Effects of Multiple Waveforms on Patient Preferences and Clinical Outcomes in Patients Treated With Spinal Cord Stimulation for Leg and/or Back Pain.

Objectives: We present the results of a prospective, randomized, crossover, single-blind, study in which each patient is in control of himself. The aim was to evaluate subperception-based (SP-SCS) waveforms in previously implanted spinal cord stimulation (SCS) patients with leg and/or back pain due to failed back surgery syndrome, who experienced only paresthesia-based stimulation (PB-SCS). Patients with PB-SCS experience in SCS was 4.

Comparison of Tonic vs. Burst Spinal Cord Stimulation During Trial Period.

Background: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a well-known treatment in patients with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). Burst stimulation is a recently developed stimulation modality that seems to be superior to tonic stimulation.

Methods: This observational multicenter study compared tonic and burst stimulation during a trial period in patients with FBSS or radiculopathy.

Efficacy and safety of 5% lidocaine-medicated plasters in localized pain with neuropathic and/or inflammatory characteristics: an observational, real-world study.

Objective: Based on clinical study results, 5% lidocaine-medicated plaster (5% LMP) is currently recommended for the treatment of localized peripheral neuropathic pain, such as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). However, its effective action, as well as the high safety, have indeed led to its use in clinical practice for pain conditions with similar pathophysiological mechanisms. In this study, the efficacy and safety of 5% LMP were investigated in patients with localized pain with neuropathic and/or inflammatory characteristics, such as PHN, post-traumatic/surgical or musculoskeletal pain.

Effectiveness of opioid analgesics in chronic noncancer pain.

Background: There is general agreement about the need to perform a screening test to assess the risk of opioid misuse prior to starting a long-term opioid treatment for chronic noncancer pain. The evidence supporting the effectiveness of opioid long-term treatment is weak, and no predictors of its usefulness have been assessed.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effect on pain and quality of life of chronic opioid treatment, and detect the possible predictors of its effectiveness.

Risk assessment of opioid misuse in italian patients with chronic noncancer pain.

Objective. Opioid therapy in patients with chronic noncancer pain must be preceded by evaluation of the risk of opioid misuse. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive validity of the Italian translation of the Pain Medication Questionnaire (PMQ) and of the Diagnosis Intractability Risk and Efficacy Score (DIRE) in chronic pain patients.