Insights into the pathophysiology and response of persistent spinal pain syndrome type 2 to spinal cord stimulation: a human genome-wide association study.

Background: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) provides pain relief for some patients with persistent spinal pain syndrome type 2 (PSPS 2), but the precise mechanisms of action and prognostic factors for a favorable pain response remain obscure. This in vivo human genome-wide association study provides some pathophysiological clues.

Methods: We performed a high-density oligonucleotide microarray analysis of serum obtained from both PSPS 2 cases and pain-free controls who had undergone lower back spinal surgery at the study site.

Effect of Conventional Spinal Cord Stimulation on Serum Protein Profile in Patients With Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome: A Case-Control Study.

Background: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) provides pain relief for most patients with persistent spinal pain syndrome type 2 (PSPS 2). Evidence is mounting on molecular changes induced by SCS as one of the mechanisms to explain pain improvement. We report the SCS effect on serum protein expression in vivo in patients with PSPS 2.

Differences in Gene Expression of Endogenous Opioid Peptide Precursor, Cannabinoid 1 and 2 Receptors and Interleukin Beta in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Patients With Refractory Failed Back Surgery Syndrome Treated With Spinal Cord Stimulation: Markers of Therapeutic Outcomes?

Objective: The use of spinal cord stimulation for patients with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is very common. In order to better understand the mechanisms of action of spinal cord stimulation (SCS), our aim was to determine potential changes in relative gene and protein expression in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients as potential biomarkers of disease outcomes and potential new targets for therapy.

Methods: Twenty-four patients with diagnosis of FBSS refractory to conservative therapy for at least six months were included in the study.

Stability of a Parenteral Formulation of Betamethasone and Levobupivacaine.

The therapeutic management of syndromes presenting simultaneously pain and inflammation often requires the administration of anesthetic and corticosteroid drugs by epidural administration. In this article, we studied a mixture that combines betamethasone and levobupivacaine, which demonstrates prolonged analgesic effects. To our knowledge, the stability of such a mixture in epidural solution has not been examined.