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Żegleń M, Kryst Ł, Bąbel P. Diet, gym, supplements, or maybe it is all in your mind? A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on placebo and nocebo effects in weight loss in adults. Obes Rev 2024; 25:e13660. [PMID: 37950372 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is evidence that placebo and nocebo effects are significant for many conditions, but their impact on weight loss has not yet been well described. MATERIAL AND METHODS A systematic review of studies indexed on PubMed, Cochrane, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, TripDatabase, and Embase was carried out. Studies (1) with at least two study groups - placebo and a corresponding control group; (2) published in English; and (3) focusing on adults participating in weight loss programs or on placebo/nocebo effects in weight loss were included. Synthesis and meta-analysis of the results of studies with comparable research plans were performed. RESULTS Some preliminary trends suggesting placebo and nocebo effects in weight loss were found. Placebo effects manifested in trends towards a slightly greater reduction of Body Mass Index (BMI) and body fat ratio in the placebo compared with the control groups. On the other hand, in one study, it was found that the expectancy effects of taking oral weight-loss agents might be disadvantageous (i.e., because they elicit a nocebo effect on weight loss). CONCLUSION The findings suggest a possibility that the nocebo effect may occur when an intervention has a medical context. In contrast, the placebo effect can be observed in cases where the intervention is of a different nature. However, considering the low number of studies analyzing the use of placebos in weight loss, new primary research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Żegleń
- Institute of Psychology, Pain Research Group, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Łukasz Kryst
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, University of Physical Education in Kraków, Poland
| | - Przemysław Bąbel
- Institute of Psychology, Pain Research Group, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
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Frisaldi E, Vollert J, Al Sultani H, Benedetti F, Shaibani A. Placebo and nocebo responses in painful diabetic neuropathy: systematic review and meta-analysis. Pain 2024; 165:29-43. [PMID: 37530658 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT This preregistered (CRD42021223379) systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to characterize the placebo and nocebo responses in placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN), updating the previous literature by a decade. Four databases were searched for PDN trials published in the past 20 years, testing oral medications, adopting a parallel-group design. Magnitude of placebo or nocebo responses, Cochrane risk of bias, heterogeneity, and moderators were evaluated. Searches identified 21 studies (2425 placebo-treated patients). The overall mean pooled placebo response was -1.54 change in the pain intensity from baseline [95% confidence interval (CI): -1.52, -1.56, I 2 = 72], with a moderate effect size (Cohen d = 0.72). The pooled placebo 50% response rate was 25% [95% CI: 22, 29, I 2 = 50%]. The overall percentage of patients with adverse events (AEs) in the placebo arms was 53.3% [95% CI: 50.9, 55.7], with 5.1% [95% CI: 4.2, 6] of patients dropping out due to AEs. The year of study initiation was the only significant moderator of placebo response (regression coefficient = -0.06, [95% CI: -0.10, -0.02, P = 0.007]). More recent RCTs tended to be longer, bigger, and to include older patients (N = 21, rs = 0.455, P = 0.038, rs = 0.600, P = 0.004, rs = 0.472, P = 0.031, respectively). Our findings confirm the magnitude of placebo and nocebo responses, identify the year of study initiation as the only significant moderator of placebo response, draw attention to contextual factors such as confidence in PDN treatments, patients' previous negative experiences, intervention duration, and information provided to patients before enrollment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Frisaldi
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin Medical School, Turin, Italy
| | - Jan Vollert
- Pain Research, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- Neurophysiology, Mannheim Center of Translational Neuroscience (MCTN), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Fabrizio Benedetti
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin Medical School, Turin, Italy
- Medicine and Physiology of Hypoxia, Plateau Rosà, Switzerland
| | - Aziz Shaibani
- Nerve and Muscle Center of Texas, Houston, TX, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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Frisaldi E, Shaibani A, Benedetti F, Pagnini F. Placebo and nocebo effects and mechanisms associated with pharmacological interventions: an umbrella review. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e077243. [PMID: 37848293 PMCID: PMC10582987 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This review aimed to summarise the existing knowledge about placebo and nocebo effects associated with pharmacological interventions and their mechanisms. DESIGN Umbrella review, adopting the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 tool for critical appraisal. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial were searched in September 2022, without any time restriction, for systematic reviews, narrative reviews, original articles. Results were summarised through narrative synthesis, tables, 95% CI. OUTCOME MEASURES Mechanisms underlying placebo/nocebo effects and/or their effect sizes. RESULTS The databases search identified 372 studies, for a total of 158 312 participants, comprising 41 systematic reviews, 312 narrative reviews and 19 original articles. Seventy-three per cent of the examined systematic reviews were of high quality.Our findings revealed that mechanisms underlying placebo and/or nocebo effects have been characterised, at least in part, for: pain, non-noxious somatic sensation, Parkinson's disease, migraine, sleep disorders, intellectual disability, depression, anxiety, dementia, addiction, gynaecological disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, immune and endocrine systems, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, gastrointestinal disorders, skin diseases, influenza and related vaccines, oncology, obesity, physical and cognitive performance. Their magnitude ranged from 0.08 to 2.01 (95% CI 0.37 to 0.89) for placebo effects and from 0.32 to 0.90 (95% CI 0.24 to 1.00) for nocebo effects. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a valuable tool for clinicians and researchers, identifying both results ready for clinical practice and gaps to address in the near future. FUNDING Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy with the 'Finanziamento Ponte 2022' grant. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42023392281.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Frisaldi
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Aziz Shaibani
- Muscle and Nerve Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Fabrizio Benedetti
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesco Pagnini
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
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Mohamadi S, Ahmadzad-Asl M, Nejadghaderi SA, Jabbarinejad R, Mirbehbahani SH, Sinyor M, Richter MA, Davoudi F. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Placebo Effect and its Correlates in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2023; 68:479-494. [PMID: 35876317 PMCID: PMC10408559 DOI: 10.1177/07067437221115029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a major mental health condition with a lifetime prevalence rate of 1.3% among adults. While placebo effects are well described for conditions such as depressive and anxiety disorders, they have not been systematically characterized in OCD. OBJECTIVES We aimed to determine the impact of placebos in improving different symptom domains in patients with OCD. METHODS We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Ovid, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases/search engine from inception to January 2021 for randomized controlled trials of treatments for OCD with a placebo arm. A modified Cohen's effect size (ES) was calculated using change in baseline to endpoint scores for different measurement scales within placebo arms to estimate placebo effects and to investigate their correlates by random-effects model meta-analyses. RESULTS Forty-nine clinical trials (placebo group n = 1993), reporting 80 OCD specific (153 measures in general) were included in the analysis. Overall placebo ES (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 0.32 (0.22-0.41) on OCD symptoms, with substantial heterogeneity (I-square = 96.1%). Among secondary outcomes, general scales, ES: 0.27 (95%CI: 0.14-0.41), demonstrated higher ES than anxiety and depression scales, ES: 0.14 (95%CI: -0.4 to 0.32) and 0.05 (95%CI: -0.05 to 0.14), respectively. Clinician-rated scales, ES: 0.27(95%CI: 0.20-0.34), had a higher ES than self-reported scales, ES: 0.07 (95%CI: -0.08 to 0.22). More recent publication year, larger placebo group sample size, shorter follow-up duration, and younger age of participants were all associated with larger placebo ES. Egger's test reflected possible small-study effect publication bias (P = 0.029). CONCLUSION Placebo effects are modest in OCD trials and are larger in clinician ratings, for younger patients, and early in the treatment course. These findings underscore the need for clinicians and scientists to be mindful of placebo effects when formulating treatments or research trials for OCD. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER PROSPERO CRD42019125979.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safoura Mohamadi
- Mental Health Research Center, School of Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Ahmadzad-Asl
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Roxana Jabbarinejad
- Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Brain Injury Research, Think + Speak lab, Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Mark Sinyor
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Margaret A. Richter
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Farnoush Davoudi
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Community and Family Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Boorman DC, Keay KA. Learning pain in context: Response-conditioned placebo analgesia and nocebo hyperalgesia in male rats with chronic neuropathic pain. Physiol Behav 2023; 263:114116. [PMID: 36773736 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal models of placebo analgesia and nocebo hyperalgesia have great potential to assist in the development of novel treatments for chronic pain that exploit or inhibit these phenomena. This study sought to elicit both conditioned placebo analgesia and conditioned nocebo hyperalgesia in rats with chronic neuropathic pain using non-pharmacological, contextual conditioning approaches, similar to those most often used in humans. METHODS Sciatic nerve-injured male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 80), and sham controls (n = 16), underwent a conditioning procedure in which three different thermal stimulus intensities (4 °C, 20 °C or 30 °C) were paired with contextual cues. Injured hind paw withdrawal behaviours were used to determine pain sensitivity, and either conditioned analgesia or conditioned hyperalgesia was evoked by re-exposing the rats to the same context with either an increased or decreased thermal stimulus, respectively. RESULTS Stronger conditioned analgesia and conditioned hyperalgesia were seen when rats were conditioned in a more complex environment, highlighting the importance of context in these processes. Rats that did not undergo conditioning procedures showed fewer hind paw withdrawals, indicating a learned component to these pain behaviours. CONCLUSIONS Our data call attention to context and learning as two critical factors in the development of placebo and nocebo effects in male rodents with a neuropathic injury. Additionally, the response-conditioning model we present in this study affords better comparisons between human and animal studies, in particular for those seeking to identify commonalities in the neurobiological mechanisms of placebo and nocebo responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien C Boorman
- School of Medical Sciences and the Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.
| | - Kevin A Keay
- School of Medical Sciences and the Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
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Colloca L, Dworkin RH, Farrar JT, Tive L, Yang J, Viktrup L, Dasic G, West CR, Whalen E, Brown MT, Gilbert SA, Verburg KM. Predicting Treatment Responses in Patients With Osteoarthritis: Results From Two Phase III Tanezumab Randomized Clinical Trials. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2023; 113:878-886. [PMID: 36621827 PMCID: PMC11000258 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.2842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Prediction of treatment responses is essential to move forward translational science. Our question was to identify patient-based variables that predicted responses to treatments. We conducted secondary analyses on pooled data from two randomized phase III clinical trials (NCT02697773 and NCT02709486) conducted in participants with moderate to severe osteoarthritis randomized to subcutaneous placebo (n = 514) or tanezumab 2.5 mg (n = 514). We used gradient boosted regression trees to identify variables that predicted Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Pain subscale scores at Week 16 and marginal plots to determine the directional relationship between each variable category and responses to placebo or tanezumab within the models. We also used Virtual Twins models to identify potential subgroups of response to the active treatment vs. placebo. We found that responses to placebo were predicted by baseline WOMAC Physical Function, baseline WOMAC Pain, the radiographic classification of the index joint, and the standard deviation of diary pain scores at baseline. In contrast, baseline WOMAC Pain along with failure of prior medications, duration of disease, and standard deviation of diary pain scores at baseline were predictive of tanezumab responses as expressed by the WOMAC Pain scores at Week 16. Those who responded to tanezumab vs. placebo were identified based on the radiographic classification of the index joint and either age or smoking status. These secondary-data analyses identified distinct and common patient-based variables to predict response to placebo or tanezumab. These findings will inform the design of future clinical trials, helping to move forward clinical pharmacology and translational science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Colloca
- Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Science, Placebo Beyond Opinions Center, School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - John T Farrar
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Anastasi JK, Capili B, Neumaier J, Hackett L. Delivery of acupuncture in clinical trials: Research acupuncturists’ perspectives. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2023:S2095-4964(23)00027-4. [PMID: 37117088 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2023.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Delivery of acupuncture in the setting of a clinical trial is a unique practice that diverges significantly from the delivery of acupuncture in a real-world clinical setting. Research acupuncturists, particularly those trained in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), are often required to set aside valued precepts of traditional care, including diagnosing imbalances, individualizing treatment, and forging a therapeutic relationship with patients. TCM-trained acupuncturists express mixed feelings about participating in clinical trials. Many are eager to play a vital role in the advancement of acupuncture science and appreciate the need for strict protocol adherence to minimize bias. However, the acupuncturist(s) may also have concerns about clinical trial methodology, including but not limited to the delivery of a control condition, e.g., sham acupuncture. Investigators should anticipate certain questions and even a level of resistance to the requirements of research among acupuncturists and be prepared to address them. This manuscript presents a brief review of the subjective experience of the research acupuncturist within the available scientific literature as it pertains to the delivery of active and sham clinical research protocols. Our goals are to better understand the perspectives of acupuncturists who may participate in clinical research, so that their concerns may be addressed in study design and methodology. To that end, we suggest the creation of a novel training program specifically for clinical trial acupuncturists, intended for qualified TCM- and Western-trained practitioners, that would help to standardize the research acupuncturist's role and help to strengthen the design and execution of acupuncture studies.
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8
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Ju DG, Kanim LE, Bae HW. Is There Clinical Improvement Associated With Intradiscal Therapies? A Comparison Across Randomized Controlled Studies. Global Spine J 2022; 12:756-764. [PMID: 33047622 PMCID: PMC9344499 DOI: 10.1177/2192568220963058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Post hoc comparison using single-site data from 4 multicenter randomized controlled trials. OBJECTIVES Discogenic back pain is associated with significant morbidity and medical cost. Several terminated, unreported randomized controlled trials have studied the effect of intradiscal biologic injections. Here we report single-center outcomes from these trials to determine if there is clinical improvement associated with these intradiscal injections. METHODS Post hoc comparison was performed using single-site data from 4 similar multi-center randomized controlled trials. All trials evaluated an injectable therapy (growth factor, fibrin sealant, or stem cells) for symptomatic lumbar disc disease with near-identical inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographics and patient reported outcomes were analyzed across treatment arms postinjection. RESULTS A total of 38 patients were treated with biologic agents and 12 were treated with control saline injections. There was a significant decrease in visual analogue score (VAS) pain for both the investigational and saline groups up to 12 months postinjection (P < .01). There was no significant difference in VAS scores between the saline and investigational groups at 12 months. Similarly, there was significant improvement in patient-reported disability scores in both the investigational and saline groups at all time points. There were no significant differences in disability score improvement between the saline and investigational treatment groups at 12 months postinjection. CONCLUSIONS A single-center analysis of 4 randomized controlled studies demonstrated no difference in outcomes between therapeutic intradiscal agents (growth factor, fibrin sealant, or stem cells) and control saline groups. In all groups, patient reported pain and disability scores decreased significantly. Future studies are needed to evaluate the therapeutic benefit of any intradiscal injections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek G. Ju
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los
Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Hyun W. Bae
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los
Angeles, CA, USA,Hyun W. Bae, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center,
444 South San Vicente Boulevard, Suite 901, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Gillving M, Demant D, Holbech JV, Vase L, Bach FW, Jensen TS, Finnerup NB, Sindrup SH. Impact of variability in baseline pain on the placebo response in randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trials in peripheral neuropathic pain. Pain 2022; 163:483-488. [PMID: 34407033 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Large placebo responses often negatively affect randomized controlled trials within the pain area. Understanding different possible factors that influence the placebo response is therefore important. In this retrospective analysis, we hypothesized that a large variability in baseline pain score would predict a greater placebo response and analyzed the impact of the coefficient of variation, SD, and difference between the highest and lowest numeric rating scale (NRS) score at baseline on the placebo response. A total of 160 observations on placebo response from 3 controlled clinical trials with a crossover design were included in this study. In general, the placebo response was low with a mean reduction in pain intensity of 0.5 points (range -5 to 7) measured on a 0 to 10 point NRS, and only 15% were placebo responders as defined by more than 30% reduction in NRS pain score from baseline to the end of the placebo treatment period. We found no significant impact of baseline pain coefficient of variation, SD, or the difference between lowest and highest baseline pain score on the placebo response. Placebo response in one trial did not predict placebo response in another trial. A large placebo response was not associated with a large treatment response. In conclusion, in this retrospective data analysis, there was no impact of baseline pain variability on the placebo response in controlled clinical trials with a crossover design in patients with peripheral neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimmi Gillving
- Department of Neurology and Neurology Research Unit, Odense University Hospital and University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Dyveke Demant
- Department of Neurology and Neurology Research Unit, Odense University Hospital and University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jakob V Holbech
- Department of Neurology and Neurology Research Unit, Odense University Hospital and University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lene Vase
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Danish Pain Research Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Flemming W Bach
- Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Troels S Jensen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Danish Pain Research Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nanna B Finnerup
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Danish Pain Research Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Søren H Sindrup
- Department of Neurology and Neurology Research Unit, Odense University Hospital and University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Zeng D, Yan X, Deng H, Li J, Xiao J, Yuan J, Huang J, Xu N, Fu W, Jianhua L. Placebo response vary between different types of sham acupuncture: A randomized double-blind trial in neck pain patients. Eur J Pain 2022; 26:1006-1020. [PMID: 35129852 PMCID: PMC9305463 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background In prospective experimental studies of neck pain patients, it is difficult to determine whether responses to sham acupuncture differ from responses to real acupuncture due to the heterogeneous methodologies in control/sham interventions. Here we aim to compare the specific and nonspecific effects of electroacupuncture with four types of sham acupuncture. Methods In this double‐blind, sham‐controlled study, we randomly assigned 175 patients with neck pain to receive 10 sessions of electroacupuncture, shallow puncture, nonacupoint deep puncture, nonacupoint shallow puncture, or nonpenetration acupuncture. We used the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ) as our primary outcome, and Short‐form McGill Pain Questionnaire, visual analog scale (VAS), and Pain Threshold as secondary outcomes to measure the changes from baseline to a 3‐month follow up. Results All groups, except nonacupoint shallow puncture, had significant improvement in all outcome measurements. Electroacupuncture only showed superior improvements than the shallow puncture, nonacupoint shallow puncture, and nonpenetration groups when compared using the NPQ and VAS scale (*p < 0.001). Interestingly, the nonacupoint shallow puncture produced even less placebo response than nonpenetration acupuncture. Conclusion Our study demonstrates the high variability of placebo response among different types of sham controls depending on the depth of needle insertion and the puncture location. An important implication of our results is nonacupoint deep puncture produced similar analgesic effects as electroacupuncture. Our study may shed a new light on the predominant underlying mechanisms among different types of sham acupuncture controls, which can help with interpreting the effect of acupuncture in other studies. Trial registration Chinese clinical trial registry (ChiCTR‐IOR‐15006886). Significance This study compared the observed specific and nonspecific analgesia effect in four different types of sham acupuncture stimulation with neck pain patients, assessed by four outcomes. Although all of the sham controls produced significant reduction in neck pain, electroacupuncture had superior significant improvement. Importantly, placebo responses differed significantly between the sham controls and responses were inconsistent according to different outcome assessments. This study emphasizes the importance of taking into consideration which sham control and method of outcome measurement were used in a pain research study when evaluating its results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dian Zeng
- Acupuncture Research Team, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxia Yan
- Acupuncture Research Team, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongmei Deng
- Acupuncture Research Team, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiemei Li
- Acupuncture Research Team, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaxin Xiao
- Acupuncture Research Team, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiawei Yuan
- Acupuncture Research Team, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianpeng Huang
- Acupuncture Research Team, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nenggui Xu
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenbin Fu
- Acupuncture Research Team, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liu Jianhua
- Acupuncture Research Team, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Pain Reduction after Short Exposure to Virtual Reality Environments in People with Spinal Cord Injury. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18178923. [PMID: 34501513 PMCID: PMC8431617 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18178923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Emerging literature suggests that virtual reality (VR) may be a viable therapy for neuropathic pain (NP). This pilot study aimed to investigate the immediate effect of VR in reducing NP in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Eight individuals with chronic NP after SCI were recruited and underwent consecutive exposure to scenery and somatic virtual environments (VE). The numeric rating scale (NRS) was used to assess pain before and after exposure to each VE. The Immersive Tendencies Questionnaire (ITQ) and Presence Questionnaire (UQO-PQ) were used to investigate the interaction between reported pain relief post-intervention with immersion and presence. There was a significant reduction in pain levels (5.1 ± 0.4, mean ± SEM) after short exposure to the scenery (3.1 ± 0.7, p = 0.04) and somatic VE (3.0 ± 0.7, p = 0.04), with no difference between intervention types (p = 0.56). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the total ITQ score and the change in NRS after the scenery VR intervention (rs = 0.743, p = 0.035). PQ scores showed no significant correlation with changes in pain following either intervention type. We found that short-term exposure to VR environments results in a reduction in chronic NP intensity in people with SCI.
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Perfitt JS, Plunkett N, Jones S. Placebo effect in the management of chronic pain. BJA Educ 2020; 20:382-387. [PMID: 33456922 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjae.2020.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- J S Perfitt
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, UK
| | - N Plunkett
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, UK
| | - S Jones
- Sheffield Children's Hospital, Sheffield, UK
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Leite WB, Oliveira ML, Ferreira IC, Anjos CF, Barbosa MA, Barbosa AC. Effects of 4-Week Diacutaneous Fibrolysis on Myalgia, Mouth Opening, and Level of Functional Severity in Women With Temporomandibular Disorders: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2020; 43:806-815. [PMID: 32893024 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2020.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of 4-week protocol of diacutaneous fibrolysis (DF) compared with simulated DF (sham-DF) on myalgia and mouth opening. METHODS In a sham randomized controlled trial, 34 women with temporomandibular disorders and myofascial pain were randomly divided as intervention group (IG) and sham-DF group (SG). The IG received 4 weeks of real DF, and the SG received sham. Pain was assessed through the visual analog scale and pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and over the temporal and masseter muscles. The Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire was used to classify the participants regarding to the severity of the functional limitation related to TMD. RESULTS Pain scores decreased for both groups, but the IG showed lower values at week 4, with between-group differences. Bilateral temporal PPT showed higher values at week 4, with between-group differences. The SG had lower PPTs but the IG had higher PPTs, both compared to baseline results. The time-by-group interaction and the frequency of participants above 40 mm of mouth opening showed a significant difference for the IG over time with higher results at the 4-week assessment compared to its own baseline. Both groups showed lower MFIQ scores from baseline to 4-week assessment. There was a lower frequency of a moderate level of severity for the IG. No differences were observed for TMJ or for the masseter muscles PPT. CONCLUSION Improvements were observed for visual analog scale scores and PPTs on temporal muscles. There was a group-by-time interaction in the IG, suggesting a possible potential use of DF for mouth opening.
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Affiliation(s)
- William B Leite
- Musculoskeletal Research Group - NIME, Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadare, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Matheus L Oliveira
- Musculoskeletal Research Group - NIME, Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadare, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Master Degree Program in Rehabilitation and Physical Performance, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadare, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Isabella C Ferreira
- Musculoskeletal Research Group - NIME, Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadare, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carolina F Anjos
- Musculoskeletal Research Group - NIME, Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadare, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Master Degree Program in Rehabilitation and Physical Performance, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadare, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Michelle A Barbosa
- Musculoskeletal Research Group - NIME, Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadare, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Master Degree Program in Rehabilitation and Physical Performance, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadare, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Alexandre C Barbosa
- Musculoskeletal Research Group - NIME, Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadare, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Master Degree Program in Rehabilitation and Physical Performance, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadare, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Master Degree Program in Applied Health Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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14
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Ozmen MC, Dieckmann G, Cox SM, Rashad R, Paracha R, Sanayei N, Morkin MI, Hamrah P. Efficacy and tolerability of nortriptyline in the management of neuropathic corneal pain. Ocul Surf 2020; 18:814-820. [PMID: 32860971 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2020.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Neuropathic corneal pain (NCP) is a recently acknowledged disease entity. However, there is no consensus in potential treatment strategies, particularly in patients with a centralized component of pain. This study aims to assess the efficacy and tolerability of the tricyclic antidepressant, nortriptyline, among NCP patients. METHODS Patients with clinically diagnosed NCP and a centralized component of pain, treated with oral nortriptyline, who had recorded pain scores as assessed by the ocular pain assessment survey at the first and last visit were included. Patients were excluded if they had any other ocular pathology that might result in pain or had less than 4 weeks of nortriptyline use. Demographics, time between visits, concomitant medications, systemic and ocular co-morbidities, duration of NCP, side effects, ocular pain scores, and quality of life (QoL) assessment were recorded. RESULTS Thirty patients with a mean age of 53.1 ± 18.5 were included. Male to female ratio was 8:22. Mean ocular pain in the past 24 h improved from 5.7 ± 2.1 to 3.6 ± 2.1 after 10.5 ± 9.1 months (p < 0.0001). Twelve patients (40.0%) had equal to or more than 50% improvement, 6 patients (20.0%) had 30-49% improvement, 6 patients (20.0%) had 1-29% improvement, 4 patients (13.3%) did not improve, while 2 patients (6.7%) reported increase in pain levels. Mean QoL improved from 6.0 ± 2.5 to 4.3 ± 2.4 (p = 0.019). Eight patients (26.6%) discontinued treatment due to persistent side effects, despite improvement by 22.4%. CONCLUSION Nortriptyline was effective in relieving NCP symptoms in patients with centralized component and insufficient response to other systemic and topical therapies who tolerated the drug for at least 4 weeks. Nortriptyline may be used in the management of patients with NCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cuneyt Ozmen
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, USA; Cornea Service, New England Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical School, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - Gabriela Dieckmann
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, USA; Cornea Service, New England Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical School, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - Stephanie M Cox
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, USA; Cornea Service, New England Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical School, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - Ramy Rashad
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - Rumzah Paracha
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - Nedda Sanayei
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - Melina I Morkin
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, USA; Cornea Service, New England Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical School, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - Pedram Hamrah
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, USA; Cornea Service, New England Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical School, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, USA.
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15
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Vase L. Can insights from placebo and nocebo mechanisms studies improve the randomized controlled trial? Scand J Pain 2020; 20:451-467. [PMID: 32609651 DOI: 10.1515/sjpain-2019-0183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background and aims The randomized controlled trial (RCT) is currently facing several challenges, one of these being that the placebo response appears to be increasing in RCTs, thereby making it difficult to demonstrate an effect of potentially new treatments over placebo. This problem has primarily been approached by predicting the magnitude of the placebo response via stable factors, such as demographic variables, and/or by developing complex designs aimed at reducing the placebo response in the hope that it will improve the test of the active treatment. Yet, the success of this approach has so far been limited. Methods A new approach toward improving the RCT is put forward based on placebo and nocebo mechanism studies, i.e. studies that investigate the mechanisms underlying placebo analgesia and nocebo hyperalgesia. In a series of meta-analyses the magnitude of placebo and nocebo effects were determined. Experimental studies across nociplastic and neuropathic pain conditions and across pharmacological and acupuncture treatments investigated psychological and neurobiological mechanisms underlying these effects. The obtained results were used to make approximations of expectations to see if that could predict the placebo response in RCTs and function as a new way of tapping into the placebo component of treatment effects. Results The magnitude of placebo and nocebo effects is large and highly variable. Placebo effects exist across chronic pain conditions with varying degrees of known etiology as well as across pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. Patients' perception of the treatment, the verbal suggestions given for pain relief, and the patients' expectations toward pain relief contribute to the magnitude of the placebo effect and to pain relief following placebo interventions. Also, unintentional unblinding and patients' perception of a treatment markedly influence the treatment outcome. By making approximations of expectations toward treatment effects it was possible to predict the magnitude of the placebo response in RCTs. Conclusions and implications The new approach of tapping into or directly asking patients about their perception and expectations toward a treatment, along with the account of the natural history of pain, has the potential to improve the information that can be obtained from RCTs. Thus, by interfacing insights from placebo and nocebo mechanism studies, it may be possible to enhance the information that can be obtained from RCTs and to account for a large part of the variability in the placebo component of the overall treatment effect. This approach has the potential to improve the scientific evaluation of treatments, as well as to illustrate how the effect of treatments can be optimized in clinical practice, which is the crux of evidence-based medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lene Vase
- Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 11, Building 1350, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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16
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Abstract
Placebo effects influence symptom perceptions and treatment outcomes. Placebo effects can be explored in laboratory settings controlling for natural history and expectations. Such a mechanistic approach to neurological disorders has been implemented in the domain of chronic clinical pain and other neurological disorders. This article therefore focuses on definitions and historical notes related to placebo effects and mechanisms of placebo effects in chronic pain. Knowledge on mechanisms of placebo effects could inform current clinical practice for the treatment of neurological disorders by focusing on patients (and providers) expectations for outcome optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Colloca
- Department of Pain Translational Symptoms Science, School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States; Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States; Departments of Anesthesiology and Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States.
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Baba M, Kuroha M, Ohwada S, Murayama E, Matsui N. Results of Mirogabalin Treatment for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain in Asian Subjects: A Phase 2, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Study. Pain Ther 2020; 9:261-278. [PMID: 32052264 PMCID: PMC7203334 DOI: 10.1007/s40122-020-00156-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Almost one-quarter of Asian patients with diabetes experience diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP), which may be associated with moderate or severe levels of pain, insomnia, mood disorders, and worsened quality of life. Current treatments are generally ineffective and may be poorly tolerated. We evaluated mirogabalin as a treatment for DPNP in Asian subjects. METHODS This phase 2, randomized, double-blind, controlled study was conducted in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Subjects (n = 450) with DPNP were randomized (1:1:1:1:1) to treatment with 5, 10, or 15 mg twice-daily (BID) mirogabalin, 150 mg BID pregabalin, or placebo. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in average daily pain score (ADPS) at week 7; secondary endpoints included responder rates, Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC), average daily sleep-interference score (ADSIS), and incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). RESULTS A greater improvement was noted for each mirogabalin treatment group for change from baseline in ADPS at week 7 compared with both placebo and with pregabalin, although these improvements were not statistically significant. The percentage of 30, 50, and 75% responders and subjects with PGIC improvements was greater in each mirogabalin group versus placebo. Mirogabalin 15 mg BID significantly improved the SF-MPQ sensory (p = 0.0313) and visual analog scale scores (p = 0.0093), and ADSIS (p = 0.0002), versus placebo. Treatment was generally well tolerated; the most frequently reported TEAEs in the mirogabalin groups were somnolence (14.7%) and dizziness (11.0%), and most AEs were mild or moderate even at the highest dose. CONCLUSIONS In Asian subjects with DPNP, mirogabalin (5, 10, and 15 mg BID) was well tolerated. Although no significant differences were observed in the primary endpoint, there was a tendency toward improvement of pain with mirogabalin treatment, and this trend was also observed in the secondary endpoints. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT01504412.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Masanori Kuroha
- Clinical Development Department, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Shoichi Ohwada
- Biostatistics and Data Management Department, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Emiko Murayama
- Asia Development Department, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norimitsu Matsui
- Clinical Development Department, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
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18
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Akintola T, Tricou C, Raver C, Castro A, Colloca L, Keller A. In search of a rodent model of placebo analgesia in chronic orofacial neuropathic pain. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2019; 6:100033. [PMID: 31223137 PMCID: PMC6565753 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2019.100033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
All treatments are given in a context, suggesting that conditioning cues may significantly influence therapeutic outcomes. We tested the hypothesis that context affects placebo analgesia in rodents. To produce neuropathic pain in rats, we performed chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve. We then treated the rats daily, over a seven day period, with injections of either fentanyl or saline, with or without associated conditioning cues; a fourth group received no treatment. On the eighth day, we replaced fentanyl with saline to test for conditioned placebo analgesia. We tested the effects of treatment by measuring sensitivity to mechanical stimuli and grimace scale scores. We found no significant differences in either of these outcomes among the four experimental groups. These findings suggest that chronic, neuropathic pain in rats may not be susceptible to placebo analgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Titilola Akintola
- Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Science, University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Program in Toxicology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christina Tricou
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Charles Raver
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alberto Castro
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Luana Colloca
- Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Science, University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Asaf Keller
- Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Becker S, Bräscher AK, Bannister S, Bensafi M, Calma-Birling D, Chan RCK, Eerola T, Ellingsen DM, Ferdenzi C, Hanson JL, Joffily M, Lidhar NK, Lowe LJ, Martin LJ, Musser ED, Noll-Hussong M, Olino TM, Pintos Lobo R, Wang Y. The role of hedonics in the Human Affectome. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 102:221-241. [PMID: 31071361 PMCID: PMC6931259 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Experiencing pleasure and displeasure is a fundamental part of life. Hedonics guide behavior, affect decision-making, induce learning, and much more. As the positive and negative valence of feelings, hedonics are core processes that accompany emotion, motivation, and bodily states. Here, the affective neuroscience of pleasure and displeasure that has largely focused on the investigation of reward and pain processing, is reviewed. We describe the neurobiological systems of hedonics and factors that modulate hedonic experiences (e.g., cognition, learning, sensory input). Further, we review maladaptive and adaptive pleasure and displeasure functions in mental disorders and well-being, as well as the experience of aesthetics. As a centerpiece of the Human Affectome Project, language used to express pleasure and displeasure was also analyzed, and showed that most of these analyzed words overlap with expressions of emotions, actions, and bodily states. Our review shows that hedonics are typically investigated as processes that accompany other functions, but the mechanisms of hedonics (as core processes) have not been fully elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Becker
- Department of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, J5, 68159 Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Anne-Kathrin Bräscher
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Mainz, Wallstr. 3, 55122 Mainz, Germany.
| | | | - Moustafa Bensafi
- Research Center in Neurosciences of Lyon, CNRS UMR5292, INSERM U1028, Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, Lyon, Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier, 95 bd Pinel, 69675 Bron Cedex, France.
| | - Destany Calma-Birling
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, 800 Algoma, Blvd., Clow F011, Oshkosh, WI 54901, USA.
| | - Raymond C K Chan
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Tuomas Eerola
- Durham University, Palace Green, DH1 RL3, Durham, UK.
| | - Dan-Mikael Ellingsen
- Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, CNY149-2301, 13th St, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.
| | - Camille Ferdenzi
- Research Center in Neurosciences of Lyon, CNRS UMR5292, INSERM U1028, Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, Lyon, Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier, 95 bd Pinel, 69675 Bron Cedex, France.
| | - Jamie L Hanson
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Psychology, 3939 O'Hara Street, Rm. 715, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, USA.
| | - Mateus Joffily
- Groupe d'Analyse et de Théorie Economique (GATE), 93 Chemin des Mouilles, 69130, Écully, France.
| | - Navdeep K Lidhar
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada.
| | - Leroy J Lowe
- Neuroqualia (NGO), 36 Arthur Street, Truro, NS, B2N 1X5, Canada.
| | - Loren J Martin
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada.
| | - Erica D Musser
- Department of Psychology, Center for Childen and Families, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., Miami, FL 33199, USA.
| | - Michael Noll-Hussong
- Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Division of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Saarland University Medical Centre, Kirrberger Strasse 100, D-66421 Homburg, Germany.
| | - Thomas M Olino
- Temple University, Department of Psychology, 1701N. 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19010, USA.
| | - Rosario Pintos Lobo
- Department of Psychology, Center for Childen and Families, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., Miami, FL 33199, USA.
| | - Yi Wang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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How to prevent, minimize, or extinguish nocebo effects in pain: a narrative review on mechanisms, predictors, and interventions. Pain Rep 2019; 4:e699. [PMID: 31583340 PMCID: PMC6749907 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000000699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Possible factors that contribute to nocebo effects on pain are explored. Strategies that can prevent, minimize, or extinguish nocebo effects in clinical settings are suggested. Nocebo effects, such as side effects due to negative expectations regarding the pain treatment, are a concern for health care providers and come with significant costs. This narrative review focuses on underlying mechanisms and possible factors that contribute to the susceptibility to the nocebo effect on pain and related outcomes and suggests strategies that can prevent, minimize, or extinguish nocebo effects in clinical settings. Nocebo effects are the result of psychological (eg, conditioning, verbal suggestions, and observational learning) and neurobiological (eg, cholecystokinin and dopamine regulation) mechanisms. Evidence from clinical and experimental studies lead to various recommendations and strategies to alter the nocebo effect in order to optimize pain treatments, such as providing patients with enhanced information, optimizing patient–physician communication and relationships, and offering psychoeducation on coping skills in order to manage patient expectations. The current literature from both clinical and experimental studies provides a better understanding of the nocebo effect and possible factors that modulate its strength on treatment outcomes. This allows for the development of evidence-based strategies aimed at the prevention, minimization, and treatment of the nocebo effect in pain conditions and possible other somatic disorders.
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Barbosa MA, Tahara AK, Ferreira IC, Intelangelo L, Barbosa AC. Effects of 8 weeks of masticatory muscles focused endurance exercises on women with oro‐facial pain and temporomandibular disorders: A placebo randomised controlled trial. J Oral Rehabil 2019; 46:885-894. [DOI: 10.1111/joor.12823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Almeida Barbosa
- Musculoskeletal Research Group—NIME, Department of Physical Therapy Federal University of Juiz de Fora Governador Valadares Brazil
- Master Degree Program in Rehabilitation and Physical Performance Federal University of Juiz de Fora Juiz de Fora Brazil
| | - Ariany Klein Tahara
- Musculoskeletal Research Group—NIME, Department of Physical Therapy Federal University of Juiz de Fora Governador Valadares Brazil
- Master Degree Program in Rehabilitation and Physical Performance Federal University of Juiz de Fora Juiz de Fora Brazil
| | - Isabella Christina Ferreira
- Musculoskeletal Research Group—NIME, Department of Physical Therapy Federal University of Juiz de Fora Governador Valadares Brazil
| | | | - Alexandre Carvalho Barbosa
- Musculoskeletal Research Group—NIME, Department of Physical Therapy Federal University of Juiz de Fora Governador Valadares Brazil
- Master Degree Program in Rehabilitation and Physical Performance Federal University of Juiz de Fora Juiz de Fora Brazil
- Master Degree Program in Applied Health Sciences Federal University of Juiz de Fora Governador Valadares Brazil
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22
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Frisaldi E, Shaibani A, Vollert J, Ferrero B, Carrino R, Ibraheem HD, Vase L, Benedetti F. The placebo response in myasthenia gravis assessed by quantitative myasthenia gravis score: A meta-analysis. Muscle Nerve 2019; 59:671-678. [PMID: 30883809 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This meta-analysis investigates the placebo response in generalized myasthenia gravis (MG) trials by means of Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) scores. METHODS PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Controlled Trial Register, and EMBASE were searched. QMG score, dropouts rate, adverse events (AEs), and AEs responsible for dropouts were examined, together with treatment moderators. RESULTS The magnitude of placebo response showed an effect size of 0.24, which was significantly lower than 0.67 of the drug response (P = 0.019). Furthermore, the forest plot revealed that, overall, active treatments showed a significantly higher impact on QMG scores than placebos. CONCLUSIONS Placebo and drug responses in MG trials are small and moderate, respectively. The lack of MG trials with a pure placebo arm or a no-treatment control arm made it impossible to disentangle improvements due to the placebo psychological effect from other effects such as natural history and/or regression to the mean. Muscle Nerve 59:671-678, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Frisaldi
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin Medical School, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | | | - Jan Vollert
- Pain Research, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Center of Biomedicine and Medical Technology Mannheim CBTM, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Bruno Ferrero
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin Medical School, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Roberta Carrino
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin Medical School, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | | | - Lene Vase
- Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, School of Business and Social Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Fabrizio Benedetti
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin Medical School, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125 Turin, Italy.,Plateau Rosà Laboratories, Plateau Rosà, Italy/Switzerland
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Decoding neuropathic pain severity using distinct patterns of corticolimbic metabotropic glutamate receptor 5. Neuroimage 2019; 190:303-312. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2018.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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The Effect of a Pilot Dietary Intervention on Pain Outcomes in Patients Attending a Tertiary Pain Service. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11010181. [PMID: 30654479 PMCID: PMC6357136 DOI: 10.3390/nu11010181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a six-week 2 × 2 design on pain scores, quality of life, and dietary intake in patients attending an Australian tertiary pain clinic. The two intervention components were (1) personalized dietary consultations or waitlist control, and (2) active or placebo dietary supplement (fruit juice). Sixty participants were randomized into one of four groups at baseline (68% female, mean age 49 ± 15 years) with 42 completing the study (70% retention). All groups had statistically significant improvements in three of five pain outcomes. The personalized dietary consultation groups had clinically important improvements in three of five pain outcomes compared to the waitlist control groups. All groups had a statistically significant improvement in six of eight quality-of-life categories post intervention. All groups increased percentage energy from nutrient-dense foods (+5.2 ± 1.4%, p < 0.001) with a significant group-by-time effect for percentage energy from total fat (p = 0.024), with the personalized dietary consultations plus placebo fruit juice reporting the largest reduction (−5.7 ± 2.3%). This study indicates that dietitian-delivered dietary intervention can improve pain scores, quality of life, and dietary intake of people experiencing chronic pain. Future research should evaluate efficacy in a full-powered randomized control trial.
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Marineo G. Inside the Scrambler Therapy, a Noninvasive Treatment of Chronic Neuropathic and Cancer Pain: From the Gate Control Theory to the Active Principle of Information. Integr Cancer Ther 2019; 18:1534735419845143. [PMID: 31014125 PMCID: PMC6482660 DOI: 10.1177/1534735419845143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Scrambler therapy (ST) is an electro-analgesia therapy for the noninvasive treatment of chronic neuropathic and cancer pain based on a new generation of medical device that uses 5 artificial neurons and is based on a novel theoretical model the differs from gate control theory. The active principle with Scrambler Therapy is such that synthetic "non-pain" information is transmitted by C fiber surface receptors. This is a different theoretical mechanism than the traditional electric stimulation of A-Beta fibers to produce paresthesia and/or block the conduction of nerve fibers to produce an analgesic effect, that is, via TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machines. Scrambler therapy was developed to treat chronic neuropathic pain and cancer pain resistant to opioids and other types of treatments. The goal of Scrambler Therapy is to eliminate pain during treatment and allow for long-lasting analgesia after a series of 10 to 12 consecutive treatments performed over a 2-week period. The aim of this review is to clarify the underlying theory of Scrambler Therapy and describe the appropriate usage method that maximizes its effectiveness while reducing bias and deepen the explanation of the artificial neuron technology associated with Scrambler Therapy.
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26
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Li L, Han Y, Li T, Zhou J, Sun C, Xue Y. The analgesic effect of intravenous methylprednisolone on acute neuropathic pain with allodynia due to central cord syndrome: a retrospective study. J Pain Res 2018; 11:1231-1238. [PMID: 29983586 PMCID: PMC6025778 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s160463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Central cord syndrome (CCS) may be associated with severe neuropathic pain that often resists to conventional pain therapy regimens and affects the patients’ quality of life (QoL) seriously. Current treatments for CCS-associated neuropathic pain have limited evidence of efficacy. This retrospective study was performed to present the effects of early treatment with methylprednisolone (MP) on acute neuropathic pain relief and the QoL in CCS patients. Patients and methods Data were collected from the medical records of CCS patients who suffered from acute neuropathic pain with allodynia. All the patients received intravenous MP treatment for up to 1 week. Patients were evaluated with standard measures of efficacy: neuropathic pain intensity, the area of allodynia, and the QoL at baseline, daily treatment, and at 1 and 3 months after the end of MP treatment. Results Thirty-four eligible patients were enrolled in our study. By the end of MP treatment, the proportion of patients who gained total or major (visual analog scale [VAS] score decreased by 50% or more) allodynia relief from the treatment was 91.18%, and a decrease in spontaneous pain was also observed. Moreover, this study showed MP could significantly improve the QoL of patients based on McGill Pain Questionnaire Short Form and EuroQol Five Dimensions Questionnaire. Four patients (11.76%) during MP treatment experienced mild or moderate side effects. None of the patients manifested CCS-associated neuropathic pain recurrence and MP-associated side effects at follow-up. Conclusion The current results suggested that MP offered an effective therapeutic alternative for relieving CCS-associated acute neuropathic pain with allodynia. Given the encouraging results of this study, it would be worthwhile to confirm these results in randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liandong Li
- Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China,
| | - Yawei Han
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Tengshuai Li
- Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China,
| | - Jiaming Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China,
| | - Chao Sun
- Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, Tianjin Metabolic Diseases Hospital & Tianjin Institution of Endocrinology, Tianjin, China.,Key Lab of Hormones and Development (National Health and Family Planning Commission of the PRC), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuan Xue
- Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China,
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27
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Psychological Factors Associated with Phantom Limb Pain: A Review of Recent Findings. Pain Res Manag 2018; 2018:5080123. [PMID: 30057653 PMCID: PMC6051014 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5080123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a common phenomenon occurring after the amputation of a limb and can be accompanied by serious suffering. Psychological factors have been shown to play an important role in other types of chronic pain, where they are pivotal in the acquisition and maintenance of pain symptoms. For PLP, however, the interaction between pain and psychological variables is less well documented. In this review, we summarize research on the role of emotional, motivational, cognitive, and perceptual factors in PLP. The reported findings indicate that emotional factors modulate PLP but might be less important compared to other types of chronic pain. Additional factors such as the amount of disability and adjustment to the amputation appear to also play a role. Bidirectional relationships between stress and PLP have been shown quite consistently, and the potential of stress and tension reduction in PLP treatment could be further exploited. Little is known about the role of cognitive variables such as attention or expectation. Catastrophizing seems to aggravate PLP and could be targeted in treatment. Body perception is altered in PLP and poses a potential target for novel mechanistic treatments. More research on psychological factors and their interactions in PLP is needed.
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28
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Schwartz B, Kapellusch JM, Schrempf A, Probst K, Haller M, Baca A. Effect of alternating postures on cognitive performance for healthy people performing sedentary work. ERGONOMICS 2018; 61:778-795. [PMID: 29235967 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2017.1417642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Prolonged sitting is a risk factor for several diseases and the prevalence of worksite-based interventions such as sit-to-stand workstations is increasing. Although their impact on sedentary behaviour has been regularly investigated, the effect of working in alternating body postures on cognitive performance is unclear. To address this uncertainty, 45 students participated in a two-arm, randomised controlled cross-over trial under laboratory conditions. Subjects executed validated cognitive tests (working speed, reaction time, concentration performance) either in sitting or alternating working postures on two separate days (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02863731). MANOVA results showed no significant difference in cognitive performance between trials executed in alternating, standing or sitting postures. Perceived workload did not differ between sitting and alternating days. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant learning effects regarding concentration performance and working speed for both days. These results suggest that working posture did not affect cognitive performance in the short term. Practitioner Summary: Prior reports indicated health-related benefits based on alternated (sit/stand) body postures. Nevertheless, their effect on cognitive performance is unknown. This randomised controlled trial showed that working in alternating body postures did not influence reaction time, concentration performance, working speed or workload perception in the short term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Schwartz
- a Department of Sport Science , University of Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Jay M Kapellusch
- b Department of Occupational Science & Technology , University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee , Milwaukee , WI , USA
| | - Andreas Schrempf
- c Department of Medical Engineering , University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria , Linz , Austria
| | - Kathrin Probst
- d Media Interactive Lab , University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria , Hagenberg , Austria
| | - Michael Haller
- d Media Interactive Lab , University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria , Hagenberg , Austria
| | - Arnold Baca
- a Department of Sport Science , University of Vienna , Vienna , Austria
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29
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Castelnuovo G, Giusti EM, Manzoni GM, Saviola D, Gabrielli S, Lacerenza M, Pietrabissa G, Cattivelli R, Spatola CAM, Rossi A, Varallo G, Novelli M, Villa V, Luzzati F, Cottini A, Lai C, Volpato E, Cavalera C, Pagnini F, Tesio V, Castelli L, Tavola M, Torta R, Arreghini M, Zanini L, Brunani A, Seitanidis I, Ventura G, Capodaglio P, D'Aniello GE, Scarpina F, Brioschi A, Bigoni M, Priano L, Mauro A, Riva G, Di Lernia D, Repetto C, Regalia C, Molinari E, Notaro P, Paolucci S, Sandrini G, Simpson S, Wiederhold BK, Gaudio S, Jackson JB, Tamburin S, Benedetti F. What Is the Role of the Placebo Effect for Pain Relief in Neurorehabilitation? Clinical Implications From the Italian Consensus Conference on Pain in Neurorehabilitation. Front Neurol 2018; 9:310. [PMID: 29867723 PMCID: PMC5968866 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It is increasingly acknowledged that the outcomes of medical treatments are influenced by the context of the clinical encounter through the mechanisms of the placebo effect. The phenomenon of placebo analgesia might be exploited to maximize the efficacy of neurorehabilitation treatments. Since its intensity varies across neurological disorders, the Italian Consensus Conference on Pain in Neurorehabilitation (ICCP) summarized the studies on this field to provide guidance on its use. Methods A review of the existing reviews and meta-analyses was performed to assess the magnitude of the placebo effect in disorders that may undergo neurorehabilitation treatment. The search was performed on Pubmed using placebo, pain, and the names of neurological disorders as keywords. Methodological quality was assessed using a pre-existing checklist. Data about the magnitude of the placebo effect were extracted from the included reviews and were commented in a narrative form. Results 11 articles were included in this review. Placebo treatments showed weak effects in central neuropathic pain (pain reduction from 0.44 to 0.66 on a 0-10 scale) and moderate effects in postherpetic neuralgia (1.16), in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (1.45), and in pain associated to HIV (1.82). Moderate effects were also found on pain due to fibromyalgia and migraine; only weak short-term effects were found in complex regional pain syndrome. Confounding variables might have influenced these results. Clinical implications These estimates should be interpreted with caution, but underscore that the placebo effect can be exploited in neurorehabilitation programs. It is not necessary to conceal its use from the patient. Knowledge of placebo mechanisms can be used to shape the doctor-patient relationship, to reduce the use of analgesic drugs and to train the patient to become an active agent of the therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Psychology Research Laboratory, San Giuseppe Hospital, Verbania, Italy.,Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuele Maria Giusti
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Psychology Research Laboratory, San Giuseppe Hospital, Verbania, Italy.,Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gian Mauro Manzoni
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Psychology Research Laboratory, San Giuseppe Hospital, Verbania, Italy.,Faculty of Psychology, eCampus University, Novedrate, Italy
| | - Donatella Saviola
- Cardinal Ferrari Rehabilitation Center, Santo Stefano Rehabilitation Istitute, Fontanellato, Italy
| | | | - Marco Lacerenza
- Pain Medicine Center, San Pio X Clinic, Humanitas, Milan, Italy
| | - Giada Pietrabissa
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Psychology Research Laboratory, San Giuseppe Hospital, Verbania, Italy.,Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Cattivelli
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Psychology Research Laboratory, San Giuseppe Hospital, Verbania, Italy.,Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Anna Maria Spatola
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Psychology Research Laboratory, San Giuseppe Hospital, Verbania, Italy.,Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rossi
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Psychology Research Laboratory, San Giuseppe Hospital, Verbania, Italy
| | - Giorgia Varallo
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Psychology Research Laboratory, San Giuseppe Hospital, Verbania, Italy
| | - Margherita Novelli
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Psychology Research Laboratory, San Giuseppe Hospital, Verbania, Italy
| | - Valentina Villa
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Psychology Research Laboratory, San Giuseppe Hospital, Verbania, Italy
| | | | | | - Carlo Lai
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Volpato
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,HD Respiratory Rehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
| | - Cesare Cavalera
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Pagnini
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | | - Lorys Castelli
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Mario Tavola
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care, ASST Lecco, Lecco, Italy
| | - Riccardo Torta
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Arreghini
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Rehabilitation Unit, San Giuseppe Hospital, Verbania, Italy
| | - Loredana Zanini
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Rehabilitation Unit, San Giuseppe Hospital, Verbania, Italy
| | - Amelia Brunani
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Rehabilitation Unit, San Giuseppe Hospital, Verbania, Italy
| | - Ionathan Seitanidis
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Rehabilitation Unit, San Giuseppe Hospital, Verbania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ventura
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Rehabilitation Unit, San Giuseppe Hospital, Verbania, Italy
| | - Paolo Capodaglio
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Rehabilitation Unit, San Giuseppe Hospital, Verbania, Italy
| | - Guido Edoardo D'Aniello
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Psychology Research Laboratory, San Giuseppe Hospital, Verbania, Italy.,Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Scarpina
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Psychology Research Laboratory, San Giuseppe Hospital, Verbania, Italy
| | - Andrea Brioschi
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Department of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, San Giuseppe Hospital, Verbania, Italy
| | - Matteo Bigoni
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Department of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, San Giuseppe Hospital, Verbania, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Priano
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Department of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, San Giuseppe Hospital, Verbania, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauro
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Department of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, San Giuseppe Hospital, Verbania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Riva
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Psychology Research Laboratory, San Giuseppe Hospital, Verbania, Italy.,Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Di Lernia
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Repetto
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Camillo Regalia
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico Molinari
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Psychology Research Laboratory, San Giuseppe Hospital, Verbania, Italy.,Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Notaro
- Pain Medicine, Anesthesiology Department, A.O. Ospedale Niguarda ca Granda, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Giorgio Sandrini
- C. Mondino National Neurological Institute, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Susan Simpson
- University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Regional Eating Disorders Unit, NHS Lothian, Livingston, United Kingdom
| | | | - Santino Gaudio
- Department of Neuroscience, Functional Pharmacology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Stefano Tamburin
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Benedetti
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Effects of acute psychological stress on placebo and nocebo responses in a clinically relevant model of visceroception. Pain 2018; 158:1489-1498. [PMID: 28471874 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
There is evidence to suggest a role of emotions in placebo and nocebo effects, but whether acute psychological stress changes the magnitude of placebo or nocebo responses has not been tested. In a clinically relevant model of visceroception, we assessed effects of acute psychological stress on changes in urgency and pain in response to positive or negative treatment suggestions. In 120 healthy volunteers, perceived urge-to-defecate and pain in response to individually calibrated rectal distensions were measured with visual analogue scales during a BASELINE. Participants then underwent the Trier Social Stress Test (N = 60) or a simple cognitive task (control, N = 60) and were randomized to positive (placebo), negative (nocebo), or neutral treatment information regarding intravenous administration of saline. The series of distensions was repeated, and changes in visual analogue scales from BASELINE to TEST were compared between groups using analysis of covariance and planned post hoc tests. Treatment information emerged as a main factor (P <0.001), supporting treatment information effects for both urgency and pain. Effects for urgency were modulated by stress (interaction effect: P <0.05): Positive information reduced urgency (P = 0.025), while negative information increased urgency (P = 0.026) only in stressed groups. For pain, effects of stress emerged for nocebo responses, which were only evident in stressed groups (P = 0.009). This is the first experimental study supporting effects of acute psychological stress on placebo and nocebo responses in visceroception. Results call for mechanistic as well as patient studies to assess how psychological stress shapes patients' treatment expectations and thereby affects health outcomes.
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Nocebo Effects and Experimental Models in Visceral Pain. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2018; 138:285-306. [PMID: 29681331 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2018.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite its clinical relevance and the potential to extend insights into the processing and modulation of pain derived from investigations of placebo phenomena, the nocebo effect has received comparably little attention over the past decades. Research from experimental and clinical studies is only beginning to unravel the behavioral, functional, and psychoneurobiological mechanisms underlying the nocebo effect. Herein, we summarize current evidence regarding nocebo effects in the field of pain, with a particular emphasis on visceral pain. We provide an overview over behavioral and neuroimaging findings on the impact of expectations and learning and propose promising future directions to help fostering the transition of experimental research from bench to bedside.
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Rossettini G, Carlino E, Testa M. Clinical relevance of contextual factors as triggers of placebo and nocebo effects in musculoskeletal pain. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2018; 19:27. [PMID: 29357856 PMCID: PMC5778801 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-018-1943-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Placebo and nocebo effects are embodied psycho-neurobiological responses capable of modulating pain and producing changes at different neurobiological, body at perceptual and cognitive levels. These modifications are triggered by different contextual factors (CFs) presented in the therapeutic encounter between patient and healthcare providers, such as healing rituals and signs. The CFs directly impact on the quality of the therapeutic outcome: a positive context, that is a context characterized by the presence of positive CFs, can reduce pain by producing placebo effects, while a negative context, characterized by the presence of negative CFs, can aggravate pain by creating nocebo effects. Despite the increasing interest about this topic; the detailed study of CFs as triggers of placebo and nocebo effects is still lacked in the management of musculoskeletal pain. Increasing evidence suggest a relevant role of CFs in musculoskeletal pain management. CFs are a complex sets of internal, external or relational elements encompassing: patient’s expectation, history, baseline characteristics; clinician’s behavior, belief, verbal suggestions and therapeutic touch; positive therapeutic encounter, patient-centered approach and social learning; overt therapy, posology of intervention, modality of treatment administration; marketing features of treatment and health care setting. Different explanatory models such as classical conditioning and expectancy can explain how CFs trigger placebo and nocebo effects. CFs act through specific neural networks and neurotransmitters that were described as mediators of placebo and nocebo effects. Available findings suggest a relevant clinical role and impact of CFs. They should be integrated in the clinical reasoning to increase the number of treatment solutions, boosts their efficacy and improve the quality of the decision-making. From a clinical perspective, the mindful manipulation of CFs represents a useful opportunity to enrich a well-established therapy in therapeutic setting within the ethical border. From a translational perspective, there is a strong need of research studies on CFs close to routine and real-world clinical practice in order to underline the uncertainty of therapy action and help clinicians to implement knowledge in daily practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Rossettini
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Campus of Savona. Via Magliotto, 2, 17100, Savona, Italy
| | - Elisa Carlino
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin Medical School, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Testa
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Campus of Savona. Via Magliotto, 2, 17100, Savona, Italy.
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Harnessing positive placebo effect and minimize negative nocebo effect: the art of a healing profession. Pain 2017; 157:2390. [PMID: 27643837 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Colloca L, Ludman T, Bouhassira D, Baron R, Dickenson AH, Yarnitsky D, Freeman R, Truini A, Attal N, Finnerup NB, Eccleston C, Kalso E, Bennett DL, Dworkin RH, Raja SN. Neuropathic pain. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2017; 3:17002. [PMID: 28205574 PMCID: PMC5371025 DOI: 10.1038/nrdp.2017.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1218] [Impact Index Per Article: 174.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory system, including peripheral fibres (Aβ, Aδ and C fibres) and central neurons, and affects 7-10% of the general population. Multiple causes of neuropathic pain have been described and its incidence is likely to increase owing to the ageing global population, increased incidence of diabetes mellitus and improved survival from cancer after chemotherapy. Indeed, imbalances between excitatory and inhibitory somatosensory signalling, alterations in ion channels and variability in the way that pain messages are modulated in the central nervous system all have been implicated in neuropathic pain. The burden of chronic neuropathic pain seems to be related to the complexity of neuropathic symptoms, poor outcomes and difficult treatment decisions. Importantly, quality of life is impaired in patients with neuropathic pain owing to increased drug prescriptions and visits to health care providers, as well as the morbidity from the pain itself and the inciting disease. Despite challenges, progress in the understanding of the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain is spurring the development of new diagnostic procedures and personalized interventions, which emphasize the need for a multidisciplinary approach to the management of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Colloca
- Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Science, School of Nursing and Department of Anesthesiology School of Medicine, University of Maryland, 655 West Lombard Street, 21201 Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Taylor Ludman
- Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Science, School of Nursing and Department of Anesthesiology School of Medicine, University of Maryland, 655 West Lombard Street, 21201 Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Didier Bouhassira
- INSERM, Unit 987, Ambroise Paré Hospital, UVSQ, Boulogne Billancourt, France
| | - Ralf Baron
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Klinik fur Neurologie Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Anthony H Dickenson
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK
| | - David Yarnitsky
- Department of Neurology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Technion Faculty of Medicine, Haifa, Israel
| | - Roy Freeman
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrea Truini
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Nadine Attal
- Pain Evaluation and Treatment Centre of Hôpital Ambroise Paré, Paris, France
| | - Nanna B Finnerup
- Department of Clinical Medicine - The Danish Pain Research Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Christopher Eccleston
- Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eija Kalso
- Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - David L Bennett
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Robert H Dworkin
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Srinivasa N Raja
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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35
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Colloca L, Ludman T, Bouhassira D, Baron R, Dickenson AH, Yarnitsky D, Freeman R, Truini A, Attal N, Finnerup NB, Eccleston C, Kalso E, Bennett DL, Dworkin RH, Raja SN. Neuropathic pain. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2017; 3:17002. [PMID: 28205574 DOI: 10.1038/nrdp.2017.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory system, including peripheral fibres (Aβ, Aδ and C fibres) and central neurons, and affects 7-10% of the general population. Multiple causes of neuropathic pain have been described and its incidence is likely to increase owing to the ageing global population, increased incidence of diabetes mellitus and improved survival from cancer after chemotherapy. Indeed, imbalances between excitatory and inhibitory somatosensory signalling, alterations in ion channels and variability in the way that pain messages are modulated in the central nervous system all have been implicated in neuropathic pain. The burden of chronic neuropathic pain seems to be related to the complexity of neuropathic symptoms, poor outcomes and difficult treatment decisions. Importantly, quality of life is impaired in patients with neuropathic pain owing to increased drug prescriptions and visits to health care providers, as well as the morbidity from the pain itself and the inciting disease. Despite challenges, progress in the understanding of the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain is spurring the development of new diagnostic procedures and personalized interventions, which emphasize the need for a multidisciplinary approach to the management of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Colloca
- Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Science, School of Nursing and Department of Anesthesiology School of Medicine, University of Maryland, 655 West Lombard Street, 21201 Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Taylor Ludman
- Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Science, School of Nursing and Department of Anesthesiology School of Medicine, University of Maryland, 655 West Lombard Street, 21201 Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Didier Bouhassira
- INSERM, Unit 987, Ambroise Paré Hospital, UVSQ, Boulogne Billancourt, France
| | - Ralf Baron
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Klinik fur Neurologie Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Anthony H Dickenson
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK
| | - David Yarnitsky
- Department of Neurology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Technion Faculty of Medicine, Haifa, Israel
| | - Roy Freeman
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrea Truini
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Nadine Attal
- Pain Evaluation and Treatment Centre of Hôpital Ambroise Paré, Paris, France
| | - Nanna B Finnerup
- Department of Clinical Medicine - The Danish Pain Research Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Christopher Eccleston
- Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eija Kalso
- Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - David L Bennett
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Robert H Dworkin
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Srinivasa N Raja
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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