Perfil algológico del paciente con enfermedad del sistema musculoesquelético / Algological profile of the patient with musculoskeletal system disease

Resumen: Introducción: Se estima que del total de personas que refieren dolor crónico, uno de cada cuatro presenta dolor de origen musculoesquelético. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar el perfil demográfico y clínico del paciente con patología musculoesquelética que acude por primera vez a un centro especializado en tratamiento del dolor. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal, descriptivo y retrospectivo que consistió en la revisión de la historia clínica algológica de los expedientes archivados del 2009 al 2017 del Centro Interdisciplinario para el Estudio y Tratamiento del Dolor y Cuidados Paliativos de la UMAE «Dr. Victorio de la Fuente Narváez¼. Resultados: Se incluyeron 4,518 expedientes. La mediana de la edad de los pacientes fue de 59 años (RIQ 47:72), consultando con mayor frecuencia el género femenino (62%). El dolor crónico se presentó en 83% de los pacientes con una intensidad media valorada por la escala visual analógica (EVA) de 6 (± 2.4). El síndrome doloroso mixto (somático y neuropático) se presentó con mayor frecuencia (41%). Conclusiones: La progresión de las enfermedades crónico degenerativas sobre el sistema musculoesquelético impacta en el origen y evolución de dolor crónico. El momento en el que los pacientes son remitidos a un centro especializado y reciben tratamiento específico del dolor podría modificar la evolución y consecuencias de éste.

Abstract: Introduction: It is estimated that of the total number of people who report chronic pain, one in every four presents pain of musculoskeletal origin. The objective of the study was to analyze the demographic and clinical profile of the patient with musculoskeletal pathology who visits a specialized pain treatment center for the first time. Material and methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive and retrospective study consisting of the review of the clinical history of the records archived from 2009 to 2017 of the Interdisciplinary Center for the Study and Treatment of Pain and Palliative Care of the UMAE «Dr. Victorio de la Fuente Narváez¼. Results: 4,518 records were included. The median age of patients was 59 years (IQR 47:72), with more frequent consultation for the female gender (62%). Chronic pain occurred in 83% of patients with an intensity assessed by the average visual analog scale (VAS) of 6 (± 2.4). Mixed pain syndrome (somatic and neuropathic) occurred more frequently (41%). Conclusions: The progression of chronic degenerative diseases on the musculoskeletal system impacts on the origin and evolution of chronic pain. The moment in which patients are referred to a clinic of pain and receive specific treatment could modify its evolution and consequences.

How Depressing Can Chronic Pain Be?: A Cross-sectional Study in Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Sabah

@#Introduction: Chronic pain remains a public health issue as patients endure this condition while it affects the patients’ life either physically or mentally. Evidence has demonstrated that depression coexist with chronic pain; yet depression is often insufficiently acknowledged, indirectly causing this mental health problem to be undertreated. In this paper we aim to determine the local prevalence of depression among patients with chronic pain in a tertiary hospital in Sabah, East Malaysia. Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. Past patient consultation records of adult patients who attended a tertiary pain clinic in Sabah for the first time are included. Socio-demographic data were collected, as well as scores from painDetect Questionnaire (PD-Q) and 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Results: From the 222 individual data collected, more than half (64.9%) were female. 79 (35.6%) were between the age of 18 to 40. The types of pain presented were almost equally distributed between nociceptive pain (38.3%), mixed pain (33.3%) and neuropathic pain (28.4%). Prevalence of depression among chronic pain patients was 15%. Patients with neuropathic pain are significantly associated with signs of depression (p<0.001). Female patients are significantly more prone to depression as compared to male (p = 0.024). Conclusion: The high prevalence of depression among chronic pain patients warrants the attention of physicians. Physicians should be vigilant and actively screen for depression in patients with chronic pain.

A survey of patients’ perspectives of steroid injection (ppyeojusa) in Korea

BACKGROUND: Steroid injections are commonly used in pain clinics to relieve pain and treat inflammation. In Korea, these steroid injections are well known as ‘ppyeojusa’, which means to inject into the bone in Korean. Some patients often have a negative perception of this treatment method due to inaccurate information about the treatment and side effects of steroids. The purpose of this study is to investigate patients’ perception and knowledge of ppyeojusa. METHODS: A questionnaire about ppyeojusa was completed by patients who visited one of the pain clinics in nine university hospitals, from August 1 to September 10, 2017. RESULTS: Three-hundred seventy-four patients completed the survey. Eighty-five percent of patients had had ppyeojusa, and 74% of the respondents had heard of ppyeojusa from the mass media, friends or relatives. Only 39% of the patients answered that this injection was safe without side effects if properly spaced. Of the patients surveyed, 21% responded that ppyeojusa are “injections into the bone”; while 15% responded that ppyeojusa are “terrible injections that melted ‘the bone if used a lot’”. Half of the patients did not know what the active constituent is in ppyeojusa. If steroid injections are advised by the pain specialists, 89% of the patients would consent. CONCLUSIONS: Most pain clinic patients have heard of ppyeojusa. Most patients obtained information about ppyeojusa from mass media, rather than their physicians. Therefore, it is likely that most patients have inaccurate knowledge.

Práticas de enfermagem ao paciente com dor crônica: revisão integrativa / Prácticas de enfermería para pacientes con dolor crónico: revisión integrativa / Nursing practices in patients with chronic pain: an integrative review

Resumo Objetivo Conhecer os benefícios das práticas de enfermagem aos pacientes com dor acompanhados na clinica de dor. Métodos Revisão integrativa de literatura, sendo utilizado o portal eletrônico SCIELO, e base de dados CINAHL e PubMed Central, com recorte temporal de 2008 a 2018 e período de coleta de dados entre junho e julho de 2018. Como descritores em saúde (DeCs): Pacientes, Dor crônica, Cuidados de Enfermagem, Clínicas de dor; e, o Medical Subject Heading (MeSH): Patients, Chronic pain, Nurse Care, Pain clinic. Resultados Evidenciou-se que a produção analisada é, majoritariamente, sobre práticas de enfermagem não farmacológica a pacientes com dor crônica, com publicações reduzidas no Brasil e tendem a se concentrar nos últimos cinco anos. O paciente com este tipo de agravo, vivencia condições multifatoriais que influenciam diretamente na condição de saúde, e necessitando de acompanhamento integral por equipe interprofissional, com inclusão da rede cuidadora, através intervenções qualificadas e resolutivas, visando adaptação e ou melhora da sua condição de saúde. Conclusão Os estudos indicam benefícios gerados pelas práticas sistematizadas implementadas por enfermeiros, por meio de instrumentos e ferramentas para detecção, intervenção e avaliação, além de apoio clínico.

Resumen Objetivo Conocer en la literatura la producción científica sobre prácticas de enfermería para pacientes con dolor crónico realizada en las clínicas de dolor. Métodos Revisión integrativa de literatura, utilizando el portal SCIELO, y las bases CINAHL y PubMed Central, con recorte temporal de 2008 a 2018 y período de recolección de datos de junio a julio de 2018. Como descriptores de salud (DeCs): Pacientes, Dolor Crónico, Atención de Enfermería, Clínicas de Dolor; y, en Medical Subject Heading (MeSH): Patients, Chronic pain, Nurse Care, Pain clinic. Resultados Se evidenció que la producción analizada se refiere principalmente a prácticas de enfermería no farmacológica a pacientes con dolor crónico, con publicaciones reducidas en Brasil, que tienden a concentrarse en los últimos cinco años. Los pacientes con este tipo de problemas experimentan condiciones multifactoriales que influyen directamente en su estado de salud y necesitan un seguimiento completo por equipo interprofesional, incluyendo la red de atención, mediante intervenciones calificadas y resolutivas, con el objetivo de adaptar y/o mejorar su estado de salud. Conclusión Los estudios indican beneficios generados por las prácticas sistematizadas implementadas por enfermeros, a través de instrumentos y herramientas de detección, intervención y evaluación, además del apoyo clínico. El propósito es mejorar la calidad de vida, la adhesión al tratamiento, manejo del autocuidado y minimización del sufrimiento en pacientes con dolor crónico.

Abstract Objective To know the benefits of nursing practices to patients with pain followed-up in the pain clinic. Methods Integrative literature review, using the electronic portal SCIELO, CINAHL and PubMed Central databases, with time cut from 2008 to 2018 and data collection period between June and July 2018. The Health Science Descriptors (DeCs) and Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) were: Patients, Chronic pain, Nurse Care, Pain clinic. Results It was evidenced that the production analyzed is mostly on non-pharmacological nursing practices for patients with chronic pain, with reduced publications in Brazil and tended to focus on the last five years. The patient with this type of injury experiences multifactorial conditions that directly influence the health condition, and requires integral follow-up by interprofessional team, including the care network, through qualified and resolutive interventions, aiming at adaptation and/or improvement of their health condition. Conclusion The studies indicate benefits generated by systematized practices implemented by nurses, through instruments and tools for detection, intervention and evaluation, as well as clinical support.

Prevalence of unrecognized depression in patients with chronic pain without a history of psychiatric diseases

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the prevalence of unrecognized depression in patients with chronic pain, but with no history of psychiatric diseases. METHODS: Patients with chronic pain who did not have a history of psychiatric disease were selected for this study. The Beck Depression Index (BDI) was used to evaluate depression. Participants' socio-demographic characteristics and pain-related characteristics were also recorded. RESULTS: The study included 94 consecutive patients with chronic pain (28 men and 66 women). Based on the BDI scores, 33/94 (35.1%) patients with chronic pain had comorbid depression. The prevalence of depression was significantly higher in our cohort than it was in the general population (P < 0.001). The standardized incidence ratio, adjusted for age and sex, was 2.77 in men and 2.60 in women. Patients who were unmarried (odds ratio [OR] = 3.714, P = 0.044), and who had subjective sleep disturbance (OR = 8.885, P < 0.001), were more likely to have moderate to severe depression. Patients with high education levels (OR = 0.244, P = 0.016), and who were economically active (OR = 0.284, P = 0.023), were less likely to have moderate to severe depression. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that unrecognized depression in patients with chronic pain is common. Therefore, pain physicians should actively seek to identify these problems rather than relying on the patient to volunteer such information.

Musculoskeletal pain perception and hypertension / Percepção de dor musculoesquelética e hipertensão arterial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Several human studies have shown an inverse relation between pain perception and blood pressure. This study aimed at investigating the association between musculoskeletal pain report and hypertension in a group of workers. METHODS: Using a body diagram with image and intensity scale (1 to 10), 349 workers (243 males and 106 females) were asked about the presence and sensitivity to musculoskeletal pain. All were submitted to blood pressure measurement and diagnosis of hypertension by the occupational physician. RESULTS: One hundred workers (28.7%) have reported some type of musculoskeletal pain and from these 12 were hypertensive and 88 normotensive. There has been no difference in musculoskeletal pain prevalence and sensitivity between hypertensive and normotensive workers. Notwithstanding the lack of significant difference, in average hypertensive workers had higher prevalence (38.7% vs 27.7%) and sensitivity to pain as compared to normotensive workers (2.3±0.8 vs 2.1±0.9, respectively). CONCLUSION: It was not possible to confirm in the group of studied workers literature evidences that hypertensive individuals have lower pain prevalence and sensitivity as compared to normotensive individuals. .

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Diversos estudos em humanos têm demonstrado relação inversa entre percepção de dor e pressão arterial. O objetivo do estudo foi investigar a associação entre o relato de dor musculoesquelética e hipertensão arterial em um grupo de trabalhadores. MÉTODOS: Utilizando-se um diagrama corporal com imagem e escala para intensidade (1 a 10), 349 trabalhadores (243 homens e 106 mulheres) foram questionados a respeito da presença e sensibilidade à dor musculoesquelética. Todos foram submetidos a medidas de pressão arterial e diagnóstico de hipertensão arterial pelo médico do trabalho. RESULTADOS: Cem trabalhadores (28,7%) relataram algum tipo de dor musculoesquelética e destes 12 eram hipertensos e 88 normotensos. Não houve diferença nem na prevalência nem na sensibilidade da dor musculoesquelética entre trabalhadores hipertensos e normotensos. Apesar da ausência de diferença significativa, em média os hipertensos demonstraram maior prevalência (38,7% vs 27,7%) e sensibilidade à dor do que os normotensos (2,3±0,8 vs 2,1±0,9, respectivamente). CONCLUSÃO: Não foi possível confirmar no grupo de trabalhadores estudados as evidências da literatura de que indivíduos hipertensos possuem menor prevalência e sensibilidade à dor do que normotensos. .

Clinical topographic analysis of neuropathic pain in patients admitted in a center of multidisciplinary treatment / Análise clínico-topográfica da dor neuropática de pacientes admitidos em um centro de tratamento multidisciplinar

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Verbal investigation is a critical step of nursing neurological evaluation of neuropathic pain patients, due to its multidimensionality. There are few studies in the literature specifically dealing with this subject. In light of the above, this study aimed at evaluating medical records on clinical topographic characteristics of neuropathic pain reported by patients from a multidisciplinary management center. METHODS: This is a documental, crossover and quantitative study evaluating 50 medical records of patients with established neuropathic pain diagnosis who came for routine consultations between January and June 2014. Data collection form was based on McGill Pain Questionnaire and data regarding age, gender, pain topography and presence of verbal descriptors were analyzed. Data were submitted to statistical analysis and Chi-square test was applied to compare association among variables. RESULTS: There has been prevalence of females (64%), with mean age of 57 years. Most common pain descriptors were from the sensory dimension and were associated to cases where neuropathy affected lower limbs (p=0.006). CONCLUSION: There has been association between topography and pain dimension. Due to the subjectivity and complexity involving neuropathic pain evaluation, it is necessary to understand its clinical manifestations and to prepare the whole multidisciplinary team, especially Nursing, which plays a critical role in verbal investigation of painful patients. .

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A investigação verbal é uma etapa fundamental do exame neurológico do enfermeiro na avaliação do paciente com dor neuropática, dada à sua multidimensionalidade. Na literatura, poucos são os trabalhos que lidam especificamente com esse tema. Diante disso, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar registros em prontuários sobre as características clínico-topográficas da dor neuropática relatadas por pacientes de um centro de tratamento multidisciplinar. MÉTODOS: Estudo documental, transversal, de natureza quantitativa. Analisaram-se 50 prontuários de pacientes com diagnóstico estabelecido de dor neuropática que compareceram para consultas de rotina entre janeiro e junho de 2014. Utilizou- -se formulário para coleta de dados baseado no Questionário de Dor McGill e foram analisados dados referentes a idade, gênero, topografia da dor e presença de descritores verbais. Os dados foram submetidos a análise estatística e aplicou-se teste de Qui- -quadrado para comparar a associação entre as variáveis. RESULTADOS: Prevaleceram pacientes do gênero feminino (64%), com média de 57 anos. Os descritores de dor mais citados foram da dimensão sensorial e se associaram aos casos em que a neuropatia atingia os membros inferiores (p=0,006). CONCLUSÃO:: Foi observada uma associação entre topografia e dimensão da dor. Em virtude da subjetividade e complexidade que envolvem a avaliação da dor neuropática, faz-se necessário o conhecimento das suas manifestações clínicas e o preparo de toda a equipe multidisciplinar, sobretudo da Enfermagem, que desempenha papel fundamental na condução da investigação verbal do paciente com dor. .

Paracetamol e dipirona por via endovenosa aplicados à analgesia pós-operatória de pacientes pediátricos submetidos à amigdelectomia em hospital-dia: um estudo prospectivo, randomizado, duplo-cego, placebo controlado / Intravenous paracetamol and dipyrone for postoperative analgesia after day-case tonsillectomy in children: a prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study

O manejo da dor pós-amigdelectomia pode ser feito com uma série de medicamentos. OBJETIVO: O presente estudo duplo-cego placebo controlado pretendeu avaliar a eficácia de paracetamol e dipirona administrados por via endovenosa na analgesia de pacientes pediátricos pós-amigdelectomia. MÉTODO: Cento e vinte crianças com idades entre três e seis anos submetidas à amigdelectomia com ou sem adenoidectomia e/ou entubação foram randomizadas para receber infusões de paracetamol (15 mg/kg), dipirona (15 mg/kg) ou placebo (0,9% NaCl) durante a cirurgia. As avaliações foram executadas com 0,25, 0,50, 1, 2, 4, 6h de pós-operatório. Petidina 0,25 mg/kg foi utilizada como analgésico de resgate. Dose acumulada de petidina foi o desfecho primário. Medições de intensidade da dor, alívio da dor, nível de sedação, náusea e vômitos, hemorragia no pós-operatório e outros efeitos adversos foram anotados. RESULTADOS: Nenhuma diferença significativa foi encontrada na dose acumulada de petidina entre os grupos paracetamol e dipirona. A dose acumulada de petidina foi significativamente menor nos grupos paracetamol e dipirona em comparação ao grupo placebo. Nenhuma diferença significativa foi observada entre os escores de dor no pós-operatório dos grupos durante o estudo. CONCLUSÃO: Paracetamol endovenoso tem eficácia analgésica semelhante à da dipirona endovenosa; ambos ajudam a reduzir a necessidade de opioides na analgesia pós-operatória de pacientes pediátricos submetidos à amigdelectomia em hospital-dia.

Tonsillectomy is associated with severe postoperative pain for which, several drugs are employed for management. OBJECTIVE: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous paracetamol and dipyrone when used for post-tonsillectomy analgesia in children. METHOD: 120 children aged 3-6 yr, undergoing tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy and/or ventilation tube insertion were randomized to receive intraoperative infusions of paracetamol (15 mg/kg), dipyrone (15 mg/kg) or placebo (0.9% NaCl). Evaluation was carried out at 0.25, 0.50, 1, 2, 4, 6h postoperatively. Pethidine 0.25 mg/kg was utilized as rescue analgesic. Cumulative pethidine requirement was the primary outcome. Pain intensity measurement, pain relief, sedation level, nausea and vomiting, postoperative bleeding and any other adverse effects were noted. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in pethidine requirement between paracetamol and dipyrone groups. Cumulative pethidine requirement was significantly less in paracetamol and dipyrone groups vs. placebo. No significant difference was observed between groups in postoperative pain intensity scores throughout the study. CONCLUSION: Intravenous paracetamol is found to have a similar analgesic efficacy as intravenous dipyrone and they both help to reduce the opioid requirement for postoperative analgesia in pediatric day-case tonsillectomy.

Uso de questionários para avaliar a multidimensionalidade e a qualidade de vida do fibromiálgico / Using questionnaires to assess the quality of life and multidimensionality of fibromyalgia patients

A síndrome fibromiálgica (SFM) é uma síndrome dolorosa, de etiologia desconhecida, com alta prevalência e frequentes condições associadas, que causa grande impacto no cotidiano e na qualidade de vida dos pacientes. OBJETIVO: Verificar, devido ao seu caráter multifatorial, o poder discriminativo dos instrumentos, a fim de identificar indicadores que permitam expressar a autoavaliação e o autoconhecimento. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, exploratório, comparativo, de corte transversal e amostra de um grupo-teste (T), com diagnóstico de SFM (n = 63), e de um grupo-controle (C) submetido a interconsulta na Clínica da Dor (n = 75). Os instrumentos utilizados foram: Questionário de Impacto de Fibromialgia (FIQ), Escala Visual Analógica (EVA), Questionário de Dor McGill e o Protocolo Pós-Sono (PSI). Para avaliar a qualidade de vida, foi utilizado Questionário SF-12. RESULTADOS: Na amostra dos dois grupos houve predomínio do gênero feminino, média de idade de 42,3 ± 4,3 anos, 45 por cento casados e média de escolaridade de 8 ± 3,5 anos. Foi relatado um tempo médio de dor de 3,2 anos e uma média de dois anos para o diagnóstico de SFM no grupo T. O grupo T apresentou níveis mais altos de dor, ansiedade e depressão, pior qualidade de sono, menos flexibilidade e pior qualidade de vida, embora alguns desses sintomas também estejam presentes entre os indivíduos do grupo C. CONCLUSÃO: Todos os instrumentos têm poder discriminativo (P < 0,05), destacando FIQ, EAV e PSI, que produziram maior área sob a curva (AUC) ROC.

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a painful condition of unknown etiology, highly prevalent, and associated with other conditions, which causes great impact on daily life and quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To assess, due to the multifactorial character of the FMS, the discriminating power of instruments used to identify good indicators of self-assessment and self-knowledge. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a descriptive, exploratory, comparative, cross-sectional study with quantitative approach, and sample comprising a treatment group (T), diagnosed with FMS (n = 63) and a control group (C), undergoing interconsultation at the Pain Outpatient Clinic (n = 75). The following instruments were used: Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ); visual analogue scale (VAS); McGill Pain Questionnaire; and the Post-Sleep Inventory (PSI). To evaluate the quality of life, Medical Outcomes Study 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) was used. RESULTS: In the two groups, female gender predominated. The mean age of the sample was 42.3 ± 4.3 years, 45 percent were married, and the average schooling was 8 ± 3.5 years. The mean duration of pain was 3.2 years, and a mean time of two years were required for the clinical diagnosis of FMS in group T. Group T had higher levels of pain, anxiety, and depression, worse quality of sleep, less flexibility, and worse quality of life, although some of these symptoms were also present in group C. CONCLUSIONS: All instruments had good discriminating power (P < 0.05), especially FIQ, VAS and PSI, whose areas under the ROC curve were greater.

Características clínicas de los pacientes que consultan a la Clínica de Dolor Crónico del Hospital Militar Central: histórico de 20 años / Clinical characteristics of patients consulting Chronic Pain Clinic of Hospital Militar Central, 20-year history / Características clínicas dos pacientes que consultam á Clínica de Dor Crônica de Hospital Militar Central, 20 anos de história

En este estudio se pretende identificar el perfil demográfico de los pacientes que acuden a la clínica del dolor del Hospital Militar Central que consultan por dolor crónico no maligno, a quienes se les ha valorado de manera integral y multidisciplinaria. Se revisaron los expedientes clínicos de los pacientes atendidos en la clínica de dolor del Hospital Militar Central (HMC) entre abril de 1989 y abril de 2009. Un total de 291 pacientes se tomaron de manera aleatoria simple como muestra representativa para un intervalo de confianza del 95%. Se utilizó un cuestionario que incluyó 26 descriptores que evaluaron datos demográficos, epidemiológicos, respuesta emocional y afectación en áreas de ajuste por la presencia de dolor crónico en estos pacientes. Se encontraron múltiples datos estadísticos, como relevante se halló un perfil de pacientes relacionados con las fuerzas militares en un 90% (nivel de confianza 95%, IC 86-93) entre funcionarios militares, no militares y sus beneficiarios. El 49,4% son militares (nivel de confianza 95%, IC 43-55%). Prevalece como entidad más importante el dolor lumbar crónico 41,2% (nivel de confianza 95%, IC 35-47%) y el relacionado a miembros superiores e inferiores 11,6% (nivel de confianza 95%, IC 7,8 - 15%). Los diagnósticos más comunes en salud mental dados por psicología o psiquiatría fueron el trastorno de adaptación en el 59% de los casos (nivel de confianza 95%, IC 53-64,9%) y el trastorno de depresión en un 18% (Nivel de confianza 95%, IC 14-22,8%). Se encontró un 81% de compromiso en el área laboral en pacientes menores de 65 años (nivel de confianza 95%, IC 76-86%) por causa del dolor crónico y un 86,3 % (nivel de confianza 95%, IC 80-92%) entre aquellos con edades entre los 15 y los 30 años. En conclusión, el dolor crónico como enfermedad de alto costo en la población general, es un factor importante de incapacidad o inhabilidad laboral en los pacientes que consultan a la clínica de dolor del HMC, faltan estudios para definir si la población militar es más susceptible comparada con la población no militar...

This study aims to identify the demographic profile of patients who come to the Chronic Pain Clinic of the Hospital Militar Central to consult regarding chronic nonmalignant pain, who have been evaluated in an integral and multidisciplinary way. The medical records of the patients assisted in the Chronic Pain Clinic of the Hospital Militar Central (HMC) between April 1989 and April 2009. A total of 291 patients were randomly selected as a representative sample for a trust interval of 95%. A survey questionnaire was used, which included 26 descriptors evaluating demographic and epidemiological data, and emotional response and affectation in adjustment areas due to the presence of chronic pain in these patients. Multiple statistical data were found. A relevant datum was to find a profile of patients related to the military forces by 90% (95% significance level, CI 86-93%) among military and non-military officers and their beneficiaries. 49.4% are military personnel (95% significance level, CI 43-55% ). Chronic lumbar pain stands out as the most prevalent item - 41.2% (95% significance level, CI 35-47%), and the one related to upper or lower limbs, 11.6% (95% significance level, CI 7.8-15%). Most common diagnoses in mental health provided by the psychology and psychiatry sections were adjustment disorders in 59% of the cases (95% significance level, CI 53-64.9%), and depression disorder at 18% (95% significance level, CI 14-22.8%). An 81% commitment degree was found in the work force in patients aged less than 65 (95% significance level, CI 76.65%) due to chronic pain, and 86.3% (0.5% significance level, CI 80-92%) among those from 15 to 30 years old. To conclude, chronic pain as a high-cost disorder in the general population is an important factor in labor absence leaves or inability among patients consulting at the Chronic Pain Clinic of the HMC. There is a lack of studies to define whether the military population is more susceptible in comparison with the non-military population...

Dor crônica: objeto insubordinado / Chronic pain: an insubordinate object

Discutem-se as lacunas no estudo da dor crônica, bem como as possíveis aberturas e as novas possibilidades no cuidado à saúde, com base no reposicionamento e na interação dos agentes envolvidos. Procura organizar uma moldura teórico-metodológica que permita examinar as soluções construídas no interior da biomedicina para incluir a dor crônica como objeto da atenção médica. Tem caráter exploratório e organiza uma leitura epistemológica sobre a constituição da dor crônica como objeto médico, pontuando mudanças e permanências no interior da biomedicina. Organiza uma proposta teórico-metodológica voltada à compreensão da produção de sentidos da dor por parte de profissionais de saúde e sofredores.

Based on reflections on the complexity of chronic pain and its impact on the main constituent elements of biomedicine, the article examines the gaps this phenomenon has revealed both in the production of knowledge and in clinical practice. It discusses new possibilities in health care based on the repositioning of agents and their interactions. This exploratory article presents an epistemological reading of the construction of chronic pain as a medical object, highlighting changes and constancies within biomedicine. It also presents a theoretical and methodological proposal focused on understanding the production of meanings of 'pain' among doctors, healthcare providers, and sufferers.

Percutaneous Vertebroplasty and Facet Joint Block

It is surprising that about 24% of patients with benign osteoporotic vertebral fracture die within a year from respiratory infection and urinary tract infection because of coughing and voiding difficulties, depending on the sites of compression fractures. We reviewed 500 patients on whom percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) was performed, at 612 levels in terms of patient selection, operation technique, medication, and clinical outcomes during the follow-up course for 2 yr study period. To confirm the most painful level among the multiple fracture sites, physical examination after facet joint block under the fluoroscope was the most reliable method. The mean total lumbar spine fracture threshold of bone mineral density was 0.81+/-0.05 g/cm2. The mean changes of numeric rating scale scores, Oswestry Disability Index except sex life, and Karnofsky performance status were -72.00, -83.50 and +60.62% in the osteoporosis group and -51.89, -45.02, and 69.03% in the tumor group. Complications related to the procedure were lateral spinal cord damage, transient paresthesia and transient hypotension. PVP with facet joint block is a profitable method for the vertebral compression fracture because of low risk and short duration of procedure with a high chance to result in pain relief and early mobilization.