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Yue JJ, Gilligan CJ, Falowski S, Jameson J, Desai MJ, Moeschler S, Pilitsis J, Heros R, Tavel E, Wahezi S, Funk R, Buchanan P, Christopher A, Weisbein J, Patterson D, Levy R, Antony A, Miller N, Scarfo K, Kreiner S, Wilson D, Lim C, Braun E, Dickerson D, Duncan J, Xu J, Candido K, Mohab I, Michael F, Blomme B, Okaro U, Deer T. Surgical treatment of refractory low back pain using implanted BurstDR spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in a cohort of patients without options for corrective surgery: Findings and results from the DISTINCT study, a prospective randomized multi-center-controlled trial. NORTH AMERICAN SPINE SOCIETY JOURNAL 2024; 19:100508. [PMID: 39139617 PMCID: PMC11321325 DOI: 10.1016/j.xnsj.2024.100508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Background Low back pain (LBP) is a highly prevalent, disabling condition affecting millions of people. Patients with an identifiable anatomic pain generator and resulting neuropathic lower extremity symptoms often undergo spine surgery, but many patients lack identifiable and/or surgically corrective pathology. Nonoperative treatment options often fail to provide sustained relief. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is sometimes used to treat these patients, but the lack of level 1 evidence limits its widespread use and insurance coverage. The DISTINCT RCT study evaluates the efficacy of passive recharge burst SCS compared to conventional medical treatment (CMM) in alleviating chronic, refractory axial low back pain. Methods This prospective, multicenter, randomized, study with an optional 6-month crossover involved patients who were not candidates for lumbar spine surgery. The primary and secondary endpoints evaluated improvements in low back pain intensity (NRS), back pain-related disability (ODI), pain catastrophizing (PCS), and healthcare utilization. Patients were randomized to SCS therapy or CMM at 30 US study sites. Results The SCS arm reported an 85.3% NRS responder rate (≥ 50% reduction) compared to 6.2% (5/81) in the CMM arm. After the 6M primary endpoint, SCS patients elected to remain on assigned therapy and 66.2% (49/74) of CMM patients chose to trial SCS (crossover). At the 12M follow-up, SCS and crossover patients reported 78.6% and 71.4% NRS responder rates. Secondary outcomes indicated significant improvements in ODI, PCS, and reduced healthcare utilization. Six serious adverse events were reported and resolved without sequelae. Conclusion DISTINCT chronic low back pain patients with no indication for corrective surgery experienced a significant and sustained response to burst SCS therapy for up to 12 months. CMM patients who crossed over to the SCS arm reported profound improvements after 6 months. This data advocates for a timely consideration of SCS therapy in patients unresponsive to conservative therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J. Yue
- Connecticut Orthopaedics, Hamden, CT, United States
| | | | - Steven Falowski
- Center for Interventional Pain and Spine, Lancaster, PA, United States
| | | | - Mehul J. Desai
- International Spine, Pain and Performance Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | | | - Julie Pilitsis
- Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States
| | | | - Edward Tavel
- Clinical Trials of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Sayed Wahezi
- Montefiore Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Robert Funk
- Indiana Spine Group, Indianapolis, IN United States
| | - Patrick Buchanan
- Spanish Hills Interventional Pain Specialists, Camarillo, CA United States
| | | | | | | | - Robert Levy
- Anesthesia Pain Care Consultants, Tamarac, FL United States
| | - Ajay Antony
- The Orthopaedic Institute, Gainesville, FL United States
| | - Nathan Miller
- Coastal Pain & Spinal Diagnostics Medical Group, Carlsbad, CA United States
| | - Keith Scarfo
- Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI United States
| | - Scott Kreiner
- Barrow Brain and Spine—Ahwatukee, Phoenix, AZ United States
| | - Derron Wilson
- Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Greenwood, IN United States
| | - Chi Lim
- Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates, Spartanburg, SC United States
| | - Edward Braun
- Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City, KS United States
| | | | - Jonathan Duncan
- Burkhart Research Institute for Orthopaedics, San Antonio, TX United States
| | - Jijun Xu
- The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH United States
| | - Kenneth Candido
- Chicago Anesthesia Associates, SC, Chicago, IL United States
| | - Ibrahim Mohab
- Banner University Medical Center, Tucson, AZ United States
| | | | | | | | - Timothy Deer
- The Spine and Nerve Center of the Virginias, Charleston, WV United States
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Noordin NS, Cox CJ, Wilkinson MM, Sivanesan E, Chen Y. Spinal cord stimulation for visceral pain associated with medullary sponge kidney. Pain Manag 2023; 13:641-646. [PMID: 37929332 DOI: 10.2217/pmt-2023-0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a common reason for which people in the USA seek medical care. It is linked to opioid consumption, anxiety and a reduction in quality of life. Over the past 50 years, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has evolved as a safe and efficacious treatment for chronic pain etiologies. The authors present the first known case of SCS for pain due to medullary sponge kidney disease. This report adds to the growing body of literature supporting the use of SCS for treating visceral organ pain, while also highlighting the utility of ventral lead placement for treating visceral pain. As SCS utilization increases, it is expected that there will be a decrease in opioid consumption, and this will help us contain the opioid epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveed S Noordin
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, 1500 E Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Cody J Cox
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Michael M Wilkinson
- East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine, 178 Maple Ave, Mountain Home, TN 37684, USA
| | - Eellan Sivanesan
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe, Phipps Bldg, Ste 460D, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Yian Chen
- University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, BB1469, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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Smith CA, Roman J, Mammis A. The Role of Spinal Cord Stimulation in Reducing Opioid Use in the Setting of Chronic Neuropathic Pain: A Systematic Review. Clin J Pain 2022; 38:285-291. [PMID: 35132028 DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000001021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim was to examine research on the impact of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) on the reduction of preimplantation opioid dose and what preimplantation opioid dose is associated with a reduction or discontinuation of opioid use postimplantation. METHODS Systematic review of literature from PubMed, Web of Science, and Ovid Medline search of "opioid" and "pain" and "spinal cord stimulator." Inclusion criteria included original research providing data on SCS preimplantation opioid dosing and 12 months postimplantation opioid dosing or that correlated specific preimplantation opioid dose or opioid dose cutoff with significantly increased likelihood of opioid use discontinuation at 12 months postimplantation. RESULTS Systematic review of the literature yielded 17 studies providing data on pre-SCS and post-SCS implantation dose and 4 providing data on the preimplantation opioid dose that significantly increased likelihood of opioid use discontinuation at 12 months postimplantation. Data from included studies indicated that SCS is an effective tool in reducing opioid dose from preimplantation levels at 12 months postimplantation. Data preliminarily supports the assertion that initiation of SCS at a preimplantation opioid dose of ≤20 to ≤42.5 morphine milligram equivalents increases the likelihood of postimplantation elimination of opioid use. DISCUSSION SCS is an effective treatment for many types of chronic pain and can reduce or eliminate chronic opioid use. Preimplantation opioid dose may impact discontinuation of opioid use postimplantation and the effectiveness of SCS in the relief of chronic pain. More research is needed to support and strengthen clinical recommendations for initiation of SCS use at lower daily opioid dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia A Smith
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ
| | - Jessica Roman
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ
| | - Antonios Mammis
- Department of Neurosurgery, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
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Vu TN, Khunsriraksakul C, Vorobeychik Y, Liu A, Sauteraud R, Shenoy G, Liu DJ, Cohen SP. Association of Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation With Persistent Opioid Use in Patients With Postlaminectomy Syndrome. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2145876. [PMID: 35099546 PMCID: PMC8804916 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.45876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The results of studies evaluating spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for postlaminectomy syndrome (PLS) have yielded mixed results. This has led to an increased emphasis on objective outcome measures such as opioid prescribing. OBJECTIVE To determine the association between SCS and long-term opioid therapy (LOT) for PLS. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In this cohort study, adults with PLS were identified using the TriNetx Diamond Network and separated based on whether they underwent SCS. Patients were stratified according to baseline opioid use (opioid-naive or receiving LOT) and subsequent opioid therapy over the 12-month period ranging from 3 to 15 months post-SCS implantation or post-PLS index date. Statistical analysis was performed from June to December 2021. EXPOSURE SCS. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The main outcome was cessation of opioid use among patients receiving LOT or abstinence from opioids among opioid-naive patients. Opioid-naive patients were defined as those receiving at most 2 opioid prescriptions per year, and patients on LOT were those receiving at least 6 opioid prescriptions per year. RESULTS Among 552 937 eligible patients treated between December 2015 and May 2021, 26 179 with PLS received an SCS implant. The median (IQR) patient age was 60 (51-69) years; 305 802 patients (55.3%) were female. Among those reporting racial identify (37.0% [204 758 patients]), 9.3% (18 971 patients) were African American, 0.3% (648 patients) were Asian, and 90.4% (185 139 patients) were White. Compared with those who did not receive an SCS, individuals who received an SCS were more likely to be using opioids preimplantation (mean [SD] prescriptions: 4.3 [8.5] vs 4.1 [9.3]; P < .001) but less likely to be using opioids after SCS implantation (mean [SD] prescriptions: 3.8 [8.2] vs 4.0 [9.4]; P = .006). In the 12-month study period, similar proportions in the SCS and no-SCS groups receiving baseline LOT remained on LOT (70.3% [n = 74 585] vs 69.2% [n = 3882], respectively; P = .10). In opioid-naive patients, SCS was associated with a small decreased likelihood of patients subsequently receiving LOT (7.6% vs 7.0%; difference, -0.6% [95% CI, -1.0% to -0.2%]; P = .003). In multivariable analysis, SCS was associated with an increased likelihood of not being on opioids in both opioid-naive (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.90 [95% CI, 0.85-0.96]; P < .001) and LOT patients (adjusted OR, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.88-0.99]; P = .02). White patients were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with PLS (ie, underwent surgery) (90.4% vs 85.2%; difference, 5.2% [95% CI, 5.1%-5.4%]; P < .001) and receive an SCS (93.7% vs 90.3%; difference, 3.4% [95% CI, 2.9% to 4.0%]; P < .001) than patients of other racial identities. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE These findings suggest that under real-life conditions, SCS was associated with small, clinically questionable associations with opioid discontinuation and not starting opioids in the context of PLS.
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Affiliation(s)
- To-Nhu Vu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Yakov Vorobeychik
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Alison Liu
- Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Renan Sauteraud
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Ganesh Shenoy
- Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Dajiang J. Liu
- Departments of Public Health Sciences and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Steven P. Cohen
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Neurology, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
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