1
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Ortiz R, Motyka T, Petterson S, Krystofiak J. Sustained acoustic medicine treatment of discogenic chronic low back pain: A randomized, multisite, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil 2024:BMR230402. [PMID: 38905030 DOI: 10.3233/bmr-230402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sustained acoustic medicine (SAM) is a noninvasive long-term treatment that provides essential mechanical and thermal stimulus to accelerate soft tissue healing, alleviate pain, and improve physical activity. SAM increases localized deep tissue temperature, blood flow, cellular proliferation, migration, and nutrition exchange, resulting in reduced inflammation and an increased rate of tissue regeneration. OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy of SAM treatment of discogenic back pain in the lower spinal column to reduce pain, improve quality of life, and lower pharmacotherapy use. METHODS Sixty-five subjects with chronic low back pain were randomly assigned to SAM (N= 33) or placebo (N= 32) groups. Subjects self-applied SAM device bilaterality on the lower lumbar region for 4 hours daily for 8 weeks and completed daily pain diaries before, during, and after treatment. Subjects recorded pain reduction using a numeric rating scale (NRS), medication use, and physical activity using the Global Rating of Change (GROC) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). RESULTS SAM treatment significantly reduced chronic lower back pain from baseline relative to placebo treatment (p< 0.0001). SAM treated subjects reported significantly lower back pain at 4 weeks, with the highest pain reduction (-2.58 points NRS, p< 0.0001) reported at 8 weeks. Similar trends were observed in improved physical activity (3.48 GROC, p< 0.0001, 69-88% ODI, p< 0.0001) and 22.5% (15.2 morphine milligram equivalent) reduction in the use of opioid medication from baseline to 8 weeks. CONCLUSION Daily, home-use SAM treatment significantly improves the clinical symptoms of chronic lower back pain, improves physical mobility, and reduces daily medication use. SAM treatment is well-tolerated by patients and may be considered a safe, non-invasive treatment option for chronic discogenic, lower back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph Ortiz
- Department of Pain Management, Cayuga Medical Center, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Thomas Motyka
- Department of Osteopathic Medicine, Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC, USA
| | | | - Jason Krystofiak
- Department of Orthopedics, Rutgers University, Barnabas Health, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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2
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Yoo CH, Rani N, Shen S, Loggia ML, Gaynor K, Moore KE, Bagdasarian FA, Lin YS, Edwards RR, Price JC, Hooker JM, Wey HY. Investigating neuroepigenetic alterations in chronic low back pain with positron emission tomography. Pain 2024:00006396-990000000-00607. [PMID: 38776171 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Epigenetics has gained considerable interest as potential mediators of molecular alterations that could underlie the prolonged sensitization of nociceptors, neurons, and glia in response to various environmental stimuli. Histone acetylation and deacetylation, key processes in modulating chromatin, influence gene expression; elevated histone acetylation enhances transcriptional activity, whereas decreased acetylation leads to DNA condensation and gene repression. Altered levels of histone deacetylase (HDAC) have been detected in various animal pain models, and HDAC inhibitors have demonstrated analgesic effects in these models, indicating HDACs' involvement in chronic pain pathways. However, animal studies have predominantly examined epigenetic modulation within the spinal cord after pain induction, which may not fully reflect the complexity of chronic pain in humans. Moreover, methodological limitations have previously impeded an in-depth study of epigenetic changes in the human brain. In this study, we employed [11C]Martinostat, an HDAC-selective radiotracer, positron emission tomography to assess HDAC availability in the brains of 23 patients with chronic low back pain (cLBP) and 11 age-matched and sex-matched controls. Our data revealed a significant reduction of [11C]Martinostat binding in several brain regions associated with pain processing in patients with cLBP relative to controls, highlighting the promising potential of targeting HDAC modulation as a therapeutic strategy for cLBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Hyeon Yoo
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Nisha Rani
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Shiqian Shen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Marco L Loggia
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kate Gaynor
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Katelyn E Moore
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Frederick A Bagdasarian
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yu-Shiuan Lin
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Centre for Chronobiology, University Psychiatric Clinics Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Robert R Edwards
- Department of Anesthesia, Anesthesia and Pain Management Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Julie C Price
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jacob M Hooker
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Hsiao-Ying Wey
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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3
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Rajkumar RP. The influence of cultural and religious factors on cross-national variations in the prevalence of chronic back and neck pain: an analysis of data from the global burden of disease 2019 study. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2023; 4:1189432. [PMID: 37305205 PMCID: PMC10248050 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1189432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Low back pain and neck pain are among the most commonly reported forms of chronic pain worldwide, and are associated with significant distress, disability and impairment in quality of life. Though these categories of pain can be analyzed and treated from a biomedical perspective, there is evidence that they are both related to psychological variables such as depression and anxiety. The experience of pain can be significantly influenced by cultural values. For example, cultural beliefs and attitudes can influence the meaning attached to the experience of pain, the responses of others to a sufferer's pain, and the likelihood of seeking medical care for particular symptoms. Likewise, religious beliefs and practices can influence the both experience of pain and the responses to it. These factors have also been associated with variations in the severity of depression and anxiety. Methods In the current study, data on the estimated national prevalence of both low back pain and neck pain, obtained from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD 2019), is analyzed in relation to cross-national variations in cultural values, as measured using Hofstede's model (n =115 countries) and in religious belief and practice, based on the most recent Pew Research Center survey (n = 105 countries). To address possible confounding factors, these analyses were adjusted for variables known to be associated with chronic low back or neck pain, namely smoking, alcohol use, obesity, anxiety, depression and insufficient physical activity. Results It was found that the cultural dimensions of Power Distance and Collectivism were inversely correlated with the prevalence of chronic low back pain, and Uncertainty Avoidance was inversely correlated with the prevalence of chronic neck pain, even after adjustment for potential confounders. Measures of religious affiliation and practice were negatively correlated with the prevalence of both conditions, but these associations were not significant after adjusting for cultural values and confounders. Discussion These results highlight the existence of meaningful cross-cultural variations in the occurrence of common forms of chronic musculoskeletal pain. Psychological and social factors that could account for these variations are reviewed, along with their implications for the holistic management of patients with these disorders.
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4
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Glare P, Chye R, Bloch M, Arya M, Moore A, Montgomery J. Tolerability and Efficacy of a 10:25 Preparation of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol for Treatment of Chronic Back or Neck Pain: A Multiple-Dose Escalation Study. Med Cannabis Cannabinoids 2023; 6:66-76. [PMID: 37465637 PMCID: PMC10350899 DOI: 10.1159/000531232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The aim was to demonstrate the safety and tolerability of cannabidiol (CBD) with Δ9-THC in patients with moderate to severe chronic back or neck pain unresponsive to over-the-counter non-opioid analgesics. Methods This was a non-randomized, single-arm, open-label study. Participants received escalating doses of an oromucosal-administered combination containing 10 mg/mL of Δ9-THC, 25 mg/mL of CBD. On day 1, patients received once-daily 0.5 mL Cybis® 10:25 (5 mg Δ9-THC plus 12.5 mg CBD daily), escalated at days 8, 15, and 22 to 0.5 mL twice-daily (bd) (10 mg Δ9-THC plus 25 mg CBD daily), 1.0 mL bd (20 mg Δ9-THC plus 50 mg CBD daily), and 1.5 mL bd (30 mg Δ9-THC plus 75 mg CBD daily), respectively. The primary outcome was safety and tolerability, with secondary objectives including pharmacokinetic and efficacy outcomes. Results 28 patients were enrolled in the study. Their median age was 63.3 years, and half were female. The median history of neck/back pain was 10 years. The pharmacokinetics following single doses of 0.5 mL were variable; however, there were dose-dependent increases in trough levels of CBD and Δ9-THC. Cybis® 10:25 was well tolerated, with the majority of adverse events of mild severity. The most common adverse events were nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, headache, paresthesia, and anxiety. There were dose-dependent improvements in numerical pain rating scores (p < 0.001), with clinically significant reductions in pain at 1.0 mL bd and 1.5 mL bd doses (28.8% and 34.1% reductions, respectively, p < 0.001). Depressive symptoms and stress had dose-dependent reductions (p = 0.0182, p < 0.01, respectively). Conclusion In patients with chronic neck/back pain, CBD and Δ9-THC are well tolerated and doses of 1.0 mL bd and 1.5 mL bd showed clinically significant reductions in pain compared to baseline pain scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Glare
- Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard Chye
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Supportive & Palliative Care, St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark Bloch
- Holdsworth House Medical Practice, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark Arya
- Australian Clinical Research Network, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew Moore
- Australian Clinical Research Network, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - John Montgomery
- Cymra Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Pharmacy Department, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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5
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Price MR, Cupler Z, Hawk C, Bednarz EM, Walters SA, Daniels CJ. Systematic review of guideline-recommended medications prescribed for treatment of low back pain. Chiropr Man Therap 2022; 30:26. [PMID: 35562756 PMCID: PMC9101938 DOI: 10.1186/s12998-022-00435-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify and descriptively compare medication recommendations among low back pain (LBP) clinical practice guidelines (CPG). METHODS We searched PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Review, Index to Chiropractic Literature, AMED, CINAHL, and PEDro to identify CPGs that described the management of mechanical LBP in the prior five years. Two investigators independently screened titles and abstracts and potentially relevant full text were considered for eligibility. Four investigators independently applied the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument for critical appraisal. Data were extracted for pharmaceutical intervention, the strength of recommendation, and appropriateness for the duration of LBP. RESULTS 316 citations were identified, 50 full-text articles were assessed, and nine guidelines with global representation met the eligibility criteria. These CPGs addressed pharmacological treatments with or without non-pharmacological treatments. All CPGS focused on the management of acute, chronic, or unspecified duration of LBP. The mean overall AGREE II score was 89.3% (SD 3.5%). The lowest domain mean score was for applicability, 80.4% (SD 5.2%), and the highest was Scope and Purpose, 94.0% (SD 2.4%). There were ten classifications of medications described in the included CPGs: acetaminophen, antibiotics, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, oral corticosteroids, skeletal muscle relaxants (SMRs), and atypical opioids. CONCLUSIONS Nine CPGs, included ten medication classes for the management of LBP. NSAIDs were the most frequently recommended medication for the treatment of both acute and chronic LBP as a first line pharmacological therapy. Acetaminophen and SMRs were inconsistently recommended for acute LBP. Meanwhile, with less consensus among CPGs, acetaminophen and antidepressants were proposed as second-choice therapies for chronic LBP. There was significant heterogeneity of recommendations within many medication classes, although oral corticosteroids, benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants, and antibiotics were not recommended by any CPGs for acute or chronic LBP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cheryl Hawk
- Texas Chiropractic College, Pasadena, TX USA
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6
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Bettinger JJ, Amarquaye W, Fudin J, Schatman ME. Misinterpretation of the “Overdose Crisis” Continues to Fuel Misunderstanding of the Role of Prescription Opioids. J Pain Res 2022; 15:949-958. [PMID: 35414752 PMCID: PMC8994995 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s367753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jeffrey Fudin
- President, Remitigate Therapeutics, Delmar, NY, USA
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Albany College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Albany, NY, USA
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Western New England University College of Pharmacy, Springfield, MA, USA
- Department of Pharmacy and Pain Management, Stratton VA Medical Center, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Michael E Schatman
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care, and Pain Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Population Health – Division of Medical Ethics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- School of Social Work, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Correspondence: Michael E Schatman, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care, and Pain Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 550 1st Ave., New York, NY, 10016, USA, Tel +425-647-4880, Email
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7
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Bjornsdottir G, Stefansdottir L, Thorleifsson G, Sulem P, Norland K, Ferkingstad E, Oddsson A, Zink F, Lund SH, Nawaz MS, Bragi Walters G, Skuladottir AT, Gudjonsson SA, Einarsson G, Halldorsson GH, Bjarnadottir V, Sveinbjornsson G, Helgadottir A, Styrkarsdottir U, Gudmundsson LJ, Pedersen OB, Hansen TF, Werge T, Banasik K, Troelsen A, Skou ST, Thørner LW, Erikstrup C, Nielsen KR, Mikkelsen S, Jonsdottir I, Bjornsson A, Olafsson IH, Ulfarsson E, Blondal J, Vikingsson A, Brunak S, Ostrowski SR, Ullum H, Thorsteinsdottir U, Stefansson H, Gudbjartsson DF, Thorgeirsson TE, Stefansson K. Rare SLC13A1 variants associate with intervertebral disc disorder highlighting role of sulfate in disc pathology. Nat Commun 2022; 13:634. [PMID: 35110524 PMCID: PMC8810832 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28167-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Back pain is a common and debilitating disorder with largely unknown underlying biology. Here we report a genome-wide association study of back pain using diagnoses assigned in clinical practice; dorsalgia (119,100 cases, 909,847 controls) and intervertebral disc disorder (IDD) (58,854 cases, 922,958 controls). We identify 41 variants at 33 loci. The most significant association (ORIDD = 0.92, P = 1.6 × 10−39; ORdorsalgia = 0.92, P = 7.2 × 10−15) is with a 3’UTR variant (rs1871452-T) in CHST3, encoding a sulfotransferase enzyme expressed in intervertebral discs. The largest effects on IDD are conferred by rare (MAF = 0.07 − 0.32%) loss-of-function (LoF) variants in SLC13A1, encoding a sodium-sulfate co-transporter (LoF burden OR = 1.44, P = 3.1 × 10−11); variants that also associate with reduced serum sulfate. Genes implicated by this study are involved in cartilage and bone biology, as well as neurological and inflammatory processes. Little is known about the biology of back pain, a leading cause of disability. Here the authors report 30 new back pain loci, implicating genes involved in cartilage/bone biology, as well as neurological and inflammatory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Muhammad S Nawaz
- deCODE Genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - G Bragi Walters
- deCODE Genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | | | | | - Gisli H Halldorsson
- deCODE Genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland.,School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ole B Pedersen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Zealand University Hospital, Køge, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Folkmann Hansen
- Danish Headache Center, Dept. Neurology, Rigshospitalet-Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark.,Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Werge
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Institute of Biological Psychiatry, Mental Health Services, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Lundbeck Foundation for GeoGenetics, GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karina Banasik
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Troelsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, CAG ROAD-Research OsteoArthritis Denmark, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Soren T Skou
- Research Unit for Musculoskeletal Function and Physiotherapy, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,The Research Unit PROgrez, Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Næstved-Slagelse-Ringsted Hospitals, Næstved, Denmark
| | - Lise Wegner Thørner
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Erikstrup
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kaspar Rene Nielsen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Susan Mikkelsen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | | | - Ingileif Jonsdottir
- deCODE Genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Aron Bjornsson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Ingvar H Olafsson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Elfar Ulfarsson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Josep Blondal
- Health Care Institution of West Iceland, Stykkisholmur, Iceland
| | | | - Soren Brunak
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sisse R Ostrowski
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik Ullum
- Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Unnur Thorsteinsdottir
- deCODE Genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | - Daniel F Gudbjartsson
- deCODE Genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland.,School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | - Kari Stefansson
- deCODE Genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland. .,Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.
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8
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Harris M, Erridge S, Ergisi M, Nimalan D, Kawka M, Salazar O, Ali R, Loupasaki K, Holvey C, Coomber R, Usmani A, Sajad M, Hoare J, Rucker JJ, Platt M, Sodergren MH. UK Medical Cannabis registry: an analysis of clinical outcomes of medicinal cannabis therapy for chronic pain conditions. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2021; 15:473-485. [PMID: 34937477 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2022.2017771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore pain-specific, general health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and safety outcomes of chronic pain patients prescribed cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs). METHODS A case series was performed using patients with chronic pain from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. Primary outcomes were changes in Brief Pain Inventory short-form (BPI), Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2), Visual Analogue Scale-Pain (VAS), General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Sleep Quality Scale (SQS), and EQ-5D-5L, at 1, 3, and 6 months from baseline. Statistical significance was defined at p-value<0.050. RESULTS 190 patients were included. Median initial Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol daily doses were 2.0mg (range:0.0-442.0mg) and 20.0mg (range:0.0-188.0mg) respectively. Significant improvements were observed within BPI, SF-MPQ-2, GAD-7, SQS, EQ-5D-5 L index, and VAS measures at all timepoints (p<0.050). Seventy-five adverse events (39.47%) were reported, of which 37 (19.47%) were rated as mild, 23 (12.11%) as moderate, and 14 (7.37%) as severe. Nausea (n=11; 5.8%) was the most frequent adverse event. CONCLUSION An association was identified between patients with chronic pain prescribed CBMPs and improvements in pain-specific and general HRQoL outcomes. Most adverse events were mild to moderate in severity, indicating CBMPs were well tolerated. Inherent limitations of study design limit its overall applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon Erridge
- Imperial College London, London, UK.,Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ross Coomber
- Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK.,St. George's Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Azfer Usmani
- Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK.,Dartford and Gravesham Nhs Trust, Kent, UK
| | - Mohammed Sajad
- Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK.,Dudley Group of Hospitals Nhs Trust, West Midlands, UK
| | - Jonathan Hoare
- Imperial College London, London, UK.,Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK
| | - James J Rucker
- Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK.,Department of Psychological Medicine, Kings College London, London, UK.,South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Michael Platt
- Imperial College London, London, UK.,Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK
| | - Mikael H Sodergren
- Imperial College London, London, UK.,Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK
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9
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Hunter CW, Guyer R, Froimson M, DePalma MJ. Effect of age on outcomes after allogeneic disc tissue supplementation in patients with chronic discogenic low back pain in the VAST trial. Pain Manag 2021; 12:301-311. [PMID: 34875850 DOI: 10.2217/pmt-2021-0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To explore the effects of viable allogeneic disc tissue supplementation in younger patients with discogenic chronic low back pain (CLBP). Patients & methods: VAST was a randomized placebo-controlled trial of disc allograft supplementation in 218 patients with discogenic CLBP. We conducted a post hoc analysis of change from baseline to 12 months in Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analog scale for pain intensity scores stratified by patient age. Results: Patients aged <42 years receiving allograft experienced greater improvement in ODI (p = 0.042) and a higher ODI response rate (≥10-, ≥15- and ≥20-point reductions in ODI) than those receiving saline (p = 0.001, p = 0.002 and p = 0.021, respectively). Conclusion: Young patients with discogenic CLBP may have significant functional improvement following nonsurgical disc allograft supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey W Hunter
- Ainsworth Institute of Pain Management, 115 East 57th Street, Suite 1210, New York, NY 10022, USA.,Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation - Icahn School of Medicine; Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Richard Guyer
- Texas Back Institute Research Foundation, 6020 W. Parker Road, Suite 200, Plano, TX 75093, USA.,Department of Orthopedics, UT Southwestern School of Medicine, Dallas, Texas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Mark Froimson
- Riverside Health Advisors, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022, USA
| | - Michael J DePalma
- Virginia iSpine Physicians, 9020 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 140, Richmond, VA 23235, USA
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10
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Kawka M, Erridge S, Holvey C, Coomber R, Usmani A, Sajad M, Platt MW, Rucker JJ, Sodergren MH. Clinical Outcome Data of First Cohort of Chronic Pain Patients Treated With Cannabis-Based Sublingual Oils in the United Kingdom: Analysis From the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 61:1545-1554. [PMID: 34473850 PMCID: PMC9292210 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.1961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) are an emerging therapeutic option in the management of primary chronic pain, using the role of the endocannabinoid system in modulating central and peripheral pain processes. Despite promising preclinical data, there is a paucity of high-quality evidence to support the use of CBMPs for chronic pain. This study aimed to investigate the health-related quality-of-life outcomes of patients with chronic pain who were prescribed CBMP oil preparations (Adven, Curaleaf International, Guernsey, UK). This study is a case series of patients from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry, who were treated with CBMP oils for an indication of chronic pain. The primary outcomes were the changes in Brief Pain Inventory short form, Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2, Visual Analog Scale Pain, General Anxiety Disorder-7, Sleep Quality Scale, and EQ-5D-5L, at 1, 3, and 6 months. One hundred ten patients were included. Significant improvements in Sleep Quality Scale, EQ-5D-5L pain and discomfort subscale, and Brief Pain Inventory Interference Subscale (P < .05) at 1, 3, and 6 months were demonstrated. There were no notable differences between cannabis-naïve and previous cannabis users in quality-of-life outcomes. The adverse event incidence was 30.0%, with most (n = 58; 92.1%) adverse events being mild or moderate in intensity. Treatment of chronic pain with Adven CBMP oils was associated with an improvement in pain-specific outcomes, health-related quality of life, and self-reported sleep quality. Relative safety was demonstrated over medium-term prescribed use. While these findings must be treated with caution considering the limitations of study design, they can inform future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Kawka
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Simon Erridge
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK
| | | | - Ross Coomber
- Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK.,St George's Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Azfer Usmani
- Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK.,Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, Kent, UK
| | - Mohammad Sajad
- Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK.,Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust, Dudley, UK
| | - Michael W Platt
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK
| | - James J Rucker
- Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK.,Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology & Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, UK.,South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Mikael H Sodergren
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Sapphire Medical Clinics, London, UK
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11
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O'Brien JB, Roman DL. Novel treatments for chronic pain: moving beyond opioids. Transl Res 2021; 234:1-19. [PMID: 33727192 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2021.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
It is essential that safe and effective treatment options be available to patients suffering from chronic pain. The emergence of an opioid epidemic has shaped public opinions and created stigmas surrounding the use of opioids for the management of pain. This reality, coupled with high risk of adverse effects from chronic opioid use, has led chronic pain patients and their healthcare providers to utilize nonopioid treatment approaches. In this review, we will explore a number of cellular reorganizations that are associated with the development and progression of chronic pain. We will also discuss the safety and efficacy of opioid and nonopioid treatment options for chronic pain. Finally, we will review the evidence for adenylyl cyclase type 1 (AC1) as a novel target for the treatment of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph B O'Brien
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - David L Roman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
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