Analgesic Treatment Approach for Postherpetic Neuralgia: A Narrative Review.

Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is an entity derived from peripheral nerve damage that occurs during the reactivation of the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), which manifests itself through pain with neuropathic characteristics. This can prove to be very difficult to manage in the chronic stages of disease reappearance. There currently exists a multitude of treatment alternatives for PHN, however, prevention through the early initiation of antiviral regimens is vital. There are various pharmacological options available, but it is important to individualize each patient to maximize efficacy and minimize adverse effects. Interventional procedures have become a cornerstone in difficult-to-manage cases, and have shown promising outcomes when used in a multimodal approach by experienced specialists. It is necessary to make an objective diagnosis of PHN and start early treatment. Additionally there is current evidence that vouches for interventional therapies as well as individualization, with a clear establishment of therapeutic objectives according to the needs of each patient.

Valoración del riego de adicción a tramadol en pacientes con dolor crónico no oncológico / Risk of addiction in patients with tramadol for chronic no cáncer pain

RESUMEN Objetivo El manejo del dolor crónico no oncológico con analgésicos opioides ha sido de importancia para el control de los síntomas y el restablecimiento de la actividad. Sin embargo, el riesgo de adicción asociado a estos medicamentos es ampliamente conocido y evaluado. Este estudio evalúa el riesgo de adicción que presentaban los pacientes con manejo de tramadol describiendo los factores más frecuentes en la muestra estudiada frente a lo reportado en la literatura. Métodos Una muestra de 76 pacientes de una clínica de dolor que están en manejo con tramadol se les administra un cuestionario con características demográficas y con la escala Opioid Risk Tool para el riesgo de adicción. Resultados El 57,89% de los sujetos fueron mujeres; el 55,20% se encontraba entre los 29 y 59 años. El riesgo de adicción moderado se encontró en el 9,09% de las mujeres y en el 37,05% de los hombres. La inclusión de otras enfermedades como ansiedad y trastorno de estrés postraumático aumenta el riesgo de adicción a severo en 6,06% de los hombres. Conclusiones La valoración del riesgo de adicción a opioides debe tener en cuenta los factores encontrados en la población colombiana.

ABSTRACT Objective The management of chronic non-cancer pain with opioid analgesics has been important for the control of symptoms and the restoration of activity, however, the risk of addiction associated with these drugs is widely known. This study evaluates the risk of addiction presented by patients with tramadol treatment, describing the most frequent factors in the sample studied compared to what was reported in the literature. Methods A sample of 76 patients from a pain clinic who are being managed with tramadol are administered a questionnaire with demographic characteristics and with the Opioid Risk Tool scale for the risk of addiction. Results 57.89% of the subjects were women, 55.20% were affected between 29 and 59 years. A moderate risk of addiction was found in 9.09% of women and 37.05% of men. The inclusion of other diseases such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder increases the risk of addiction to severe in 6.06% of men. Conclusions The assessment of the risk of addiction to opioids must consider the factors found in the Colombian population.