1
|
Mashola MK, Korkie E, Mothabeng DJ. Pain medication misuse in the South African spinal cord injury context. Health SA 2024; 29:2377. [PMID: 38322368 PMCID: PMC10839206 DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v29i0.2377] [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: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Pain after spinal cord injury (SCI) is debilitating and has been reported to be difficult to treat, despite pharmacological interventions. Pain medication misuse (PMM) and associated individual factors among people with spinal cord injury (PWSCI) are scarce. Aim To determine PMM and the associated factors in PWSCI. Setting Homes of community-dwelling manual wheelchair users with SCI in South Africa. Methods Community-dwelling PWSCI (n = 122) were consecutively sampled and the Pain Medication Questionnaire (PMQ) was used to determine PMM. Descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact test, independent t-tests, and simple linear regression tests were performed using SPSS v27. Testing was conducted at the 0.05 level of significance. Results Eighty-five per cent of the participants reported the presence of pain and 48.1% of them used pain medication. Forty-four percent of people who used pain medication scored ≥ 30, indicative of serious aberrant drug-taking behaviours. Opioids were mainly used for neuropathic pain and in combination with other types of medications such as anticonvulsants and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (44.0%). Pain severity and the type of pain medication were found to be predictors of PMM (p < 0.01 respectively). Conclusion Pain relief after SCI remains difficult to achieve, with an evident high risk of PMM, which may lead to long-lasting side effects, dependency, or overdose. Contribution This study has shown the need for the assessment of the potential risk of dependency before prescribing pain medication, particularly opioids to PWSCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mokgadi K Mashola
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Elzette Korkie
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Diphale J Mothabeng
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pallerla S, Krishnareddy SR, Parthasarathy NB, Navaneetham J, Gupta A. Rehabilitation Professionals' Perspectives on Psychosocial Needs of Family Caregivers of Persons with Spinal Cord Injury: A Qualitative Study from India. Korean J Fam Med 2023; 44:168-176. [PMID: 37225442 DOI: 10.4082/kjfm.22.0096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study explored the psychosocial needs of family caregivers of persons with spinal cord injuries from the perspective of rehabilitation professionals. METHODS An exploratory qualitative approach was used, and a total of 14 rehabilitation professionals from various backgrounds participated in face-to-face interviews. All interviews were audio recorded, and session notes were added to the existing data and later transcribed. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes. RESULTS Nine need themes emerged: informational, psychological, personal care, financial, social support, welfare, vocational, telemedicine, and referral. CONCLUSION The findings of this study will aid the design or development of need-based customized psychosocial interventions for family caregivers of persons with spinal cord injuries in India. Multiple stakeholders involved in spinal cord injury management should understand the importance of meeting the needs of family caregivers of persons with spinal cord injuries and the timely delivery of customized psychosocial interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Srikanth Pallerla
- Department of Psychiatric Social Work, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | | | | | - Janardhana Navaneetham
- Department of Psychiatric Social Work, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Anupam Gupta
- Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gupta S, Dhawan A, Dhawan J, McColl MA, Smith KM, McColl A. Potentially harmful drug-drug interactions in the therapeutic regimens of persons with spinal cord injury. J Spinal Cord Med 2023:1-9. [PMID: 36972222 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2023.2185399] [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: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Individuals with spinal cord injury deal with multiple health complications that require them to use many medications. The purpose of this paper was to find the most common potentially harmful drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in therapeutic regimens of persons with spinal cord injury, and the risk factors associated with it. We further highlight the relevance of each of the DDIs specific to spinal cord injury population. DESIGN Observational design and cross-sectional analysis. SETTING Community; Canada. PARTICIPANTS Individuals with spinal cord injury (n = 108). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES/ANALYSIS The main outcome was the presence of one or more potential DDIs that can lead to an adverse outcome. All the reported drugs were classified as per the World Health Organization's Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification system. Twenty potential DDIs were selected for the analysis based on the most common medications prescribed to people with spinal cord injury and severity of clinical consequences. The medication lists of study participants were analyzed for selected DDIs. RESULTS Among the 20 potential DDIs analyzed in our sample, the top 3 prevalent DDIs were Opioids + Skeletal Muscle Relaxants, Opioids + Gabapentinoids, and Benzodiazepines + ≥ 2 other central nervous system (CNS)-active drugs. Of the total sample of 108 respondents, 31 participants (29%) were identified with having at least one potential DDI. The risk of having a potential DDI was highly associated with polypharmacy, though no associations were found between the presence of a drug interaction and age, sex, level of injury, time since injury, or cause of injury among the study sample. CONCLUSION Almost three out of ten individuals with spinal cord injury were at risk of having a potentially harmful drug interaction. Clinical and communication tools are needed that facilitate identification and elimination of harmful drug combinations in the therapeutic regimens of patients with spinal cord injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shikha Gupta
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Alaina Dhawan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Jillian Dhawan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Mary Ann McColl
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Karen M Smith
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gupta S, McColl MA, Smith K, McColl A. Prescribing patterns for treating common complications of spinal cord injury. J Spinal Cord Med 2023; 46:237-245. [PMID: 33955832 PMCID: PMC9987774 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2021.1920786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to find the most and least commonly prescribed medications for treating secondary health complications associated with spinal cord injury (SCI); and determine overall polypharmacy rates and risk factors associated with it. DESIGN Observational design, cross-sectional analysis. SETTING Community; Canada. PARTICIPANTS Individuals with spinal cord injury (n = 108). RESULTS A total of 515 prescriptions were issued to the sample comprising 213 different medications to treat 10 SCI-related complications. Forty-five (45%) participants were prescribed >5 medications concurrently. No associations were found between the number of drugs taken and age, sex, level of injury, completeness of injury, time since injury, or cause of injury. The most commonly treated complications included pain (56.5%), muscle spasms (54%) and urinary tract infections (43%). Anti-convulsants (pregabalin, gabapentin), anti-spasmodics (baclofen, diazepam) and nitrofurantoins (Macrobid) were the most commonly prescribed medications to treat each of the three conditions, respectively. Thirty five percent of the total sample received a combination of two or more analgesics including fourth-line agents in the opiate class (hydromorphone, hydrocodone and morphine). Similarly, some participants were prescribed general muscle relaxants and cephalosporins for treatment of muscle spasms and urinary tract infections, respectively, that are generally not recommended in SCI patients. We compare these prescribing patterns with the available clinical practice guidelines and highlight areas where the prescriptions fall outside the recommended clinical practice while considering the complexity of medication management in SCI. CONCLUSION Medication management in SCI is complex. Tools are required that enable prescribers to choose evidence-based medical regimens and deprescribe potentially inappropriate medications for their patients with SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shikha Gupta
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Mary Ann McColl
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Karen Smith
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Alexander McColl
- Rural Clinical School in Family Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ding Y. IMPACTS OF AEROBIC GYMNASTICS ON THEIR PRACTITIONERS. REV BRAS MED ESPORTE 2023. [DOI: 10.1590/1517-8692202329012022_0670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Introduction: Aerobics refers to exercise that integrates dance, gymnastics, and technical movements with a hectic pace and high demand for aerobic energy. The practice of this sport can improve cardiopulmonary function and prevent cardiovascular diseases, besides eliminating excess fat and improving body shape. Objective: Analyze the body changes caused by aerobic gymnastics in its practitioners. Methods: This article analyzes relevant scientific articles to raise a protocol of exercises performed by the experimental test method. The results of the relevant variables went through mathematical statistics, analysis, and confrontation of the research results. Results: The comparison of various indicators before and after the intervention showed that the normal range of body composition for women was 0.75 to 0.80; the test results showed that the waist-to-hip ratio of the volunteers decreased from 0.89 to 0.77. Conclusion: The aerobic gymnastics protocol performed positively impacted the body composition of its practitioners. In the psychological domain, it also contributed to a correct understanding of the body’s physical aesthetics, promoting the achievement of high-level human beauty in its practitioners. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ding
- Pingdingshan Vocational and Technical College, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
McColl MA, Gupta S, McColl A, Smith K. Prescriptions pour les complications courantes des lésions de la moelle épinière. CANADIAN FAMILY PHYSICIAN MEDECIN DE FAMILLE CANADIEN 2022; 68:889-892. [PMID: 36515065 PMCID: PMC9796981 DOI: 10.46747/cfp.6812889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Objectif Décrire les modèles de prescriptions dans le cas de 3 complications communes associées à une lésion de la moelle épinière (LME) et proposer aux médecins de famille des stratégies pour optimiser les soins aux patients atteints d’une LME. Sources de l’information Les résultats d’une enquête nationale sur l’utilisation des médicaments d’ordonnance par des personnes atteintes d’une LME au Canada et d’une étude longitudinale des complications secondaires liées aux LME. Message principal Les fonctions neurologiques et cardiométaboliques altérées chez les patients atteints d’une LME compliquent le choix des régimes pharmacologiques optimaux chez de tels patients. Trois problèmes courants observés en soins primaires chez des patients atteints d’une LME exigent une pharmacothérapie, soit la douleur (traitée chez 57 % des répondants à l’enquête), les spasmes musculaires (54 %) et les infections des voies urinaires récurrentes (43 %). Le contrôle de la douleur peut nécessiter plusieurs médicaments, selon la source ou la nature de la douleur. Certains médicaments d’ordonnance recommandés pour le traitement de la douleur pourraient être sous-utilisés dans cette population, comme l’amitriptyline, tandis que d’autres pourraient être surutilisés chez de tels patients, comme les antibiotiques pour les infections des voies urinaires. La spasticité est souvent liée à un problème sous-jacent, comme la douleur, et le traitement des problèmes concomitants peut donc aussi réduire la spasticité. Il a été observé que des benzodiazépines à courte durée d’action ont été prescrites pour la spasticité à des taux étonnamment élevés, même si elles ne font pas partie du paradigme thérapeutique recommandé. L’étude longitudinale sur les complications secondaires associées aux LME a mené à l’élaboration de pépites exploitables, un outil novateur de transmission des connaissances à l’intention des professionnels des soins primaires. Conclusion Dans le but de prodiguer un traitement optimal des patients souffrant d’une LME, les médecins de famille sont encouragés à entamer des communications franches au sujet des médicaments d’ordonnance, y compris sur les aspects liés aux coûts, à la polypharmacie et aux substituts thérapeutiques. Les médecins de famille devraient aussi explorer l’établissement d’une collaboration interprofessionnelle avec des spécialistes des LME et d’autres professionnels de la santé afin d’offrir aux patients des stratégies non pharmacologiques adaptées à leur degré d’activité et à leurs besoins nutritionnels. L’application mobile des pépites exploitables fournit aux médecins de famille des renseignements concis, pratiques et fondés sur des données probantes portant sur les 20 principales préoccupations liées à la santé causées par une LME.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Ann McColl
- Professeure au Département des sciences de la santé publique et à l'École de réadaptation de l'Université Queen's à Kingston (Ontario).
| | - Shikha Gupta
- Coordonnatrice de la recherche à l'École de réadaptation de l'Université Queen's
| | - Alexander McColl
- Professeur agrégé et directeur retraité de l'École de médecine rurale de Port Macquarie de l'Université de la Nouvelle-Galles du Sud (Australie)
| | - Karen Smith
- Professeure émérite à la Faculté des sciences de la santé de l'Université Queen's
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
McColl MA, Gupta S, McColl A, Smith K. Prescribing for common complications of spinal cord injury. CANADIAN FAMILY PHYSICIAN MEDECIN DE FAMILLE CANADIEN 2022; 68:885-888. [PMID: 36515049 PMCID: PMC9796975 DOI: 10.46747/cfp.6812885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe prescribing patterns for 3 common complications associated with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to provide family doctors with strategies for optimizing the care of patients with SCI. SOURCES OF INFORMATION Results of a nationwide survey of prescription medication use among people with SCI in Canada and a longitudinal study of secondary complications associated with SCI. MAIN MESSAGE Altered neurologic and cardiometabolic function in patients with SCI make it difficult for family physicians to predict optimal medication regimens for these patients. Three common problems seen in primary care among patients with SCI that require pharmacologic treatment are pain (treated in 57% of survey respondents), muscle spasms (54%), and recurrent urinary tract infections (43%). Pain management may require multiple medications, depending on the source or nature of the pain. Some prescription medications recommended for treating pain may be underused in this population, such as amitriptyline, while others may be overused in this population, such as antibiotics for urinary tract infections. Spasticity is often related to an underlying problem such as pain, and treatment of concomitant conditions may also reduce spasticity. Short-acting benzodiazepines were found to have been prescribed for spasticity outside the recommended treatment paradigm at a surprisingly high rate. The longitudinal study of secondary complications associated with SCI led to the development of Actionable Nuggets, an innovative knowledge translation tool for primary care providers. CONCLUSION To provide optimal treatment to patients with SCI, family doctors are encouraged to engage in open communication with them about prescription medications, including aspects of cost, polypharmacy, and therapeutic substitutions. Family physicians should also explore interprofessional collaboration with SCI specialists and allied health providers to provide patients with nonpharmacologic strategies tailored to their activity levels and nutritional needs. The Actionable Nuggets mobile app provides family doctors with brief, actionable, evidence-based information on the top 20 health concerns associated with SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Ann McColl
- Professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences and the School of Rehabilitation Therapy at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont.,Correspondence Dr Mary Ann McColl; e-mail
| | - Shikha Gupta
- Research Coordinator in the School of Rehabilitation Therapy at Queen's University
| | - Alexander McColl
- Associate Professor and retired Head of Port Macquarie Rural Medical School, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karen Smith
- Professor Emerita in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Queen's University
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wilson JR, Doty S, Petitt JC, El-Abtah M, Francis JJ, Sharpe MG, Kelly ML, Anderson KD. Feasibility of gabapentin as an intervention for neurorecovery after an acute spinal cord injury: Protocol. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1033386. [PMID: 36419530 PMCID: PMC9676350 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1033386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction This protocol is describing the first ever prospective, mock-efficacy, dose exploration trial design testing the feasibility of administering gabapentin in the acute setting as an intervention for neurorecovery. Gabapentin is an FDA-approved medication for treating seizures and postherpetic neuralgia and is used broadly off-label for neuropathic pain management for many conditions, including spinal cord injury. Emerging data suggests that when given early after spinal cord injury onset and in low-medium doses, gabapentin may have properties that promote recovery of neurological function. The objective of this trial is to assess the feasibility of conducting an efficacy trial in which gabapentin is started early after injury, is restricted in its dose, and is not used for pain management. Methods and analysis Forty-two people aged 18 years or older with any level and any severity of spinal cord injury induced by a trauma will be enrolled, randomized, and have the first dose of study medication by 120 h post-injury onset. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: 600, 1,800 mg/day gabapentin, or placebo. Study medication will be given for a 90-day duration. Blinded assessments will be obtained at 7 days post-injury (baseline), 30 days post-injury (interim), after the 90-day treatment duration/approximately 3 months post-injury (end of treatment), and at 6 months post-injury (end of study). The key analysis parameters will evaluate feasibility of recruitment of target population, delivery of drug treatment protocol, maintenance of blinding, and retention of participants. Discussion Outputs from this trial will inform research and clinical practice on the effects of manipulating gabapentin for non-pain management purposes in the acute setting and will guide the development of a properly powered efficacy trial of gabapentin as an intervention for neurorecovery in spinal cord injury. Ethics and dissemination The study was approved by the MetroHealth Institutional Review Board (IRB21-00609) and registered at clinicaltrials.gov prior to enrolling any participants. Dissemination will include peer-reviewed publications, presentations at professional conferences and in the community, and through other healthcare and public venues. Clinical trial registration www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT05302999; protocol version 1.1 approved 05/23/2022. Trial funding National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James R. Wilson
- MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute, MetroHealth System, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Samuel Doty
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Jordan C. Petitt
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Mohamed El-Abtah
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - John J. Francis
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Megan G. Sharpe
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Michael L. Kelly
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
- MetroHealth Medical Center, MetroHealth System, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Kim D. Anderson
- MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute, MetroHealth System, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Kim D. Anderson
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mashola MK, Korkie E, Mothabeng DJ. The presence of pain in community-dwelling South African manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injury. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOTHERAPY 2022; 78:1600. [PMID: 35281780 PMCID: PMC8905372 DOI: 10.4102/sajp.v78i1.1600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pain after spinal cord injury (SCI) is common and is likely to continue throughout life with varying levels of severity. Objective To determine the presence of pain, the sociodemographic and injury profile of community-dwelling manual wheelchair users. Method This quantitative correlational study used a sociodemographic and injury profile sheet and the Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questions (DN4) questionnaire to document demographic, SCI profiles as well as pain characteristics. Pain severity was determined using the Numeric Rating Scale. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) v27 at 0.05 level of significance. Results The pain rate was 104; 85% of 122 participants and mainly in those with complete SCI (77.9%). Neuropathic pain was more common (76; 62.5%) and significantly associated (p < 0.05) with higher pain severity. Pain was mainly in one area of the body (59; 48.4%) but occurring in up to five areas. The most painful area had a mean severity of 6.7/10; was more common in the lower limbs below the injury level (48; 39.4%); and was burning in nature (40; 32.7%). Conclusions Pain after SCI is as problematic in the South African context as it is globally. With the rising SCI prevalence in the country, understanding pain and its presentation is important for holistic management of a person with SCI. Clinical implications In-depth assessment of pain should be conducted and appropriate management interventions for specific pain types be prescribed to effectively reduce pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mokgadi K Mashola
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Elzette Korkie
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Diphale J Mothabeng
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|