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Somayajula GG, Campbell P, Protheroe J, Lacey RJ, Dunn KM. Chronic widespread pain in children and adolescents presenting in primary care: prevalence and associated risk factors. Pain 2022; 163:e333-e341. [PMID: 34108433 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT A significant proportion of children/adolescents report chronic widespread pain (CWP), but little is known about clinically relevant CWP or what factors lead to onset in this population. Objectives were to report the primary care consultation prevalence of CWP and investigate risk factors associated with onset. A validated algorithm for identifying CWP status from primary care electronic healthcare records was applied to a child or adolescent population (aged 8-18 years). The algorithm records patients who have recurrent pain consultations (axial skeleton and upper or lower limbs) or those with a nonspecific generalised pain disorder (eg, fibromyalgia). Prevalence was described, and a nested case-control study was established to identify risk factors associated with CWP onset using logistic regression producing odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Two hundred seventy-one children or adolescents were identified with CWP, resulting in a 5-year consultation prevalence of 3.19%. Risk factors significantly associated with CWP onset were as follows: mental health (eg, anxiety/neurosis consultations), neurological (eg, headaches), genitourinary (eg, cystitis), gastrointestinal (eg, abdominal pain), and throat problems (eg, sore throats). Children or adolescents with 1 or 2 risk factors (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.6-2.9) or 3 or more risk factors (OR 9.17, 95% CI 5.9-14.3) were at significantly increased odds of CWP onset compared with those with none. Findings show a significant proportion of the child or adolescent primary care population has CWP. Most risk factors involved pain-related conditions, suggesting potential pathways of pain development. Further work is now needed to better understand the development of CWP in children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenys G Somayajula
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Campbell
- Primary Care Centre Versus Arthritis, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
- Research and Innovation Department, Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, St Georges' Hospital, Stafford, United Kingdom
| | - Joanne Protheroe
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
- Primary Care Centre Versus Arthritis, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Rosie J Lacey
- Primary Care Centre Versus Arthritis, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Kate M Dunn
- Primary Care Centre Versus Arthritis, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
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Brodwall A, Brekke M. General practitioners' experiences with children and adolescents with functional gastro-intestinal disorders: a qualitative study in Norway. Scand J Prim Health Care 2021; 39:543-551. [PMID: 34930079 PMCID: PMC8725859 DOI: 10.1080/02813432.2021.2012347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are common in children and adolescents. During 2016 and 2019, we investigated the experiences among parents of children with FGIDs and interviewed their children and adolescents during 2020. The aim of the present study was to explore the experiences among general practitioners (GPs) who treat this patient group.Design: Individual interviews with open-ended questions were audio recorded and transcribed, and subsequently analysed using descriptive content analysis.Setting: Urban and rural areas in two municipalities in Southern Norway. Participants: Twelve GPs practicing in the region were interviewed.Results: GPs generally feel competent treating these patients without referring them to hospital or specialists. Having known the patients and their families over time is important. Providing psycho-educational resources to the patients and parents is essential for their understanding that the pain is not dangerous. The importance of attending school was emphasised.Conclusions: The GPs' biopsychosocial focus and long-term follow-up care are essential in treating children and adolescents with FGIDs and their parents.KEY POINTSCurrent awarenessAbdominal pain is a common symptom in children and adolescents, for which an organic cause is seldom found.Main statementsGPs feel competent to treat children and adolescents who have functional gastro-intestinal disorders (FGIDs) without referring them to hospital or specialists. • A main task for GPs is to inform children, adolescents, and their parents that FGIDs are not a serious organic disease and that everyday life should continue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Brodwall
- Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Vestre Viken Trust, Baerum, Norway
- CONTACT Anne Brodwall Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Vestre Viken Trust, Drammen, 3004, Norway
| | - Mette Brekke
- General Practice Research Unit, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Family history of pain and risk of musculoskeletal pain in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pain 2020; 160:2430-2439. [PMID: 31188266 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that musculoskeletal (MSK) pain should be viewed from a biopsychosocial perspective and consider the influence of family factors. We conducted a review with meta-analysis to provide summary estimates of effect of family history of pain on childhood MSK pain and explore whether specific family pain factors influence the strength of the association (PROSPERO CRD42018090130). Included studies reported associations between family history of pain and nonspecific MSK pain in children (age <19 years). The outcome of interest was MSK pain in children. We assessed the methodological quality using a modified version of the Quality in Prognosis Studies instrument and quality of evidence for the main analyses using the GRADE criteria. After screening of 7281 titles, 6 longitudinal and 23 cross-sectional studies were included. Moderate quality evidence from 5 longitudinal studies (n = 42,131) showed that children with a family history of MSK pain had 58% increased odds of experiencing MSK pain themselves (odds ratio [OR] 1.58, 95% confidence interval 1.20-2.09). Moderate quality evidence from 18 cross-sectional studies (n = 17,274) supported this finding (OR 2.02, 95% 1.69-2.42). Subgroup analyses showed that the relationship was robust regardless of whether a child's mother, father, or sibling experienced pain. Odds were higher when both parents reported pain compared with one ([mother OR = 1.61; father OR = 1.59]; both parents OR = 2.0). Our findings show moderate quality evidence that children with a family history of pain are at higher risk of experiencing MSK pain. Understanding the mechanism by which this occurs would inform prevention and treatment efforts.
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Abstract
SummaryPatients with severe and enduring somatoform disorders (SESD) characteristically present with multiple, recurrent and frequently changing physical symptoms that have usually been present for several years before referral to a psychiatrist/psychologist. Many patients report long histories of contact with both primary and tertiary care services, have undergone repeated fruitless investigations and have high levels of disability. SESD are responsible for disproportionately high healthcare costs and are the third most common cause of workplace absence. Identification of patients with SESD by psychiatrists requires particular skills: collaboration with colleagues is vital and there are risks of iatrogenic harm. We describe the obstacles encountered in identifying these patients as well as methods of assessment and management. Treatment pathways best suited to managing this large and as yet untended group of patients are described.
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Churchill RD. Young People: Understanding the Links Between Satisfaction With Services and Their Health Outcomes in Primary Care. J Adolesc Health 2017; 60:358-359. [PMID: 28340869 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2017.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard D Churchill
- Division of Primary Care, University of Nottingham Medical School, Nottingham, England
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