Trends in Medicalization of Children with Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome

Characterizing Neurocognitive Impairment in Juvenile Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Subjective and Objective Measures of Dyscognition

OBJECTIVES

Our understanding of brain fog, or dyscognition, among youth with juvenile fibromyalgia syndrome is limited. We aimed to determine the prevalence of subjective (self-reported) and objective dyscognition, as well as factors associated with subjective dyscognition in juvenile fibromyalgia syndrome.

METHODS

A cross-sectional cohort study of patients (n = 31) 12-17 years old diagnosed with primary juvenile fibromyalgia syndrome and one of their parents from 2017 to 2019. Subjects completed a series of survey measures and patients completed a brief neurocognitive battery. Subjective dyscognition was determined based on scores on the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) Cognitive Functioning Scale and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF-2) global executive composite (GEC). Objective dyscognition was defined as impairment of more than two standard deviations in any of the neurocognitive domains. We used Fisher's exact test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test, as appropriate, to compare clinical patients based on the presence of dyscognition. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was performed to determine factors associated with subjective dyscognition.

RESULTS

Of the 31 subjects, 65% reported subjective dyscognition and 39% had objective dyscognition, primarily in the domains of psychomotor speed (23%), executive function (23%), and attention (3%). Subjective dyscognition was not indicative of objective dyscognition. Subjective dyscognition was independently associated with functional disability (OR: 1.19 [95% CI: 1.02-1.40]) and anxiety (OR: 1.12 [95% CI: 1.02-1.24]).

DISCUSSION

Adolescents with fibromyalgia predominantly experience subjective dyscognition but more than 1/3 also experience objective dyscognition. Future research should explore the impact of interdisciplinary rehabilitation programs on the treatment of dyscognition in youth with JFMS.

Patients With Somatoform Disorders Are Prone To Expensive and Potentially Harmful Medical Procedures

BACKGROUND

Patients with functional somatic syndromes (FSS) might be prone to potentially harmful medical investigations in ambulatory care. The primary aim was to investigate whether patients with FSS are more likely to undergo diagnostic examinations such as radiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic reso - nance imaging (MRI), and outpatient surgical procedures. The secondary aim was to evaluate the extent to which coordination of care by primary care physicians reduces healthcare utilization.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study using longitudinal regression analysis of routine data. FSS patients were weighted in the regression model to allow a representative comparison with the Bavarian population. The observation period was from 5 years before until 10 years after the diagnosis of FSS.

RESULTS

The cohort comprised 43 676 patients with FSS and a control group of 50 003 patients without a diagnosis of FSS. The FSS patients exhibited continuously increased healthcare utilization over the 15-year period. The relative risk (RR) for FSS patients was up to 1.48 (95% confidence interval [1.46; 1.50]) for radiography, 2.01 [1.94; 2.08] for CT, 1.91 [1.87; 1.96] for MRI, and 1.30 [1.27; 1.34] for outpatient surgery. Compared with patients whose treatment was coordinated by their primary care physician, patients with no such coordination showed higher service utilization. The ambulatory care costs were up to 1.37 [1.36; 1.38] times greater.

CONCLUSION

Patients with FSS more frequently undergo potentially harmful and costly diagnostic testing and outpatient surgery. Coordination of care by the primary care physician is associated with lower healthcare utilization.

Long-term outcomes of children with severe chronic pain: Comparison of former patients with a community sample

BACKGROUND

Findings on the short- and long-term effectiveness of intensive interdisciplinary pain treatment (IIPT) for children with severe chronic functional pain are promising. However, a definitive appraisal of long-term effectiveness cannot be made due to a lack of comparison groups. The aim of the present study was to compare the health status of former patients with the health status of an age- and sex-matched comparison group from the community.

METHODS

Data from two samples, a clinical sample of former patients (n = 162; aged 14 to 26) and an age- and sex-matched community sample (n = 162), were analysed. Former patients provided data 7 years after IIPT. Pain characteristics, physical and mental health status, autonomy, coping and health care utilisation were compared between the two samples.

RESULTS

Seven years after treatment, the majority (58%) of the clinical sample were completely pain-free. Compared to the community sample, the clinical sample demonstrated worse physical and mental health and continued to seek more frequent health care, irrespective of whether or not they experienced ongoing chronic pain. However, the clinical sample reported better coping strategies and a comparable level of autonomy.

CONCLUSION

Patients experiencing severe chronic pain in childhood who engage in IIPT are likely to have recovered from their pain in early adulthood. Long-term treatment effects may manifest in better coping strategies. However, reduced mental and physical health status may indicate a negative long-term effect of early chronic pain experiences or a general vulnerability in people developing a chronic pain condition in childhood.

SIGNIFICANCE

The majority of severely impaired paediatric chronic pain patients no longer suffer from chronic pain seven years after intensive interdisciplinary pain treatment. However, former patients have worse physical and mental health status than a community sample, and continue to seek out more frequent health care utilisation, irrespective of whether or not they continue to experience chronic pain. Therefore, potential negative long-term effects of childhood chronic pain experiences need specific attention early on.

[Diagnostics and therapy in children and adolescents with chronic pain : Trends in interventions potentially dangerous to health]

Hintergrund und Ziel der Arbeit

Bei der Behandlung chronischer funktioneller Schmerzen im Kindes- und Jugendalter nimmt international sowohl die Anzahl an diagnostischen und therapeutischen Maßnahmen als auch ihre Invasivität zu. Studienziel ist die Erforschung der vor Beginn einer spezialisierten stationären Schmerztherapie durchgeführten, die pädiatrischen Patienten potenziell gefährdenden Maßnahmen in Deutschland.

Material und Methoden

In einem retrospektiven Studiendesign wurden Patientenakten eines tertiären Kinderschmerzzentrums der Jahre 2004, 2008, 2012 und 2016 ausgewertet (N = 585). Neben diagnostischen und therapeutischen Maßnahmen wurden primäre Schmerzparameter und Patientencharakteristika erfasst. In einer interdisziplinären Expertenumfrage (N = 13) wurden die Invasivität, das Risiko und die psychische Belastung von Maßnahmen bewertet.

Ergebnisse

Diagnostische und medikamentöse Maßnahmen nehmen bis 2012 zu. Ab 2012 lässt sich ein abnehmender Trend erkennen (χ²(3) = 11,708; p = 0,008). Die Invasivität (χ²(3) = 13,342; p = 0,004), das Risiko (χ²(3) = 13,135; p = 0,004) und die psychische Belastung (χ²(3) = 14,403; p = 0,002) durchgeführter Maßnahmen zeigen ein gleiches Veränderungsmuster. In der Gesamtstichprobe sind Patienten mit Bauch- oder Gliederschmerzen besonders gefährdet für hoch invasive und sehr risikoreiche Diagnostik.

Diskussion

Eine Zunahme diagnostischer und therapeutischer Maßnahmen bei funktionellen Schmerzstörungen lässt sich nur bis 2012 beobachten. Bei bestimmten Patientengruppen kommen invasive, risikoreiche und die Psyche stärker belastende Maßnahmen häufiger zur Anwendung.

Zusatzmaterial online

Die Online-Version dieses Beitrags (10.1007/s00482-020-00506-5) enthält vier weitere Tabellen. Beitrag und Zusatzmaterial stehen Ihnen auf www.springermedizin.de zur Verfügung. Bitte geben Sie dort den Beitragstitel in die Suche ein, das Zusatzmaterial finden Sie beim Beitrag unter „Ergänzende Inhalte“.

Erythema Ab Igne in an Adolescent With Chronic Pain: An Alarming Cutaneous Eruption From Heat Exposure

Erythema ab igne (EAI) is a cutaneous finding caused by prolonged heat exposure and is characterized by a reticular, brownish-pigmented, often telangiectatic dermatosis. The eruption is reminiscent of livedo reticularis, which is typically seen in the setting of a number of rheumatologic conditions, most prominently vasculitis. Identification of key features distinguishing EAI from livedo reticularis can aid in the diagnosis of EAI and correct elucidation of the underlying etiology. Our patient presented with heating pad-induced EAI in the setting of chronic pain. Only 6 other pediatric cases of EAI associated with heat sources for chronic pain are reported (Acta Derm Venereol. 2014;94:365-367, J Pediatr. 2013;163:1789, Int J Eat Disord. 2013;46:381-383, Arch Dis Child. 2008;93:389, Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2012;166:185-186, Br J Clin Pract. 1990;44:248-251). Our case highlights the need for awareness of this pathognomonic skin eruption in children with chronic pain conditions to help avoid an extensive workup for vasculitis.

Opioid Prescribing and Polypharmacy in Children with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

OBJECTIVE

Thirty percent of adults with fibromyalgia receive an opioid, but the prevalence of opioid prescribing in pediatric chronic musculoskeletal pain is unknown. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with opioid exposure and polypharmacy among children with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study using health care claims data from 2000 to 2013, the index date was the first ICD-9 code 729.1. Included subjects were ≥ 2 and < 18 years old at the index date with two or more codes within 12 months and 18 months of continuous enrollment. Subjects with burns, sickle cell disease, or malignancy were excluded. Opioid exposure was defined as one or more prescriptions within six months before or any time after the index date. Polypharmacy was considered minor (2-4 medications) or major (≥5 medications).

RESULTS

Of 25,321 included subjects, 20% received an opioid and 26% experienced minor polypharmacy. Opioid exposure was associated with female sex (odds ratio [OR] = 1.27, P < 0.01), Caucasian race (OR = 1.27, P < 0.01), hospitalization (OR = 1.20, P < 0.01), and visit with anesthesiology (OR = 1.97, P < 0.01) or orthopedics (OR = 1.09, P < 0.05). Mental health codes were associated with decreased odds of opioid exposure (all P < 0.05). Children seen by a chiropractor or physiatrist had a reduced odds of receipt of an opioid (OR = 0.42 and 0.84, respectively, both P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Twenty percent of children with chronic musculoskeletal pain received an opioid. Twenty-six percent experienced polypharmacy, with the majority receiving 2-4 medications. Increased availability of psychological and nonpharmacologic services are potential strategies to reduce opioid exposure.

The juvenile fibromyalgia syndrome (JFMS): a poorly defined disorder

Juvenile fibromyalgia syndrome (JFMS) is a chronic condition characterized by symptoms of chronic diffuse musculoskeletal pain and multiple painful tender points on palpation. It is often accompanied by fatigue, disorders of sleep, chronic headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and subjective soft tissue swelling. The complexity of the presenting clinical picture in JPFS has not been sufficiently defined in the literature. Similarities to adult fibromyalgia syndrome in JFMS are often difficult to compare, because many of the symptoms are "medically unexplained" and often overlap frequently with other medical conditions. However, a valid diagnosis of JFMS often decreases parents' anxiety, reduces unnecessary further investigations, and provides a rational framework for a management plan. The diagnostic criteria proposed by Yunus and Masi in 1985 to define JFMS were never validated or critically analyzed. In most cases, the clinical diagnosis is based on the history, the physical examination that demonstrates general tenderness (muscle, joints, tendons), the absence of other pathological conditions that could explain pain and fatigue, and the normal basic laboratory tests. Research and clinical observations defined that JFMS may have a chronic course that impacts the functional status and the psychosocial development of children and adolescents. This paper briefly reviews the existing knowledge on JFMS focusing on the diagnosis, clinical and the epidemiological characteristics in children and adolescents for better understanding of this disorder.

Medication use among pediatric patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain syndromes at initial pain clinic evaluation

AIM

To characterize medication use by adolescents with chronic musculoskeletal pain syndromes before an initial multidisciplinary clinic visit.

PATIENTS & METHODS

A cross-sectional sample of 120 adolescents and parents reported on standardized assessment measures, with medication use data extracted from the medical chart and categorized.

RESULTS

On average, 3.2 medications were reported; 70% used more than one pain-specific medication including opioids (17%), nonopioids (31%), psychotropics/neuropathics (45%) and other medications (13%). Adolescents with complex regional pain syndrome consistently reported greatest use of opioid, psychotropic/neuropathic and other pain medications. A regression model explained 17% of the variance in pain medication use. Nonpain medication use and disability contributed unique variance - pain duration and intensity did not.

CONCLUSION

Greater attention to factors contributing to prescriptive practices, medication use and long-term outcomes is warranted.

Fibromyalgia: Treating Pain in the Juvenile Patient

Presently, evidence for the efficacy of medications for the treatment of juvenile fibromyalgia syndrome (JFMS) is limited. While there are medications approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (duloxetine, milnacipran and pregabalin) for adults with fibromyalgia syndrome, there are none for the treatment of JFMS. A variety of medications have been prescribed for the treatment of JFMS, including (but not limited to) non-opioid analgesics, opioids, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and muscle relaxants. Psychological therapies, most prominently cognitive behavioral therapy, are the most evidenced-based treatment modalities for JFMS. A multidisciplinary approach, combining pharmacological, behavioral and exercise-based modalities is currently the standard of care for JFMS. In the future, more stringent randomized, controlled trials with longer follow-up periods are needed in order to determine the long-term efficacy and safety of medications in the treatment of JFMS. Additionally, improved recognition of JFMS will allow for better patient recruitment to permit for adequately powered study designs.

Chronic Pain in Children: A Look at the Referral Process to a Pediatric Pain Clinic

We reviewed the referral pattern of children with chronic pain to a specialized pediatric pain clinic. Data were obtained from referring physicians and medical records and during an interview with patients and their parents by physicians and a psychologist. We analyzed the following: referral diagnosis, demographics, duration of symptoms, number of physicians previously consulted, school attendance, sports activities, presence of psychological disorders, final team diagnosis, and outcomes. Children had been experiencing pain for 34 ± 55 months. Patients had consulted on average 3 physicians in addition to their pediatrician. 32% of the patients had missed at least 10 days of school in a calendar year, and 47% had stopped playing sports. 15% had an operation because of pain that had been unsuccessful. The most common missed diagnosis was anxiety (25%) and depression (13%). 69% of the patients were back to school and/or playing sports within 4 months from our initial consultation. 32% of the patients did not make any progress during the follow-up period. The most common reasons for failure to improve were no compliance with the recommended treatments and poorly controlled major mood disorder. The time to refer children with chronic pain for specialized care could be extremely long causing significant social and psychological consequence.

Specialized Rehabilitation Programs for Children and Adolescents with Severe Disabling Chronic Pain: Indications, Treatment and Outcomes

Children and adolescents with highly disabling chronic pain of high intensity and frequency are admitted to specialized pain rehabilitation programs. Some barriers to obtaining this specialized care include a lack of availability of treatment centers, a perceived social stigma and individual barriers such as socioeconomic status. Specialized rehabilitation programs for severe disabling chronic pain worldwide have similarities regarding admission criteria, structure and therapeutic orientation. They differ, however, regarding their exclusion criteria and program descriptions. The short- and long-term effectiveness of some rehabilitation programs is well documented. All countries should promote the establishment of future pediatric pain centers to improve the health care of children and adolescents suffering from severe chronic pain. Standardized reporting guidelines should be developed to describe treatments and outcomes to enable comparability across treatment centers.