Chemical sympathectomy for neuropathic pain: does it work? Case report and systematic literature review.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if chemical sympathectomy successfully reduces limb neuropathic pain. DESIGN: Systematic literature review of the effectiveness of phenol or alcohol sympathectomy for extremity neuropathic pain. PATIENT: A 29-year-old female with complex regional pain syndrome of both lower extremities after back surgery who was submitted to bilateral lumbar chemical sympathectomy. SEARCH STRATEGY: The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Medline, and EMBASE were systematically searched. OUTCOME MEASURES: (1) For the patient in question: spontaneous pain, allodynia, pinprick hyperalgesia, pressure evoked pain; (2) For the literature review: meaningful versus nonmeaningful pain relief based on degree and duration (>2 weeks) of pain relief. RESULTS: (1) The case reported experienced partial temporary relief of pain primarily related to selective modulation of allodynia, but not deep pain or pinprick hyperalgesia; (2) 44% of 66 patients in 13 studies that met the authors' inclusion criteria experienced meaningful pain relief. Whereas 19% experienced no meaningful relief, for the remaining 37% of the patients no conclusions regarding duration and degree of relief could be drawn due to poor reporting of outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the case reported and systematic literature review, chemical sympathectomy seems to have at best a temporary effect, limited to cutaneous allodynia. Despite the popularity of chemical sympatholysis, only few patients and poorly defined outcomes are reported in the literature, substantiating the need for well-designed studies on the effectiveness of the procedure.     

Long-term benefits of stellate ganglion block in severe chronic refractory angina

Angina pectoris that is refractory to optimal medication and revascularization is becoming an increasingly common clinical problem. Recently the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMLR) for use in this group of patients and a large numbers of patients have already undergone this therapy. Unfortunately TMLR has is associated with an unacceptably high perioperative mortality (Cooley DA, Frazier OH, Kadipasaoglu KA, Lindenmeir MH, Pehlivanoglu S, KoIff JW, Wilansky S, Moore WH. Transmyocardiai laser revascularisation: clinical experience with twelve-month follow-up. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1996;111:791-799; Horvath KA, Cohn LH, Cooley DA, Crew JR, Frazier GH, Griffith BP, Kadipasaoglu K, Lansing A, Mannting F, March R, Mirhoseini MR, Smith C. Transmyocardial laser revascularisation: results of a multi-centre transmyocardial laser revascularisation used as sole therapy for end-stage coronary artery disease. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1997;113:645-654; Schofield PM, Sharples LD, Caine N, Burns S, Tait S, Wistow T, Buxton M, Wallwork J. Transmyocardial laser revascularisation in patients with refractory angina: a randomised controlled trial. Lancet 1999;353:519-524), and recurrent refractory angina is common (Allen KB, Dowling RD, Fudge TL, Schoettle GP, Selinger SL, Gangahar OM, Angell WW, Petracek MR, Shaar CJ, O'Neill WW. Comparison of transmyocardial revascularization with medical therapy in patients with refractory angina. N Engl J Med 1999;341:1021-1028; Frazier OH, March RJ, Horvath KA, for the Transmyocardial Carbon Dioxide Laser Revascularization Study Group. Transmyocardial revascularization with a carbon dioxide laser in patients with end-stage coronary artery disease. N Engl J Med 1999;341:1021-1028). Temporary sympathectomy by stellate ganglion block (SGB) is in widespread use in a variety of chronic pain conditions and has long history of use in the management of angina (Moore DC. Stellate ganglion block. Springfield, IL: CC Thomas, 1954; Wiener L, Cox JW. Influence of stellate ganglion blockade on angina pectoris and the post exercise electrocardiogram. Am J Med Sci 1966;252:289-295). Here we describe a patient with end stage coronary artery disease and chronic refractory angina whose has been successfully treated with repeated unilateral left SGBs following multiple bypass operations, angioplasty procedures and laser therapy. This case report details his progress over a 34 month follow-up period.     

A brief cognitive-behavioral intervention reduces hospital admissions in refractory angina patients

Chronic refractory angina is an increasingly prevalent, complex chronic pain condition, which results in frequent hospitalization for chest pain. We have previously shown that a novel outpatient cognitive-behavioral chronic disease management program (CB-CDMP) improves angina status and quality of life in such patients. In the present study of 271 chronic refractory angina patients enrolled in our CB-CDMP, total hospital admissions were reduced from 2.40 admissions per patient per year to 1.78 admissions per patient per year (P<0.001). The rising trend of total hospital bed day occupancy prior to enrollment fell from 15.48 days per patient per year to a stable 10.34 days per patient per year (P<0.001). There were 32 recorded myocardial infarctions prior to enrollment compared to eight in the year following enrollment (14% vs. 2.3%, P<0.001) and overall mortality was lower that comparable groups treated with surgery. This study shows that educating patients and demystifying angina using a brief outpatient CB-CDMP produces an immediate and sustained reduction in hospital admission costs that represents a major potential health care saving. This benefit accrues in addition to the known effects of CB-CDMP on symptoms and quality of life. These data suggest that a CB-CDMP approach to symptom palliation represents a low cost alternative to palliative revascularization.     

Characteristics and associated features of persistent post-sympathectomy pain

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to describe the incidence and characteristics of pain, sensory abnormalities, abnormal body sweating, and pathologic gustatory sweating in pain patients with persistent post-sympathectomy pain. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of a series of consecutive pain patients with persistent post-sympathectomy pain was performed. Inclusion criteria were: (1) sympathectomy performed for the indication of neuropathic pain, and (2) persistent pain after the procedure. Demographic data, patterns of pain before and after sympathectomy, patients' pain drawings, and incidence of pain had been collected concurrently at the time of referral. Additional data regarding sensory findings, surgical details of the sympathectomy, sweat patterns, and incidence of abnormal body sweating and pathologic gustatory sweating were extracted from the patients' charts or obtained in follow-up appointments. RESULTS: Seventeen adults (13 females and 4 males) with a mean age of 37 years (range 25-52) at the time of sympathectomy met the inclusion criteria. Five of the 17 patients experienced temporary pain relief for an average of 4 months (range 2-12 months), 3/17 retained the same pain as before the surgery, 1 patient was cured of her original pain but experienced a new debilitating pain, and 8/17 patients continued to have the same or worse pain in addition to a new or expanded pain. Pathologic gustatory sweating was present in 7/11 patients asked, and abnormal sweating (known as compensatory hyperhidrosis) in 11/13 patients asked. DISCUSSION: The present study does not allow for conclusions about the effectiveness of surgical sympathectomy for neuropathic pain. However, our findings indicate that if the pain persists after the procedure, the complications may be quite serious and at times worse than the problem for which the surgery was originally performed.     

星状神经节阻滞联合亚甲蓝帽状腱膜下注射治疗慢性紧张型头痛

目的:观察星状神经节阻滞联合亚甲蓝帽状腱膜下注射治疗慢性紧张型头痛的疗效。方法:60例患者随机分为A、B两组,每组30例。A组(治疗组)先行星状神经节阻滞,再于患者枕外隆凸处、双侧耳颞区、前额区亚甲蓝帽状腱膜下注射。每周一次,4次为一疗程。B组(对照组),盐酸氟西汀和盐酸乙哌立松及布洛芬缓释胶囊口服用药,连续服药4周。动态观察治疗前后患者头痛发作程度、频率、持续时间的变化,并对各组治疗效果及并发症进行比较,头痛程度采用视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)表示。结果:两组患者治疗后,头痛频率、持续时间和头痛程度都有缓解,A组优于B组。A组治疗后优良率(86.7%)高于B组(53.3%)。结论:星状神经节阻滞联合亚甲蓝帽状腱膜下注射是治疗慢性紧张型头痛的一种有效方法。     

Efficacy of stellate ganglion blockade for the management of type 1 complex regional pain syndrome

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of stellate ganglion blockade (SGB) in patients with complex regional pain syndromes (CRPS I) of their hands. METHODS: After IRB approval and patient informed consent, 25 subjects, with a clinical diagnosis of CRPS I of one hand as defined by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) criteria, had three SGB's performed at weekly intervals. Laser Doppler fluxmetric hand perfusion studies were performed on the normal and CRPS I hands pre- and post-SGB therapy. No patient was included in this study if they used tobacco products or any medication or substance that could affect sympathetic function. The appropriate parametric and nonparametric data analyses were performed and a p value <0.05 was used to reject the null hypothesis. RESULTS: Symptom onset of CRPS I until the initiation of SGB therapy ranged between 3 to 34 weeks. Following the SGB series, patient pain relief was as follows: group I, 10/25 (40%) had complete symptom relief; group II, 9/25 (36%) had partial relief and group III, 6/25 (24%) had no relief. The duration of symptoms until SGB therapy was: group I, 4.6 +/- 1.8 weeks, group II, 11.9 +/- 1.6 weeks and group III, 35.8 +/- 27 weeks. Compared with the normal control hand, the skin perfusion in the CRPS I affected hand was greater in group I and decreased in groups II and III. DISCUSSION: The results of our study demonstrate that an inverse relationship exists between hand perfusion and the duration of symptoms of CRPS I. On the other hand, a positive correlation exists between SGB efficacy and how soon SGB therapy is initiated. A duration of symptoms greater than 16 weeks before the initial SGB and/or a decrease in skin perfusion of 22% between the normal and affected hands adversely affects the efficacy of SGB therapy.     

Fully covered self-expanding metal stents for refractory pancreatic duct strictures in chronic pancreatitis

Fully covered self-expanding metal stents (FC-SEMSs), which can be removed from the bile duct, have recently been used in the main pancreatic duct (MPD) in chronic pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of FC-SEMSs in painful chronic pancreatitis with refractory pancreatic strictures. The primary endpoints were technical success and procedure-related morbidity. Secondary endpoints were pain relief at the end of follow-up and resolution of the dominant pancreatic stricture at endoscopic retrograde pancreatography. Over 5 months, 10 patients with painful chronic pancreatitis and refractory dominant pancreatic duct strictures were treated with FC-SEMSs. All FC-SEMSs were successfully released and removed, although two stents were embedded in the MPD at their distal end and treated endoscopically without complications. Mild abdominal pain was noted in three patients after stent release. During treatment, pain relief was achieved in nine patients, but one continued to take morphine, because of addiction. Cholestasis developed in two patients and was treated endoscopically; no patient developed acute pancreatitis or pancreatic sepsis. After stent removal, the diameter of the narrowest MPD stricture had increased significantly from 3.5 mm to 5.8 mm. Patients were followed up for a mean of 19.8 months: two patients who continued drinking alcohol presented with mild acute pancreatitis; one patient developed further chronic pancreatic pain; and one had a transient pain episode. At the end of the study, nine patients no longer had chronic pain and no patients had required surgery. Endoscopic treatment of refractory MPD stricture in chronic pancreatitis by placement of an FC-SEMS appears feasible, safe, and potentially effective.     

The role of angina pectoris in chronic pain after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Visceral nociception readily sensitizes the central nervous system, causing referred somatic pain and hyperalgesia via somato-visceral convergence. Hyperalgesia in the perioperative period may increase vulnerability to subsequent development of chronic pain. The study aim is to investigate the role of angina pectoris, an ischemic visceral pain, in long-term pain after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). We sent questionnaires to 369 patients who underwent CABG surgery in 2003. Questions were asked about angina pectoris and other pain in the period before surgery, the first week postoperatively (= acute pain), and the period after 3 months after surgery (= chronic pain). We obtained results from 256 patients (response rate = 69%). The point prevalence of chronic pain after CABG was 27% after a mean follow-up of 16 months (SD +/- 3 months). Patients with chronic pain after CABG had more angina pectoris than those without chronic pain: Before surgery (P = .07), early on postoperatively (P = .004), and more than 3 months after surgery (P = .000004). We found cumulative prevalences of chronic pain after CABG at 3 months of 39%, and of 32% after 6 months. Other predictive factors for chronic pain after CABG were acute postoperative pain (P = .00002) and younger age (P = .002). Angina pectoris is associated with chronic pain after CABG surgery. Other predictive factors include acute postoperative pain and younger age. PERSPECTIVE: The influence of postoperative angina pectoris for chronic pain after CABG surgery has not been described in the literature to date. Visceral nociception may play an important role in the development of chronic pain after surgery and should be taken into account in future studies.     

Efficacy and Safety of Bepridil in Chronic Stable Angina Pectoris Refractory to Nifedipine

The efficacy and safety of bepridil in chronic stable angina pectoris refractory to an extended-release preparation of nifedipine were evaluated in this open-label prospective study. Patients whose angina had not responded adequately to maximum tolerated doses of nifedipine received bepridil for 8 weeks after a 2-week baseline period at their established dose of nifedipine. Twenty-five patients entered the bepridil treatment period. Total exercise time (mean plus minus SD) was significantly increased at the end of bepridil therapy (9.3 plus minus 2.3 min) compared with the end of nifedipine baseline period (8.40 plus minus 2.3 min, p = 0.02). Time to the onset of angina increased from 6.1 plus minus 2.7 min to 8.1 plus minus 2.3 min, p < 0.01. Time to 1-mm ST depression increased from 7.0 plus minus 2.7 min to 8.4 plus minus 2.3 min, p < 0.01. Nitroglycerin consumption decreased from 3.01 plus minus 5.6 to 0.56 plus minus 1.3 tablets week(minus sign1), p < 0.05. The mean weekly angina attack rate decreased from 4.34 plus minus 5.3 to 1.33 plus minus 2.2, p < 0.01. Therapy with bepridil resulted in few adverse experiences. The mean QT(c) interval was significantly prolonged from 0.40 + 0.03 s at baseline to 0.45 + 0.045 s at the end of bepridil therapy (p < 0.001). There were no serious adverse events. The results of this study indicated that bepridil provides effective and safe treatment of stable angina pectoris in patients whose angina is not adequately controlled by nifedipine.     

Subcutaneous Target Stimulation–Peripheral Subcutaneous Field Stimulation in the Treatment of Refractory Angina: Preliminary Case Reports

Abstract: Spinal cord stimulation is now established as an effective treatment for refractory angina. We present the use of an alternative approach to neuromodulation of anginal pain using subcutaneous leads placed at the site of pain. In this case series, five patients with refractory angina received successful treatment with subcutaneous target stimulation–peripheral subcutaneous field stimulation. This technique was able to provide good analgesia in two patients that had had poor pain relief from existing spinal cord stimulators. All five patients achieved significant pain relief with a reduction in symptoms and a decrease in the use of pain medication.     

A controlled study of a serotonin reuptake blocker, zimelidine, in the treatment of chronic pain

Zimelidine inhibits the central neuronal reuptake of serotonin and has undergone clinical evaluation as an antidepressant. Twenty patients with chronic pain of non-malignant origin (mean duration 15.8 years) were entered into a double blind cross-over study of the analgesic efficacy of zimelidine and placebo. The duration of each treatment phase was 6 weeks and there was a comprehensive assessment of each patient prior to the commencement and at the completion of the study, during a brief period of hospitalisation. Zimelidine was superior (P less than 0.05) to placebo with respect to pain relief based on a global assessment (by the clinical investigators) performed at the completion of each treatment phase. However, there was no significant difference in analgesic efficacy between the zimelidine and placebo treatment phases based on the following criteria: (a) changes in the minimum effective blood concentration of pethidine necessary to provide pain relief in each patient, measured during a pethidine infusion of 1.67 mg/min for 60 min; (b) changes in pain scores estimated by patients using the visual analogue pain scale (VAPS); (c) changes in patients' estimates of pain intensity associated with various daily activities. Significant pain relief was apparent within 2-3 days in those patients who had a beneficial effect, which contrasts with the documented 3-4 weeks for maximal antidepressant effects. The results of this study suggest that serotonin reuptake blockers do not provide consistent pain relief in patients with chronic pain, but may contribute an analgesic effect in the treatment of some patients.     

Treatment of Refractory Ischemic Pain from Chemotherapy-Induced Raynaud's Syndrome With Spinal Cord Stimulation

Abstract:   We report the successful treatment of refractory ischemic pain from cisplatin-induced Raynaud's syndrome with spinal cord stimulation after failed pharmacologic management and surgical sympathectomy.
Case Report: A 48-year-old man developed ischemic pain of the hands while undergoing cisplatin and gemcitabine chemotherapy for metastatic pancreatic carcinoma. After extensive pharmacologic management and surgical sympathectomy failed to provide adequate analgesia, the patient underwent a percutaneous spinal cord stimulation trial followed by permanent implantation and received significant pain relief prior to succumbing to his illness. Spinal cord stimulation provided effective therapy for refractory ischemic pain, even after failed sympathectomy.     

Evaluation of PR, RR, QT Intervals and QT Dispersion Following Stellate Ganglion Block in Chronic Shoulder–Hand Pain Patients

Abstract: Right stellate ganglion block (SGB) can increase QT interval, rate‐corrected QT interval (QTc), QT dispersion (QTD), rate‐corrected QTD (QTcD), and RR interval while left SGB can decrease these intervals in healthy volunteers. No such studies have been conducted in patients with chronic pain, hence this study was designed to investigate the effects of left and right SGB on these variables in chronic shoulder–hand pain patients. In this study, 28 patients with chronic shoulder–hand pain of at least 6 months duration were given right or left SGB depending on the shoulder affected. A 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded before the block, 30 minutes and 60 minutes after the block. PR interval, RR interval, QT interval were recorded in all 12 leads while QTc, QTD, and QTcD were calculated. Right SGB was performed in 21 patients. A significant decrease (P < 0.05) in PR interval and a significant increase (P < 0.05) in RR interval, QT interval, and QTc interval were observed. QTD showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) only at 30 minutes after right SGB. Left SGB was performed in seven patients. A significant decrease (P < 0.05) in QT interval was observed throughout the study period, while QTc showed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) only at 60 minutes after the block. We conclude that right SGB induces significant increase of QT interval, RR interval, QTc interval, QTD, and a significant decrease of PR interval while left SGB produces a significant decrease in QT and QTc intervals in patients with chronic shoulder–hand pain.     

Prospective double-blind preoperative pain clinic screening before microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord in patients with testicular pain syndrome

Testicular pain syndrome (TPS), defined as an intermittent or constant pain in one or both testicles for at least 3 months, resulting in significant reduction of daily activities, is common. Microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord (MDSC) has been suggested as an effective treatment option. The study population comprised 180 TPS patients admitted to our outpatient urology clinic between 1999 and 2011. On 3 different occasions, patients were offered a double-blind, placebo-controlled temporary blockade of the spermatic cord. A single blockade consisted of 10 mL 2% lidocaine, 10 mL 0.25% bupivacaine, or 10 mL 0.9% sodium chloride. If the results of these blockades were positive, MDSC was offered. All MDSCs were performed by a single urologist (M.T.W.T.L.) using an inguinal approach. Pain reduction was determined at prospective follow-up. This study evaluated 180 patients. Most patients (61.1%) had undergone a scrotal or inguinal procedure. Patients had complaints during sexual activities (51.7%), sitting (37.5%), and/or cycling (36.7%); 189 randomized blockades were offered to all patients. There was a positive response in 37% and a negative response in 51%. MDSC was performed on 58 testicular units, including 3 patients with a negative outcome of the blockades. At mean follow-up of 42.8 months, 86.2% had a ?50% reduction of pain and 51.7% were completely pain free. MDSC is a valuable treatment option for TPS patients because in this study 86.2% experienced a ?50% reduction of pain. To prevent superfluous diagnostics and treatment, it is mandatory to follow a systematic protocol in the treatment of TPS.     

Effects of valdecoxib in the treatment of chronic low back pain: results of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Valdecoxib, a cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 specific inhibitor, is indicated for relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and primary dysmenorrhea. Therapeutic doses of COX-2 specific inhibitors are as effective as nonspecific nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in reducing inflammatory pain while sparing the gastrointestinal and platelet toxicity associated with nonspecific COX-1 inhibition. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the analgesic efficacy and tolerability of valdecoxib 40 mg/d compared with placebo in the treatment of chronic low back pain. METHODS: This 4-week, prospective, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled, parallel-group study was conducted at 37 centers across the United States and 5 centers in Canada. Patients aged > or =18 years with chronic low back pain in flare were enrolled. Patients were randomized to receive valdecoxib 40-mg/d or placebo tablets, once daily for 4 weeks. Patients rated low back pain intensity on a visual analog scale and completed the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and the modified Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (mBPI-SF) at each visit. RESULTS: Two hundred ninety-three patients were enrolled. The valdecoxib group comprised 148 patients (81 women, 67 men; mean [SD] age, 48.6 [13.3] years; mean [SD] body weight, 86.6 [20.9] kg), and the placebo group included 145 patients (85 women, 60 men; mean [SD] age, 48.7 [12.6] years; mean [SD] body weight, 85.6 [19.9] kg). Of the enrolled patients, 249 completed the study: 134 patients (91%) who received valdecoxib and 115 patients (79%) who received placebo. No statistically significant differences in patient baseline characteristics were noted between treatment groups, except in response to 1 mBPI-SF question; patients in the valdecoxib group reported significantly greater interference in relations with other people due to pain than did those in the placebo group (P = 0.048). Changes from baseline in low back pain intensity were significantly greater in valdecoxib-treated patients at each assessment (all, P < 0.001 vs placebo). Pain scores on the mBPI-SF indicated significantly greater pain relief with valdecoxib at each assessment (all, P < or = 0.014 vs placebo). Improvements in mean Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire score with valdecoxib were significantly greater than with placebo at each assessment (all, P < or = 0.003). Although the overall incidence of adverse events (AEs) was significantly higher among patients receiving valdecoxib than those receiving placebo (35.1% vs 24.1%, respectively; P = 0.042), no significant differences were found between groups for the incidence of any individual AE. Most AEs (89% [77/87 total events]) were mild or moderate in severity. CONCLUSIONS: In this study of patients with chronic low back pain, valdecoxib 40 mg/d provided rapid relief (within 1 week) and consistent relief (over 4 weeks). In addition, significant improvement in function and decreased disability were found with valdecoxib compared with placebo.     

The prevalence of chronic chest and leg pain following cardiac surgery: a historical cohort study

Chronic pain after surgery is recognised as an important post-operative complication; recent studies have shown up to 30% of patients reporting persistent pain following mastectomy and inguinal hernia repair. No large-scale studies have investigated the epidemiology of chronic pain at two operative sites following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This paper reports the follow-up of a cohort of 1348 patients who underwent cardiac surgery between 1996 and 2000 at one cardiothoracic unit in northeast Scotland. Chronic pain was defined as pain in the location of surgery, different from that suffered pre-operatively, arising post-operatively and persisting beyond 3 months. The survey questionnaire consisted of the short-form-36 (SF-36), Rose angina questionnaire, McGill pain questionnaire and the University of California and San Francisco (UCSF) pain service questionnaire. Of the 1080 responders, 130 reported chronic chest pain, 100 chronic post-saphenectomy pain and 194 reported pain at both surgical sites. The cumulative prevalence of post-cardiac surgery pain was 39.3% (CI(95) 36.4-42.2%) and mean time of 28 months since surgery (SD 15.3 months). Patients who reported pain at both sites had lower quality of life scores across all eight health domains compared to patients with pain at one site only and those who were pain-free. Prevalence of chronic pain decreased with age, from 55% in those aged under 60 years to 34% in patients over 70 years. Patients with pre-operative angina and those who were overweight or obese (BMI>/=25) at the time of surgery were more likely to report chronic pain. Chronic pain following median sternotomy and saphenous vein harvesting is more common than hitherto reported and that patients undergoing CABG should be warned of this possibility.     

The restore rechargeable, implantable neurostimulator: handling and clinical results of a multicenter study

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord stimulation is an effective therapy for chronic, neuropathic pain refractory to medication. Use of a rechargeable neurostimulation system (Restore, Medtronic Inc) could provide greater longevity in the treatment of complex pain. However, patients' ability to successfully recharge a neurostimulation system has not yet been demonstrated. PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: Ability of patients to recharge the neurostimulator. SECONDARY OBJECTIVES: Patient and physician satisfaction with the system, pain relief, quality of life, functional status, adverse events. METHODS: Prospective, open-label, multicenter, European study in patients with long-term refractory neuropathic pain. Recharging ability was assessed 1-month postimplant. Patient and physician satisfaction, pain relief, quality of life, and functional status were assessed at scheduled follow-up visits through 12 months. Adverse events were monitored throughout. RESULTS: Primary end point: 100% of patients (n=41) successfully recharged the neurostimulator. Secondary end points at 1 month: 78.6% of patients found recharging easy. At 12 months: physicians were satisfied with the system for 92.7% of patients; pain intensity decreased significantly (P<0.001); mean self-reported pain relief was 62%; 80.5% of patients had more than 50% pain relief; quality of life and functional status improved significantly (P<0.001); 98% of patients would recommend spinal cord stimulation to others. Overall, 41 device-related complications (23 patients) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Twelve-month experience indicates that the rechargeable neurostimulation system (Restore) was easy to use, with 100% of patients able to recharge successfully. Patient and physician satisfaction was high, with significant improvements in pain, quality of life, and functional status. Complications were comparable to prior experience with this therapy.     

Cervicogenic headache: anesthetic blockades of cervical nerves (C2-C5) and facet joint (C2/C3).

In a series of 14 patients with cervicogenic headache, cervical nerve blockades (C2-C5 and facet joint C2/C3) have been carried out in order to elucidate possible underlying mechanisms and to evaluate the diagnostic potential of these procedures. Blockade of the C2 nerve resulted in freedom from pain in 5 of 10 patients and seemed to be the most informative procedure. Two patients out of 9 reported freedom from pain following C2/C3 facet joint injection. No patients experienced complete pain relief following C3, C4 or C5 blockades. C4 and C5 nerve blockades are probably of little value in the work-up of such patients. When evaluating the C2/C3 facet joint injection, one has to take possible leakage of anesthetic agent from the joint into consideration, since the third occipital nerve which runs close to the facet joint may be anesthetized through the leakage.     

Safety and efficacy of peripheral blood progenitor cell mobilization and collection in patients with advanced coronary heart disease

Information on the safety of mobilization and collection of peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPC) in patients with advanced coronary heart disease (CHD) is limited. We report herein our early experience with patients participating in a Phase I trial of injection of autologous CD 34(+) cells into threatened, ischemic myocardium for neovascularization and symptom relief in patients with chronic refractory myocardial ischemia. All patients had advanced inoperable CHD despite the best medical therapy. Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF, 5 microg/kg/day) was administered subcutaneously for 5 days for mobilization of CD34(+) cells into the peripheral blood. PBPCs were collected in the outpatient apheresis suite on day 5. Nine patients from our institution were evaluable. Adverse effects of mobilization included: increase in frequency and/or intensity of angina in 8 patients (88.8%); bone pain in 7 patients (77.7%); headaches in 4 patients (44.4%); 2 patients (22%) were hospitalized. Collection phase toxicities included: tingling in 5 patients (55.5%) and angina in 3 patients (33%). All procedures were completed without new myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, or death. The median peripheral blood CD34(+) cell count on day 5 of G-CSF was 21 cells/microl (range 10-40 cells/microl). A median of 1.65 x 10(6) CD34(+) cells/kg (range: 0.13-3.0 x 10(6)/kg) were harvested. We conclude that mobilization and collection of PBPC in patients with advanced CHD can be safely performed as an outpatient procedure. Apheresis professionals should be aware of the intensity and frequency of angina in this patient population.     

Opioids in non-cancer pain: a life-time sentence?

There is continuing reluctance to prescribe strong opioids for the management of chronic non-cancer pain due to concerns about side-effects, physical tolerance, withdrawal and addiction. Randomized controlled trials have now provided evidence for the efficacy of opioids against both nociceptive and neuropathic pain. However, there is considerable variability in response rates, possibly depending on the type of pain, the type of opioid and its route of administration, the time to follow-up, compliance and the development of tolerance. Five patients were selected with nociceptive or neuropathic pain in whom other pharmacological or physical therapies had failed to provide satisfactory pain relief. They received transdermal fentanyl (starting dose 25 microg/h) for at least 6 weeks. Transdermal fentanyl dosage was titrated upwards as required. Transdermal fentanyl provided adequate pain relief in patients with nociceptive pain (diabetic ulcer, osteoporotic vertebral fracture, ankylosing spondylitis) or neuropathic pain with a nociceptive component (radicular pain due to disc protrusion, herpetic neuralgia). The duration of treatment ranged from 6 weeks to 6 months for four cases. In the case of ankylosing spondylitis, treatment was carried out for 2 years, stopped and then restarted successfully. There were no withdrawal effects or addictive behaviour on treatment cessation, regardless of duration of the treatment. In conclusion, strong opioids may provide prolonged effective pain relief in selected patients with nociceptive and neuropathic non-cancer pain. Transdermal fentanyl treatment can often be temporary and can easily be stopped following adequate pain relief without withdrawal effects or any evidence of addictive behaviour.