脑卒中后中枢性疼痛相关血浆氨基酸筛选

目的 观察脑卒中后中枢性疼痛(central poststroke pain,CPSP)患者9种相关血浆游离氨基酸浓度,筛选与CPSP发病相关的氨基酸递质。 方法 112例脑卒中后2~8周患者根据是否伴发CPSP分为CPSP组30例、无CPSP(nCPSP)组82例,采用高效液相色谱-质谱分析技术测定了所有患者及36例正常对照的9种血浆游离氨基酸谱。 结果 CPSP组及nCPSP组的谷氨酸、谷氨酰胺均明显升高(P<0.05),牛磺酸、天冬酰胺均明显降低(P<0.05),nCPSP组的天冬氨酸、甘氨酸、酪氨酸、苯丙氨酸明显降低(P<0.05),CPSP组色氨酸明显降低(P<0.05)。 结论 血浆兴奋性氨基酸水平的升高和抑制性氨基酸水平的降低可能与CPSP的发病并无关联,但作为体内儿茶酚胺、5-羟色胺类递质的前体,酪氨酸、苯丙氨酸、色氨酸,则可能参与了CPSP的发病机制。     

Prevalence and risk factors of chronic post-thoracotomy pain in Chinese patients from Peking Union Medical College Hospital

Background  In clinical practice, the mechanisms underlying chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) remain insufficiently understood. The primary goals of this study were to determine the incidence of chronic pain after thoracic surgery and to identify possible risk factors associated with the development of chronic post-thoracotomy pain in Chinese patients. The secondary goal was to determine whether the difference between pre- and post-operative white blood cell (WBC) counts could predict the prevalence of CPSP after thoracotomy. The impact of chronic pain on daily life was also investigated.

Methods  We contacted by phone 607 patients who had undergone thoracotomy at our hospital during the period February 2009 to May 2010. Statistical comparisons were made between patients with or without CPSP.

Results  Results were ultimately analyzed from 466 qualified patients. The overall incidence of CPSP was 64.5%. Difference between pre- and post-operative WBC counts differed significantly between patients with or without CPSP (P <0.001) and was considered as an independent risk factor for the development of CPSP following thoracotomy (P <0.001). Other predictive factors for chronic pain included younger age (<60 years, P <0.001), diabetes mellitus (P=0.023), acute post-operative pain (P=0.005) and the duration of chest tube drainage (P <0.001). At the time of interviews, the pain resulted in at least moderate restriction of daily activities in 15% of the patients, of which only 16 patients had paid a visit to the doctor and only three of them were satisfied with the therapeutic effects.

Conclusions  Chronic pain is common after thoracotomy. WBC count may be a new independent risk factoring surgical patients during peri-operative period. Besides, age, diabetes mellitus, acute post-operative pain, and duration of chest tube drainage may also play a role in chronic post-surgical pain occurrence.

     

奥沙利铂周围神经毒性模型大鼠行为学检测方法的比较

目的 进行两种大鼠机械性痛觉敏感性测量方法、两种冷刺激缩足反应测量方法的比较研究。方法 雌性Wistar大鼠,腹腔注射奥沙利铂4 mg/kg,建立标准奥沙利铂周围神经毒性大鼠模型。检测机械和冷热温度刺激下大鼠行为学变化,并对不同行为学检测方法的特点进行比较分析。结果 模型组大鼠较正常组相比50%缩足阈明显降低(P<0.05)、出现痛觉过敏及痛觉超敏(P<0.05)、冷刺激诱发的缩足次数增多(P<0.05),两组大鼠对热痛刺激反应均无明显差异,与临床患者症状表现基本一致。结论 Von Frey纤维丝刺激检测中4 g和15 g方法可更好的模拟临床患者的痛觉过敏、超敏反应;up-down法客观量化的反应出大鼠缩足阈值下降的程度。冷温度刺激中,丙酮喷洒法可较直观的观察大鼠受到冷刺激后的反应。     

Efficacy of bupivacaine injection after pulsed radiofrequency ablation in the management of trigeminal facial pain: A prospective,randomized, and double-blind study

Objectives:To assess the effect of bupivacaine application following pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) ablation on trigeminal facial pain.Methods:A total of 73 patients with trigeminal facial pain refractory to conservative therapy were randomized into 2 groups. Group I subjects underwent PRF ablation procedure, followed by the injection of 1 ml of bupivacaine. Whereas, Group II underwent the same procedure followed by the injection of 1 ml of normal saline. Pain relief duration, the time of onset of pain relief, and analgesic effect evaluated by numerical pain rating scale were considered as outcomes.Results:Thirty-nine patients in Group I and 34 in Group II. The duration of pain relief in the 2 groups was comparable (5 months in Group I vs. 6 months in Group II, p=0.53). The onset of pain relief in the patients of Group I was shorter than Group II (0 days vs. 4.5 days, p<0.001). The binary logistic regression analysis revealed that the application of bupivacaine alone had a significant effect on the reduction of the intake of medications (p<0.05).Conclusion:In situations involving patients who require rapid pain relief, bupivacaine injection following PRF ablation can be employed to provide immediate relief without subjecting the patients to the risks associated with major complications.     

Effects of chronic pain on sleep quality and depression: A cross-sectional study

Objectives:To examined the impacts of chronic pain on depression and poor sleep quality dimensions as well as the mediating function of poor sleep quality in the pathway between chronic pain and depression.Methods:Between March 2019 and February 2020, we conducted a cross-sectional study on 233 chronic pain patients in 2 tertiary hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Results:Of the 233 patients, 36% had depression, while 66.1% had poor sleep quality. Chronic pain intensity and pain disability significantly explained 10.9% of depressed affect variance, 4.9% of anhedonia variance, 17.3% of somatic complaint variance, 4.5% of interpersonal difficulty variance, 7.4% of sleep efficiency variance, and 15% of perceived sleep quality variance. The result also showed a positive, direct effect of chronic pain on poor sleep quality, which in turn positively and directly affect depression. However, chronic pain had only indirect effect on depression.Conclusions:Among chronic pain patients, the high rates of poor sleep quality and depression requires a special attention. Chronic pain intensity and disability predict depression and sleep quality dimensions differently. The result underlines the need of managing poor sleep quality to address depression in the context of chronic pain.     

The management of central post-stroke pain.

Central post-stroke pain (CPSP) used to be known as ''thalamic syndrome''. Early post-mortem studies showed that many cases had extrathalamic lesions, and modern imaging methods have confirmed and extended these findings. CPSP affects between 2 and 6% of stroke patients, ie, there is an annual incidence in the UK of between 2000 and 6000. Most patients with CPSP appear to be younger than the general stroke population, and usually to have relatively mild motor affliction; thus they may live for many years, giving a prevalence perhaps as high as 20,000. True CPSP, characterised by a partial or total deficit for thermal and/or sharpness sensations, is best treated initially with adrenergically active antidepressants. If these do not work, mexiletine may be added in suitable cases. Recent studies suggest that stimulation of the motor cortex or spinal cord by implanted electrodes may help patients resistant to medical treatment. Positive relaxation, as an adjuvant therapy, should be used in nearly all cases. Considerable or even total relief can be achieved in almost two thirds of patients. There is evidence that the sooner antidepressant treatment is begun, the more likely the patient is to respond; time should not be wasted trying conventional analgesics, which rarely have any significant effect.     

Efficacy of manual therapy on psychological status and pain in patients with neck pain: A randomized clinical trial

Objectives:To compare the effectiveness of Maitland versus Mulligan mobilization techniques on pain, functional disability, and psychological status in patients with neck pain.Methods:Forty-four patients with nonspecific neck pain were randomly assigned to the Maitland group (n=22 patients received Maitland therapy [central or unilateral postero-anterior pressure] for 2 sessions/week for 3 weeks) and Mulligan group (n=22 patients received Mulligan sustained natural apophyseal glides for 2 sessions/week for 3 weeks). This study was conducted at the Rehabilitation Clinic, King Abdulaziz Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between December 2016 to May 2017. The outcome measures were the numeric pain rating scale score, neck disability index score, beck depression inventory score, State-trait anxiety inventory score, fear avoidance beliefs questionnaire, and pain catastrophic scale results. The independent t-test, Shapiro-Wilk test, and paired t-test were used in data analysis.Results:There were significant improvements in mean values of the numeric pain rating scale, neck disability index, beck depression inventory, state-trait anxiety inventory scores, and pain catastrophic scale results after the interventions in both groups (p<0.05, all except fear avoidance beliefs results in mulligan group p>0.05), and there were no significant differences in mean values between the groups (p>0.05).Conclusion:In patients with nonspecific neck pain, Maitland and Mulligan mobilization techniques have positive effects on neck pain, functional disability, and selected psychological features with no significant difference between them.     

脊髓背角基质细胞衍生因子1对皮肤肌肉切口牵拉术致持续性疼痛大鼠中枢敏感化及痛觉过敏的影响

目的 观察脊髓背角基质细胞衍生因子1（SDF-1）对皮肤肌肉切口牵拉术（SMIR）致持续性疼痛大鼠中枢敏感化及痛觉过敏的影响,为探讨术后慢性疼痛的发生机制和治疗靶点提供依据。方法 采用SMIR后持续性疼痛大鼠模型。将36只雄性SD大鼠随机分为假手术组（仅切开皮肤）和SMIR后1、5、10、20 d组以及SMIR+鞘内注射SDF-1中和性抗体组,每组6只大鼠。用up-down法测定术后大鼠痛行为学,用蛋白质印迹法检测各组大鼠脊髓组织中SDF-1的表达。再取18只雄性SD大鼠随机分为假手术组、SMIR组和SMIR+脊髓表面给予SDF-1中和性抗体组（每组6只大鼠）,检测3组大鼠脊髓背角C纤维诱发场电位长时程增强（LTP）的变化。结果 与假手术组大鼠相比,SMIR后第5、10、20天大鼠脊髓组织SDF-1表达均增加（P均<0.05）,且SMIR后大鼠痛阈降低（P<0.01）,鞘内注射SDF-1中和性抗体可部分逆转SMIR引起的痛阈下降（P<0.05）。SMIR后1 h脊髓背角LTP升高（P<0.01）,脊髓表面给予SDF-1中和性抗体可抑制SMIR导致的LTP升高（P<0.01）。结论 脊髓背角SDF-1参与了SMIR致持续性疼痛大鼠中枢敏感化及痛觉过敏,但具体机制有待进一步研究。     

局麻药在术后慢性疼痛预防及治疗中的作用

尽管疼痛的发生机制正在被逐步深入地研究,疼痛规范化管理的观念也在不断地强化,术后慢性疼痛较高的发生率仍然是临床工作中不可忽视的难题。在部分类型的手术中这一问题尤为凸显,包括截肢手术(30%~50%)、乳腺癌手术(20%~30%)和开胸手术(30%~60%),其中有2%~10%的患者受到严重的术后慢性疼痛困扰,甚至丧失工作及生活能力。术后慢性疼痛常由严重的术后急性疼痛发展而来,伴随着手术创伤后机体一系列复杂的病理过程。要减少术后慢性疼痛的发生,一个能够合理而有效地控制术后急性疼痛的围术期镇痛方案显得尤为重要。局部麻醉药作为能够可逆性阻断神经冲动传导的药物,以及其良好的安全性能,在临床被广泛使用于阻断术后疼痛。越来越多的证据表明,手术过程中的神经损伤及手术后炎症反应所导致的外周及中枢敏化是术后慢性疼痛发生及发展中比较重要的影响因素。局部麻醉药阻滞信号传导及抗炎作用的药理性质与术后慢性疼痛的发生机制有紧密的联系。本文就局部麻醉药降低术后慢性疼痛发生的机理以及其将来的应用前景做一综述,为更好地理解局部麻醉药在预防术后慢性疼痛发生中的作用以及对术后慢性疼痛产生更有效的治疗,提出新的思路。      

Prevalence of gastro-esophageal reflux in diabetic patients at a tertiary hospital in Central Saudi Arabia

Objectives:To estimate the prevalence of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) among diabetic patients and to investigate GERD’s potential association with diabetic complications, and patients’ sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.Methods:This cross-sectional study used the GERD questionnaire (GerdQ) in 403 diabetic patients attending the outpatient clinics at King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University Medical City, King Saud University; a tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between January and February 2019. On the basis of a cutoff GerdQ score of 8, we distinguished GERD and non-GERD groups.Results:Gastro-esophageal reflux disease prevalence was 44.9%. Of the diabetic patients with GERD, 76.8% were female (p<0.001). Gastro-esophageal reflux disease patients were older (mean age: 55.27, p=0.038) and had a slightly higher body mass index (BMI) than non-GERD (32.04 versus, 30.20 p=0.006), respectively. Smokers in the GERD group were 1.7% versus 7.2% in the non-GERD group (p=0.007). Peripheral numbness (p=0.023) and nephropathy (p=0.041) were more prevalent in patients with GERD, while myocardial infarction was more prevalent in non-GERD subjects (p=0.038). On multi variable analysis, the only independent GERD risk factors were female gender (p=0.013) and age >65 years (p=0.007).Conclusion:Gastro-esophageal reflux disease prevalence in diabetic patients was 45%. Diabetic patients with GERD were more often female and older >65 years. None of the other tested factors (BMI, smoking status, diabetes mellitus duration, therapeutic plan, or diabetic complications) showed significant difference between GERD and non-GERD groups.     

Could flank pain be an indicator of COVID-19 infection?

BackgroundWe describe the incidental detection of patients infiltrates due to COVID-19 in lung basal sections in patients undergoing abdominal computed tomography (CT) with flank pain attending the urology outpatient clinic during the current pandemic.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed 276 patients admitted to the Siirt Training and Research Hospital Urology outpatients clinic between 15 March 2020 and 9 August 2020 with a complaint of flank pain and undergoing non-contrast abdominal CT. A total of 10 patients with COVID-19 compatible findings in CT were defined as the study group. A control group was formed from 10 patients with only urological pathologies (kidney stones, ureteral stones, and hydronephrosis) without a COVID-19 compatible appearance on CT.ResultsTen (3.6 %) patients were identified with COVID-19 and pneumonic infiltrations in the basal regions of the lungs; diagnosis was made by cross-sectional abdominal CT. The visual analog scale (VAS) score of flank pain was significantly higher in the control group (p<0.001); these subjects had urological pathology and no evidence of COVID-19 in the basal regions of the lungs on abdominal CT. There were no signs of COVID-19 disease detected during the admissions procedure in the urology outpatient clinic, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath.ConclusionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to consider a diagnosis of COVID_19 in patients reporting non-severe flank pain if no urological pathology is evident on abdominal CT scans.     

规范化疼痛护理管理体系对食管癌患者围手术期焦虑及疼痛的影响

目的 探讨规范化疼痛护理管理体系对食管癌患者围手术期焦虑及疼痛的影响。方法 将91例食管癌择期手术患者随机分为对照组40例和试验组51例。对照组按传统常规护理模式,试验组采用规范化疼痛护理管理体系,观察两组患者手术前夜、术后72 h状态焦虑水平、不同时间点疼痛评分、镇痛药物副作用和肺部并发症发生率及镇痛满意度。结果 试验组手术前夜、术后72 h的状态焦虑水平、术后不同时间点疼痛评分、镇痛药物副作用及肺部并发症的发生率均低于对照组(P<0.05);患者对镇痛的满意度,试验组优于对照组(P<0.001)。结论 规范化疼痛护理管理体系能有效缓解食管癌患者围手术期焦虑和术后疼痛,降低术后并发症,提高患者满意度,促进早期康复。     

Prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea and its effect on the quality of life amongst female medical students at King Saud University,Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Objectives:To quantify the prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea, study its associated factors, and to assess its effect on the quality of life of female medical students.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 376 female medical students at King Saud University student campus and King Khalid University Hospital (KKUH), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between September 2017 and May 2018. The study was conducted using a consecutive, non-random sampling technique.Results:The prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea among female medical students was 80.1%; most of the participants (n=134) reported moderate pain (49.8%). Primary dysmenorrhea was significantly associated with caffeine consumption (p<0.05) and did not show an association with factors, body mass index, diet, lack of physical activity, and smoking. Among the SF-36 domains, the 4 domains physical health (p<0.001) and emotional health (p=0.01) including health changes (p=0.033) and pain (p<0.001) were statistically significantly affected by dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea also had a significant impact on the students’ academic performance where a higher proportion of students suffering from primary dysmenorrhea showed negative effects on their attendance, concentration, study time, and participation in class.Conclusion:Most female medical students suffer from primary dysmenorrhea, which adversely affects their quality of life and academic performance. Caffeine consumption demonstrated a significant association with primary dysmenorrhea. Periodical awareness programs to minimize the consequences of primary dysmenorrhea should be introduced.     

Functional somatic illnesses in patients with functional bowel disorders: A cross-sectional cohort study in western Saudi Arabia

Objectives:To study the prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) in Saudi patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with IBS treated at a private tertiary medical center in western Saudi Arabia between 2013 and 2017. We used ROME 3 criteria with data from the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) depression scale, and International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) to assess the prevalence of psychosomatic illness. Statistical analysis of frequency and statistical correlation was performed using Chi-square.Results:The final analysis of 307 patients revealed a combined 425 diagnoses of psychosomatic illness, including diagnoses of headache in 104 patients (34%), migraine in 93 patients (30.5%), fibromyalgia in 169 patients (55%), and depression in 59 patients (19%). There was a statistically significant correlation between patients’ ages and diagnoses of joint pain and migraines.Conclusion:Fibromyalgia and headache disorders were common in this cohort of Saudi patients with IBS. This coexistence of illness is partly explained by the functional nature of these illnesses. Collective efforts to provide multidisciplinary care is needed for these patients.     

Bacterial colonization of peripheral intravenous cannulas in a tertiary care hospital: A cross sectional observational study

BackgroundThe use of intravenous (IV) cannulas is an integral part of patient care in hospitals. These intravenous cannulas are a potential route for microorganisms to enter the blood stream resulting in a variety of local or systemic infections. Studies showing the actual prevalence of colonization of peripheral IV cannulas and its role in BSI are lacking. Hence, this study was aimed to estimate the prevalence of colonization of the injection ports of peripheral IV cannulas.MethodsThis cross sectional study was conducted on patients admitted in ICU and wards in an 800 bedded tertiary care hospital. Swabs were taken from lumens of peripheral IV cannulas and cultured. Patient demographic data and practices followed for maintenance of IV line were noted.ResultsA total of 196 injection port samples were taken, out of which 11 tested positive for microbial growth (5.61%). Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant organism contributing 64% of the microbial growth. A significant association was seen between presence of local signs, old age and positive cultures. Flushing IV cannula every 6 h was associated with negative cultures.ConclusionPeripheral IV cannulation has significant potential for microbial contamination and is largely ignored. Most of the risk factors associated with growth of microorganisms in the injection ports of peripheral intravenous cannulas (which has a potential to cause catheter-related blood stream infections) can be prevented by improving protocols for management. To prevent infection from occurring, practitioners should be educated and trained about the care and management of IV.     

针药并用治疗缺血性中风后丘脑痛的临床观察

[目的] 比较针药并用法与西药卡马西平治疗缺血性中风后丘脑痛的临床疗效。[方法] 采用随机对照试验设计,将84例患者根据随机数字表法分为两组,治疗组采用头针、华佗夹脊穴盘龙刺、中药汤剂,对照组采用口服卡马西平,治疗28 d后应用疼痛视觉模拟评分法（VAS）进行疗效评价。[结果] 治疗组总有效率为92.9%,对照组为81.0%.经统计学处理,治疗后组间VAS评分 降低程度比较,治疗组明显的优级（P<0.05）.[结论] 针药并用治疗缺血性中风后丘脑痛疗效优于单纯口服卡马西平疗法,值得临床推广。     

The prevalence of hypocalcemia following total thyroidectomy: A retrospective study based at King Abdulaziz University Hospital,Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Objectives:To estimate the prevalence of hypocalcemia following total thyroidectomy (TT) at a tertiary center.Methods:This retrospective study was conducted between 2014 and 2019 at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The study was based at the Department of General Surgery and was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of KAUH. Medical records of 154 patients who had undergone TT were reviewed. Data such as age, gender, level of postoperative calcium at 24 and 48 hours after surgery, parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, central neck dissection (CCND), histological diagnosis were entered into Microsoft Excel sheets.Results:Hypocalcemia occurred more on the second day after surgery in 67.4% of patients. Among them, 83.9% were female and 16.1% were male. The majority of patients were asymptomatic and benign thyroid disease was the most common. There was a significant association between hypocalcemia and the PTH level (p<0.001).Conclusion:There was a high prevalence of hypocalcemia on the second day after surgery. Presence of hypocalcemia association with the PTH level. Meticulous surgical technique and preservation of parathyroid vascularity are important in preventing postoperative hypocalcemia.     

Management of acute pyelonephritis in the emergency department observation unit

INTRODUCTIONThis study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the emergency department observation unit (EDOU) for patients with acute pyelonephritis in a Singapore tertiary academic medical centre.METHODSWe reviewed the clinical records of consecutive patients who presented with pyelonephritis between 1 July 2012 and 31 October 2014 to collect information on demographics, symptoms, signs, laboratory and radiological results, treatment, and clinical outcomes.RESULTSOf 459 emergency department (ED) patients who were identified as having pyelonephritis, 164 (35.7%) were managed in the EDOU. Successful management in the EDOU was achieved in 100 (61.0%) patients. Escherichia coli was the predominant (64.6%) micro-organism in urine cultures and was positive in 106 patients. Patients diagnosed with acute pyelonephritis who were successfully managed in the EDOU had a lower incidence of nausea (32.0% vs. 60.9%, p < 0.001) and vomiting (15.0% vs. 50.0%, p < 0.001) compared to those who were not successful.CONCLUSIONEDOU is useful for both observation and treatment of patients with acute pyelonephritis. Urine cultures are sufficient for the identification of the culprit micro-organism. Patients who present with prominent symptoms of vomiting should have routine administration of antiemetics, while consideration for second-line antiemetics is recommended for those with persistent symptoms.     

Assessment of the quality of anticoagulation management with warfarin in a tertiary care center

Objectives:To evaluate the quality of an anticoagulation clinic in a tertiary hospital and identified factors affecting the time in the therapeutic range (TTR) and its relation to different complications.Methods:This single-center retrospective study conducted between March 2015 and June 2016 included 1914 patients receiving warfarin therapy. They were divided into 4 warfarin indication groups: non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) (n=403), valvular AF (n=227), prosthetic valves (n=700), and venous or pulmonary embolism (n=584).Results:The median age was 56 (25th, 75th percentiles: [45, 67]) years, and 53.2% were female. The median TTR was 0.52 (0.28, 0.76). Low hemoglobin (0.007) and high alkaline phosphatase (0.020) levels negatively affected the TTR. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) was associated with low TTRs. Minor bleeding occurred in 64 (3.35%), gastrointestinal bleeding in 14 (0.7%), and stroke in 41 (2.2%) patients, with no inter-group differences. The TTR was not associated with minor bleeding (odds ratio [OR]=0.49; p=0.09), gastrointestinal bleeding (OR=0.29; p=0.18), or stroke (OR=1.15; p=0.79).Conclusion:Reflecting the real-life experience of anticoagulation control, our patients spend less than half the TTR within the INR. The low target TTR mandates the need to improve service quality and control factors affecting the TTR, including hemoglobin levels and regular visits for patients with VTE.