The validity and utility of the BPI interference measures for evaluating the impact of osteoarthritic pain

Understanding the pain experience of lionfish envenomation

Introduction

Stings from the lionfish (Pterois volitans) constitute one of the most painful wounds in the ocean. This species has invaded the Atlantic coast of the United States, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Mediterranean Sea. In addition to its ecological impact on local fish populations, stings from the lionfish pose a medical problem because of the debilitating nature of the pain they produce. However, there are no studies examining the human pain experience of lionfish stings.

Objective

To characterize the various aspects of the pain experience following a lionfish sting.

Methods

We developed a pain questionnaire that includes validated scales used with patients having acute or chronic pain to understand the pain variability, as well as the use of health care resources and treatments.

Results

We provide the first study of the pain experience from lionfish stings. Here, we show that the pain is intense from the start and peaks approximately 1 hour later, resolving itself in 7 days for most victims. Furthermore, pain intensity can be influenced by several factors, including (1) age of the victim, where older victims experience significantly higher pain intensities, (2) the number of spines involved, (3) and whether infection occurred at the injury site. However, pain intensity was not different between male and female participants.

Conclusion

These findings will inform the medical community on the pain experience and can be used by local authorities to better appreciate the impact of lionfish envenomations to develop programs aimed at curtailing the expansion of the lionfish.

Mitochondrial reactivity following acute exposure to experimental pain testing in people with HIV and chronic pain

Background: Physical stressors can cause a physiological response that can contribute to an increase in mitochondrial dysfunction and Mitochondrial DNA damage (mtDNA damage). People living with HIV (PWH) are more likely to suffer from chronic pain and may be more susceptible to mitochondrial dysfunction following exposure to a stressor. We used Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) as an acute painful stressor in order to investigate whether PWH with/without chronic pain show differential mitochondrial physiological responses. Methods: The current study included PWH with (n = 26), and without (n = 29), chronic pain. Participants completed a single session that lasted approximately 180 min, including QST. Blood was taken prior to and following the QST battery for assays measuring mtDNA damage, mtDNA copy number, and mtDNA damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) levels (i.e., ND1 and ND6). Results: We examined differences between those with and without pain on various indicators of mitochondrial reactivity following exposure to QST. However, only ND6 and mtDNA damage were shown to be statistically significant between pain groups. Conclusion: PWH with chronic pain showed greater mitochondrial reactivity to laboratory stressors. Consequently, PWH and chronic pain may be more susceptible to conditions in which mitochondrial damage/dysfunction play a central role, such as cognitive decline.

The devastating effects of humeral nonunion on health-related quality of life

BACKGROUND

Humeral nonunion is estimated to occur at a rate of 1.1%-25% depending on the fracture location and pattern, mechanism of injury, patient compliance with the immobilization protocol and patient's nutritional status and medical comorbidities. Fracture nonunion can cause chronic pain and limited range of motion and may hinder normal function. There is very little data from the patients' perspective regarding their experience with a humeral nonunion. The aim of this study was to establish health-related quality of life (HRQoL) norms for patients diagnosed with a humeral nonunion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed a prospectively collected database of 185 humeral nonunions seen and treated at our quaternary referral center. We recorded patient characteristics including sex, age, history of infection, previous surgery, associated nerve palsy, handedness, and the anatomic location of the nonunion. At initial clinical evaluation, all patients were asked to complete the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), and a time trade-off questionnaire. These scores were compared to other well-known chronic medical conditions' HRQoL scores.

RESULTS

The cohort reported an average utility score of 0.55 ± 0.35, average SF-12 Physical Component Summary score of 30.2 ± 7.6, average SF-12 Mental Component Summary score of 42.5 ± 6.1, and average raw DASH score of 69 ± 21, which was worse than the general US population, patients with asthma, hypertension, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and AIDS. Patients with humeral nonunion are willing to trade 45% of their remaining life to obtain perfect health, and when stratified by handedness, we found that patients with a humeral nonunion of their dominant arm were willing to trade 49.7% compared with 39.7% in patients with a humeral nonunion of their nondominant arm (P = .04).

DISCUSSION

The results of our study show that humeral nonunion is a chronic medical condition that has a debilitating effect on patients, both physically and mentally. It is important for orthopedic surgeons to acknowledge these conditions as physically and mentally debilitating to their patients. Our study highlights these physical and mental burdens and helps to quantify humeral nonunion in relation to more well-known chronic conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, AIDS, and stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

Humeral nonunions have a devastating effect on a patient's physical and mental health with HRQoL measures lower than patients with other chronic conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, AIDS, and stroke. We found that our patients, on average, would trade approximately 45% of their remaining life span for perfect health.

The use of self-report questionnaires in an analysis of the multidimensional aspects of pain and a correlation with the psychological profile and quality of life in patients with Burning Mouth Syndrome: a case control study

Background

The symptomatology in Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is complex and it should be considered in accordance with a biopsychosocial model.

Objectives

To evaluate the multidimensional aspects of pain with a complete battery of tests and to analyse its relationship with potential predictors such as mood disorders, sleep and quality of life.

Methods

Forty patients with BMS versus an equal number of age and sex‐matched healthy controls were enrolled. The VAS, SF‐MPQ, BPI, PD‐Q, BDI‐II, STAI, PSQI, ESS, SF‐36 and OHIP‐14 were administered.

Results

The scores of the VAS, SF‐MPQ, BPI, PD‐Q, BDI‐II, STAI, PSQI, SF‐36 and OHIP‐14 were statistically significantly higher in the BMS patients than the controls (p < .001**). A strongly linear correlation between pain (VAS, SF‐MPQ, BPI and PD‐Q) and disease onset (STAI, BDI‐II, PSQI and sub‐items of SF‐36 and OHIP‐14) was found. In the multiple regression analysis, the contributions of the BDI‐II and OHIP‐14 were found to be statistically significant with the SF‐MPQ, PD‐Q and BPI in terms of severity and interference, while the contributions of the STAI and sleep were found to be statistically significant with the SF‐MPQ and BPI in terms of severity and interference, respectively.

Conclusions

Pain tests are differently correlated with mood and quality of life. Therefore, a complete analysis of the patient requires several tools to better understand the multidimensional aspects of pain in BMS.

Standard Psychometric Criteria for Measurements in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine

ABSTRACT

Measurements of person's variable, such as behavior, perceptions, or attitudes, are essential to physical and rehabilitation medicine in both clinical practice and research. These measurements are commonly based on cumulative questionnaires and follow special statistical rules, belonging to the domain of psychometrics. Selecting the most appropriate measurement is critical. This article provides an overview of the standard psychometric criteria to consider in measurement selection. The article focuses on the criteria related to the contemporary psychometric approach as it considers the construct, the target population, and the purpose for which measurements are used. Common strategies related to psychometric testing are discussed and applied to critically appraise, as a representative example, one of the most commonly used pain measurements: Brief Pain Inventory. The measurement construct, conceptual framework, target population, purpose, and psychometric properties are highlighted. Observed limitations for its implementation in different settings also are discussed.

Building evidence to reduce inequities in management of pain for Indigenous Australian people

OBJECTIVES

Pain is a universal experience which each person encounters differently, guided by the psycho-socio-environmental context in which it occurs. Although more research is underway yet very little is known about pain from Indigenous Australian perspective. Therefore, this study aims to examine, experience of pain and coping, and utility of three measures: Brief Pain Inventory short form, McGill Pain Questionnaire and Numerical rating scale, from Indigenous South Australian people perspective.

METHODS

Thirteen in-person interviews were conducted which lasted around 90 min and were audio-recorded. The transcripts were coded and analysed thematically with NVivo.

RESULTS

Six key themes were identified; 1: Spiritual conceptualisation of pain; 2: Frequent experience of trauma and injury; 3: Influence of familial history of pain; 4: Acceptance of pain as normal; 5: Outlook on biomedical management of pain; 6: Preference for non-pharmacological management of pain. Also, the three measures did not fully capture pain from an Indigenous Australian perspective which is more deeply rooted in a bio-psycho-socio-spiritual context which is cardinal to conceptualization of health and wellbeing in Indigenous Australian communities.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings highlight some commonalities as well as unique differences between Indigenous experiences of pain as compared to non-Indigenous. Factors such as spiritual connection with pain, grief and loss, history of trauma and injury, fear of addiction to pain medication and exposure to pain from early childhood had important implications for how participants viewed pain.

Preliminary study on changes of brainwaves for musculoskeletal pain among collegiate athletes

BACKGROUND

Brainwaves studies on pain are gaining more attention in recent years. However, the target group in a similar study on collegiate athletes with musculoskeletal pain is still under explore.

OBJECTIVE

The objective is to investigate the differences of the brainwaves response and its association with pain interference of the collegiate athletes with and without musculoskeletal pain.

METHODS

Collegiate athletes (n= 49) were recruited and categorized into pain group (PG) (n= 25) and no-pain group (NPG) (n= 24). Brainwaves were recorded for 2 minutes with eyes closed in a resting state using EEG. Pain intensity and pain interference were documented using visual analogue scale and brief pain inventory, respectively. Independent t-test was used to compare brainwaves of PG and NPG, and Spearman's correlation was used to find the association between brain waves and pain interference.

RESULTS

Findings showed a significant decrease (p< 0.05) in brain waves in PG on left temporal regions as compared to NPG. Frontal beta, theta, and gamma waves were found to be negatively correlated with participants' pain interference.

CONCLUSION

This outcome potentially contributes EEG as an alternative non-invasive tool for an objective pain assessment method in health care technology to aid in the rehabilitation process.

Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block with Liposomal Bupivacaine versus Standard Bupivacaine with Perineural Dexamethasone: A Noninferiority Trial

BACKGROUND

The interscalene nerve block provides analgesia for shoulder surgery. To extend block duration, provide adequate analgesia, and minimize opioid consumption, the use of adjuvants such as dexamethasone as well as the application of perineural liposomal bupivacaine have been proposed. This randomized, double-blinded, noninferiority trial hypothesized that perineural liposomal bupivacaine is noninferior to standard bupivacaine with perineural dexamethasone in respect to average pain scores in the first 72 h after surgery.

METHODS

A total of 112 patients undergoing ambulatory shoulder surgery were randomized into two groups. The liposomal bupivacaine group received a 15-ml premixed admixture of 10 ml of 133 mg liposomal bupivacaine and 5 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine (n = 55), while the bupivacaine with dexamethasone group received an admixture of 15 ml of 0.5% standard bupivacaine with 4 mg dexamethasone (n = 56), respectively. The primary outcome was the average numerical rating scale pain scores at rest over 72 h. The mean difference between the two groups was compared against a noninferiority margin of 1.3. Secondary outcomes were analgesic block duration, motor and sensory resolution, opioid consumption, numerical rating scale pain scores at rest and movement on postoperative days 1 to 4 and again on postoperative day 7, patient satisfaction, readiness for postanesthesia care unit discharge, and adverse events.

RESULTS

A liposomal bupivacaine group average numerical rating scale pain score over 72 h was not inferior to the bupivacaine with dexamethasone group (mean [SD], 2.4 [1.9] vs. 3.4 [1.9]; mean difference [95% CI], -1.1 [-1.8, -0.4]; P < 0.001 for noninferiority). There was no significant difference in duration of analgesia between the groups (26 [20, 42] h vs. 27 [20, 39] h; P = 0.851). Motor and sensory resolutions were similar in both groups: 27 (21, 48) h versus 27 (19, 40) h (P = 0.436) and 27 [21, 44] h versus 31 (20, 42) h (P = 0.862), respectively. There was no difference in opioid consumption, readiness for postanesthesia care unit discharge, or adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Interscalene nerve blocks with perineural liposomal bupivacaine provided effective analgesia similar to the perineural standard bupivacaine with dexamethasone. The results show that bupivacaine with dexamethasone can be used interchangeably with liposomal bupivacaine for analgesia after shoulder surgery.

EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE

Measurement Properties of the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF) and Revised Short McGill Pain Questionnaire Version-2 (SF-MPQ-2) in Pain-related Musculoskeletal Conditions: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to systematically locate, critically appraise, and summarize clinical measurement research addressing the use of Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF) and Revised Short McGill Pain Questionnaire Version-2 (SF-MPQ-2) in pain-related musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We systematically searched 4 databases (Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, and SCOPUS) and screened articles to identify those reporting the psychometric properties (eg, validity, reliability) and interpretability (eg, minimal clinically important difference) of BPI-SF and SF-MPQ-2 as evaluated in pain-related MSK conditions. Independently, 2 reviewers extracted data and assessed the quality of evidence with a structured quality appraisal tool and the updated COSMIN guidelines.

RESULTS

In all, 26 articles were included (BPI-SF, n=17; SF-MPQ-2, n=9). Both tools lack reporting on their cross-cultural validities and measurement error indices (eg, standard error of measurement). High-quality studies suggest the tools are internally consistent (α=0.83 to 0.96), and they associate modestly with similar outcomes (r=0.3 to 0.69). Strong evidence suggests the BPI-SF conforms to its 2-dimensional structure in MSK studies; the SF-MPQ-2 4-factor structure was not clearly established. Seven reports of high-to-moderate quality evidence were supportive of the BPI-SF known-group validity (n=2) and responsiveness (n=5). One report of high quality established the SF-MPQ-2 responsiveness.

DISCUSSION

Evidence of high-to-moderate quality supports the internal consistency, criterion-convergent validity, structural validity, and responsiveness of the BPI-SF and SF-MPQ-2 and establishes their use as generic multidimensional pain outcomes in MSK populations. However, more studies of high quality are still needed on their retest reliability, known-group validity, cross-cultural validity, interpretability properties, and measurement error indices in different MSK populations.

Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Ferric Carboxymaltose in Patients with Postoperative Anemia Following Same-Day Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

(1) Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) to treat acute postoperative anemia following same-day bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). (2) Methods: A total of 118 patients who underwent same-day bilateral TKA were randomly assigned to two groups: an FCM group (FCM infusion, 58 patients) and a Control group (placebo with normal saline, 60 patients). The primary endpoint was the number of responders with a Hb increase of two or more points by the second postoperative week. The secondary endpoints were Hb level, iron metabolism variables and blood transfusion rate at 2, 6 and 12 weeks after surgery. (3) Results: The FCM group had more Hb responders than the Control group (62.1% vs. 31.6%, p < 0.001). The Hb level was significantly higher in the FCM group during 12 weeks after surgery (all p < 0.05). Ferritin, iron and transferrin saturation levels were significantly higher in the FCM group from 2 to 12 weeks postoperatively (all p < 0.05). There was no difference in transfusion rate after surgery (p > 0.05). (4) Conclusion: In patients with postoperative anemia after same-day bilateral TKA, IV FCM infusion significantly improved Hb response two weeks after surgery without severe adverse events compared to placebo. In contrast, transfusion rate and various parameters of quality of life assessment up to 12 weeks did not vary between these groups. Level of evidence: Level I.

Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form: A New Method for Assessing Pain in the Emergency Department

OBJECTIVE

The numeric rating scale (NRS), which does not capture the multidimensional experience of pain, is commonly used to measure pain in the emergency department (ED). In this study, we assess the utility and feasibility of the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF) in the ED.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional, prospective, convenience sample study of adult patients presenting to the ED with chest, abdominal, or musculoskeletal pain. Using confirmatory factor analysis, we investigated the construct validity of the BPI-SF. We determined the association between NRS and BPI-SF scores. We assessed the feasibility and utility of administering the BPI-SF in the ED setting by evaluating 1) the time required to complete the BPI-SF and 2) how patients perceive the BPI-SF compared with the NRS.

RESULTS

One hundred participants were included for analysis. The median NRS pain level on ED arrival (interquartile range [IQR]) was 7 (5-8). The median BPI-SF score (IQR) was 57 (43-73) on a 0-110 scale. Fit indices for the two-factor structure were statistically superior when compared with the one-factor model of the BPI-SF (comparative fit index 0.90 vs 0.64). Higher pain severity score, pain interference score, and total BPI-SF score were associated with higher NRS scores (P < 0.01). The mean time needed to complete the BPI-SF (SD) was 3 minutes 47 seconds (1 minute 35 seconds). Seventy-three percent of the patients preferred the BPI-SF to the NRS for pain assessment in the ED.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates the validity, feasibility, and utility of the BPI-SF in the ED setting.

Self-Administered Acupressure for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

Objective Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is associated with fatigue, pain, poor sleep, and disability. Acupressure is a low-risk treatment option used to manage symptoms in other groups, but its efficacy, particularly on fatigue and sleep, is unknown in CLBP. This study examined preliminary effects of two types of self-administered acupressure (relaxing and stimulating) on fatigue, pain, sleep, and reported disability. Methods A randomized pilot trial was conducted (N = 67) in which participants were randomized into six weeks of relaxing acupressure, stimulating acupressure, or usual care. Fatigue was measured by the Brief Fatigue Inventory, pain was measured by the Brief Pain Inventory, sleep was measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and reported disability was measured by the Roland Morris Scale. Results Baseline characteristics were similar across groups. An intent-to-treat analysis using general linear models showed positive improvement in pain in acupressure groups compared with usual care. Pain was reduced by 35-36% in the acupressure groups. Improvement in fatigue was also found in stimulating acupressure compared with usual care. Adverse events were minimal and related to application of too much pressure. Discussion Although this was a small study, acupressure demonstrated promising preliminary support of efficacy for pain and fatigue reduction in this population.

Taking the patient and the patient's perspective into account to improve outcomes of care of patients with musculoskeletal diseases

Patient-reported outcome measures are commonly used in the assessment of patients with musculoskeletal diseases. The present review provides an overview of historic and recent developments, including core set recommendations for assessing patient-reported outcomes in patients with fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis. The evidence supporting commonly used patient-reported outcomes measures is reviewed. Furthermore, various methodological approaches that can be utilized to evaluate validity and measurement precision of patient reported outcomes are introduced. Commonly used methods based on the classical test theory as well as modern approaches based on item response theory will be discussed. The review finally describes the increasing use of item response theory-based approaches used in patient-reported outcomes assessment in the musculoskeletal diseases.

Close relationships as a contributor to chronic pain pathogenesis: Predicting pain etiology and persistence

RATIONALE

Chronic stress contributes to the pathogenesis of chronic pain. Yet, the role of close relationship stress in these pathways to pain is not fully understood.

OBJECTIVE

To delineate specific psychosocial pathways associated with chronic pain, specifically emphasizing close relationships for midlife adults. We tested whether relationship strain, relationship support, social integration, depression, anxiety, and pain severity predict chronic pain etiology and persistence over 10 years, highlighting specific associations for acute versus chronic pain.

METHOD

Using data from the National Survey of Midlife in the U.S. (MIDUS 2 and 3, collected in 2004-2006 and 2013-2014, respectively), we used logistic regression to test the etiology of new chronic pain (n = 1591) and persistence of pain for adults with acute (n = 352) and chronic pain (n = 367) conditions at baseline.

RESULTS

Of participants who reported they did not have chronic pain at baseline, the development of chronic pain 10 years later was significantly associated with baseline family strain (OR = 1.38, p < .01). For participants with acute pain at baseline, the transition of this pain to chronic a decade later was significantly associated with initial reports of pain interference (OR = 1.24, p < .001), family support (OR = 0.60, p < .05), and depression (OR = 1.20, p < .05). Persistent chronic pain was solely associated with baseline pain interference (OR = 1.21, p < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Family strain is an important part of the chronic stress profile associated with chronic pain etiology, whereas family support is associated with a reduced risk of acute pain transitioning to chronic pain over time. Prioritizing family relationships in treatment approaches to pain may be an indicated, innovative approach to preventing pain development and escalation and requires systems training in healthcare.

Modifiable pathways from pain to functional status: Confirmatory baseline results from a randomised trial of African American patients with cancer pain

OBJECTIVE

This study tested a model of cancer-related pain and functional status in African American patients, including beliefs about the ability to control pain as a key determinant of distress and functional status.

METHODS

Baseline data from a randomised clinical trial consisting of clinical and patient-reported outcomes were used. Participants were 228 African American patients experiencing moderate to severe pain within the past 2 weeks. The model comprised four latent constructs: pain, perceived control over pain, pain-related distress and functional status. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to validate the factor structure of the measurement model. Structural equation modelling was used to estimate direct and mediated effects.

RESULTS

The measurement model fit well (RMSEA = 0.06, SRMR = 0.05) with all loadings significant (p < 0.05). The structural model also fit well (RMSEA = 0.04, SRMR = 0.05). The complex mediated pathway from pain to functional status through perceived control over pain and pain-related distress was strong and significant (specific indirect effect = -0.456, p = 0.004). Mediation by perceived control accounted for a 47% reduction of the effects of pain on functional status.

CONCLUSION

If these results hold up longitudinally, interventions to increase perceived control over pain have the potential to improve functional status by decreasing pain-related distress.

Brief Pain Inventory: A proposal to extend its clinical application

BACKGROUND

This study presents an adaptation of the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) extending its use in clinical/epidemiological contexts and the evaluation of the properties of BPI (short form) in a sample of Brazilian adults.

METHODS

Part of item 1 of this instrument was removed because it prevented the participation of individuals with usual pain. In addition to the reference period of original response "last 24 hr," a new period "last pain experience" was proposed. Individuals responded about the presence/lack and onset of pain. Individuals who reported pain in the last 24 hr before the interview answered the BPI considering both reference periods. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to check the fit of five theoretical BPI models.

RESULTS

A total of 1,176 adults participated (79.0% women; 38.7 (SD = 10.8) years), 29.2% did not report pain in the last 24 hr, 33.6% reported pain <3 months and 37.2% pain ≥3 months. All theoretical BPI models presented adequate fit indices (GFI ≥ 0.9; RMSEA < 0.1; α ≥ 0.7) when both reference periods were used. In conclusion, the adaptations proposed can contribute to extend the use of BPI.

CONCLUSIONS

The reference period of responses and the theoretical model used must be chosen according to the needs of the researcher and/or physician.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study presents evidence related to the validity of applying the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) in adults with and without pain considering the present pain or memory of pain, enabling the clinician to collect additional information that may be relevant to the clinical management of pain.

An Assessment of Clinically Important Differences on the Worst Pain Severity Item of the Modified Brief Pain Inventory in Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain

Objectives

Using patient global impression of change (PGIC) as an anchor, an approximately 30% reduction on an 11-point numeric pain intensity rating scale (PI-NRS) is considered a clinically important difference (CID) in pain. Our objective was to define the CID for another pain measure, the worst pain severity (WPS) item of the modified Brief Pain Inventory (m-BPI).

Methods

In this post hoc analysis of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 study, 452 randomized patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP) were followed over 5 weeks, with m-BPI data collected weekly and PGIC at treatment conclusion. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (via logistic regression) were used to determine the changes in the m-BPI-WPS score that best predicted ordinal clinical improvement thresholds (i.e., "minimally improved" or better) on the PGIC.

Results

Similar to the PI-NRS, a change of -3 (raw) or -33.3% from the baseline on the m-BPI-WPS optimized prediction for the "much improved" or better PGIC threshold and represents a CID. There was a high correspondence between observed and predicted PGIC categories at each PGIC threshold (ROC AUCs were 0.78-0.82).

Conclusions

Worst pain on the m-BPI may be used to assess clinically important improvements in DPNP studies. Findings require validation in larger studies.

Reliability and validity of the Brief Pain Inventory in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

Pain is prevalent in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) appears to be a feasible questionnaire to assess this symptom. However, the reliability and validity of the BPI have not been determined in individuals with COPD. This study aimed to determine the internal consistency, test-retest reliability and validity (construct, convergent, divergent and discriminant) of the BPI in individuals with COPD.

METHODS

In order to examine the test-retest reliability, individuals with COPD were recruited from pulmonary rehabilitation programmes to complete the BPI twice 1 week apart. In order to investigate validity, de-identified data was retrieved from two previous studies, including forced expiratory volume in 1-s, age, sex and data from four questionnaires: the BPI, short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) and Community Health Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) questionnaire.

RESULTS

In total, 123 participants were included in the analyses (eligible data were retrieved from 86 participants and additional 37 participants were recruited). The BPI demonstrated excellent internal consistency and test-retest reliability. It also showed convergent validity with the SF-MPQ and divergent validity with the SF-36. The factor analysis yielded two factors of the BPI, which demonstrated that the two domains of the BPI measure the intended constructs. The BPI can also discriminate pain levels among COPD patients with varied levels of quality of life (SF-36) and physical activity (CHAMPS).

CONCLUSION

The BPI is a reliable and valid pain questionnaire that can be used to evaluate pain in COPD.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study formally established the reliability and validity of the BPI in individuals with COPD, which have not been determined in this patient group. The results of this study provide strong evidence that assessment results from this pain questionnaire are reliable and valid.

Changes in the Occurrence, Severity, and Distress of Symptoms in Patients With Gastrointestinal Cancers Receiving Chemotherapy

CONTEXT

Studies on multiple dimensions of the symptom experience of patients with gastrointestinal cancers are extremely limited.

OBJECTIVE

Purpose was to evaluate for changes over time in the occurrence, severity, and distress of seven common symptoms in these patients.

METHODS

Patients completed Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale, six times over two cycles of chemotherapy (CTX). Changes over time in occurrence, severity, and distress of pain, lack of energy, nausea, feeling drowsy, difficulty sleeping, and change in the way food tastes were evaluated using multilevel regression analyses. In the conditional models, effects of treatment group (i.e., with or without targeted therapy), age, number of metastatic sites, time from cancer diagnosis, number of prior cancer treatments, cancer diagnosis, and CTX regimen on enrollment levels, as well as the trajectories of symptom occurrence, severity, and distress were evaluated.

RESULTS

Although the occurrence rates for pain, lack of energy, feeling drowsy, difficulty sleeping, and change in the way food tastes declined over the two cycles of CTX, nausea and numbness/tingling in hands/feet had more complex patterns of occurrence. Severity and distress ratings for the seven symptoms varied across the two cycles of CTX.

CONCLUSIONS

Demographic and clinical characteristics associated with differences in enrollment levels as well as changes over time in occurrence, severity, and distress of these seven common symptoms were highly variable. These findings can be used to identify patients who are at higher risk for more severe and distressing symptoms during CTX and to enable the initiation of preemptive symptom management interventions.

Psychometric evaluation of the canine brief pain inventory in a Swedish sample of dogs with pain related to osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

To evaluate intervention, implement evidence-based practice and enhance the welfare of dogs with naturally occurring osteoarthritis (OA), access to valid, reliable and clinically relevant outcome measures is crucial for researchers, veterinarians and rehabilitation practitioners. The objectives of the present study were to translate and evaluate psychometric properties, in terms of internal consistency and construct validity, of the owner-reported measure canine brief pain inventory (CBPI) in a Swedish sample of dogs with pain related to OA.

RESULTS

Twenty-one owners of clinically sound dogs and 58 owners of dogs with pain related to OA were included in this observational and cross-sectional study. After being translated according to the guidelines for patient-reported outcome measures, the CBPI was completed by the canine owners. Construct validity was assessed by confirmatory factor analysis, by repeating the principal component analysis and by assessing for differences between clinically sound dogs and dogs with pain related to OA. Internal consistency was estimated by Cronbach's α. Confirmatory factor analysis was not able to confirm the factor-structure models tested in our sample. Principal component analysis showed a two-component structure, pain severity and pain interference of function. Two components accounted for 76.8% of the total variance, suggesting an acceptable fit of a two-component structure. The ratings from the clinically sound dogs differed from OA dogs and showed significantly lower CBPI total sum. Cronbach's α was 0.94 for the total CBPI, 0.91 for the pain severity and 0.91 for the pain interference of function.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that the translated version of the CBPI is valid for use in the Swedish language. The findings suggest satisfying psychometric properties in terms of high internal consistencies and ability to discriminate clinically sound dogs from OA dogs. However, based on the confirmatory factor analysis, the original factor structure in the CBPI is not ideally suited to measure pain related to OA in our sample and the hypothesis of the presented two-factor structure was rejected. Further research needs to be conducted to determine whether the original psychometric results from CBPI can be replicated across different target groups and particularly with larger sample size.

Differences in symptom occurrence, severity, and distress ratings between patients with gastrointestinal cancers who received chemotherapy alone or chemotherapy with targeted therapy

BACKGROUND

Approximately 28% of patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers will receive targeted therapy (TT) because of the associated increases in survival. Only four studies have examined the symptom experience of these patients. To date, no studies have evaluated for differences in symptom occurrence, severity, and distress between patients who received chemotherapy (CTX) alone (n=304) or CTX with TT (n=93).

METHODS

Patients completed self-report questionnaires, approximately one week after they received CTX. A modified version of the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS) was used to obtain data on symptom occurrence, severity, and distress. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to test for differences in symptom occurrence rates between the two treatment groups. Ordinal logistic regression analyses were used to test for differences in severity and distress ratings between the two treatment groups.

RESULTS

Patients who received CTX with TT were significantly younger (P=0.009); were diagnosed with cancer longer (P=0.004); had a higher number of prior treatments (P=0.024); had metastatic disease, specifically to the liver (P<0.001); had a diagnosis of anal, colon, rectum, or colorectal cancer (CRC) (P<0.001); and were positive for detection of B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) and Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutations (both P<0.001). In addition, CTX treatment regimens were significantly different between the two groups (P<0.001). After controlling for significant covariates, patients who received TT reported lower occurrence rates for lack of energy, cough, feeling drowsy, and difficulty sleeping (all, P<0.05). Patients who received TT reported lower severity scores for dry mouth (P=0.034) and change in the way food tastes (P=0.035). However, they reported higher severity scores for "I don't look like myself" (P=0.026). No differences in symptom distress scores were found between the two treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to evaluate for differences in the symptom experience of GI cancer patients who received CTX alone or CTX with TT using a multidimensional symptom assessment scale. While between group differences in patients' symptom experiences were identified, both treatment groups warrant ongoing assessments to optimally manage their symptoms.

Nordic Walking as an Exercise Intervention to Reduce Pain in Women With Aromatase Inhibitor-Associated Arthralgia: A Feasibility Study

CONTEXT

Women taking aromatase inhibitors as treatment for breast cancer commonly experience joint pain and stiffness (aromatase inhibitor-associated arthralgia [AIAA]), which can cause problems with adherence. There is evidence that exercise might be helpful, and Nordic walking could reduce joint pain compared to normal walking.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the feasibility of a trial of Nordic walking as an exercise intervention for women with AIAA.

METHODS

A feasibility study was carried out in a sample of women with AIAA using a randomized control design. Women were randomized to exercise (six-week supervised group Nordic walking training once per week with an increasing independent element, followed by six weeks 4 × 30 minutes/week independent Nordic walking); or enhanced usual care. Data were collected on recruitment, retention, exercise adherence, safety, and acceptability. The Brief Pain Inventory, GP Physical Activity Questionnaire, and biopsychosocial measures were completed at baseline, six and 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Forty of 159 eligible women were recruited and attrition was 10%. There was no increased lymphedema and no long-term or serious injury. Adherence was >90% for weekly supervised group Nordic walking, and during independent Nordic walking, >80% women managed one to two Nordic walking sessions per week. From baseline to study end point, overall activity levels increased and pain reduced in both the intervention and control groups.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that women with AIAA are prepared to take up Nordic walking, complete a six-week supervised course and maintain increased activity levels over a 12-week period with no adverse effects.

Osteoarthritis patients with pain improvement are highly likely to also have improved quality of life and functioning. A post hoc analysis of a clinical trial

BACKGROUND

This analysis evaluated whether osteoarthritis patients achieving the greatest pain control and lowest pain states also have the greatest improvement in functioning and quality of life.

METHODS

Patients (n=419) who failed prior therapies and who were switched to etoricoxib 60mg were categorized as pain responders or non-responders at 4 weeks based on responder definitions established by the Initiative on Methods, Measurement, and Pain (IMMPACT) criteria, including changes from baseline of ≥15%, ≥30%, ≥50%, ≥70% and a final pain status of ≤3/10 (no worse than mild pain). Pain was assessed at baseline and 4 weeks using 4 questions from the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) (worst pain, least pain, average pain, and pain right now), and also using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) pain subscale. We examined the relationship between pain responses with changes from baseline in two functional measures (the BPI Pain Interference questions and the WOMAC Function Subscale) as well as changes from baseline in quality of life (assessed on the SF-36 Physical and Mental Component Summaries). We also sought to understand whether these relationships were influenced by the choice of the pain instrument used to assess response. We contrast the mean difference in improvements in the functional and quality of life instruments based on pain responder status (responder versus non-responder) and the associated 95% confidence limits around this difference.

RESULTS

Patients with better pain responses were much more likely to have improved functional responses and improved quality of life, with higher mean changes in these outcomes versus pain non-responders, regardless of the choice of IMMPACT pain response definition (e.g., using any of 15%, 30%, 50%, 70% change from baseline) or the final pain state of ≤3/10. There was an evident gradient, where higher levels of pain response were associated with greater mean improvements in function and quality of life. The finding that greater pain responses led to greater functional improvements and quality of life gains was not dependent on the manner in which pain was evaluated. Five different pain instruments (e.g., the 4 questions on pain from the BPI pain questionnaire and the WOMAC pain subscale) consistently demonstrated that pain responders had statistically significantly greater improvements in function and quality of life compared to pain non-responders. This suggests these results are likely to be generalizable to any validated pain measure for osteoarthritis.

CONCLUSIONS

Pain is an efficient outcome measure for predicting broader patient response in osteoarthritis. Patients who do not achieve timely, acceptable pain states over 4 weeks were less likely to experience functional or quality of life improvements.

IMPLICATIONS

Good pain improvements in osteoarthritis with a valid pain instrument are a proxy for good improvements in both function and quality of life. Therefore proper osteoarthritis pain assessment can lead to efficient evaluations in the clinic.

Significant improvements in pain after a six-week physiotherapist-led exercise and education intervention, in patients with osteoarthritis awaiting arthroplasty, in South Africa: a randomised controlled trial

Background

A major challenge facing those with late stage osteoarthritis is delayed surgery due to waiting lists. In South Africa patients wait years for a hip/knee arthroplasty. Affected patients require effective management to address their pain, especially while awaiting surgery. Existing literature is mostly available from high income countries exploring effects of interventions during short waiting periods. Research is warranted in low income countries where long waiting periods are common. This study explored the effects of a six-week physiotherapist-led exercise and education intervention on pain in this population.

Methods

A randomised controlled trial was performed at two public hospitals in South Africa. Ethical approval and informed consent was obtained. 74 participants from arthroplasty waiting lists were randomly allocated to an intervention (n = 35) or control group (n = 39). The intervention included six physiotherapist-led group-based sessions (two hours/week of education, exercise and relaxation). The control group received usual care. Data collection was conducted by blinded physiotherapists at baseline, week six, 12 and month six. The primary outcome was pain, measured by the Brief Pain Inventory. Additionally, participants completed an open-ended questionnaire at month six, to gain insight regarding the intervention. Analysis was by intention to treat using two-way analysis of variance and post-hoc Tukey comparisons. Answers to subjective questions were analysed according to common themes that emerged.

Results

The intervention group had significant improvements compared with the control group with moderate to large effect sizes (ES) on pain severity [week 6: p < 0.01, ES = 0.94, 95 % CI (0.45,1.41), month 6: p = 0.02. ES = 0.74, 95 % CI (0.26,1.2)] and moderate to large effects on pain interference [week 6: p < 0.01, ES = 1.2, 95 % CI (0.70,1.69), week 12: p = 0.04, ES = 0.68, 95 % CI (0.20,1.14), month 6: p < 0.01, ES = 0.98, 95 % CI (0.49,1.45)]. 53 % of participants reported that the intervention improved their pain.

Conclusions

The intervention resulted in sustained significant improvements in pain severity and interference in patients with hip/knee osteoarthritis, awaiting arthroplasty compared with a control group. Additionally, participants’ individual feedback supported observed significant improvements in pain. Such an intervention appears to be effective in managing pain in this population and should be incorporated into practice for appropriate patients. Further research is being conducted to explore long term and postoperative outcomes.

Clinical trial registration

Pan African Clinical Trial Registry, PACTR201409000885765, PACTR201507001186115.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12891-016-1088-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Pain, Fatigue, and Physical Activity in Osteoarthritis: The Moderating Effects of Pain- and Fatigue-Related Activity Interference

OBJECTIVE

To examine how self-reported pain- and fatigue-related activity interference relates to symptoms and physical activity (PA) in daily life among people with knee or hip osteoarthritis.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study with a 7-day repeated-measures assessment period.

SETTING

General community.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants (N=154; mean age, 65y; 60% women [n=92]) with knee or hip osteoarthritis and pain lasting ≥3 months.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Pain- or fatigue-related activity interference items on the Brief Pain Inventory or Brief Fatigue Inventory, respectively, from baseline survey, momentary pain and fatigue severity (measured 5times/d for 7d), and PA measured with a wrist-worn accelerometer over 7 days. We hypothesized that perception of pain- and fatigue-related activity interference would moderate the association between symptoms (pain or fatigue) and PA. People with higher pain- or fatigue-related activity interference were thought to have stronger negative associations between momentary ratings of pain and fatigue and PA than did those with lower activity interference.

RESULTS

Pain-related activity interference moderated the association between momentary pain and PA, but only in the first part of the day. Contrary to expectation, during early to midday (from wake-up time through 3 pm), low pain-related interference was associated with stronger positive associations between pain and PA but high pain-related interference was associated with a small negative association between pain and PA. Fatigue-related activity interference did not moderate the relation between fatigue and activity over the course of a day.

CONCLUSIONS

Depending on a person's reported level of pain-related activity interference, associations between pain and PA were different earlier in the day. Only those with high pain-related activity interference had lower levels of PA as pain increased and only in the morning. High pain-related activity interference may be important to address, particularly to maintain PA early in the day despite pain.

Psychometric validation of the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in the United States

This study evaluated the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF) in patients with moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patients ≥18 years old who self-reported a physician diagnosis of SLE (confirmed by medical record review) and active SLE (Systemic Lupus Activity Questionnaire (SLAQ) score of ≥11) were included. The BPI-SF and Short Form Health Survey version 2 (SF-36v2) were administered electronically at baseline, week 2 and week 12. Psychometric properties of the BPI-SF were evaluated. Cronbach alphas were >0.9 for all BPI-SF items, domains and total score. Test-retest reliability correlations for responses between baseline and week 2 of the BPI-SF had intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) ≥0.5. The BPI-SF domains and total score were moderately positively correlated to the SLAQ score ( r ≥ 0.4), but negatively correlated to the SF-36v2 bodily pain domain ( r ≤ –0.6). The BPI-SF domains and total score were moderately negatively correlated to the SF-36v2 physical functioning domain and physical component summary ( r ≤ –0.4), with low correlations between the BPI-SF severity domain and SF-36v2 mental component summary ( r = −0.16). Assessment of pain, as measured by the BPI-SF, demonstrated validity and reliability in a sample of patients with moderate-to-severe SLE.

Choice of nonpharmacological pain therapies by ethnically diverse older adults

SUMMARY 

Aim: This study compared nonpharmacological pain therapies used by ethnically diverse older adults with recommendations of family physicians and identified factors associated with nonpharmacological pain therapies use. Methods: Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, 281 participants in four ethnic groups (European Americans, Hispanics, African–Americans, Afro-Caribbeans) with chronic pain were surveyed. Binary logistic regression analyses were employed to determine associated factors. Results & conclusion: Nonaquatic exercise and physical therapy were most frequently recommended by physicians, and nonaquatic exercise was most commonly used by participants. Lower pain levels predicted use of nonaquatic exercise, and ethnicity predicted use of prayer to manage chronic pain. Future research should examine barriers to use of psychological treatments and assess the value of combined physical and psychological treatments.

A study protocol for the profile of pain in older women: assessing the multi dimensional nature of the experience of pain in arthritis

Background

Arthritis is a significant contributor to illness, pain and disability and imposes a considerable burden upon the community. Pain is a cardinal symptom of arthritis and has significant implications on biopsychosocial wellbeing. The multidimensional nature of the experience of pain in arthritis has not been well defined in community-based samples.

Aims

The two aims of this study are to generate profiles of pain from a community sample of older women and to compare profiles for women with and without arthritis.

Methods

The sub study is a cross-sectional postal survey of 700 Australian community-based women. The survey includes a range of measures on health, arthritis and pain that will be used to examine the multidimensional nature of the experience of pain in arthritis and generate profiles of pain.

Discussion

With no core set of measures for the evaluation of arthritis pain, this survey was created from an amalgamation of measures to capture multiple dimensions of pain. Findings from this study will assist in defining the symptom of pain in arthritis and may lead to further research in evidence-based treatment options for people with arthritis.

Patient-reported outcome measures for systemic lupus erythematosus clinical trials: a review of content validity, face validity and psychometric performance

Background

Despite overall progress in treatment of autoimmune diseases, patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) experience many inflammatory symptoms representing an unmet medical need. This study aimed to create a conceptual model of the humanistic and economic burden of SLE, and review the patient-reported outcomes (PROs) used to measure such concepts in SLE clinical trials.

Methods

A conceptual model for SLE was developed from structured review of published articles from 2007 to August 2013 identified from literature databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, EconLit) plus other sources (PROLabels, FDA/EMA websites, Clinicaltrials.gov). PROs targeting key symptoms/impacts were identified from the literature. They were reviewed in the context of available guidance and assessed for face and content validity and psychometric properties to determine appropriateness for use in SLE trials.

Results

The conceptual model identified fatigue, pain, cognition, daily activities, emotional well-being, physical/social functioning and work productivity as key SLE concepts. Of the 68 articles reviewed, 38 reported PRO data. From these and the other sources, 15 PROs were selected for review, including SLE-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures (n = 5), work productivity (n = 1), and generic measures of fatigue (n = 3), pain (n = 2), depression (n = 2) and HRQoL (n = 2). The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Fatigue Scale (FACIT-Fatigue), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI-SF) and LupusQoL demonstrated the strongest face validity, conceptual coverage and psychometric properties measuring key concepts in the conceptual model. All PROs reviewed, except for three Lupus-specific measures, lacked qualitative SLE patient involvement during development. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Short Form [36 item] Health Survey version 2 (SF-36v2), EuroQoL 5-dimensions (EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L) and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire: Lupus (WPAI:Lupus) showed suitability for SLE economic models.

Conclusions

Based on the identification of key symptoms and impacts of SLE using a scientifically sound conceptual model, we conclude that SLE is a condition associated with high unmet need and considerable burden to patients. This review highlights the availability and need for disease-specific and generic patient-reported measures of relevant domains of disease signs and symptoms, HRQoL and work productivity, providing useful insight for SLE clinical trial design.

A survey of joint and muscle aches, pain, and stiffness comparing women with and without breast cancer

CONTEXT

Joint and muscle aches, pain, and stiffness have been reported to be a problem for some women after adjuvant breast cancer treatment; however, the extent and impact of this problem are unknown.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of this problem in comparison with women of a similar age without breast cancer.

METHODS

Two hundred forty-seven women attending breast cancer follow-up clinics were invited to complete pain and quality-of-life measures. A comparison group of 274 women of similar age was drawn from women attending breast screening and benign breast clinics. Prevalence and severity of pain were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The mean age of all women in the study was 59 years (range 30-86 years). The median time since diagnosis of cancer was 28 months (range 2-184 months). Adjuvant treatments included radiotherapy (79%), chemotherapy (45%), and hormone therapy (81%). Sixty-two percent of women with breast cancer reported pain "today" compared with 53% of women without breast cancer (P = 0.023). Significant predictors of pain in both patient groups were cancer, age, and arthritis. For the cancer cases, significant predictors of pain were age, arthritis, taxane chemotherapy, aromatase inhibitors, and tamoxifen. Quality of life (measured by the Short Form-36) was significantly worse for women with breast cancer compared with controls and was significantly worse in the breast cancer cases with pain.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with tamoxifen, taxane chemotherapy, and aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer is predictive of joint pain, which may have an impact on women's lives for some years after breast cancer.

An examination of adherence to pain medication plans in older cancer patients in hospice care

CONTEXT

Timely and appropriate management of pain is essential to promote comfort at the end of life.

OBJECTIVES

To determine if pain-related factors and nonpharmacologic interventions affect medication adherence in older cancer patients in community-based hospices.

METHODS

The study involved cancer patients aged 55 years and older, newly admitted to one of the 13 community-based hospices in the midwestern U.S. A descriptive design with patients or their proxies providing information during two telephonic interviews and review of their hospice medical records were used.

RESULTS

A total sample of 65 patients was obtained, with data directly from 32 patients during Interview 1 (T(1)), 25 during Interview 2 (T(2)), and proxy reports for 33 (T(1)) and 30 (T(2)) patients. The overall mean pain medication adherence scores (maximum 9) for all patients were 8.43 (T(1)) and 8.38 (T(2)). For component analysis (three components; maximum of three points each), patients were the least adherent with opioid orders at both time points (2.65). Patients were the most adherent to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory/acetaminophen orders at T(1) (2.91) and medications for neuropathic pain at T(2) (2.89). Data provided statistical evidence that patients with more hours of controlled pain in the past 24 hours were more likely to have had better adherence, whereas patients with higher levels of comfort over the last few days were more likely to have had worse adherence.

CONCLUSION

This study identified that pain medication adherence among older adults with cancer receiving hospice care is high. However, hospices must be alert to the fact that even as patients become more comfortable, adherence must continue to be emphasized to ensure that pain does not redevelop or exacerbate, if pain relief is a patient priority.

Preliminary validation of the Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS) in a military population

BACKGROUND

The Army Surgeon General released the Pain Management Task Force final report in May 2010. Among military providers, concerns were raised that the standard numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain was inconsistently administered and of questionable clinical value. In response, the Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS) was developed.

METHODS

The instrument design integrates pain rating scale features to improve interpretability of incremental pain intensity levels, and to improve communication and documentation across all transitions of care. A convenience sample of 350 inpatient and outpatient active duty or retired military service members participated in the study at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Participants completed the five-item DVPRS-one pain intensity NRS with and without word descriptors presented in random order and four supplemental items measuring general activity, sleep, mood, and level of stress and the Brief Pain Inventory seven interference items. Using systematic sampling, a random sample was selected for a word descriptor validation procedure matching word phases to corresponding pain intensity on the NRS.

RESULTS

Parallel forms reliability and concurrent validity testing demonstrated a robust correlation. When the DVPRS was presented with the word descriptors first, the correlation between the two ratings was slightly higher, r = 0.929 (N = 171; P < 0.001), than ordering first without the descriptors, r = 0.882 (N = 177; P < 0.001). Intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.943 showing excellent alignment of word descriptors by respondents (N = 42), matching them correctly with pain level.

CONCLUSIONS

The DVPRS tool demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties in a military population.

Measurement of affective and activity pain interference using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI): Cancer and Leukemia Group B 70903

OBJECTIVE

The Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) was designed to yield separate scores for pain intensity and interference. It has been proposed that the pain interference factor can be further broken down into unique factors of affective (e.g., mood) and activity (e.g., work) interference. The purpose of this analysis was to confirm this affective/activity interference dichotomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective confirmatory factor analysis was completed for a sample of 184 individuals diagnosed with castrate-resistant prostate cancer (age 40-86, mean = 65.46, 77% White non-Hispanic) who had been administered the BPI as part of Cancer and Leukemia Group B trial 9480. A one-factor model was compared against two-factor and three-factor models that were developed based on the design of the instrument.

RESULTS

Root mean squared error of approximation (0.075), comparative fit index (0.971), and change in chi-square, given the corresponding change in degrees of freedom (13.33, P < 0.05) values for the three-factor model (i.e., pain intensity, activity interference, and affective interference), were statistically superior in comparison with the one- and two-factor models. This three-factor structure was found to be invariant across age, mean prostate-specific antigen, and hemoglobin levels.

CONCLUSIONS

These results confirm that the BPI can be used to quantify the degree to which pain separately interferes with affective and activity aspects of a patient's everyday life. These findings will provide clinical trialists, pharmaceutical sponsors, and regulators with confidence in the flexibility of the BPI as they consider the use of this instrument to assist with understanding the patient experience as it relates to treatment.

Inappropriate nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use: prevalence and predictors

INTRODUCTION

Inappropriate nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use can occur by using more than one prescription or over-the-counter NSAID or exceeding the manufacturer's recommended dosage. There are risks associated with inappropriate NSAID use; however, the prevalence and predictors of inappropriate NSAID use are unknown. The study objectives are to estimate the prevalence of inappropriate NSAID use and identify characteristics associated with inappropriate use.

METHODS

We identified 6877 patients at 2 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers through pharmacy records who filled 3 or more NSAID prescriptions in 6 months. We randomly selected 2535 patients and mailed them a survey about NSAIDs, gastroprotective medications, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, and pain. Inappropriate NSAID users either took 2 or more NSAIDs for 3 days or more or exceeded the maximum daily recommended dosage of 1 or more NSAID in the past week. Data were also collected from medical records.

RESULTS

Approximately 1572 patients (62%) returned the survey, and 1250 reported NSAID use in the past week. Approximately 32% (n = 400) used NSAIDs inappropriately, including taking 2 or more NSAIDs (n = 173), exceeding the highest daily recommended dosage (n = 161) or both (n = 66). Being a minority (odds ratio = 1.62, P < 0.001) and having an income of $20,000 (odds ratio = 1.70, P < 0.001) or lesser both predicted inappropriate NSAID use. Inappropriate NSAID use was associated with more GI symptoms (β = 0.57, P < 0.001) and higher levels of pain (β = 0.85, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Inappropriate NSAID use is prevalent. Providers should consider counseling all patients about NSAID use, especially patients with GI problems or pain problems.

Development of an electronic daily uterine fibroid symptom diary

BACKGROUND

In some women, uterine fibroids are associated with severe, disabling symptoms. There is a lack of high-quality evidence supporting the effectiveness of most interventions for symptomatic uterine fibroids. In part, this is due to the lack of available disease-specific instruments with comprehensive validation evidence that measure treatment benefit from the patient perspective.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to develop an electronic patient-reported outcomes (PRO) instrument that measures treatment benefit from the patient's perspective that is easily administered and practical for use in clinical trials. Rigorous methods that are consistent with the US FDA's PRO Guidance to Industry were employed.

METHODS

The study took place in two phases: a content development phase (eight focus groups; three sets of cognitive interviews) and a prospective non-intervention usability pilot phase. Both phases were conducted in the US. The study population comprised women diagnosed with symptomatic uterine fibroids. A total of 68 women (mean age 40 years) participated in the eight focus groups; 27 women (mean age 41 years) who were not part of the focus groups participated in the cognitive interviews. Fourteen additional women (mean age 39 years) participated in a usability pilot. Efforts were made to recruit a diverse population with respect to race and education.

RESULTS

After completing eight focus groups, no new symptom concepts or severity-level measurement ideas were introduced, indicating that concept saturation was achieved. Fourteen draft items were developed during the focus groups for testing in the cognitive interviews. Every symptom represented by the draft items was endorsed by at least two-thirds of the participants in the cognitive interviews. After completing three rounds of cognitive interviews, the Fibroid Symptom Diary© (FSD) contained eight items that assessed bleeding severity, menstrual cramping, and fibroid-related fatigue. An open-field item, tailored to each participant, was also included to assess the most bothersome fibroid-related pain. However, to accommodate electronic administration of the diary this item was replaced, prior to the usability pilot, with three pain-specific items (i.e. abdominal pain, low back pain, and pain during intercourse) that were most commonly expressed during the development phase. The final FSD includes 11 items: five addressing menstrual bleeding or spotting; one each relating to cramping (distinct from other pain), fatigue, and bloating; and three that address other fibroid-related pain. The average time for completing the diary was 1-2 minutes per day. A total of 118 daily diary records were collected from 14 participants (average of nine daily diary completions per participant; range 5-18 days) in the usability pilot. Seven participants completed the diary every day. Most participants experienced the majority of the symptoms included in the FSD.

CONCLUSIONS

The FSD captures the concepts most important to women with uterine fibroids and has strong evidence of content validity as required by the FDA PRO Guidance to Industry. Once fully validated, the FSD may replace other measures for assessing changes in symptoms and treatment benefit that are both burdensome to patients and cumbersome to trial sponsors.

Impact of yoga on functional outcomes in breast cancer survivors with aromatase inhibitor-associated arthralgias

Arthralgia affects postmenopausal breast cancer survivors (BCSs) receiving aromatase inhibitors (AIs). This study aims to establish the feasibility of studying the impact of yoga on objective functional outcomes, pain, and health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) for AI-associated arthralgia (AIAA). Postmenopausal women with stage I to III breast cancer who reported AIAA were enrolled in a single-arm pilot trial. A yoga program was provided twice a week for 8 weeks. The Functional Reach (FR) and Sit and Reach (SR) were evaluated as primary outcomes. Pain, as measured by the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), self-reported Patient Specific Functional Scale (PSFS), and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B) were secondary outcomes. Paired t tests were used for analysis, and 90% provided data for assessment at the end of the intervention. Participants experienced significant improvement in balance, as measured by FR, and flexibility, as measured by SR. The PSFS improved from 4.55 to 7.21, and HR-QOL measured by FACT-B also improved; both P < .05. The score for the Pain Severity subscale of the BPI reduced. No adverse events nor development or worsening of lymphedema was observed. In all, 80% of participants adhered to the home program. Preliminary data suggest that yoga may reduce pain and improve balance and flexibility in BCSs with AIAA. A randomized controlled trial is needed to establish the definitive efficacy of yoga for objective functional improvement in BCSs related to AIAA.

Risk factors associated with opioid medication misuse in community-dwelling older adults with chronic pain

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to identify physical, psychological, and social risk factors associated with opioid medication misuse among community-dwelling older adults with chronic pain.

METHODS

Using a cross-sectional research design, a confidential survey was administered at 11 outpatient clinics affiliated with the Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the University of Maryland Medical System. A sample of 163 older adults (response rate 80.7%) with chronic pain and receiving opioid medications provided demographic information and responded to survey items. Severity of pain, alcohol problems, physical disability, depressive symptoms, spirituality, social support, and social network were assessed. Descriptive statistics and exploratory regression analyses were employed to determine factors independently associated with misuse.

RESULTS

Higher levels of pain severity and depressive symptoms, and lower physical disability scores were significantly associated with increased risk of opioid medication misuse. Alcohol problems, spirituality, social support, and social network were not associated with opioid medication misuse.

DISCUSSION

High pain intensity scores may indicate undertreatment of pain or may represent a rationalization to justify opioid medication use. Higher levels of depressive symptoms have been noted in the chronic pain population and may contribute to misuse of opioid medications for psychic effects. Less physically disabled persons are more likely to misuse opioid medications or older person receiving multiple medications may wish to avoid potential adverse drug effects. While there was an association between lower levels of disability and higher risk for opioid medication misuse, a causal relationship could not be determined.

Psychometric properties of the Brief Pain Inventory among patients with osteoarthritis undergoing total hip replacement surgery

Background

Pain is a cardinal symptom of osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip and important for deciding when to operate. This study assessed the internal consistency reliability, validity and responsiveness of the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) among patients with OA undergoing total hip replacement (THR).

Methods

We prospectively included 250 of 356 patients who were accepted to the waiting list for primary THR surgery. All participants responded to the BPI, WOMAC and SF-36 at baseline and 1 year after surgery.

Results

Internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's α) was >0.80 for the BPI, the WOMAC and five of the eight SF-36 scales The pattern of associations of the two BPI scales with corresponding and non-corresponding scales of the WOMAC and SF-36 largely supported the construct validity of the BPI. The responsiveness indices for change from baseline to 1 year after THR ranged from 1.52 to 2.05 for the BPI scales, from 1.69 to 2.84 for the WOMAC scales, and from 0.25 (general health) to 2.77 (bodily pain) for the SF-36 scales.

Conclusions

The BPI showed acceptable reliability, construct validity and responsiveness in patients with OA undergoing THR. BPI is short and therefore is easy to use and score, though the instrument offers few advantages over and duplicates scales of more comprehensive instruments, such as the WOMAC and SF-36.

Prospective clinical study of a new implantable peripheral nerve stimulation device to treat chronic pain

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate clinical use of the StimRouter, an investigational implanted peripheral nerve stimulator for treating chronic neuropathic pain, using the median nerve as a model for that general application.

METHODS

Eight patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and chronic pain despite both carpal tunnel release and treatment with oral pain medications were enrolled in a single-center, open-label trial after institutional review board approval. Primary endpoints were successful implantation near the target peripheral nerve and safety. All 8 patients were implanted temporarily at the median nerve in at least one arm and 2 patients were implanted bilaterally, with 10 implants total. Each implant was considered a separate "patient." For 5 days, all patients received 6 hours of daily transdermal electrical stimulation targeting the median nerve. Pain was measured at baseline, during implant, and after explant.

RESULTS

Two patients experienced clinically meaningful (>or=30%) pain reduction throughout the entire 5-day treatment period. Apparent carryover effect in pain reduction also was observed after daily stimulation. After explant, pain returned to baseline, increasing 36.8% to 45.6% relative to average reduced pain with daily stimulation. No significant or unexpected adverse events occurred. Mean patient study satisfaction was 96%, and 100% of patients indicated a preference for permanent implant.

DISCUSSION

Temporary implant of the StimRouter device resulted in both pain reduction and reduced use of oral opioid pain medication during the 5-day stimulation period. The results suggest that permanent implant of the StimRouter System may be safe and effective for treating chronic peripheral neuropathic pain.

Is less more? A preliminary investigation of the number of response categories in self-reported pain

The purpose of this study was to conduct a preliminary investigation of the number of response options for self-reports of pain interference. Responses to interference items of the 11-category Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) were obtained in a sample of 434 persons from two sites and modeled using the partial credit model. In successive calibrations, response categories were collapsed and new scores were generated. Scores based on two to three categories produced poor results. Four to five categories yielded better results. However, scoring using more than five categories did not appreciably improve the reliability, person separation, or validity of scores. These results suggest that fewer response categories—as few as five or six–may function as well as the 11 response categories that are conventionally used. The results are preliminary since the number of response categories actually presented was not manipulated in the study design. Future research should compare the reliability and validity of scores based on the BPI interference items when items are presented with the conventionally 11-response format, versus presentation with fewer response options.