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.

Predictive Clinical Decision Support System Using Machine Learning and Imaging Biomarkers in Patients With Neurostimulation Therapy: A Pilot Study.

Background: Chronic pain is correlated with alterations in brain structure and function. The selection process for the ideal candidate for spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy is based on functional variables analysis and pain evaluation scores. In addition to the difficulties involved in the initial selection of patients and the predictive analysis of the trial phase, the large rate of explants is one of the most important concerns in the analysis of the suitability of implanted candidates.

Intrathecal Drug Delivery.

Targeted intrathecal (IT) drug delivery systems (IDDS) are well established as an effective treatment of patients with chronic nonmalignant or malignant pain, and as a tool for management of patients with severe spasticity. The risk to benefit ratio of IDD makes it a relatively safe therapy for both cancer- and noncancer-related pain, but it is not free of risks, so it should be managed at specific centers. Recent technological advances, new therapeutic applications, reported complications, and the costs as well as maintenance required for this therapy require the need to stay up to date about new recommendations that may improve outcomes.

Prospective, Randomized Blind Effect-on-Outcome Study of Conventional vs High-Frequency Spinal Cord Stimulation in Patients with Pain and Disability Due to Failed Back Surgery Syndrome.

Objectives: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for patients with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) show variable results and limited to moderate evidence. In the last years the stimulation of high frequency (HF) has been considered as a better alternative in this pathology for its supposed benefits compared to the stimulation with conventional frequency (CF). To compare in one year follow-up, the efficacy of high-frequency SCS (HF) versus conventional frequency SCS (CF) on the patients with FBSS.

Management of acute pain in patients on treatment with opioids.

The use of opioids for both benign and cancer-related chronic pain has increased exponentially over the last few years. For this reason, increasing numbers of such patients are presenting for surgery. It is known that continuous use of opioids is associated with an increase in postoperative analgesic requirements.

Vulvodynia--An Evidence-Based Literature Review and Proposed Treatment Algorithm.

Objective: We searched the medical literature from the last 15 years (1998 to 2013) relating to the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of vulvodynia. The evidence was reviewed supporting the therapeutic proposals currently in use and propose the incorporation of novel, minimally invasive, interventional therapies, within the context of a multidisciplinary approach.

Methods: This was a systematic review of all relevant studies with no language restrictions.

Computer-tomographic verification of ultrasound-guided piriformis muscle injection: a feasibility study.

Background: Approximately 6% to 8% of lumbar pain cases, whether associated with radicular pain or not, may be attributed to the presence of piriformis muscle syndrome. Available treatments, among others, include pharmacotherapy, physical therapy, and injections of different substances into the muscle. Various methods have been used to confirm correct needle placement during these procedures, including electromyography (EMG), fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Intrathecal delivery of analgesics.

Targeted intrathecal (IT) drug delivery systems (IDDS) are an option in algorithms for the treatment of patients with moderate to severe chronic refractory pain when more conservative options fail. This therapy is well established and supported by several publications. It has shown efficacy and is an important tool for the treatment of spasticity, and both cancer and nonmalignant pain.

Advances in intrathecal drug delivery.

Purpose Of Review: Targeted intrathecal drug delivery systems (IDDS) are an option in algorithms for the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe chronic refractory pain. This article is intended to review the literature regarding IDDS published over the last year, with special attention to the Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference 2012.

Recent Findings: The recommendations made by the Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference 2012 are reviewed.

Role of lumbosacral retrograde neuromodulation in the treatment of painful disorders.

Background: Neuromodulation is an effective and reversible treatment option for chronic intractable pain. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) represents a field of application of neuromodulation and is known to be effective for several conditions including complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), and chronic leg and back pain. SCS has some technical limitations that can be bypassed through retrograde neuromodulation.

Subcutaneous and perineural botulinum toxin type a for neuropathic pain: a descriptive review.

Objective: Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin that has been widely used in chronic pain for the treatment of multiple conditions with a component of localized muscle spasm. Recent studies suggest that botulinum toxin is effective in the treatment of neuropathic pain syndromes such as postherpetic neuralgia or painful scars.

Methods: We searched the PubMed and OvidSP databases.

Peripheral subcutaneous vulvar stimulation in the management of severe and refractory vulvodynia.

Background: Vulvodynia is a complex and multifactorial clinical condition with severe pain that occurs in the absence of visible infectious, inflammatory, neoplastic, or neurological findings.

Case: A 35-year-old woman with 3 years of dysesthetic vulvodynia tried conventional and interventional medical treatment with inadequate relief. She was offered peripheral subcutaneous vulvar field stimulation and underwent implantation of two vulvar subcutaneous electrodes.

Subcutaneous botulinum toxin for chronic post-thoracotomy pain.

Objective: Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin that has been widely used in chronic pain for the treatment of multiple conditions with a component of localized muscle spasm. Recent studies suggest that botulinum toxin is effective in the treatment of neuropathic pain syndromes such as post-herpetic neuralgia.

Case Report: We report the case of a 67-year-old man who underwent atypical segmentectomy of a right lower lobe lung nodule.