euros; 2010), as well as outcomes were discounted equally with 3% p.a. We accounted results from both, payer and societal perspective. We calculated benefit-cost-ratio (BCR), number-needed-to-vaccinate (NNV), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) for costs per HZ-case avoided, per PHN-case avoided, and per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. Different target age-groups were compared to identify the most cost-effective vaccination strategy. Base-case-analysis as well as structural, descriptive-, and probabilistic-sensitivity-analyses (DSA, PSA) were performed. RESULTS When vaccinating 20% of a cohort of 1 million 50 year old individuals at the age of 60 years, approximately 20,000 HZ-cases will be avoided over life-time. The NNV to avoid one HZ (PHN)-case was 10 (144). However, with a BCR of 0.34 this vaccination-strategy did not save costs. The base-case-analysis yielded an ICER of 1,419 (20,809) Euros per avoided HZ (PHN)-case and 28,146 Euros per QALY gained. Vaccination at the age of 60 was identified in most (sensitivity) analyses to be the most cost-effective vaccination strategy. In DSA, vaccine price and VE were shown to be the most critical input-data. CONCLUSIONS According to our evaluation, HZ-vaccination is expected to avoid HZ/PHN-cases and gain QALYs to higher costs. However, the vaccine price had the highest impact on the ICERs. Among different scenarios, targeting individuals aged 60 years seems to represent the most cost-effective vaccination-strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Ultsch
- Immunisation Unit, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
- Charité University Medical Centre, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Reinhold
- Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité - University Medical Centre, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anette Siedler
- Immunisation Unit, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gérard Krause
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
- Department for Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Brunswick, Germany
| | - Ole Wichmann
- Immunisation Unit, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
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