Management of Intractable Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: The Perspective of a Pain Specialist / 임상당뇨병

Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common complications of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The most common diabetic neuropathy (DN) is distal symmetric polyneuropathy, with characteristic glove- and stocking-like presentation of distal sensory or motor function loss. Because painful DN is associated with increased mortality and morbidity, early recognition and preventive measures are essential. Nevertheless, diagnosing DN or painful DN is challenging, particularly in patients with early and mild neuropathy, and there is no established gold standard. Furthermore, there is no established DN treatment other than improved glycemic control, and only symptomatic management is available for painful DN. However, thanks to health-conscious living, almost one-third of patients with painful DN derive sufficient pain relief with existing pharmacotherapies. These include antidepressants (tricyclic acid, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor), anticonvulsants (calcium-channel blocker, sodium channel blocker), and others (sarpogrelate). A more precise and distinct symptom profile from patients with painful DN may help identify patients more responsive to one treatment versus another. In addition to pharmacological, physical, cognitive, or educational management for painful DN, large randomized clinical trials are needed to identify the most effective minimally invasive interventions. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, pain scrambler therapy, sympathetic ganglion block, and botulinum toxin injections have been investigated as alternative therapeutic outcomes.

Effectiveness of virtual reality immersion on procedure-related pain and anxiety in outpatient pain clinic: an exploratory randomized controlled trial

Background@#The study investigated virtual reality (VR) immersion in alleviating procedure-related pain in patients with chronic pain undergoing fluoroscopy-guided minimally-invasive intervention in a prone position at an outpatient clinic. @*Methods@#In this prospective randomized controlled study, 38 patients undergoing lumbar sympathetic ganglion block were randomized into either the VR or the control group. In the VR group, procedure-related pain was controlled via infiltration of local anesthetics while watching a 30-minute VR hypnotic program. In the control group, the skin infiltration alone was used, with the VR device switched off. The primary endpoint was an 11-point score on the numerical rating scale, indicating procedure-related pain. Patients’ satisfaction with pain control, anxiety levels, the need for additional local anesthetics during the procedure, hemodynamic stability, and any adverse events were assessed. @*Results@#Procedure-related pain was significantly lower in the VR group (3.7 ± 1.4) than in the control group (5.5 ± 1.7; P = 0.002). Post-procedural anxiety was lower in the VR group than in the control group (P = 0.025), with a significant reduction from pre-procedural anxiety (P < 0.001). Although patients’ satisfaction did not differ significantly (P = 0.158) between the groups, a higher number of patients required additional local anesthetics in the control group (n = 13) than in the VR group (n = 4; P = 0.001). No severe adverse events occurred in either group during the study. @*Conclusions@#VR immersion can be safely used as a novel adjunct to reduce procedural pain and anxiety during fluoroscopic pain intervention.

Effectiveness of virtual reality immersion on procedure-related pain and anxiety in outpatient pain clinic: an exploratory randomized controlled trial

Background@#The study investigated virtual reality (VR) immersion in alleviating procedure-related pain in patients with chronic pain undergoing fluoroscopy-guided minimally-invasive intervention in a prone position at an outpatient clinic. @*Methods@#In this prospective randomized controlled study, 38 patients undergoing lumbar sympathetic ganglion block were randomized into either the VR or the control group. In the VR group, procedure-related pain was controlled via infiltration of local anesthetics while watching a 30-minute VR hypnotic program. In the control group, the skin infiltration alone was used, with the VR device switched off. The primary endpoint was an 11-point score on the numerical rating scale, indicating procedure-related pain. Patients’ satisfaction with pain control, anxiety levels, the need for additional local anesthetics during the procedure, hemodynamic stability, and any adverse events were assessed. @*Results@#Procedure-related pain was significantly lower in the VR group (3.7 ± 1.4) than in the control group (5.5 ± 1.7; P = 0.002). Post-procedural anxiety was lower in the VR group than in the control group (P = 0.025), with a significant reduction from pre-procedural anxiety (P < 0.001). Although patients’ satisfaction did not differ significantly (P = 0.158) between the groups, a higher number of patients required additional local anesthetics in the control group (n = 13) than in the VR group (n = 4; P = 0.001). No severe adverse events occurred in either group during the study. @*Conclusions@#VR immersion can be safely used as a novel adjunct to reduce procedural pain and anxiety during fluoroscopic pain intervention.

Clinical Practice Guideline for Care in the Last Days of Life / 한국호스피스완화의료학회지

A clinical practice guideline for patients in the dying process in general wards and their families, developed through an evidence-based process, is presented herein. The purpose of this guideline is to enable a peaceful death based on an understanding of suitable management of patients’ physical and mental symptoms, psychological support, appropriate deci-sion-making, family care, and clearly-defined team roles. Although there are limits to the available evidence regarding medical issues in patients facing death, the final recommendations were determined from expert advice and feedback, considering values and preferences related to medical treatment, benefits and harms, and applicability in the real world. This guideline should be applied in a way that takes into account specific health care environments, including the resources of medical staff and differences in the available resources of each institution. This guideline can be used by all medical institutions in South Korea.

Complex regional pain syndrome in the young male population: a retrospective study of 200 Korean young male patients / 대한통증학회지

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in young male patients in South Korea, especially focusing on the association with military service. METHODS: From January 2007 to May 2017, we investigated the electronic medical records of 430 consecutive patients, aged 18 to 30 years, who visited Seoul National University Hospital Pain Center, with a suspected diagnosis of CRPS at the initial visit. The following patient details were available for analysis: demographic and disease-related variables, relevance to military service, medications, and the treatment modalities received. RESULTS: Out of 430 patients, 245 (57.0%) were diagnosed with CRPS, of which, 200 were male patients and 45 were female patients. Of the male patients, 95 (47.5%) developed CRPS during military service. CRPS during military service was more likely to result from sprain/strain, and the incidence of CRPS was significantly higher in the lower extremities in patients from the military service group than in those from the non-military service group. During the follow-up period, 37.9% of male CRPS patients (n = 61/161) were treated successfully. Patients with moderate to severe initial pain intensity, and diagnosed during their military service, showed better outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that manifestation of CRPS in the young Korean population was more common in male and among those male CRPS patients, about half the cases developed during the military service period.

Retrospective analysis of the financial break-even point for intrathecal morphine pump use in Korea

BACKGROUND: The high cost of intrathecal morphine pump (ITMP) implantation may be the main obstacle to its use. Since July 2014, the Korean national health insurance (NHI) program began paying 50% of the ITMP implantation cost in select refractory chronic pain patients. The aims of this study were to investigate the financial break-even point and patients' satisfaction in patients with ITMP treatment after the initiation of the NHI reimbursement. METHODS: We collected data retrospectively or via direct phone calls to patients who underwent ITMP implantation at a single university-based tertiary hospital between July 2014 and May 2016. Pain severity, changes in the morphine equivalent daily dosage (MEDD), any adverse events, and patients' satisfaction were determined. We calculated the financial break-even point of ITMP implantation via investigating the patient's actual medical costs and insurance information. RESULTS: During the studied period, 23 patients received ITMP implantation, and 20 patients were included in our study. Scores on an 11-point numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain were significantly reduced compared to the baseline value (P < 0.001). The MEDD before ITMP implantation was 0.59 [IQR: 0.55–0.82]. The total MEDD increased steadily to 0.77 [IQR: 0.53–1.08] at 1 year, which was 126% of the baseline (P < 0.001). More than a half (60%) responded that the ITMP therapy was somewhat satisfying. The financial break-even point was 28 months for ITMP treatment after the NHI reimbursement policy. CONCLUSIONS: ITMP provided effective chronic pain management with improved satisfaction and reasonable financial break-even point of 28 months with 50% financial coverage by NHI program.

A brief report on a technical description of ultrasound-guided lumbar sympathetic block

The lumbar sympathetic ganglion block (LSGB) is widely used for diagnosing and treating sympathetically maintained pain disorders. The LSGB has been conventionally carried out under fluoroscopy or computed tomography guidance. However, as ultrasound technology improved, ultrasound-guided interventions have been expanding their territory to deeper structures. Ultrasound guidance provides many benefits including protecting vascular injection, shortening procedure time in some cases, and reducing the emission of radiation. In this report, we describe a successful case of a US-guided LSGB without major complications. We expect that US-guided LSGBs can be implemented and furnished in the daily outpatient clinical setting by highly trained pain physicians.

Intrathecal Morphine Infusion Therapy in Management of Chronic Pain: Present and Future Implementation in Korea

PURPOSE: Intrathecal morphine pump (ITMP) infusion therapy is efficient in managing malignant and nonmalignant chronic pain refractory to standard treatment. However, the high cost of an ITMP is the greatest barrier for starting a patient on ITMP infusion therapy. Using the revised Korean reimbursement guidelines, we investigated the cost effectiveness of ITMP infusion therapy and conducted a patient survey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 12 patients who underwent ITMP implantation was performed. Morphine dose escalation rates were calculated, and numeric rating scale (NRS) scores were compared before and after ITMP implantation. We surveyed patients who were already using an ITMP as well as those who were candidates for an ITMP. All survey data were collected through in-person interviews over 3 months. Data on the cost of medical treatment were collected and projected over time. RESULTS: The NRS score decreased during the follow-up period. The median morphine dose increased by 36.9% over the first year, and the median time required to reach a financial break-even point was 24.2 months. Patients were more satisfied with the efficacy of ITMP infusion therapy than with conventional therapy. The expected cost of ITMP implantation was KRW 4000000-5000000 in more than half of ITMP candidates scheduled to undergo implantation. CONCLUSION: The high cost of initiating ITMP infusion therapy is challenging; however, the present results may encourage more patients to consider ITMP therapy.

The Effect of Nefopam on Postoperative Fentanyl Consumption: A Randomized, Double-blind Study

BACKGROUND: Nefopam is a non-opioid, non-steroidal, centrally acting analgesic drug. The concomitant use of opioids and nefopam is believed to have many advantages over the administration of opioids alone for postoperative pain management. We conducted a randomized, double-blind study to determine the fentanyl-sparing effect of co-administration of nefopam with fentanyl for postoperative pain management via patient controlled analgesia (PCA). METHODS: Ninety female patients who underwent laparoscopic total hysterectomy under general anesthesia were randomized into 3 groups, Group A, fentanyl 1,000 µg; Group B, fentanyl 500 µg + nefopam 200 mg; and Group C, fentanyl 500 µg + nefopam 400 mg, in a total volume of 100 ml PCA to be administered over the first 48 h postoperatively without basal infusion. The primary outcome was total fentanyl consumption during 48 h; secondary outcomes included pain scores and incidence of side effects. RESULTS: Eighty-one patients were included in the analysis. The overall fentanyl-sparing effects of PCA with concomitant administration of nefopam during the first 48 h postoperatively were 54.5% in Group B and 48.9% group C. Fentanyl use was not significantly different between Groups B and C despite the difference in the nefopam dose. There were no differences among the three groups in terms of PCA-related side effects, although the overall sedation score of Group B was significantly lower than that of Group A. CONCLUSIONS: The concomitant administration of nefopam with fentanyl for postoperative pain management may allow reduction of fentanyl dose, thereby reducing the risk of opioid-related adverse effects.

The Value of SPECT/CT in Localizing Pain Site and Prediction of Treatment Response in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain

In many circumstances, causing sites of low back pain (LBP) cannot be determined only by anatomical imaging. Combined functional and morphological imaging such as bone scan with single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) may be helpful in identifying active lesions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of bone SPECT/CT in localizing the pain site and the treatment of chronic LBP. One hundred seventy-five patients suffering from chronic LBP who underwent SPECT/CT were included, retrospectively. All of the patients received multiple general treatments according to the symptoms, and some of them underwent additional target-specific treatment based on SPECT/CT. Numerical rating scale (NRS) pain score was used to assess the pain intensity. Of 175 patients, 127 showed good response to the given therapies, while the rest did not. Overall, 79.4% of patients with definite active lesions showed good response. Patients with mild active or no lesions on SPECT/CT had relatively lower response rate of 63.0%. Good response was observed by the treatment with the guidance of active lesions identified on SPECT/CT. SPECT/CT could be useful in identifying active lesions in patients with chronic LBP and guiding the clinicians to use adequate treatment.

Epidural Steroid Injection in Korean Pain Physicians: A National Survey

BACKGROUND: Epidural steroid injection (ESI) is one of the most common procedures for patients presenting low back pain and radiculopathy. However, there is no clear consensus on what constitutes appropriate steroid use for ESIs. To investigate optimal steroid injection methods for ESIs, surveys were sent to all academic pain centers and selected private practices in Korea via e-mail. METHODS: Among 173 pain centers which requested the public health insurance reimbursements for their ESIs and were enrolled in the Korean Pain Society, 122 completed questionnaires were returned, for a rate of 70.5%; also returned were surveys from 39 academic programs and 85 private practices with response rates of 83.0% and 65.9%, respectively. RESULTS: More than half (55%) of Korean pain physicians used dexamethasone for ESIs. The minimum interval of subsequent ESIs at the academic institutions (3.1 weeks) and the private practices (2.1 weeks) were statistically different (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Although there was a wide range of variation, there were no significant differences between the academic institutions and the private practices in terms of the types and single doses of steroids for ESIs, the annual dose of steroids, or the limitations of doses in the event of diabetes, with the exception of the minimum interval before the subsequent ESI.

Scrambler Therapy for Patients with Cancer Pain: Case Series

More than 80% of cancer patients experience cancer pain. Among them, more than 50% experience moderate to severe pain. To control cancer pain, a variety of methods have been used, including medications and nerve blocks. In some patients, however, it is impossible to perform nerve blocks due to caner metastasis into the epidural space, while in other patients, opioid dose escalation is impossible due to opioid side effects; thus, cancer pain management is difficult. Scrambler therapy is a novel approach for pain control that uses EKG-like pads, which are applied above and below the site of pain. Scrambler therapy synthesizes 16 different types of nerve action potentials that provide "non-pain" information via cutaneous nerves. The advantages of this treatment are that it is non-invasive and safe and has no significant side effects. In this case series, we report the treatment results of using scrambler therapy in three cancer patients with intractable pain.

Psoas Compartment Blockade in a Laterally Herniated Disc Compressing the Psoas Muscle: A Case Report

A psoas compartment block has been used to provide anesthesia for orthopedic surgical procedures and analgesia for post-operative pain. Currently, this block is advocated for relieving pain in the lower extremity and pelvic area resulting from various origins. We report a case of a 69-year-old male patient who had gait abnormality with posterior pelvic and hip pain, which were both aggravated by hip extension. From the magnetic resonance image, the patient was found to have a laterally herniated intervertebral disc at the L2/3 level, which compressed the right psoas muscle. This was thought to be the origin of the pain, so a psoas compartment block was performed using 0.25% chirocaine with triamcinolone 5mg, and the pain in both the pelvis and hip were relieved.

Anesthetic management of an adult patient with Rett syndrome and limited mouth opening: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Rett syndrome is a neurological disease that occurs only in females and it manifests with mental retardation, seizures, movement disorders, autistic behavior and abnormal breathing. A 19-year-old female with Rett syndrome underwent ophthalmologic surgery under general anesthesia at our institution. Airway control was difficult due to her limited mouth opening. We recommend that anesthesiologists should have proper knowledge about this disease and the patients to avoid the complications and problems that can be encountered during the perioperative period.

Spontaneous Lead Breakage in Implanted Spinal Cord Stimulation Systems

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has become an established clinical option for treatment of refractory chronic pain. Current hardware and implantation techniques for SCS are already highly developed and continuously improving; however, equipment failures over the course of long-term treatment are still encountered in a relatively high proportion of the cases treated with it. Percutaneous SCS leads seem to be particularly prone to dislocation and insulation failures. We describe our experience of lead breakage in the inserted spinal cord stimulator to a complex regional pain syndrome patient who obtained satisfactory pain relief after the revision of SCS.

Pregnancy in Woman with Spinal Cord Stimulator for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is used to manage chronic pain syndromes and it is accepted a cost-effective therapy. Child-bearing women who had SCS become or choose to become pregnant despite these policies pregnancy is a relative contraindication. A 32-year-old woman had SCS as a treatment for the CRPS I of the left lower extremity. During various check up tests, we happen to find out that her serum beta-hCG was positive and confirmed pregnancy. SCS is not recommended in pregnancy because the effects of SCS on pregnancy and nursing mothers had not been confirmed. However, many female patients suffering from chronic pain may expect future pregnancy and we think that they must be informed about the possibility of pregnancy and the effects of SCS device implantation in the course of pregnancy. First of all, a good outcome requires a multidisciplinary team approach, including obstetrics, neonatology, pain medicine and anesthesia, as was used from an early pregnancy. Unfortunately, she had a misabortrion after 6 weeks.

Cognitive Assessment in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Patients

BACKGROUND: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is characterized by severe neuropathic pain and disability, which can result in psychological and behavioral dysfunction. The goal of the present study was to evaluate neurocognitive disability, and to assess the relationship between clinical variables and neuropsychological features in CRPS patients. METHODS: We investigated the neuropsychological features of 15 CRPS I patients. The neuropsychological tests that we made comprised of a full intelligence quotient, memory quotient, trail-making test A, trail-making test B (TMT-B), and MMPI (Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory). RESULTS: The results showed severe disability in performance on TMT-B. There was no significant correlation between specific cognitive variables and MMPI scales. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased performance on TMT-B which shows mental flexibility in the prefrontal lobe exists independently from depressive disorders in CRPS patients.

An Open-Label Trial of the 5% Lidocaine Patches for the Treatment of Chronic Pain

BACKGROUND: There have been limited reports on the effectiveness of 5% lidocaine patches (L5Ps) for treating a few types of chronic pain. We utilized L5Ps for chronic pain patients with various diagnoses and who had incompletely responded to their current treatment regimen. This study aimed at describing the results of a retrospective review of an open-label L5P trial to assess L5Ps' effectiveness and safety for treating various chronic pain patients. METHODS: The chronic pain patients with pain lasting longer than 6-month duration were offered a 2-week L5P treatment trial. The patients were maintained on their other analgesic regimens. The treatment effect was measured according to the change from the baseline visual analog scale (VAS) to the week 2 VAS. After a 2-week trial, the patients were asked if they perceived pain improvement with L5Ps by using a four-item Pain Relief Scale (1 = a lot of relief, 2 = slight relief, 3 = no change, 4 = worse pain). RESULTS: In the combined patient population (n = 177), 2-week treatment with the L5Ps significantly improved the week 2 VAS (P = 0.000). Significant improvement in the VAS was reported by the chronic pain patients with postherpetic neuralgia, intercostal neuralgia, degenerative osteoarthritis at knee joint, and other maladies. A higher proportion of the chronic pain patients reported improving their pain by the L5Ps. Seven patients experienced mild or moderate patch-related adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: The L5P provided clinically meaningful pain relief in some refractory chronic pain patients without any severe adverse events.

Neuralgic Amyotrophy Considered as Cervical Radiculopathy: A case report

Neuralgic amyotrophy is a syndrome with a broad range of clinical manifestations. It is characterized by acute, severe pain in the shoulder or arm lasting several days or weeks, followed by muscle weakness and atrophy as the pain diminishes. The diagnosis is based on typical clinical features, electromyography (EMG) and a nerve conduction study. The early and correct diagnosis is important to preclude unnecessary testing or surgical procedures. A 59-year-old female patient presented with pain and weakness involving her right palm and 1-3rd fingers. Three weeks before presentation, she noted the sudden onset of severe right shoulder and forearm pain. After the pain was reduced, she noted persistent right palm and 1-3rd finger pain and weakness. On cervical MRI, there was a mild central disc protrusion at C4-5 and C5-6. Electrodiagnostic testing was performed and she was diagnosed with neuralgic amyotrophy. One week after hospital treatment, her pain was relieved from VAS 10 to 3 and she was discharged with mild weakness of the thumb and index finger during pinch grips.

Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment in Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia: A report of 2 cases / 대한마취과학회지

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) is a pain syndrome characterized by unilateral sharp pain in the sensory distribution of the ninth cranial nerve. The first line of treatment for GPN is medical. However, it usually provides only partial relief. Pulsed radiofrequency has been proposed as safe, nondestructive treatment method. We present two cases of secondary GPN that was managed with pulsed radiofrequency by extraoral approach. The results were satisfactory.