ABSTRACT
Patients recovered from a COVID-19 infection often report vague symptoms of fatigue or dyspnoea, comparable to the manifestations in patients with central sensitisation. The hypothesis was that central sensitisation could be the underlying common aetiology in both patient populations. This study explored the presence of symptoms of central sensitisation, and the association with functional status and health-related quality of life, in patients post COVID-19 infection. Patients who were previously infected with COVID-19 filled out the Central Sensitisation Inventory (CSI), the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status (PCFS) Scale and the EuroQol with five dimensions, through an online survey. Eventually, 567 persons completed the survey. In total, 29.73% of the persons had a score of <40/100 on the CSI and 70.26% had a score of ≥40/100. Regarding functional status, 7.34% had no functional limitations, 9.13% had negligible functional limitations, 37.30% reported slight functional limitations, 42.86% indicated moderate functional limitations and 3.37% reported severe functional limitations. Based on a one-way ANOVA test, there was a significant effect of PCFS Scale group level on the total CSI score (F(4,486) = 46.17, p < 0.001). This survey indicated the presence of symptoms of central sensitisation in more than 70% of patients post COVID-19 infection, suggesting towards the need for patient education and multimodal rehabilitation, to target nociplastic pain.
ABSTRACT
Continuous Intrathecal Drug Delivery through an implanted pump is a well-known therapeutic option for the management of chronic pain and severe disabling spasticity. To have a successful therapy, pump refills need to be performed at regular time intervals after implantation. In line with the increased applications of Hospital at Home, these refill procedures might be performed at the patient's home. The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of intrathecal pump refill procedures at home. Twenty patients were included whereby pump refill procedures were conducted at the patient's home. To enable contact with the hospital, a video connection was set-up. Tele-ultrasound was used as post-refill verification. All procedures were successfully performed with complete patient satisfaction. Ninety-five percent of the patients felt safe during the procedure, and 95% of the procedures felt safe according to the physician. All patients indicated that they preferred their next refill at home. The median time consumption for the physician/nurse at the patient's home was 26 min and for the researcher at the hospital 15 min. In light of quality enhancement programs and personalized care, it is important to continue urgent pain management procedures in a safe way, even during a pandemic.