Could scalp pain be a type of unclassified headache? / A dor no couro cabeludo poderia ser um tipo de dor de cabeça não classificada?

The scalp is the structure that covers the skull. It is commonly affected by painful processes resulting from infestations, infectious or inflammatory diseases. This pain located in the scalp does not have well-defined clinical characteristics and is not yet included in the ICHD-3 diagnostic criteria. The authors suggest including this pain in the next classification of headaches as a headache attributed to a scalp disorder.

O couro cabeludo é a estrutura que cobre o crânio. É comumente acometida por processos dolorosos decorrentes de infestações, doenças infecciosas ou inflamatórias. Essa dor localizada no couro cabeludo não possui características clínicas bem definidas e ainda não está incluída nos critérios diagnósticos da ICHD-3. Os autores sugerem incluir esta dor na próxima classificação de dores de cabeça como dor de cabeça atribuída a um distúrbio do couro cabeludo.

Gasless submental approach endoscopic removal of thyroglossal cyst / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To explore the safety and feasibility of gasless submental approach endoscopic removal of thyroglossal cyst. Methods: This work prospectively included the clinical data of 13 patients who underwent the gasless submental approach endoscopic removal of thyroglossal cyst at the Department of Otolaryngology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from August 2021 to February 2022. The operative time, bleeding volumes, postoperative complications, subjective pain levels, satisfaction with incisional scars, neck and facial deformities, and recurrences were prospectively evaluated by visual analogue scale(VAS) score. Results: All of 13 patients were successfully treated using this new technique. The patients had a median age of 38 years, ranging from 24 to 59 years, comprising of 3 males and 10 females. The length of the submental incision was about 3 cm and the median of operation time was 135 minutes. Postoperative complications were minimal. The median volume of blood loss was 10 ml. Surgical site swelling existed in 1 case and dysphagia for more than 1 week occurred in 2 cases. Patients were discharged from the hospital with a median of 3 days after surgery. On a VAS of 0-10 scores, the pain had a median of 2 on the first day after surgery, and the satisfaction with incision scars and neck and facial deformities showed a median of 8 at 6 months after surgery. There were no recurrences during the follow-up period of 9-15 months. Conclusion: Gasless submental approach endoscopic removal of thyroglossal cyst may be a reliable new surgical method that is safe and has cosmetic advantages.

Research progress on moderate and deep sedation during wound dressing change in pediatric burn patients / 中华烧伤杂志

Moderate and deep sedation can effectively relieve or eliminate the pain and body discomfort during wound dressing change in pediatric burn patients, relieve anxiety, agitation, and even delirium of the children, reduce the metabolic rate of the children, make them in a quiet, comfortable, and cooperative state, which is conducive to the smooth completion of dressing change. This paper summarized the three aspects of moderate and deep sedation in pediatric burn patients, including the overview, main points of implementation, and effects, and further introduced the moderate and deep sedation medication regimens for different routes of administration, as well as the content of evaluation and monitoring. Suggestions on the prevention and management of related complications and the management of moderate and deep sedation implementation procedures were put forward, in order to provide references for the development of moderate and deep sedation for wound dressing change in pediatric burn patients in China.

Clinical effects of autologous follicular unit extraction transplantation in the treatment of small area secondary cicatricial alopecia after burns / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of autologous follicular unit extraction (FUE) transplantation in the treatment of small area secondary cicatricial alopecia (hereinafter referred to as cicatricial alopecia) after burns. Methods: A retrospective observational study was carried out. According to the adopted treatment methods, 18 patients (12 males and 6 females, aged (29±6) years) who received autologous FUE transplantation for small area cicatricial alopecia after burns from March 2017 to November 2019 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University were included in FUE transplantation group, and 18 patients (13 males and 5 females, aged (33±5) years) who were treated with expanded flap transplantation for small area cicatricial alopecia after burns by the same surgery team during the same period in the same hospital were included in expanded flap transplantation group. All the patients were followed up for more than 1 year. At the last follow-up, the follicular unit density in the transplanted area was measured by Folliscope hair detection system and the hair survival rate was calculated; the visual analogue scale (VAS) method was adopted to evaluate the treatment effect; patients were asked their satisfaction with the treatment effect and the occurrence of complications during follow-up; the hair growth and the scalp thickness, pain, pruritus, pigmentation, and surface roughness of the transplanted area were recorded. Data were statistically analyzed with Fisher's exact probability test and independent sample t test. Results: At the last follow-up, the follicular unit density in the transplanted area of patients in FUE transplantation group was (46.8±2.0)/cm2, which was significantly higher than (42.5±4.3)/cm2 in expanded flap transplantation group (t=3.84, P<0.01); the hair survival rates of patients were similar between the two groups (P>0.05). At the last follow-up, VAS scores evaluating the treatment effect of patients were similar between the two groups (P>0.05); the satisfaction score of patients toward the treatment effect in FUE transplantation group was 8.6±1.1, which was significantly higher than 7.6±0.8 in expanded flap transplantation group (t=2.89, P<0.01). During the follow-up, no inflammation or infection occurred in patients of the two groups, but only 2 patients in expanded flap transplantation group had postoperative pain. At the last follow-up, the transplanted area of patients in the two groups was covered with new hair, and the hair growth direction was basically consistent with the surrounding normal hair; scalp thickness, pain, pruritus, pigmentation, and surface roughness of the transplanted area of patients were similar between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusions: Autologous FUE transplantation has better long-term follicular unit density and patients' satisfaction than expanded flap transplantation in the treatment of small area cicatricial alopecia after burns, showing better postoperative effect and a good prospect of clinical application.

Dolor neuropático: actualización en definiciones y su tratamiento farmacológico / Neuropathic pain: update in definitions and its pharmacological treatment

El dolor neuropático definido como el dolor que se origina como consecuencia de una lesión en el sistema somatosensorial, incluye aproximadamente el 15% de las consultas por dolor. Debido a su diversa etiología y mecanismos fisiopatológicos, el dolor neuropático crea un reto para su manejo. Su relativa frecuencia en la atención primaria se convierte un tema que todo clínico deberá saber diagnosticar, tratar e identificar para su correcta remisión. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica narrativa a partir de artículos originales, artículos de revisión y guías clínicas encontrados en bases de datos incluyendo PUBMED, HINARI, ScienceDirect y Cochrane Library, para el periodo 2010-2018. El diagnóstico del dolor neuropático se basa en la historia clínica. No se debe retrasar el alivio del dolor con medicamentos de primera línea como ser los antidepresivos tricíclicos e inhibidores de la recaptación de serotonina y noradrenalina...(AU)

Síndromes dolorosos musculotendinosos. revisión de literatura / Musculotendinous painful syndromes. Literature review

Introducción: los síndromes dolorosos musculotendinosos se presentan a nivel de hombro, codo, muñeca, cadera, rodilla, tobillo y pie. Manifiestan una clínica localizada y el tratamiento está compuesto por infiltraciones locales, iontoforesis y en ciertas ocasiones TENS y ultrasonidos. Objetivo: resumir las características de los síndromes dolorosos tendinosos. Desarrollo: los síndromes dolorosos musculotendinosos se manifiestan a escala de hombro, codo, muñeca, cadera, rodilla, tobillo y pie. Se identifican por presentar una clínica localizada y el tratamiento se compone de infiltraciones locales, iontoforesis y en algunos ejemplos TENS y ultrasonidos. Conclusiones: el síndrome de dolor miofascial se concibe como un cuadro de dolor regional manifestado habitualmente en cintura escapular y pélvica. Provoca unos puntos desencadenantes del dolor y contractura muscular. El tratamiento está compuesto por control del dolor, restablecimiento de la fuerza muscular y movilidad(AU)

Introduction: musculotendinous pain syndromes occur at the level of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle and foot. They manifest a localized clinic and the treatment is composed of local infiltrations, iontophoresis and, in some cases, TENS and ultrasound. Objective: to summarize the characteristics of the tendinous pain syndromes. Development: musculotendinous painful syndromes manifest at shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle and foot scales. They are identified by presenting a localized clinic and the treatment consists of local infiltrations, iontophoresis and, in some cases, TENS and ultrasound. Conclusions: the myofascial pain syndrome is conceived as a regional pain pattern usually manifested in the scapular and pelvic girdle. It provokes some trigger points of pain and muscular contracture. The treatment consists of pain control, restoring muscle strength and mobility(AU)

Problemas de sono em idosos estão associados a sexo feminino, dor e incontinência urinária / Sleep disturbances in older adults are associated to female sex, pain and urinary incontinence

RESUMO: Objetivos: A prevalência de problemas de sono em idosos, como insônia, é uma questão relevante em nossa sociedade. A má qualidade do sono, por exemplo, é vista por muitos como um resultado inevitável do envelhecimento. Neste contexto, este estudo teve como objetivo estimar a prevalência e os fatores associados a distúrbios do sono em homens e mulheres idosos (60 anos ou mais). Métodos: O presente trabalho é parte do estudo de coorte Saúde, Bem-Estar e Envelhecimento (SABE), realizado em São Paulo, Brasil. A amostra deste estudo transversal constituiu-se de 1.334 idosos com 60 anos ou mais. Os distúrbios foram avaliados com base nas respostas dos participantes, levando em conta se eles tinham experimentado qualquer perturbação do sono no mês anterior. Resultados: Dentre os avaliados, 44,9% indicaram distúrbios do sono em geral, sendo esses mais frequentes em mulheres (51,5%) e na faixa etária de 75 a 79 anos (48,2%). De acordo com a análise de regressão, gênero, doenças articulares, noctúria e incontinência urinária foram associados aos distúrbios, sobre os quais também foi verificado que seu aumento não é linearmente dependente da idade. Conclusões: Sexo, dor, incontinência urinária e noctúria são fatores associados a distúrbios do sono em idosos. Assim, concluímos que a sua ausência está associada ao gênero e ao estado de saúde.

ABSTRACT: Objectives: The prevalence of sleep problems in elderly, such as insomnia, is a relevant issue in our society. Poor sleep quality is viewed by many as an inevitable result of aging. In this context, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of sleeping disturbances in elderly men and women (60 years and older). Methods: The present study is part of SABE Study (Health, Well-being and Aging), a cohort conducted in São Paulo, Brazil. The sample included in the present cross-sectional study comprised 1,334 elderly people aged 60 years or older. Sleep disturbances were assessed based on responses of study participants on whether they had experienced any sleep disturbance in the past month. Results: Among the elderly assessed, 44.9% had overall sleep disturbances, which were more frequent in women (51.5%) and in 75 to 79 years old (48.2%). According to the regression analysis, the variables gender, joint diseases, as well as nocturia and urinary incontinence, were associated with sleep disorders. Increase in sleep disturbances was found not to be linearly age-dependent. Conclusions: Gender, pain, urinary and nocturia incontinence were factors associated with sleep disorders. Thus, we might conclude that the absence of sleep disturbances in older adults depends on gender and health status.

Determinants of quality of life in Paget's disease of bone / Determinantes da qualidade de vida na doença de Paget óssea

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the parameters associated with quality of life in patients with Paget's disease of bone. Methods: Patients with Paget's disease of bone were evaluated with SF-36 and WHOQOL-bref questionnaires. Patients with other diseases that could cause significant impairment of their quality of life were excluded. We searched for correlations between the results and: age, time from diagnosis, type of involvement, pain related to Paget's disease of bone, limitation to daily activities, deformities, bone specific alkaline phosphatase, the extent of involvement and treatment. Results: Fifty patients were included. Results of the SF-36 total score and its domains, physical and mental health, were significantly correlated with bone pain and deformities. Marital status was significantly correlated with the SF-36 total score and Mental Health Domain. BAP levels and disease extension were significantly correlated to SF-36 Physical Health Domain. After multivariate analysis, the only parameters that remained significantly associated with the SF-36 total score and to its Mental Health and Physical Health Domains were pain and marital status.The WHOQOL-bref total score was significantly associated with pain, physical impairment and deformities. WHOQOL-bref Domain 1 (physical) score was significantly associated with marital status, pain and deformities, while Domain 2 (psychological) score was associated with marital status, physical impairment and kind of involvement. After multivariate analysis, the presence of pain, deformities, and marital status were significantly associated with results of the WHOQOL-bref total score and its Domain 1. WHOQOL-bref domain 2 results were significantly predicted by pain and marital status. Conclusion: The main disease-related factor associated with SF-36 results in Paget's disease of bone patients was bone pain, while bone pain and deformities were associated with WHOQOL-bref.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar os parâmetros associados à qualidade de vida em pacientes com doença de Paget óssea (DPO). Métodos: Avaliaram-se pacientes com DPO com os questionários SF-36 e WHOQOL-bref. Excluíram-se pacientes com outras doenças que pudessem causar comprometimento significativo da qualidade de vida. Buscou-se por correlações entre os resultados e idade, tempo de diagnóstico, tipo de envolvimento, dor relacionada com a DPO, limitação às atividades diárias, deformidades, fosfatase alcalina específica do osso, extensão do envolvimento e tratamento. Resultados: Incluíram-se 50 pacientes. Os resultados da pontuação total do SF-36 e seus domínios, saúde física e saúde mental, se correlacionaram significativamente com a dor óssea e deformidades. O estado civil se correlacionou significativamente com a pontuação total do SF-36 e com seu domínio saúde mental. Os níveis de BAP e a extensão da doença se correlacionaram significativamente com o domínio saúde física do SF-36. Depois da análise multivariada, os únicos parâmetros que permaneceram significativamente associados à pontuação total do SF-36 e aos seus domínios saúde mental e saúde física foram a dor e o estado civil. A pontuação total do WHOQOL-bref esteve significativamente associada à dor, ao comprometimento físico e a deformidades. O escore do Domínio 1 (físico) do WHOQOL-bref esteve significativamente associado ao estado civil, dor e deformidades, enquanto o Domínio 2 (psicológico) esteve associado ao estado civil, comprometimento físico e tipo de envolvimento. Depois da análise multivariada, a presença de dor, deformidades e estado civil esteve significativamente associada à pontuação total do WHOQOL-bref e à pontuação do seu Domínio 1. Os resultados do WHOQOL-bref 2 foram significativamente preditos pela dor e pelo estado civil. Conclusão: O principal fator associado aos escores do SF-36 foi a dor óssea, enquanto a dor óssea e as deformidades estiveram associadas ao WHOQOL-bref.

Controle da dor no pós-operatório de lipoaspiração / Postoperative control of liposuction pain

Introdução: O controle da dor é essencial em qualquer evento cirúrgico. A lipoaspiração cursa, em geral, com queixas de dor pós-operatória, o que levanta a discussão acerca da melhor maneira de preveni-la e tratá-la. Dessa forma, estudos indicam que a analgesia deveria começar antes que qualquer estímulo doloroso seja deflagrado a fim de reduzir ou prevenir a dor preemptivamente. A abordagem nas diversas vias álgicas, com combinação de diferentes classes de fármacos ou associação dos bloqueios raquimedular ou epidural com anestesia geral, também pode contribuir para o manejo da dor. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, prospectivo, intervencionista, tipo Coorte, com pacientes submetidas à cirurgia plástica envolvendo lipoaspiração. O procedimento anestésico padrão consistiu na associação de anestesia geral e subaracnóidea. O escalonamento da dor, realizado 6 e 18 horas após o término da cirurgia, utilizou escalas unidimensionais. A ausência de dor ou a presença de dor leve foram consideradas como resultado satisfatório. Resultados: Foram avaliadas 50 pacientes do sexo feminino, com média de 35 anos de idade. Não foi encontrada dor severa em qualquer momento do estudo. Os resultados satisfatórios representaram 94% e 92% das pacientes na avaliação das 6 e 18 horas do pós-operatório, respectivamente (p < 0,001). Conclusões: A anestesia geral venosa combinada com raquianestesia, em cirurgia de contorno corporal, foi capaz de controlar satisfatoriamente a dor no pós-operatório imediato na maioria dos casos (>90%). A lipoaspiração mostrou ser cirurgia de dor controlável nesta casuística.

Introduction: Pain control is essential in any surgical event. Liposuction is, in general, accompanied by complaints of postoperative pain, which raises the discussion about the best way to prevent and treat it. Accordingly, studies indicate that the analgesia should begin before any painful stimulus is triggered in order to reduce or prevent the pain preemptively. The approach of the various pain pathways, with a combination of different classes of drugs or utilization of spinal block or epidural/general anesthesia can also contribute to pain management. Methods: A descriptive, prospective, interventional cohort type study was conducted with patients undergoing plastic surgery involving liposuction. The standard anesthetic procedure consisted of an association between general and spinal anesthesia. The assessment of pain, carried out 6 and 18 hours after the end of the surgery, used unidimensional scales. The absence of pain or the presence of mild pain was considered a satisfactory result. Results: Fifty female patients were evaluated, with an average of 35 years of age. No intense pain was found at any time during the study. Satisfactory results accounted for 94% and 92% of the patients in the assessment at 6 and 18 hours post-surgery, respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Intravenous anesthesia combined with spinal anesthesia, in body contouring surgery, was able to satisfactorily control pain in the immediate postoperative period in most cases (>90%). In this study, liposuction was revealed to be a type of surgery with manageable pain.

Does Pain Mediate or Moderate the Effect of Cognitive Impairment on Aggression in Nursing Home Residents with Dementia?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate if pain mediates or moderates the relationship between cognitive impairment and aggressive behaviors in nursing home residents with dementia based on the Need-driven Dementia-compromised Behavior model. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of the Minimum Data Set assessment data on long-term care from the state of Florida during calendar year 2009. The data used in this study was the first comprehensive assessment data from residents with dementia (N = 56,577) in Medicare-certified or Medicaid-certified nursing homes. Path analysis using a series of hierarchical regression analyses and two-way analysis of variance was used to evaluate the mediating and moderating effect of pain on the relationship between the level of cognitive impairment and aggression. RESULTS: Results indicated that pain did not mediate the relationship between cognition and aggressive behaviors, but there was evidence of a significant moderating effect of pain only for residents with severe cognitive impairment. Only among the residents with severe cognitive impairment, those with pain had significantly more frequent aggressive behaviors than those without pain. CONCLUSION: A change in the frequency of aggressive behaviors in severely cognitively impaired residents should signal the possibility that the person is experiencing pain. Accurate but simple pain assessment in this population including these behavioral changes should be developed further, and pain should be well controlled to reduce these problematic behaviors.

Actividad espontánea de nociceptores cutáneos en pacientes con neuropatía de fibras delgadas / Spontaneous activity of cutaneous nociceptors in patients with painful polyneuropathy. Report of three patients

Background: Painful polyneuropathy may result from selective impairment of small diameter nerve fibers, while tactile and motor functions are preserved. In these patients clinical and electrophysiological assessment is usually unrevealing. We report three patients with a pure painful polyneuropathy. One of them had neurogenic pruritus additionally. Quantitative sensory analysis disclosed a slight warm hypoesthesia (3/3) and paradoxical hot sensation (2/3) in the feet. Intraneural recordings from the peroneal nerve demonstrated abnormal spontaneous activity in 8 of 17 nociceptive afferents. One of them displayed double firing reflecting impulse multiplication. These results support the notion that patients with pain or pruritus with a distal distribution similar to a polyneuropathy, could have small diameter afferent fiber damage, despite normal function of large diameter fibers.

Beneficios del uso de estrategias adecuadas para el tratamiento del dolor / Benefits of using appropriate strategies for pain management

Introducción y objetivos: Dentro del hospital, los pacientes continúan sufriendo inaceptables niveles de dolor debido a una deficiente implementación de programas para gestionarlo. El objetivo es determinar si la implementación de medidas de gestión de la calidad a nivel hospitalario permite mejorar los resultados en el dolor percibido, su alivio y la satisfacción del paciente. Métodos: Medida de la efectividad de las intervenciones para mejorar, comparando la situación antes de su implementación y después de ésta. Se analizaron todos los pacientes hospitalizados en un hospital comarcal. La intervención fue de tipo multifactorial, basada en medidas de mejora continua de la calidad. Los resultados se valoraron de acuerdo con la prevalencia del dolor informado por el paciente, el alivio de éste y la satisfacción del enfermo con su tratamiento. Resultados: Después de la implementación del programa conseguimos mejorar los resultados en la prevalencia del dolor (76% vs. 8%), el alivio de éste (47% vs. 99%) y el grado de satisfacción del paciente (64% vs. 99%). Conclusiones: El control del dolor agudo en el hospital se beneficia con herramientas organizativas específicas y adecuadas, con la aplicación de los métodos de mejora continua de la calidad y auditando la efectividad de sus intervenciones.

Estudo sobre as características da dor em pacientes com lesão medular / Study on the characteristics of pain in patients with spinal cord injury

Introdução: Além da perda da funcionalidade após a lesão medular (LM), a dor é tida como uma das principais complicações mais incapacitantes e vivenciadas no processo de reabilitação, mesmo com o avanço significativo na compreensão da fisiopatologia e tratamento da dor, a abordagem desse sintoma ainda é precária na lesão medular. Objetivo: Descrever as características do quadro álgico nessa população e associar a dor com o tipo de lesão, interferência nas atividades de vida diária (AVD's) e o seu aparecimento. Método: Trata-se de estudo transversal com um roteiro de entrevista semiestruturado aplicado a 77 pacientes. Foram calculadas a média e desvio padrão, frequências absolutas e relativas, para a associação entre as variáveis qualitativas foi utilizado teste Qui-quadrado (X²). Resultados: A idade foi de 38,26 ± 12,43 anos, sendo 84,4% homens e 80,5% de paraplégicos. Trinta e um foram por acidente automobilístico e 29 por ferimento de arma de fogo, sendo 61,0% com lesão medular completa. Quanto à dor, 44,2% relataram dor severa e 29,8% a moderada, em 50,6% não sentiam dor acima da lesão e 58,4% sentiam-na abaixo. Trinta e nove relataram sentir dor em queimação, 40,0% relataram que a dor surgiu no primeiro ano após a LM. A intensidade da dor foi de 5,44 ± 3,18 pontos, sendo 5,20 ± 3,07 nos homens, 6,75 ± 3,54 nas mulheres, 4,13 ± 3,18 nos tetraplégicos e 5,76 ± 3,12 nos paraplégicos. Para 27 pacientes a dor piorou permanecendo na mesma posição, para 22 melhorou realizando fisioterapia e para 21 com a mudança de posição. Para 68,8% a dor não interferiu nas AVD's. Vinte e oito utilizaram medicação analgésica. Houve associação significativa de que a presença de dor abaixo da lesão interfere nas AVD's (p=0,04) e surge no primeiro ano após a lesão acima e abaixo da lesão (p=0,05 e p=0,01), respectivamente. Conclusão: A dor foi prevalente nos lesados medulares, mais evidenciada nas mulheres e na maioria surgiu no primeiro ano após a lesão e interfere AVD's. A fisioterapia e a mudança de posição diminuíram a dor. Portanto, as orientações e intervenções por parte da equipe multiprofissional devem ser imediatas após a lesão, pois a prevenção ou diminuição desta complicação refletirá na melhoria da qualidade de vida e na readaptação do paciente à sua vida familiar e social.

Introduction: Aside from the loss of functionality after a spinal cord injury (SCI) pain is considered one of the most disabling complications experienced in the rehabilitation process, even with the significant advances in understanding the physiopathology and treatment of the pain, the approach to this symptom is still precarious in spinal cord injury. Objective: To describe the characteristics of pain in this population and to associate the pain between variables such as the type of injury, the interference in the daily living activities (DLA), and its onset. Method: It is a descriptive cross-sectional study and was conducted on 77 patients with spinal cord injuries; the survey was applied using a semi-structured interview. Mean and standard deviation and absolute and relative frequencies were calculated, and for the association between qualitative variables we used the Chi-square test (X²). Results: The mean age was 38.26 ± 12.43 years, 84.4% of which were men, and 80.5% were paraplegics. Thirty-one were caused by motor vehicle crashes and twenty-nine were by gunshot; 61% of them were fully disabled. As for the pain, 44.2% reported severe pain and 29.8% moderate, 50.6% felt no pain above the lesion, but 58.4% felt it below. Thirty-nine patients reported feeling burning pain, 40% reported that the pain came in the first year after SCI. Pain intensity was 5.44 ± 3.18 points, with 5.20 ± 3.07 in men and 6.75 ± 3.54 in women; for tetraplegic individuals it was 4.13 ± 3.18 and with 5.76 ± 3.12 in the paraplegics. For 27 patients the pain worsened if they remained in the same position, improved to 22 by performing physiotherapy, and to 21 with a change in position. For 68.8% of the patients the pain did not interfere with their DLAs. Twenty-eight used analgesics. It was significantly mentioned that the presence of pain below the lesion interferes with the DLAs (p=0.04) and appears in the first year after injury above and below the lesion (p=0.05 and p=0.01), respectively. Conclusion: Pain was prevalent in those with injured spinal cords, more evident in women, and for the majority arose in the first year after injury and interferes with their DLA. Physiotherapy and a change of position decreased the pain. Therefore, orientations and interventions by the multidisciplinary team should be immediate after the injury, because the prevention or reduction of this complication will lead to an improved quality of life and the re-adaptation of the patient to their family and social life.

Quality of life in patients with HTLV-I associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis / Qualidade de vida em pacientes com mielopatia associada ao HTLV-I/paraparesia espástica tropical

OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of life (QoL) of patients with HTLV-I-associate myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) and to correlate it with specific aspects of the disease. METHODS: Fifty-seven HAM/TSP patients completed the SF-36 QoL questionnaire. They were also asked about common complaints related to the disease, and we looked for associations between QoL and these complaints. RESULTS: Patients with HAM/TSP showed a strong negative association to QoL. Pain was the condition which most affected their QoL. The practice of physical activity is associated with better QoL in five out of eight domains of the scale. CONCLUSION: HAM/TSP leads to a poor QoL, mostly influenced by pain. Physical activity may have a positive association to QoL of these patients.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a qualidade de vida (QV) em pacientes com mielopatia associada ao HTLV-I/paraparesia espástica tropical (MAH/PET) e correlacioná-la com aspectos específicos da doença. MÉTODOS: Cinquenta e sete pacientes com MAH/PET completaram o questionário de qualidade de vida SF-36. Também foram feitas perguntas sobre queixas comuns relacionadas à doença e investigadas posteriormente associações entre QV e essas queixas. RESULTADOS: Pacientes com MAH/PET apresentaram uma associação negativa com a QV. A dor foi a condição que mais afetou a QV. A prática de atividade física foi associada a uma melhor QV em cinco dos oito domínios da escala. CONCLUSÃO: MAH/PET leva a uma pior QV, principalmente influenciada pela dor. A atividade física pode estar positivamente associada à QV destes pacientes.

Efetividade do Toque Terapêutico sobre a dor, depressão e sono em pacientes com dor crônica: ensaio clínico / The effectiveness of Therapeutic Touch on pain, depression and sleep in patients with chronic pain: clinical trial / Efectividad del Toque Terapéutico en dolor, depresión y sueño en pacientes con dolor crónica: ensayo clínico

Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar a efetividade do Toque Terapêutico na diminuição da intensidade da dor, escores de auto-avaliação de depressão e melhora da qualidade do sono. Consiste em um ensaio clínico do tipo antes e depois, realizado com 30 idosos com dor crônica não-oncológica que receberam 8 sessões de Toque Terapêutico Método Krieger-Kunz na Unidade Básica de Saúde de Fernandópolis (SP), Brasil. A Escala Analógica Visual para dor foi aplicada antes e após cada sessão, o Inventário de Depressão de Beck e o Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh, antes da primeira e após a última. A análise dos dados demonstrou diminuição significativa (p<0,05) na intensidade da dor, dos escores de auto-avaliação de depressão e do índice de qualidade do sono. Conclui-se que o Toque Terapêutico foi efetivo na diminuição da intensidade da dor, nas atitudes e nos sintomas depressivos e na melhora da qualidade do sono.

This research aimed to check the effectiveness of Therapeutic Touch on decreased pain intensity, depression self-assessment scores and improved sleep quality. A clinical before-after trial is presented. The study was carried out at a Basic Health Unit in Fernandópolis, SP-Brazil, involving 30 elderly patients with chronic non-oncologic pain who received 8 sessions of Therapeutic Touch in accordance with the Krieger-Kunz method. The Visual Analogue Scale for pain was applied before and after each session, and Beck Depression Inventory and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index before the first and after the last session. Data analysis showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in pain intensity, depression self-assessment scores and the sleep quality index. It is concluded that the Therapeutic Touch was effective to decrease pain intensity and depressive attitudes and symptoms, as well as to improve sleep quality.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo verificar la efectividad del Tacto Terapéutico en la disminución de la intensidad del dolor, puntajes de autoevaluación de depresión y mejora de la calidad del sueño. Consistió en un ensayo clínico del tipo antes y después, realizado en una Unidad Básica de Salud de Fernandópolis - SP - Brasil, con 30 ancianos con dolor crónico no oncológico que recibieron 8 sesiones de Tacto Terapéutico Método Krieger-Kunz. La Escala Analógica Visual para dolor fue aplicada antes y después de cada sesión, el Inventario de Depresión de Beck y el Índice de Calidad del Sueño de Pittsburgh antes de la primera y luego de la última. El análisis de los datos demostró una disminución significativa (p< 0,005) en la intensidad del dolor, de los puntajes de autoevaluación de depresión y del índice de calidad del sueño. Se concluye en que el Tacto Terapéutico fue efectivo en la disminución de la intensidad del dolor, actitudes y síntomas depresivos y en la mejora de la calidad del sueño.

Dolor neuropático y espasticidad abdomino-crural secundario a lesion medular torácica: manejo con neuromodulación / Neuropathic pain and abdominal-crural spasms following a thoracic bone marrow lesion: management includes the use of neuromodulation

Las funciones o disfunciones de las vías del dolor periféricas y centrales pueden originar un cuadro álgico distinto al nociceptivo, mucho menos frecuente pero igualmente importante, que se describe como dolor neuropático. Este dolor neuropático no es una enfermedad propiamente dicha, es una manifestación de múltiples y variados trastornos que afectan al sistema nervioso central y a sus componentes somatosensitivos. El dolor neuropático puede aparecer en trastornos del sistema nervioso central y, especialmente, en lesiones medulares, esclerosis múltiple y lesiones cerebrovasculares del tronco del encéfalo y el tálamo. El dolor neuropático, que se origina en lesiones del sistema nervioso central, no suele responder a la estimulación medular. Se presenta el caso de un paciente que padece una lesión tumoral dorsal (hemangioma) a nivel torácico con paraparecia espástica secundaria y dolor neuropático no controlado de 7 meses de evolución, al cual se le instala un sistema de neuromodulación, que logra controlar el dolor y la recuperación del paciente.

Lesions or malfunctions of peripheric and central pain pathways may cause algid clinical manifestations, and despite being much less frequent, are equally important. These are described as neuropathics pain. This neuropathic pain is not in itself a disease, but a manifestationof multiple and varied disorders that affect the central nervous system and its somatosensitive components. Neuropathic pain may be associated to disorders of the central nervous system and specially in bone marrow lesions, multiplesclerosis, and brain vascular lesions of the brain trunk and thalamus. Neuropathic pain that results from damages of the central nervous system does not usually respond to bone marrow stimulation. This is the case of a patient with a dorsal tumour lesion (hemangioma) at thoracic level with secondary spastic parapareis and uncontrolled neuropathic pain present for a period of 7 months to which a neuromodulation system is installed in order to control pain and recover the patient, finally accomplishing the two objectives.

Dolor crónico en hemodializados: prevalencia, severidad y estrategias de afrontamiento / Chronic pain in hemodialysis patients: prevalence, severity and coping strategies

El dolor es un aspecto relevante y escasamente estudiado en los pacientes hemodializados. Las estrategias de afrontamiento son vitales para enfrentar el dolor. Se evaluó la prevalencia y severidad del dolor crónico, comorbilidad y estrategias de afrontamiento en pacientes en Hemodiálisis del Hospital Clínico de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Para ello, se aplicó la Versión Corta de McGill para dolor(SF-MPQ), con Escala Analógica Visual (VAS) y el Cuestionario para Estrategias de Afrontamiento al Dolor (CAD) a 39 mujeres y 51 hombres, conformándose tres grupos según percentiles de edad. Para el análisis se empleó el SPSS versión 16 para Windows. La prevalencia de dolor crónico fue de 70 por ciento, la causa más frecuente fue el musculoesquelético, con 60,31 por ciento. La severidad no tuvo relación con las causas. Para VAS, el promedio fue 6,92 cms y presentó correlaciones altas con las dimensiones sensorial, afectiva y total. El 39,68 por ciento experimentó dolor moderado y el 53,96 por ciento, severo. La media para Pain Rating Index (PRI) fue 16,68 (Dt. 8,949) y para el Present PAin Intensive (PPI) 0,81 (Dt. 0,998). Las mujeres presentaron puntuaciones superiores para ambas dimensiones, más altas en el grupo entre 45-70 años. El análisis multivariado para dolor y comorbilidad mostró independencia con hipertensión y no significación para diabetes. La estrategia de afrontamiento mas empleada fue autoafirmación (media 16,82 por ciento), seguida de búsqueda de información (14,42 por ciento) y distracción (11,77 por ciento). La catarsis es la menos utilizada. En conjunto, las dimensiones del afrontaiento, hombres y mujeres se comportan diferente, básicamente en religión y catarsis, con valores superiores en mujeres, pero no en cuanto a grupos de edad. Por la elevada prevalencia, severidad y el tipo de afrontamiento, el dolor y la psicoterapia para su enfrentamiento deben incluirse en el manejo de pacientes hemdializados.

Associação entre hipertrofia adenotonsilar, tonsilites e crises álgicas na anemia falciforme / Association between adenotonsillar hypertrophy, tonsillitis and painful crises in sickle cell disease

OBJETIVOS: Determinar a prevalência da hipertrofia adenotonsilar obstrutiva em crianças e adolescentes portadores de anemia falciforme; investigar possível associação entre presença de mais de cinco episódios de tonsilite nos últimos 12 meses e episódios de crise álgica no mesmo período; e comparar a hemoglobina anual média entre os que apresentam e os que não apresentam hipertrofia adenotonsilar obstrutiva. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo prospectivo, observacional do tipo corte transversal, com 85 crianças e adolescentes com anemia falciforme. Todos responderam questionário e avaliação otorrinolaringológica, incluindo endoscopia nasossinusal. Para o diagnóstico da hipertrofia adenotonsilar obstrutiva foram adotados os critérios de Brodsky. RESULTADOS: A prevalência da hipertrofia adenotonsilar obstrutiva foi de 55,3 por cento. A hipertrofia adenotonsilar obstrutiva associou-se à história de dificuldade para alimentar-se (76,7 versus 23,5 por cento; p = 0,003), presença de mais de cinco episódios de tonsilites nos últimos 12 meses (70,6 versus 29,4 por cento; p = 0,021), roncar alto (73,0 versus 27,0 por cento; p = 0,004) e apneia do sono assistida (71,8 versus 28,2 por cento; p = 0,005). Portadores de hipertrofia adenotonsilar obstrutiva apresentaram maior número de infecções das vias aéreas superiores (62,5 versus 37,5; p = 0,010). Também foi observada associação entre presença de mais de cinco episódios de tonsilite nos últimos 12 meses e episódios de crise álgica no mesmo período (mediana = 12 versus 2; p = 0,017). Não houve diferença significante da hemoglobina anual média entre portadores de hipertrofia adenotonsilar obstrutiva versus hipertrofia adenotonsilar não-obstrutiva (7,6 versus 8,2 g/dL; p = 0,199). CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência da hipertrofia adenotonsilar obstrutiva foi de 55,3 por cento em crianças e adolescentes com anemia falciforme. A presença de mais de cinco episódios de tonsilite nos últimos 12 meses associaram-se com...

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of obstructive adenotonsillar hypertrophy in children and adolescents with sickle cell anemia; to investigate possible association between the presence of more than five episodes of tonsillitis in the last 12 months and episodes of painful crises in the same period; and to compare the mean annual hemoglobin level in children and adolescents with and without obstructive adenotonsillar hypertrophy. METHODS: Prospective, observational, cross-sectional study involving 85 children and adolescents with sickle cell anemia. All patients answered a questionnaire and underwent a standard otolaryngology examination, including endoscopic endonasal approach. The diagnosis of obstructive adenotonsillar hypertrophy was made according to the Brodsky scale. RESULTS: The prevalence of obstructive adenotonsillar hypertrophy was 55.3 percent. Obstructive adenotonsillar hypertrophy was associated with history of difficulty in eating (76.7 vs. 23.5 percent, p = 0.003), presence of more than five episodes of tonsillitis in the last 12 months (70.6 vs. 29.4 percent, p = 0.021), loud snoring (73.0 vs. 27.0 percent, p = 0.004), and sleep apnea (71.8 vs. 28.2 percent, p = 0.005). Patients with obstructive adenotonsillar hypertrophy had more episodes of recurrent upper airway tract infection (62.5 vs. 37.5; p = 0.010). The presence of more than five episodes of tonsillitis in the last 12 months was associated with episodes of painful crises (median = 12 vs. 2, p = 0.017). There was no significant difference between mean annual hemoglobin levels of patients with obstructive adenotonsilar hypertrophy vs. nonobstructive adenotonsillar hypertrophy: 7.6 vs. 8.2 g/dL, p = 0.199. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of obstructive adenotonsillar hypertrophy was 55.3 percent in children and adolescents with sickle cell anemia; the presence of more than five episodes of tonsillitis in the last 12 months was associated with episodes of painful...

Chronic pain, stress and their psychoneuroimmunologic implications: a literature review

Clinicamente, as implicações da dor crônica manifestam-se em forma de estados depressivos, estresse e comprometimento da vida social. Esta alta associação tem levado pesquisadores em Psicologia da Saúde a estudarem os possíveis mecanismos psiconeuroimunólogicos implicados nessa relação. Este trabalho revisa o conceito de Dor Crônica e os comprometimentos fisiológicos decorrentes da longa exposição a esta condição, como a alteração funcional do eixo Hipotálamo-Pituitária-Adrenal (HPA), o papel do hormônio cortisol e o conceito de carga alostática. Conclusão: Faz-se necessário um maior número de estudos em psiconeuroimunologia para melhor definir a etiologia dos distintos mecanismos da dor crônica e para delinear possíveis intervenções clínicas.

Clinically, patients often report depressive symptoms, stress and disruptive social lives. The association of these symptoms with pain has been leading researchers in Health Psychology to investigate the possible psychoneuroimmunologic mechanisms underpinning such interaction. This work reviews the concept of chronic pain and its physiological alterations due to the long term exposure to pain stressors, such as the compromising of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis (HPAA), the role of cortisol and the concept of allostatic load. Conclusion: There is a current demand for a larger number of studies involving etiological aspects of the distinct mechanisms involving chronic pain and to support possible new interventions.

Unusual presentation of progressive systemic sclerosis.

A female 38 years old, housewife, presented to the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH) on 08.04.07 with the complaints of i) pain and reduced movement of hand, knee, shoulder and neck joints for 1 year and 9 months ii) tightness of skin over face, neck, limbs and trunk for 1 year and 6 months iii) patchy depigmentation over same areas for 1 year and 3 months iv) deformity of hands with flexion contractures for 6 months and v) dysphagia to solid food for 3 months. She had no complaints of Raynaud's phenomenon. On general examination, she was ill looking, anemic and nutritionally poor. Examination of integumentary system showed smooth, shiny, thick, hard and hidebound skin with pigmentary alteration of 'salt and pepper' appearance over fingers, hands, limbs, face, neck and trunk. Hands appear claw like but more on the right side than the left and there were no other obvious changes suggestive of digital ischaemia (atrophy, ulceration, scarring, gangrene etc). Face has got suggestive features of scleroderma. Examination of the respiratory system showed restriction of chest movement and reduced expansibility of chest wall. No other abnormality was found on examination of other systems. Laboratory investigations showed histopathology typical of scleroderma. X-ray of hands and feet showed suggestive changes, lung function test-showed restrictive lung disease. Barium swallow x-ray of esophagus in supine position showed mild dilation of lower oesophagus. But serology was non-reactive (negative ANA, Negative RA test, Negative VDRL). So, she was diagnosed as a case of progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) with some atypicality.