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Ng KKW, Lafee O, Bouchatta O, Makdani AD, Marshall AG, Olausson H, McIntyre S, Nagi SS. Human Foot Outperforms the Hand in Mechanical Pain Discrimination. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0412-23.2024. [PMID: 38272674 PMCID: PMC10875634 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0412-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Tactile discrimination has been extensively studied, but mechanical pain discrimination remains poorly characterized. Here, we measured the capacity for mechanical pain discrimination using a two-alternative forced choice paradigm, with force-calibrated indentation stimuli (Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments) applied to the hand and foot dorsa of healthy human volunteers. In order to characterize the relationship between peripheral nociceptor activity and pain perception, we recorded single-unit activity from myelinated (A) and unmyelinated (C) mechanosensitive nociceptors in the skin using microneurography. At the perceptual level, we found that the foot was better at discriminating noxious forces than the hand, which stands in contrast to that for innocuous force discrimination, where the hand performed better than the foot. This observation of superior mechanical pain discrimination on the foot compared to the hand could not be explained by the responsiveness of individual nociceptors. We found no significant difference in the discrimination performance of either the myelinated or unmyelinated class of nociceptors between skin regions. This suggests the possibility that other factors such as skin biophysics, receptor density or central mechanisms may underlie these regional differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin K W Ng
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Odai Lafee
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Otmane Bouchatta
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Adarsh D Makdani
- Research Centre for Brain and Behaviour, School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew G Marshall
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Håkan Olausson
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Sarah McIntyre
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Saad S Nagi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Brandão M, Talih M, Holden S, Fernandes F, Graven-Nielsen T, Lucas R. Pain history and experimental pressure pain responses in adolescents: Results from a population-based birth cohort. Eur J Pain 2024; 28:70-82. [PMID: 37485565 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sensitized pain mechanisms are often reported in musculoskeletal pain conditions, but population-based paediatric studies are lacking. We assessed whether adolescents with musculoskeletal pain history had evidence of increased responsiveness to experimental pressure stimuli. METHODS Data were from 1496 adolescents of the Generation XXI birth cohort. Pain history was collected using the Luebeck Pain Questionnaire (self-reported at 13, parent-reported at 7 and 10 years). Two case definitions for musculoskeletal pain were considered: (1) cross-sectional-musculoskeletal pain lasting more than 3 months at age 13 and (2) longitudinal-musculoskeletal pain at age 13 with musculoskeletal pain reports at ages 7 and/or 10. Lower limb cuff pressure algometry was used to assess pain detection and tolerance thresholds, conditioned pain modulation effects (CPM, changes in thresholds in the presence on painful conditioning) and temporal summation of pain effects (TSP, changes in pain intensity to 10 phasic painful cuff stimulations). RESULTS Adolescents with musculoskeletal pain at age 13 plus a history of pain in previous evaluations (longitudinal definition) had lower pain tolerance thresholds compared to the remaining sample (40.2 v. 49.0 kPa, p = 0.02), but showed no differences in pain detection threshold, CPM effect and TSP effect. Pain sensitivity, CPM effects and TSP effects were not significantly different when the current pain only case definition (cross-sectional) was used. CONCLUSIONS Adolescents with current musculoskeletal pain who had a history of pain since childhood had lower tolerance to cuff stimulation. This may suggest long-standing musculoskeletal pain since childhood may contribute to sensitisation, rather than the presence of current pain only. SIGNIFICANCE Repeated musculoskeletal pain up to age 13 years may contribute to higher pain sensitivity (particularly lowered pressure pain tolerance) in the general adolescent population. This does not seem to be the case when reported pain experiences are recent or when the outcomes are temporal pain summation or CPM. In this community-based paediatric sample, the vast majority showed no sign of altered pain processing, but a small fraction may reveal some pain sensitization at 13 years of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Brandão
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório Para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Makram Talih
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório Para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sinead Holden
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), Aalborg University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Francisco Fernandes
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório Para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Raquel Lucas
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório Para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Pacifico P, Coy-Dibley JS, Miller RJ, Menichella DM. Peripheral mechanisms of peripheral neuropathic pain. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1252442. [PMID: 37781093 PMCID: PMC10537945 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1252442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral neuropathic pain (PNP), neuropathic pain that arises from a damage or disease affecting the peripheral nervous system, is associated with an extremely large disease burden, and there is an increasing and urgent need for new therapies for treating this disorder. In this review we have highlighted therapeutic targets that may be translated into disease modifying therapies for PNP associated with peripheral neuropathy. We have also discussed how genetic studies and novel technologies, such as optogenetics, chemogenetics and single-cell RNA-sequencing, have been increasingly successful in revealing novel mechanisms underlying PNP. Additionally, consideration of the role of non-neuronal cells and communication between the skin and sensory afferents is presented to highlight the potential use of drug treatment that could be applied topically, bypassing drug side effects. We conclude by discussing the current difficulties to the development of effective new therapies and, most importantly, how we might improve the translation of targets for peripheral neuropathic pain identified from studies in animal models to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Pacifico
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - James S. Coy-Dibley
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Richard J. Miller
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Daniela M. Menichella
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
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4
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Mansfield M, Thacker M. Integrating jigsaw puzzle thinking into practice: the assessment of cervical spine radiculopathy. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care 2023; 17:135-141. [PMID: 37389587 DOI: 10.1097/spc.0000000000000656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cervical spine radiculopathy (CSR) presents a complex socioeconomic problem for patients, clinicians, families, employers and healthcare systems. Due to the heterogeneity of clinical presentation and underlying mechanisms, clinical assessment can be challenging. This review will examine the literature on the underlying pathophysiology and studies investigating the holistic assessment strategies for this disabling condition. The authors will focus particular attention on the psychological factors associated with CSR and the physical and imaging strategies to establish a diagnosis. RECENT FINDINGS Contemporary CSR assessment should identify the underlying pathomechanisms and how this may impact the somatosensory nervous system integrity and function. No physical assessment test in isolation will establish CSR diagnosis; therefore, clinicians should utilise a cluster of tests and recognise the potential limitations as part of a clinical reasoning framework. The assessment of the somatosensory nervous system can provide insights into particular subgroups of CSR presentation, which may provide interesting opportunities to continue to enhance individualised assessment and management strategies for CSR. The interplay between psychological factors can influence the diagnosis and recovery times for a person with CSR, and clinicians should continue to explore how these factors may influence a person's prognosis. The authors will discuss the opportunities for future research and limitations of contemporary approaches to assessment, underpinned by evidence, and how this supports a clinical assessment to establish CSR diagnosis. SUMMARY Research should continue to investigate how clinicians assess the interplay between physical and psychological factors to inform the establishment of CSR. Specifically, there is a need to investigate the validity and reliability of combining somatosensory, motor and imaging assessment findings to reach a diagnosis and inform onward management plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Mansfield
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Mick Thacker
- School of Physiotherapy, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
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Kmiecik MJ, Tu FF, Clauw DJ, Hellman KM. Multimodal hypersensitivity derived from quantitative sensory testing predicts pelvic pain outcome: an observational cohort study. Pain 2023; 164:2070-2083. [PMID: 37226937 PMCID: PMC10440257 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Multimodal hypersensitivity (MMH)-greater sensitivity across multiple sensory modalities (eg, light, sound, temperature, pressure)-is associated with the development of chronic pain. However, previous MMH studies are restricted given their reliance on self-reported questionnaires, narrow use of multimodal sensory testing, or limited follow-up. We conducted multimodal sensory testing on an observational cohort of 200 reproductive-aged women, including those at elevated risk for chronic pelvic pain conditions and pain-free controls. Multimodal sensory testing included visual, auditory, and bodily pressure, pelvic pressure, thermal, and bladder pain testing. Self-reported pelvic pain was examined over 4 years. A principal component analysis of sensory testing measures resulted in 3 orthogonal factors that explained 43% of the variance: MMH, pressure pain stimulus response, and bladder hypersensitivity. The MMH and bladder hypersensitivity factors correlated with baseline self-reported menstrual pain, genitourinary symptoms, depression, anxiety, and health. Over time, MMH increasingly predicted pelvic pain and was the only component to predict outcome 4 years later, even when adjusted for baseline pelvic pain. Multimodal hypersensitivity was a better predictor of pelvic pain outcome than a questionnaire-based assessment of generalized sensory sensitivity. These results suggest that MMHs overarching neural mechanisms convey more substantial long-term risk for pelvic pain than variation in individual sensory modalities. Further research on the modifiability of MMH could inform future treatment developments in chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Kmiecik
- Department of Ob/Gyn, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, United States
- Department of Ob/Gyn, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Frank F. Tu
- Department of Ob/Gyn, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, United States
- Department of Ob/Gyn, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Daniel J. Clauw
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Medicine, and Psychiatry, Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Kevin M. Hellman
- Department of Ob/Gyn, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, United States
- Department of Ob/Gyn, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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Burand Jr. AJ, Waltz TB, Manis AD, Hodges MR, Stucky CL. HomeCageScan analysis reveals ongoing pain in Fabry rats. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2023; 13:100113. [PMID: 36660199 PMCID: PMC9843259 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2022.100113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
HomeCageScan (HCS) is an automated behavioral scoring system that can be used to classify and quantify rodent behaviors in the home cage. Although HCS has been used for a number of inducible models of severe pain, little has been done to test this system in clinically relevant genetic disease models associated with chronic pain such as Fabry disease. Rats with Fabry disease exhibit mechanical hypersensitivity, however, it is unclear if these rodents also exhibit ongoing non-evoked pain. Therefore, we analyzed HCS data from male and female rats with Fabry disease. Using hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis, we found both sex and genotype differences in several home cage behaviors. Additionally, we used hierarchical clustering to derive behavioral clusters in an unbiased manner. Analysis of these behavioral clusters showed that primarily female Fabry animals moved less, spent less time caring for themselves (e.g., less time spent grooming and drinking), explored less, and slept more; changes that are similar to lifestyle changes observed in patients with long lasting chronic pain. We also show that sniffing, one of the exploratory behaviors that is depressed in Fabry animals, can be partly restored with the analgesic gabapentin, suggesting that depressed sniffing may reflect ongoing pain. Therefore, this approach to HCS data analysis can be used to assess drug efficacy in Fabry disease and potentially other genetic and inducible rodent models associated with persistent pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J. Burand Jr.
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, United States
| | - Tyler B. Waltz
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, United States
| | - Anna D. Manis
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, United States
| | - Matthew R. Hodges
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, United States
- Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, United States
| | - Cheryl L. Stucky
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, United States
- Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, United States
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Raputova J, Rajdova A, Vollert J, Srotova I, Rebhorn C, Üçeyler N, Birklein F, Sommer C, Vlckova E, Bednarik J. Continuum of sensory profiles in diabetes mellitus patients with and without neuropathy and pain. Eur J Pain 2022; 26:2198-2212. [PMID: 36069121 PMCID: PMC9825847 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quantitative sensory testing (QST) assesses the functional integrity of small and large nerve fibre afferents and central somatosensory pathways; QST was assumed to provide insight into the mechanisms of neuropathy. We analysed QST profiles and phenotypes in patients with diabetes mellitus to study whether these could differentiate patients with and without pain and neuropathy. METHODS A standardized QST protocol was performed and 'loss and gain of function' abnormalities were analysed in four groups of subjects: diabetic patients with painful (pDSPN; n = 220) and non-painful distal symmetric polyneuropathy (nDSPN; n = 219), diabetic patients without neuropathy (DM; n = 23) and healthy non-diabetic subjects (n = 37). Based on the QST findings, diabetic subjects were further stratified into four predefined prototypic phenotypes: sensory loss (SL), thermal hyperalgesia (TH), mechanical hyperalgesia (MH) and healthy individuals. RESULTS Patients in the pDSPN group showed the greatest hyposensitivity ('loss of function'), and DM patients showed the lowest, with statistically significant increases in thermal, thermal pain, mechanical and mechanical pain sensory thresholds. Accordingly, the frequency of the SL phenotype was significantly higher in the pDSPN subgroup (41.8%), than expected (p < 0.0042). The proportion of 'gain of function' abnormalities was low in both pDSPN and nDSPN patients without significant differences. CONCLUSIONS There is a continuum in the sensory profiles of diabetic patients, with a more pronounced sensory loss in pDSPN group probably reflecting somatosensory nerve fibre degeneration. An analysis of 'gain of function' abnormalities (allodynia, hyperalgesia) did not offer a key to understanding the pathophysiology of spontaneous diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. SIGNIFICANCE This article, using quantitative sensory testing profiles in large cohorts of diabetic patients with and without polyneuropathy and pain, presents a continuum in the sensory profiles of diabetic patients, with more pronounced 'loss of function' abnormalities in painful polyneuropathy patients. Painful diabetic polyneuropathy probably represents a 'more progressed' type of neuropathy with more pronounced somatosensory nerve fibre degeneration. The proportion of 'gain of function' sensory abnormalities was low, and these offer limited understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms of spontaneous neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Raputova
- Department of Neurology, Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases (Associated National Centre in the European Reference Network ERN EURO‐NMD)University Hospital BrnoBrnoCzech Republic,Faculty of MedicineMasaryk UniversityBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Aneta Rajdova
- Department of Neurology, Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases (Associated National Centre in the European Reference Network ERN EURO‐NMD)University Hospital BrnoBrnoCzech Republic,Faculty of MedicineMasaryk UniversityBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Jan Vollert
- Pain Research, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgery & Cancer, Chelsea and Westminster CampusImperial College LondonLondonUK,Medical Faculty Mannheim, Neurophysiology, Centre for Biomedicine and Medical Technology Mannheim (CBTM)Ruprecht‐Karls‐UniversityHeidelbergGermany
| | - Iva Srotova
- Department of Neurology, Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases (Associated National Centre in the European Reference Network ERN EURO‐NMD)University Hospital BrnoBrnoCzech Republic,Faculty of MedicineMasaryk UniversityBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Cora Rebhorn
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Medical CentreMainzGermany
| | | | - Frank Birklein
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Medical CentreMainzGermany
| | | | - Eva Vlckova
- Department of Neurology, Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases (Associated National Centre in the European Reference Network ERN EURO‐NMD)University Hospital BrnoBrnoCzech Republic,Faculty of MedicineMasaryk UniversityBrnoCzech Republic,Central European Institute of TechnologyMasaryk UniversityBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Josef Bednarik
- Department of Neurology, Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases (Associated National Centre in the European Reference Network ERN EURO‐NMD)University Hospital BrnoBrnoCzech Republic,Faculty of MedicineMasaryk UniversityBrnoCzech Republic,Central European Institute of TechnologyMasaryk UniversityBrnoCzech Republic
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Balba NM, McBride AA, Callahan ML, Mist SD, Jones KD, Butler MP, Lim MM, Heinricher MM. Photosensitivity Is Associated with Chronic Pain following Traumatic Brain Injury. J Neurotrauma 2022; 39:1183-1194. [PMID: 35373595 PMCID: PMC9422792 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2022.0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) report increased rates of chronic pain. Photosensitivity is also a common chronic symptom following TBI and is prevalent among other types of chronic pain. The aim of this study was to better understand the relationship between chronic pain, pain-related disability, and photosensitivity in a TBI population. We quantified participants' visual photosensitivity thresholds (VPT) using an Ocular Photosensitivity Analyzer and measured pressure-pain sensitivity using pressure algometry. Participants also completed a battery of self-report measures related to chronic pain, TBI history, and mental health. A total of 395 participants completed testing, with 233 reporting a history of TBI. The TBI group was divided into 120 symptomatic TBI participants (s-TBI), and 113 asymptomatic TBI participants (a-TBI) based on their Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI) scores. Participants in the s-TBI group scored significantly higher on self-reported chronic pain measures compared with a-TBI and no-TBI participants, including the Symptom Impact Questionnaire Revised (SIQR; p < 0.001) and the Michigan Body Map (MBM; p < 0.001). Despite differences in chronic pain complaints, groups displayed similar pressure-pain thresholds (p = 0.270). Additionally, s-TBI participants were more sensitive to light (lower VPT, p < 0.001), and VPT was correlated with SIQR scores across all participants (R = -0.452, p < 0.001). These data demonstrate that photosensitivity is associated with self-reported chronic pain and disability in individuals with chronic TBI symptomatology. Photosensitivity could therefore serve as a simple, more highly quantitative marker of high-impact chronic pain after TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadir M. Balba
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon, USA
- Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | | | | | - Scott D. Mist
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Kim D. Jones
- School of Nursing, Linfield University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Matthew P. Butler
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon, USA
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Miranda M. Lim
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon, USA
- Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon, USA
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Mary M. Heinricher
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon, USA
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Krimmel SR, Keaser ML, Speis D, Haythornthwaite JA, Seminowicz DA. Migraine disability, pain catastrophizing, and headache severity are associated with evoked pain and targeted by mind-body therapy. Pain 2022; 163:e1030-e1037. [PMID: 35297801 PMCID: PMC9288557 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Meta-analysis suggests that migraine patients are no more sensitive to experimentally evoked pain than healthy control subjects. At the same time, studies have linked some migraine symptoms to quantitative sensory testing (QST) profiles. Unfortunately, previous studies associating migraine symptoms and QST have important methodological shortcomings, stemming from small sample sizes, and frequent use of univariate statistics for multivariate research questions. In the current study, we seek to address these limitations by using a large sample of episodic migraine patients (n = 103) and a multivariate analysis that associates pain ratings from many thermal intensities simultaneously with 12 clinical measures ranging from headache frequency to sleep abnormalities. We identified a single dimension of association between thermal QST and migraine symptoms that relates to pain ratings for all stimulus intensities and a subset of migraine symptoms relating to disability (Headache Impact Test 6 and Brief Pain Inventory interference), catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing Scale), and pain severity (average headache pain, Brief Pain Inventory severity, and Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire 2). Headache frequency, allodynia, affect, and sleep disturbances were unrelated to this dimension. Consistent with previous research, we did not observe any difference in QST ratings between migraine patients and healthy control subjects. Additionally, we found that the linear combination of symptoms related to QST was modified by the mind-body therapy enhanced mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR+). These results suggest that QST has a selective relationship with pain symptoms even in the absence of between-subjects differences between chronic pain patients and healthy control subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel R. Krimmel
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, School of
Dentistry, and Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland,
Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of
Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201 USA
| | - Michael L. Keaser
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, School of
Dentistry, and Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland,
Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Darrah Speis
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, School of
Dentistry, and Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland,
Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Haythornthwaite
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns
Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David A. Seminowicz
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, School of
Dentistry, and Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland,
Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
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10
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Lunden LK, Kleggetveit IP, Schmelz M, Jorum E. Cold allodynia is correlated to paroxysmal and evoked mechanical pain in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Scand J Pain 2022; 22:533-542. [PMID: 35429156 DOI: 10.1515/sjpain-2021-0208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mechanisms of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) are still debated. Identifying subgroups of patients have been attempted in the hope of linking clinical findings to possible mechanisms. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether subgroups of CRPS (based on quantitative sensory testing (QST)-results) differed with respect to different characteristics of pain like spontaneous ongoing or paroxysmal pain and mechanical dynamic allodynia. METHODS 61 CRPS-patients (type 1 and 2) were examined clinically and with QST, in affected and contralateral extremity, with assessment of thresholds for warmth, cold and heat-and cold pain. RESULTS 43 patients (20 men, 23 men) were diagnosed with CRPS 1 (70.5%) and 18 patients (8 women and 10 men) with CRPS 2 (29.5%). Three subgroups were defined based on thermal thresholds; A (thermal allodynia 22.9%), B (thermal hyposensitivity 37.3%), C (thermal allodynia and hyposensitivity 39.3%). Paroxysmal pain was more prevalent in patients with thermal allodynia (merging group A + C, 25/38-65.8%) compared to patients without thermal allodynia (group B, 5/23-21.7%) (p-value=0.00085). CONCLUSIONS We suggest that cold allodynia is based on hyper-excitability of very superficial skin nociceptors. The correlation between paroxysmal pain, allodynia to light touch and cold allodynia suggests that activity in those peripheral nociceptors can drive both, paroxysmal pain and spinal sensitization leading to stroke evoked allodynia. Mechanistically, the physical cold stimulus can unmask disease-related hyperexcitability by closure of temperature-sensitive potassium channels or induction of resurgent currents. Small fiber degeneration alone may not be the crucial mechanism in CRPS, nor explain pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Kristian Lunden
- Section of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Inge Petter Kleggetveit
- Section of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Martin Schmelz
- Department of Experimental Pain Research, MCTN, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ellen Jorum
- Section of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Innovations and advances in modelling and measuring pain in animals. Nat Rev Neurosci 2022; 23:70-85. [PMID: 34837072 PMCID: PMC9098196 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-021-00536-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Best practices in preclinical algesiometry (pain behaviour testing) have shifted over the past decade as a result of technological advancements, the continued dearth of translational progress and the emphasis that funding institutions and journals have placed on rigour and reproducibility. Here we describe the changing trends in research methods by analysing the methods reported in preclinical pain publications from the past 40 years, with a focus on the last 5 years. We also discuss how the status quo may be hampering translational success. This discussion is centred on four fundamental decisions that apply to every pain behaviour experiment: choice of subject (model organism), choice of assay (pain-inducing injury), laboratory environment and choice of outcome measures. Finally, we discuss how human tissues, which are increasingly accessible, can be used to validate the translatability of targets and mechanisms identified in animal pain models.
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Jonas R, Schmelz M. Sensitization of supra-threshold pain responses-Translational aspects and mechanisms. FRONTIERS IN NETWORK PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 2:1078890. [PMID: 36926107 PMCID: PMC10013001 DOI: 10.3389/fnetp.2022.1078890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
A substantial translational gap in pain research has been reflected by a mismatch of relevant primary pain assessment endpoints in preclinical vs. clinical trials. Since activity-dependent mechanisms may be neglected during reflexive tests, this may add as a confounding factor during preclinical pain assessment. In this perspective, we consider the evidence for a need for supra-threshold pain assessment in the pain research literature. In addition to that, we focus on previous results that may demonstrate an example mechanism, where the detection of neuron-glial interactions on pain seems to be substantially depending on the assessment of pain intensity beyond threshold levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Jonas
- Department of Translational Pharmacology, Medical School EWL, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany.,UMCG Pain Center, Department of Anaesthesiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Martin Schmelz
- Department of Experimental Pain Research, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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Petzke F, Tölle T, Fitzcharles MA, Häuser W. Cannabis-Based Medicines and Medical Cannabis for Chronic Neuropathic Pain. CNS Drugs 2022; 36:31-44. [PMID: 34802112 PMCID: PMC8732831 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-021-00879-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain represents a broad category of pain syndromes that include a wide variety of peripheral and central disorders. The overall prevalence of neuropathic pain in the general population is reported to be between 7 and 10%. Management of neuropathic pain presents an unmet clinical need, with less than 50% of patients achieving substantial pain relief with medications currently recommended such as pregabalin, gabapentin, duloxetine and various tricyclic antidepressants. It has been suggested that cannabis-based medicines (CbMs) and medical cannabis (MC) may be a treatment option for those with chronic neuropathic pain. CbMs/MC are available in different forms: licensed medications or medical products (plant-derived and/or synthetic products such as tetrahydrocannabinol or cannabidiol); magistral preparations of cannabis plant derivatives with defined molecular content such as dronabinol (tetrahydrocannabinol); and herbal cannabis with a defined content of tetrahydrocannabinol and/or cannabidiol, together with other active ingredients (phytocannabinoids other than cannabidiol/tetrahydrocannabinol, terpenes and flavonoids). The availability of different types of CbMs/MC varies between countries worldwide. Systematic reviews of available randomised controlled trials have stated low-quality evidence for CbMs and MC for chronic neuropathic pain. Depending on the studies included in the various quantitative syntheses, authors have reached divergent conclusions on the efficacy of CbMs/MC for chronic neuropathic pain (from not effective to a clinically meaningful benefit). Clinically relevant side effects of CbMs/MC, especially for central nervous system and psychiatric disorders, have been reported by some systematic reviews. Recommendations for the use of CbMs/MC for chronic neuropathic pain by various medical associations also differ, from negative recommendations, no recommendation possible, recommended as third-line therapy, or recommended as an alternative in selected cases failing standard therapies within a multimodal concept. After reading this paper, readers are invited to formulate their own conclusions regarding the potential benefits and harms of CbMs/MC for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Petzke
- Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Tölle
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Mary-Ann Fitzcharles
- Alan Edwards Pain Management Unit, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC Canada ,Division of Rheumatology, McGill University Health Centre, Quebec, QC Canada
| | - Winfried Häuser
- Internal Medicine 1, Klinikum Saarbrücken gGmbH, Winterberg 1, 66119, Saarbrücken, Germany. .,Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.
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14
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Realigning the role of quantitative sensory testing in sensory profiling of patients with and without neuropathic pain. Pain 2021; 162:2780. [PMID: 34652323 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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16
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Bordeleau M, Léonard G, Gauthier L, Ferland CE, Backonja M, Vollert J, Marchand S, Jackson P, Cantin L, Prud’Homme M. Classification of Qualitative Fieldnotes Collected During Quantitative Sensory Testing: A Step Towards the Development of a New Mixed Methods Approach in Pain Research. J Pain Res 2021; 14:2501-2511. [PMID: 34434059 PMCID: PMC8380625 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s301655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Quantitative sensory testing (QST) is a standardized method to assess somatosensory function. The collection of qualitative information, during the QST procedure, could be an interesting way to facilitate the characterization of altered sensory perception and the identification of different pain phenotypes. The aims of this study were 1) to classify qualitative fieldnotes of sensory abnormalities collected during an independent QST study, and 2) to generate a qualitative interview guide that could be included in the traditional QST procedure as a step towards the implementation of a mixed methods approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS QST data were collected from 48 chronic neuropathic pain patients treated with spinal cord stimulation (SCS). Three body areas, with or without SCS, were tested: the painful limb targeted by SCS, the contralateral area, and the ipsilateral upper limb. After each trial of each QST modality, patients were encouraged to report any sensory abnormalities they could identify with a pain quality scale or using their own words. RESULTS Qualitative self-reported sensory abnormalities were dichotomized into two groups: altered sensory intensities and altered sensory perceptions. Altered sensory intensities were classified as sensory loss or sensory gain subgroups. Altered sensory perceptions were classified as paresthesia and dysesthesia subgroups Overall, 630 qualitative fieldnotes of altered sensations were collected: 385 on the painful limb, 173 at the contralateral area, and 72 at the ipsilateral upper limb. Based on these qualitative data, we propose a standardized method to collect qualitative data involving 9 open- and close-ended questions and 21 codes. CONCLUSION Our findings have highlighted the value of qualitative sensory evaluation during QST and constitute an important milestone in the development of a mixed methods protocol in phenotyping research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine Bordeleau
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Research Center on Aging, CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Guillaume Léonard
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Research Center on Aging, CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Lynn Gauthier
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Équipe de recherche Michel-Sarrazin en oncologie psychosociale et soins palliatifs, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Oncology Division, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Catherine Estelle Ferland
- Department of Anesthesia, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Shriners Hospitals for Children-Canada, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Miroslav Backonja
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jan Vollert
- Pain Research, MSK lab, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
- 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, Münster, Germany
- Neurophysiology, Mannheim Center of Translational Neuroscience (MCTN), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Serge Marchand
- Research Center on Aging, CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Sherbrooke University Hospital Research Center (CRCHUS), Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Philip Jackson
- CIRRIS, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- School of Psychology, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Léo Cantin
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec – Université Laval, Axe neurosciences, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Division of neurosurgery, CHU de Québec – Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Michel Prud’Homme
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec – Université Laval, Axe neurosciences, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Division of neurosurgery, CHU de Québec – Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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Sachau J, Baron R. Neuropathic pain therapy: a puzzle of different approaches to stratify patients. Pain 2021; 162:993-994. [PMID: 33086285 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Sachau
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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Vollert J, Forstenpointner J, Enax-Krumova EK, Gierthmühlen J, Tölle T, Treede RD, Baron R. The need for previous knowledge does not render quantitative sensory testing a "failure" but part of a larger picture of the relationship between nociception and pain. Pain 2021; 162:1273-1274. [PMID: 33730009 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Vollert
- Pain Research,Department of Surgery and Cancer,Imperial College,London, United Kingdom
- Neurophysiology,Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience MCTN,Medical Faculty Mannheim,Ruprecht Karls University,Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julia Forstenpointner
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy,Department of Neurology,Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-HolsteinCampus Kiel, Germany
| | - Elena K Enax-Krumova
- Department of Neurology,BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil GmbH,Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Janne Gierthmühlen
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy,Department of Neurology,Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-HolsteinCampus Kiel, Germany
| | - Thomas Tölle
- Department of Neurology,Klinikum rechts der Isar,Technische Universität München,Munich, Germany
| | - Rolf-Detlef Treede
- Neurophysiology,Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience MCTN,Medical Faculty Mannheim,Ruprecht Karls University,Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ralf Baron
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy,Department of Neurology,Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-HolsteinCampus Kiel, Germany
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Early Detection of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Focus on Small Nerve Fibres. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11020165. [PMID: 33498918 PMCID: PMC7911433 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11020165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common complication of both type 1 and 2 diabetes. As a result, neuropathic pain, diabetic foot ulcers and lower-limb amputations impact drastically on quality of life, contributing to the individual, societal, financial and healthcare burden of diabetes. DPN is diagnosed at a late, often pre-ulcerative stage due to a lack of early systematic screening and the endorsement of monofilament testing which identifies advanced neuropathy only. Compared to the success of the diabetic eye and kidney screening programmes there is clearly an unmet need for an objective reliable biomarker for the detection of early DPN. This article critically appraises research and clinical methods for the diagnosis or screening of early DPN. In brief, functional measures are subjective and are difficult to implement due to technical complexity. Moreover, skin biopsy is invasive, expensive and lacks diagnostic laboratory capacity. Indeed, point-of-care nerve conduction tests are convenient and easy to implement however questions are raised regarding their suitability for use in screening due to the lack of small nerve fibre evaluation. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) is a rapid, non-invasive, and reproducible technique to quantify small nerve fibre damage and repair which can be conducted alongside retinopathy screening. CCM identifies early sub-clinical DPN, predicts the development and allows staging of DPN severity. Automated quantification of CCM with AI has enabled enhanced unbiased quantification of small nerve fibres and potentially early diagnosis of DPN. Improved screening tools will prevent and reduce the burden of foot ulceration and amputations with the primary aim of reducing the prevalence of this common microvascular complication.
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