Acute Opioid Administration Undermines Recovery after SCI: Adverse Effects Are Not Restricted to Morphine.

Previous studies have shown that administration of high doses of morphine in the acute phase of spinal cord injury (SCI) significantly undermines locomotor recovery and increases symptoms of chronic pain in a rat spinal contusion model. Similarly, SCI patients treated with high doses of opioid for the first 24 h postinjury have increased symptoms of chronic pain 1 year later. Whether these adverse effects are driven by morphine only or all opioids compromise recovery after SCI, however, is unknown.

A moderate spinal contusion injury in rats alters bone turnover both below and above the level of injury with sex-based differences apparent in long-term recovery.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to significant sublesional bone loss and high fracture rates. While loss of mechanical loading plays a significant role in SCI-induced bone loss, animal studies have demonstrated mechanical loading alone does not fully account for loss of bone following SCI. Indeed, we have shown that bone loss occurs below the level of an incomplete moderate contusion SCI, despite the resumption of weight-bearing and stepping.

Intrathecal minocycline does not block the adverse effects of repeated, intravenous morphine administration on recovery of function after SCI.

Opioids are among the most effective analgesics for the management of pain in the acute phase of a spinal cord injury (SCI), and approximately 80% of patients are treated with morphine in the first 24 h following SCI. We have found that morphine treatment in the first 7 days after SCI increases symptoms of pain at 42 days post-injury and undermines the recovery of locomotor function in a rodent model. Prior research has implicated microglia/macrophages in opioid-induced hyperalgesia and the development of neuropathic pain.

Comparison of the quality of life of early and advanced stage ovarian cancer survivors.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the long-term adjustment and QOL of early and advanced stage ovarian cancer survivors (OCS).

Methods: Early and advanced OCS >3 years from diagnosis with no evidence of recurrent cancer were interviewed. The following surveys were administered: EORTC QLQ-C30 (overall QOL) and QLQ-OV28 (ovarian specific issues), MHI-17 (anxiety, depression and global well-being), CALGB sexual functioning, FACT Fatigue, Beck's Hopelessness Scale, Fear of Recurrence (FOR), PCL-C post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Unmet Needs, FACT-Spirituality (FACT-Sp), complementary therapy (CAM use), and MOS Social Support Survey (MOS).