Higher Preimplantation Opioid Doses Associated With Long‐Term Spinal Cord Stimulation Failure in 211 Patients With Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

ObjectiveSpinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an effective treatment in failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). We studied the effect of preimplantation opioid use on SCS outcome and the effect of SCS on opioid use during a two-year follow-up period.Materials and methodsThe study cohort included 211 consecutive FBSS patients who underwent an SCS trial from January 1997 to March 2014. Participants were divided into groups, which were as follows: 1) SCS trial only (n = 47), 2) successful SCS (implanted and in use throughout the two-year follow-up period, n = 131), and 3) unsuccessful SCS (implanted but later explanted or revised due to inadequate pain relief, n = 29). Patients who underwent explantation for other reasons (n = 4) were excluded. Opioid purchase data from January 1995 to March 2016 were retrieved from national registries.ResultsHigher preimplantation opioid doses associated with unsuccessful SCS (ROC: AUC = 0.66, p = 0.009), with 35 morphine milligram equivalents (MME)/day as the optimal cutoff value. All opioids were discontinued in 23% of patients with successful SCS, but in none of the patients with unsuccessful SCS (p = 0.004). Strong opioids were discontinued in 39% of patients with successful SCS, but in none of the patients with unsuccessful SCS (p = 0.04). Mean opioid dose escalated from 18 ± 4 MME/day to 36 ± 6 MME/day with successful SCS and from 22 ± 8 MME/day to 82 ± 21 MME/day with unsuccessful SCS (p < 0.001).ConclusionsHigher preimplantation opioid doses were associated with SCS failure, suggesting the need for opioid tapering before implantation. With continuous SCS therapy and no explantation or revision due to inadequate pain relief, 39% of FBSS patients discontinued strong opioids, and 23% discontinued all opioids. This indicates that SCS should be considered before detrimental dose escalation.     

脊柱后路内固定术后硬膜外血肿的预防与护理体会

目的 探讨脊柱后路内固定术后硬膜外血肿的预防与护理体会。方法 遵照回顾性分析法选择我院2013年2 月～2018 年2 月纳入的60 例脊柱后路内固定术患者，依照不同理疗方式进行分组。其中30 例给予常规药物治疗作为对照组，另30 例除了常规治疗之外实施综合护理作为研究组，记录两组硬膜外血肿、腰椎术后血肿及颈椎术后血肿发生率，分别在干预前后进行生活质量评分（QOL）调查，出院时发放满意度调查问卷表，对比两组干预结果。结果 研究组血肿发生率为6.67%，明显低于对照组的20.00%（P＜0.05）。干预前两组的食欲、精神、睡眠、疼痛及日常生活评分相比差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05），干预后研究组的各项评分均高于对照组（P＜0.05）。研究组对干预效果的满意度为90.00%，明显高于对照组的76.67%（P＜0.05）。结论 护理干预运用于脊柱后路内固定中效果显著，能够有效减少硬膜外血肿的发生率，提升生活质量，促进病情稳定，患者满意度较高，可维持良好医患关系。     

Severe lumbar spinal stenosis combined with Guillain-Barré syndrome: A case report

BACKGROUNDGuillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare disorder that typically presents with ascending weakness, pain, paraesthesias, and numbness, which mimic the findings in lumbar spinal stenosis. Here, we report a case of severe lumbar spinal stenosis combined with GBS.CASE SUMMARYA 70-year-old man with a history of lumbar spinal stenosis presented to our emergency department with severe lower back pain and lower extremity numbness. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis of severe lumbar spinal stenosis. However, his symptoms did not improve postoperatively and he developed dysphagia and upper extremity numbness. An electromyogram was performed. Based on his symptoms, physical examination, and electromyogram, he was diagnosed with GBS. After 5 d of intravenous immunoglobulin (0.4 g/kg/d for 5 d) therapy, he gained 4/5 of strength in his upper and lower extremities and denied paraesthesias. He had regained 5/5 of strength in his extremities when he was discharged and had no symptoms during follow-up.CONCLUSIONGBS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spinal disorder, even though magnetic resonance imaging shows severe lumbar spinal stenosis. This case highlights the importance of a careful diagnosis when a patient has a history of a disease and comes to the hospital with the same or similar symptoms.     

加速康复外科理念在脊柱结核围手术期护理中的应用效果分析

目的: 分析探讨加速康复外科(ERAS)理念在脊柱结核围手术期护理应用中的效果。 方法: 收集青岛市胸科医院外科2017年7月至2020年6月收治的147例脊柱结核患者。其中,2017年7月至2018年12月收治的68例脊柱结核手术患者围手术期应用常规护理,作为对照组;2019年1月至2020年6月收治的79例脊柱结核手术患者在常规护理措施基础上融入了ERAS理念,作为ERAS组。比较两组患者的引流管拔除、最初下床进行功能锻炼、最初自主排尿的时间,术后72h疼痛(采用视觉模拟评分法)评分,住院天数,恶心呕吐、肺部感染、药物性肝损伤的发生率,以及患者满意度的差异。 结果: 与对照组相比,ERAS组患者引流管拔除时间[6.00(4.00,8.00)d和8.00(7.00,8.00)d;W=4321.000,P<0.001]、最初下床进行功能锻炼时间[2.00(2.00,4.00)d和5.50(4.25,6.00)d;W=3376.000,P<0.001]、首次在床上自主排尿时间[5.00(3.00,6.00)h和9.00(7.00,9.00)h;W=3369.000,P<0.001]、术后72h疼痛评分[3.00(2.00,4.00)分和5.00(5.00,6.00)分;W=4078.500,P<0.001]、住院总天数[19.00(18.00,21.00)d和22.00(19.00,27.00)d;W=4791.500,P<0.001]均有所下降,差异均有统计学意义。与对照组相比,ERAS组术后恶心呕吐发生率[7.6%(6/79)和19.1%(13/68);χ²=4.311,P=0.038]、肺部感染发生率[2.5%(2/79)和11.8%(8/68);χ²=4.914,P=0.027]、药物性肝损伤发生率[1.3%(1/79)和13.2%(9/68),χ²=8.258,P=0.004]均有所下降,差异均有统计学意义。ERAS组患者满意度高于对照组[96.2%(76/79)和85.3%(58/68),χ²=7.100,P=0.008],差异有统计学意义。 结论: ERAS理念应用于脊柱结核围手术期护理可以加速患者的康复,减少并发症的发生,提高患者的满意度。     

A modality-specific somatosensory evoked potential test protocol for clinical evaluation: A feasibility study

ObjectiveWe aimed to establish an objective neurophysiological test protocol that can be used to assess the somatosensory nervous system.MethodsIn order to assess most fiber subtypes of the somatosensory nervous system, repetitive stimuli of seven different modalities (touch, vibration, pinprick, cold, contact heat, laser, and warmth) were synchronized with the electroencephalogram (EEG) and applied on the cheek and dorsum of the hand and dorsum of the foot in 21 healthy subjects and three polyneuropathy (PNP) patients. Latencies and amplitudes of the modalities were assessed and compared. Patients received quantitative sensory testing (QST) as reference.ResultsWe found reproducible evoked potentials recordings for touch, vibration, pinprick, contact-heat, and laser stimuli. The recording of warm-evoked potentials was challenging in young healthy subjects and not applicable in patients. Latencies were shortest within Aβ-fiber-mediated signals and longest within C-fibers. The test protocol detected function loss within the Aβ-fiber and Aδ-fiber-range in PNP patients. This function loss corresponded with QST findings.ConclusionIn this pilot study, we developed a neurophysiological test protocol that can specifically assess most of the somatosensory modalities. Despite technical challenges, initial patient data appear promising regarding a possible future clinical application.SignificanceEstablished and custom-made stimulators were combined to assess different fiber subtypes of the somatosensory nervous system using modality-specific evoked potentials.     

Características clínicas y pronóstico de la lesión medular traumática en pacientes mayores de 75 años

ObjectiveTo analyze the incidence and characteristics of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) in geriatric population of Galicia (Spain), hospital management and functional prognosis.MethodsComparative retrospective study. Patients admitted with acute traumatic SCI during the time period between January 2010 and December 2016 were included. Two groups established: The elderly over and under 75 years of age, with the latter acting as a control group.ResultsThree hundred seventy-nine patients were studied (27.2% ≥75 years). The main etiology in the >75 years group were falls: 80.6%. There were 65.7% who presented incomplete spinal cord injuries with mean motor index (MI) of 44.9/100. Upon discharge, 90.8% were dependent. Hospital mortality was 34.9%. Those >75 years suffered from more cervical injuries (74.8 vs. 51.2%; p<0.001), longer delay in diagnosis (31.1 vs. 9.2%; p<0.001) and higher hospital mortality (34.9 vs. 3.2%; p<0.001). Fewer surgical interventions were performed, with a longer delay. Percentages for admission into ICU, mechanical ventilation and performing a tracheostomy proved to be similar. There were no significant differences found in the evolution according to the ASIA scale or the MI.Conclusions1) The frequency of traumatic SCI in the elderly in Galicia is high; 2) Neurological evolution is similar to younger patients but the level of dependence is higher; 3) The level of care provided is similar in both groups, except for the surgical indication, and 4) Hospital mortality is high.     

Optimizing Rapid Recovery After Anterior Hip Arthroplasty Surgery: A Comparative Study of Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block and Local Infiltration Analgesia

BackgroundMultimodal pain therapy combining analgesics, local infiltration analgesia (LIA) and peripheral nerve blocks, such as fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB), can improve postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting (PONV) and ambulation in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). We hypothesized that addition of FICB would decrease opioid requirements and length of stay (LOS) but could create a motor block.MethodsThis is a single center, prospective, blinded randomized controlled study of 152 patients undergoing elective THA via direct anterior approach from October 2019 till August 2021. Three patient groups were defined: patients receiving only spinal anesthesia (control group, n = 53); spinal anesthesia with LIA perioperatively (n = 50); and spinal anesthesia with FICB on the recovery unit (n = 49). Outcome measures consisted of postoperative pain scores, PONV, length of hospital stay, opioid requirements and mobility.ResultsOverall pain scores were low for all patient groups, with a lower pain score for LIA in comparison to the control group until 4 hours postoperatively (P < .05). Length of hospital stay, postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting (PONV) scores and quadriceps muscle strength did not differ significantly between groups. The control group showed higher scores at 12 hours postoperatively in comparison to FICB regarding rehabilitation potential, use of walking aids and activities of daily living (P < .05), but all groups reached the same endpoint 48 hours postoperatively. The LIA and FICB groups required less opioids until 24 hours postoperatively.ConclusionLIA is a beneficial adjuvant therapy to spinal anesthesia in THA patients as it may decrease pain scores and the need for opioid consumption. Adjuvant FICB only provided lower opioid requirements.     

Self-care Experiences of Adolescents with Spinal Muscular Atrophy

PurposeWe examined the self-care experiences of adolescents with spinal muscle atrophy (SMA) and their perceptions of the interactions between their body and the environment.MethodsWe interviewed ten adolescents with SMA aged 13–18 years regarding personal care practices. Purposive sampling was conducted in two medical centers in northern Taiwan. Data were analyzed using the Giorgi analysis method.ResultsFour constitutions were identified: (1) limited space for independent development, (2) multiple reconstructions of self-image to improve physical ability, (3) self-care of disease, and (4) developing activity styles to accommodate social culture.ConclusionThe self-care lived experiences of patients reflect dynamic changes in the body and environment. Self-existence was exhibited by adjustment, practice, and creativity of physical activity to integrate into society. Nursing staff should understand the self-care experiences and needs of adolescents with SMA to develop a database of self-care skills. This study recommended that nursing staff improve their ability to guide patients in taking care of themselves by developing body awareness self-care courses and individual care plans in response to various stages of disability to help patients delay deterioration, realize their physical potential, and promote independence and social development.     

Minimum clinically important difference of the health-related quality of life scales in adult spinal deformity calculated by latent class analysis: is it appropriate to use the same values for surgical and nonsurgical patients?

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) parameters have been shown to be reliable and valid in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD). Minimum clinically important difference (MCID) has become increasingly important to clinicians in evaluating patients with a threshold of improvement that is clinically relevant.