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Hamm-Faber TE, Vissers KCP, Kalkman JS, van Haren FGAM, Aukes HJA, Engels Y, Henssen DJHA. The Predicted Outcome of Spinal Cord Stimulation in Patients With a Psychopathological Disorder and Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome Type 2: A Systematic Review From 2009 to 2021. Neuromodulation 2024; 27:59-69. [PMID: 38127048 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2023.11.004] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Psychologic screening is often included as a mandatory component of evaluation of the impact of psychopathology disorders on the predicted outcome of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for patients with chronic pain due to persistent spinal pain syndrome type 2 (PSPS type 2). The conclusion of such screenings can influence the decision to offer SCS therapy to a patient. However, evidence on the impact of psychopathology on SCS outcomes is still scarce. MATERIALS AND METHODS To address this knowledge gap, we systematically reviewed the literature from 2009 to 2021 to explore the correlation between the presence of a psychopathological disorder and the predicted outcome of SCS in patients with PSPS type 2. The literature search was conducted using various online data bases with "failed back surgery syndrome," "psychopathology," and "spinal cord stimulation" used as essential keywords. The identified studies were organized in a Rayyan AI data base, and the quality was analyzed with the Critical Appraisal Skills Program tool. RESULTS Our search generated the identification of 468 original articles, of which two prospective and four retrospective studies met our inclusion criteria. These studies reported pain relief, a reduction of symptoms of anxiety and depression, and an improvement in rumination on the Pain Catastrophizing Scale in patients with PSPS type 2 after SCS therapy. The studies also found contradictory outcomes measured using the Oswestry Disability Index, and in terms of the impact of psychopathological disorder on the clinical outcome and revision rate of the SCS system. CONCLUSION In this systematic review, we found no convincing evidence that the presence of a psychopathological disorder affects the predicted outcome of SCS therapy in patients with PSPS type 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja E Hamm-Faber
- Department of Pain Medicine, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Zwijndrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Kris C P Vissers
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Joke S Kalkman
- Department of Medical Psychology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Frank G A M van Haren
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans J A Aukes
- Department of Pain Medicine, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Zwijndrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Yvonne Engels
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Dylan J H A Henssen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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2
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Shanthanna H, Eldabe S, Provenzano DA, Chang Y, Adams D, Kashir I, Goel A, Tian C, Couban RJ, Levit T, Hagedorn JM, Narouze S. Role of patient selection and trial stimulation for spinal cord stimulation therapy for chronic non-cancer pain: a comprehensive narrative review. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2023; 48:251-272. [PMID: 37001887 DOI: 10.1136/rapm-2022-103820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Background/importancePatient selection for spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy is crucial and is traditionally performed with clinical selection followed by a screening trial. The factors influencing patient selection and the importance of trialing have not been systematically evaluated.ObjectiveWe report a narrative review conducted to synthesize evidence regarding patient selection and the role of SCS trials.Evidence reviewMedline, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched for reports (any design) of SCS in adult patients, from their inception until March 30, 2022. Study selection and data extraction were carried out using DistillerSR. Data were organized into tables and narrative summaries, categorized by study design. Importance of patient variables and trialing was considered by looking at their influence on the long-term therapy success.FindingsAmong 7321 citations, 201 reports consisting of 60 systematic reviews, 36 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 41 observational studies (OSs), 51 registry-based reports, and 13 case reports on complications during trialing were included. Based on RCTs and OSs, the median trial success rate was 72% and 82%, and therapy success was 65% and 61% at 12 months, respectively. Although several psychological and non-psychological determinants have been investigated, studies do not report a consistent approach to patient selection. Among psychological factors, untreated depression was associated with poor long-term outcomes, but the effect of others was inconsistent. Most RCTs except for chronic angina involved trialing and only one RCT compared patient selection with or without trial. The median (range) trial duration was 10 (0–30) and 7 (0–56) days among RCTs and OSs, respectively.ConclusionsDue to lack of a consistent approach to identify responders for SCS therapy, trialing complements patient selection to exclude patients who do not find the therapy helpful and/or intolerant of the SCS system. However, more rigorous and large studies are necessary to better evaluate its role.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sam Eldabe
- James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK
| | | | - Yaping Chang
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Adams
- Center for Pain Medicine, Summa Western Reserve Hospital, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, USA
| | - Imad Kashir
- University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Akash Goel
- Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chenchen Tian
- Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Tal Levit
- Michael G DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathan M Hagedorn
- Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Samer Narouze
- Center for Pain Medicine, Summa Western Reserve Hospital, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, USA
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3
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Psychiatric screening for spinal cord stimulation for complex regional pain syndrome: A literature review and practical recommendations for implementation. INTERDISCIPLINARY NEUROSURGERY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.inat.2022.101633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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4
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Beletsky A, Liu C, Alexander E, Hassanin SW, Vickery K, Loomba M, Winston N, Chen J, Gabriel RA. The Association of Psychiatric Comorbidities With Short-Term and Long-Term Outcomes Following Spinal Cord Stimulator Placement. Neuromodulation 2023:S1094-7159(22)01432-5. [PMID: 36720669 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2022.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Outcomes after spinal cord stimulator (SCS) placement are affected by psychologic comorbidities. It is part of routine practice to do psychologic assessments prior to SCS trials to assess for the presence of maladaptive behavioral patterns. However, few studies have sought to quantify the effect of psychiatric comorbidities on complications, reoperation, and readmission rates. The purpose of this study was to assess the association of psychiatric comorbidities with postprocedural outcomes after SCS implantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Inclusion criteria included SCS placement between 2015 and 2020 (percutaneous approach or an open laminectomy-based approach) using Healthcare Corporation of America National Database. Data on psychiatric comorbidities present at the time of SCS implantation surgery were collected. Outcomes of interest included complication rates (defined as lead migration, fracture, malfunction, battery failure, postoperative pain, infection, dural puncture, or neurological injury), reoperation rates (defined as either revision or explant [ie, removal]), and readmission rates within 30-day and 1-year time after SCS implantation. We measured the association between psychiatric comorbidities and outcomes using multivariable regression and reported odds ratio (OR) and respective 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS A total of 12,751 cases were included. The most common psychiatric comorbidities were major depressive disorder (16.1%) and anxiety disorder (13.4%). In unadjusted univariate analysis, patients with any psychiatric comorbidity had heightened rates of any complication (27.1% vs 19.4%), infection (5.9% vs 1.9%), lead displacement (2.2% vs 1.3%), surgical pain (2.1% vs 1.2%), explant (14.7% vs 8.8%), and readmission rates at one year (54.2% vs 33.8%) (all p < 0.001). In multivariable logistic regression, with each additional psychiatric comorbidity, a patient had increased odds of experiencing any complication (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.36-1.57, p < 0.001), requiring a reoperation (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.37-1.6, p < 0.001), and requiring readmission (OR = 1.7, 99% CI = 1.6-1.8, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The presence of psychiatric comorbidities was found to be associated with postoperative complication rates, reoperation, and readmission rates after SCS placement. Furthermore, each consecutive increase in psychiatric comorbidity burden was associated with increased odds of complications, reoperation, and readmission. Future studies might consider examining the role of presurgical mental health screening (ie, patient selection, psychologic testing) and treatment in optimizing outcomes for patients with psychiatric comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Beletsky
- Department of Anesthesiology, Riverside Community Hospital, HCA Healthcare, Riverside, CA, USA.
| | - Cherry Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Riverside Community Hospital, HCA Healthcare, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Evan Alexander
- Department of Anesthesiology, Riverside Community Hospital, HCA Healthcare, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Samir W Hassanin
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, School of Medicine, Rutgers the State University of New Jersey, Picataway, NJ, USA
| | - Kim Vickery
- Department of Anesthesiology, Riverside Community Hospital, HCA Healthcare, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Munish Loomba
- Department of Anesthesiology, Riverside Community Hospital, HCA Healthcare, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Nutan Winston
- Department of Anesthesiology, Riverside Community Hospital, HCA Healthcare, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Chen
- Division of Pain, Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Rodney A Gabriel
- Division of Pain, Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA; Division of Regional Anesthesia, Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA; Division of Biomedical Informatics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
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5
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Thomson S, Helsen N, Prangnell S, Paroli M, Baranidharan G, Belaïd H, Billet B, Eldabe S, De Carolis G, Demartini L, Gatzinsky K, Kallewaard JW, Winkelmüller M, Huygen F, Stoevelaar H. Patient selection for spinal cord stimulation: The importance of an integrated assessment of clinical and psychosocial factors. Eur J Pain 2022; 26:1873-1881. [PMID: 35856311 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A previously developed educational e-health tool considers both clinical and psychosocial factors when selecting patients with chronic pain for spinal cord stimulation (SCS). The validity of the composite recommendations was evaluated in a retrospective study, demonstrating a strong relationship with patient outcomes after SCS. METHODS An additional retrospective analysis was performed to determine the added value of a psychosocial evaluation as part of the decision-making process on SCS. Data concerned 482 patients who were considered for SCS in 2018-2019. Analysis focused on the relationship between the different layers of the tool recommendations (clinical, psychosocial, composite) with trial results and patient outcomes at 6 months after SCS. Of the initial study population, 381 patients underwent SCS and had follow-up data on at least one of three pain-related outcome measures. RESULTS Pain improvement was observed in 76% of the patients for whom SCS was strongly recommended based on merely the clinical aspects. This percentage varied by the level of psychosocial problems and ranged from 86% in patients without any compromising psychosocial factors to 60% in those with severe problems. Similarly, the severity of psychosocial problems affected trial results in patients for whom SCS was either recommended or strongly recommended. CONCLUSIONS The strong relationship between psychosocial factors embedded in the SCS e-health tool and patient outcomes supports an integrated and multidisciplinary approach in the selection of patients for SCS. The educational e-health tool, combining both clinical and psychosocial aspects, is believed to be helpful for further education and implementation of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Thomson
- Mid and South Essex University Hospitals, Basildon, United Kingdom
| | - Nicky Helsen
- Centre for Decision Analysis and Support, Ismar Healthcare, Lier, Belgium
| | - Simon Prangnell
- Clinical Neuropsychology Service, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mery Paroli
- Anaesthesiology & Pain Therapy Unit, Santa Chiara University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ganesan Baranidharan
- Leeds Pain and Neuromodulation Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Hayat Belaïd
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild, Paris, France
| | - Bart Billet
- Department of Anaesthesiology, AZ Delta, Roeselare, Belgium
| | - Sam Eldabe
- Department of Pain Medicine, The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
| | - Giuliano De Carolis
- FederDolore-SICD; Anaesthesiology & Pain Therapy Unit, Santa Chiara University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Kliment Gatzinsky
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jan Willem Kallewaard
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Management, Rijnstate Hospital, Velp, The Netherlands.,Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Treatment, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Frank Huygen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Herman Stoevelaar
- Centre for Decision Analysis and Support, Ismar Healthcare, Lier, Belgium
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Thomson S, Huygen F, Prangnell S, De Andrés J, Baranidharan G, Belaïd H, Berry N, Billet B, Cooil J, De Carolis G, Demartini L, Eldabe S, Gatzinsky K, Kallewaard JW, Meier K, Paroli M, Stark A, Winkelmüller M, Stoevelaar H. Appropriate referral and selection of patients with chronic pain for spinal cord stimulation: European consensus recommendations and e-health tool. Eur J Pain 2020; 24:1169-1181. [PMID: 32187774 PMCID: PMC7318692 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an established treatment for chronic neuropathic, neuropathic‐like and ischaemic pain. However, the heterogeneity of patients in daily clinical practice makes it often challenging to determine which patients are eligible for this treatment, resulting in undesirable practice variations. This study aimed to establish patient‐specific recommendations for referral and selection of SCS in chronic pain. Methods A multidisciplinary European panel used the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method (RUAM) to assess the appropriateness of (referral for) SCS for 386 clinical scenarios in four pain areas: chronic low back pain and/or leg pain, complex regional pain syndrome, neuropathic pain syndromes and ischaemic pain syndromes. In addition, the panel identified a set of psychosocial factors that are relevant to the decision for SCS treatment. Results Appropriateness of SCS was strongly determined by the neuropathic or neuropathic‐like pain component, location and spread of pain, anatomic abnormalities and previous response to therapies targeting pain processing (e.g. nerve block). Psychosocial factors considered relevant for SCS selection were as follows: lack of engagement, dysfunctional coping, unrealistic expectations, inadequate daily activity level, problematic social support, secondary gain, psychological distress and unwillingness to reduce high‐dose opioids. An educational e‐health tool was developed that combines clinical and psychosocial factors into an advice on referral/selection for SCS. Conclusions The RUAM was useful to establish a consensus on patient‐specific criteria for referral/selection for SCS in chronic pain. The e‐health tool may help physicians learn to apply an integrated approach of clinical and psychosocial factors. Significance Determining the eligibility of SCS in patients with chronic pain requires careful consideration of a variety of clinical and psychosocial factors. Using a systematic approach to combine evidence from clinical studies and expert opinion, a multidisciplinary European expert panel developed detailed recommendations to support appropriate referral and selection for SCS in chronic pain. These recommendations are available as an educational e‐health tool (https://www.scstool.org/).
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Thomson
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals, Basildon, UK
| | - Frank Huygen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Simon Prangnell
- Clinical Neuropsychology Service, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK
| | - José De Andrés
- Valencia University Medical School Anesthesia Unit - Surgical Specialties Department, Department of Anaesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Management, General University Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Hayat Belaïd
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild, Paris, France
| | - Neil Berry
- Neuromodulation Team, Wessex Neurological Centre, Southampton, UK
| | - Bart Billet
- Department of Anaesthesiology, AZ Delta, Roeselare, Belgium
| | - Jan Cooil
- Department of Physiotherapy, Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals, Basildon, UK
| | - Giuliano De Carolis
- Anaesthesiology & Pain Therapy Unit, Santa Chiara University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Demartini
- Pain Unit, Clinical Scientific Institutes Maugeri, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sam Eldabe
- Department of Pain Medicine, The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Kliment Gatzinsky
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jan W Kallewaard
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Management, Rijnstate Hospital, Velp, The Netherlands
| | - Kaare Meier
- Department of Neurosurgery and Department of Anaesthesiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mery Paroli
- Anaesthesiology & Pain Therapy Unit, Santa Chiara University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Angela Stark
- Pain Management Service, Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals, Basildon, UK
| | | | - Herman Stoevelaar
- Centre for Decision Analysis and Support, Ismar Healthcare, Lier, Belgium
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Patel SK, Gozal YM, Saleh MS, Gibson JL, Karsy M, Mandybur GT. Spinal cord stimulation failure: evaluation of factors underlying hardware explantation. J Neurosurg Spine 2019; 32:133-138. [PMID: 31585414 DOI: 10.3171/2019.6.spine181099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Spinal cord stimulation has been shown to improve pain relief and reduce narcotic analgesic use in cases of complex refractory pain syndromes. However, a subset of patients ultimately undergoes removal of the spinal cord stimulator (SCS) system, presumably because of surgical complications or poor efficacy. This retrospective study addresses the paucity of evidence regarding risk factors and underlying causes of spinal cord stimulation failures that necessitate this explantation. METHODS In this retrospective single-center review, 129 patients underwent explantation of SCS hardware during a 9-year period (2005-2013) following initial placement at the authors' institution or elsewhere. Medical history, including indication of implantation, device characteristics, revision history, and reported reasons for removal of hardware, were reviewed. RESULTS The 74 (57%) women and 55 (43%) men were a median of 49 years old (IQR 41-61 years) at explantation; the median time to explantation was 20 months (IQR 7.5-45.5 months). Thoracic or upper lumbar leads were placed in 89.9% of patients primarily for the diagnosis of postsurgical failed-back surgery syndrome (70.5%), chronic regional pain syndrome (14.7%), and neuropathic pain (8.5%). More than half of patients were legally disabled. Initial postoperative reduction in pain was reported in 81% of patients, and 37.8% returned to work. Among 15 patients with acute postsurgical complications (12 infections, 2 hemorrhages, 1 immediate paraplegia), the median time to removal was 2 months. Primary reasons for hardware removal were lack of stimulation efficacy (81%), electrode failure due to migration (14%), and allergic reactions to implanted hardware in 2 patients. The 72 patients who underwent formal psychiatric evaluation before implantation were affected by high rates of major depression (64%), anxiety (34%), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (12%), drug or alcohol abuse (12%), and physical or sexual abuse (22%). CONCLUSIONS The authors' findings provide insight regarding the mechanisms of spinal cord stimulation failure that resulted in total removal of the implanted system. The relationship between spinal cord stimulation failure and certain psychiatric disorders, such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety, is highlighted. Ultimately, this work may shed light on potential avenues to reduce morbidity and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smruti K Patel
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | | | - Mohamed S Saleh
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Justin L Gibson
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Michael Karsy
- 3Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurosciences Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
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Simopoulos T, Sharma S, Wootton RJ, Orhurhu V, Aner M, Gill JS. Discontinuation of Chronic Opiate Therapy After Successful Spinal Cord Stimulation Is Highly Dependent Upon the Daily Opioid Dose. Pain Pract 2019; 19:794-799. [PMID: 31199551 DOI: 10.1111/papr.12807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine if any of the factors recorded on a standard clinical history of a patient considered for spinal cord stimulation (SCS) would be associated with reduction or cessation of opioids following implantation. DESIGN Retrospective, single academic center. METHODS Patients included in the chart analysis underwent implantation of percutaneous SCS devices from 1999 to 2015 with follow-up until the end of September 2018. Patients who achieved at least an average of 50% pain reduction were included for analysis of daily opioid intake. Patients were then divided into 4 groups that included no opioid use, stable opioid daily dose, weaned opioid dose, and complete cessation of opioids. Statistical methods were used to analyze for associations between opioid intake after SCS insertion and usual elements of a clinical history, including adjuvant medications, numeric pain rating, past medical history, psychiatric illness, substance abuse, employment, and smoking history. RESULTS In a group of 261 patients who had undergone implantation, 214 met the criteria for analysis and had a median age of 50 years, with majority having the diagnoses of failed back surgery syndrome and complex regional pain syndrome. The only factor that was associated with complete cessation of opioid use was a median dose of 30 mg of morphine per day (P < 0.01) and was observed in 15% of subjects who used opioids preoperatively. CONCLUSION The elimination of opioid dependence following initiation of SCS therapy is highly dependent on the daily dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Simopoulos
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A
| | - Sanjiv Sharma
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A
| | - Raymond Joshua Wootton
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A
| | - Vwaire Orhurhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A
| | - Moris Aner
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A
| | - Jatinder S Gill
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A
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