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Parkitny L, McAuley JH, Herbert RD, Di Pietro F, Cashin AG, Ferraro MC, Moseley GL. Post-fracture serum cytokine levels are not associated with a later diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome: a case-control study nested in a prospective cohort study. BMC Neurol 2022; 22:385. [PMID: 36224537 PMCID: PMC9555076 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-022-02910-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a disabling pain disorder that is most common after a distal limb fracture. While the acute systemic immune response to the injury is thought to play a role in the development of CRPS, this hypothesis has never been tested directly. Thus, we evaluated whether elevated levels of circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines early after a fracture were associated with the development of CRPS. Methods We conducted a case-control study nested within a prospective cohort study. Individuals with wrist and/or hand fractures were recruited from specialist hand units. Baseline clinical data were obtained from participants within 28 days of fracture. CRPS status was determined 16 weeks after the fracture using a two-stage diagnostic process. Cytokine assays were obtained from all cases (defined using the Budapest criteria) and a random sample of those who did not have CRPS at 16 weeks. We calculated odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals to determine the risk of CRPS associated with the expression of each of 25 cytokines. Results Baseline data were collected for 702 consenting participants, of whom 535 provided blood samples. Follow-up at 16 weeks was 97.2%. 15 (2.2% of the cohort) met the Budapest CRPS criteria and 69 (including those who met the Budapest criteria; 9.8%) met the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) CRPS criteria. In all of the primary analyses (using Budapest criteria) and 49/50 secondary analyses (using IASP criteria), 95% confidence intervals for the association between cytokine levels and the risk of subsequently developing CRPS included the null value (OR = 1). However, the confidence intervals were wide. Conclusion There was no evidence that early post-injury expression of systemic cytokines was associated with a CRPS diagnosis 16 weeks after injury. This study does not provide support for the hypothesis that innate immune activation has a determinative role in the development of CRPS. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12883-022-02910-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Parkitny
- Departments of Pediatrics-Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA. .,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA. .,Centre for Pain IMPACT Neuroscience Research Australia, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - James H McAuley
- Centre for Pain IMPACT Neuroscience Research Australia, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Robert D Herbert
- Centre for Pain IMPACT Neuroscience Research Australia, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Flavia Di Pietro
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley Campus, Bentley, Australia.,Curtin Health Innovation Centre (CHIRI), Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
| | - Aidan G Cashin
- Centre for Pain IMPACT Neuroscience Research Australia, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael C Ferraro
- Centre for Pain IMPACT Neuroscience Research Australia, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Borsook D, Youssef AM, Barakat N, Sieberg CB, Elman I. Subliminal (latent) processing of pain and its evolution to conscious awareness. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 88:1-15. [PMID: 29476771 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
By unconscious or covert processing of pain we refer to nascent interactions that affect the eventual deliverance of pain awareness. Thus, internal processes (viz., repeated nociceptive events, inflammatory kindling, reorganization of brain networks, genetic) or external processes (viz., environment, socioeconomic levels, modulation of epigenetic status) contribute to enhancing or inhibiting the presentation of pain awareness. Here we put forward the notion that for many patients, ongoing sub-conscious changes in brain function are significant players in the eventual manifestation of chronic pain. In this review, we provide clinical examples of nascent or what we term pre-pain processes and the neurobiological mechanisms of how these changes may contribute to pain, but also potential opportunities to define the process for early therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Borsook
- Center for Pain and the Brain, 9 Hope Avenue, Mailbox 26, Waltham, MA, 06524-9936, United States.
| | - Andrew M Youssef
- Center for Pain and the Brain, 9 Hope Avenue, Mailbox 26, Waltham, MA, 06524-9936, United States
| | - Nadia Barakat
- Center for Pain and the Brain, 9 Hope Avenue, Mailbox 26, Waltham, MA, 06524-9936, United States
| | - Christine B Sieberg
- Center for Pain and the Brain, 9 Hope Avenue, Mailbox 26, Waltham, MA, 06524-9936, United States
| | - Igor Elman
- Dayton Veterans Affairs Medical Center 4100 West Third Street Dayton, OH, 45428, United States
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Borchers AT, Gershwin ME. The clinical relevance of complex regional pain syndrome type I: The Emperor's New Clothes. Autoimmun Rev 2016; 16:22-33. [PMID: 27666818 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2016.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The management of patients with chronic pain is a nearly daily challenge to rheumatologists, neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, pain specialists and indeed a issue in nearly every clinical practice. Among the myriad of causes of pain are often included a unique syndrome, generally referred to as complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS). Unfortunately CRPS I has become a catch all phase and there are serious questions on whether it exists at all; this has led to an extraordinary number of poorly defined diagnostic criteria. It has also led to an etiologic quagmire that includes features as diverse as autoimmunity to simple trauma. These, in turn, have led to overdiagnosis and often overzealous use of pain medications, including narcotics. In a previous paper, we raised the issue of whether CRPS type I reflected a valid diagnosis. Indeed, the diagnostic criteria for CRPS I, and therefore the diagnosis itself, is unreliable for a number of reasons: 1) the underlying pathophysiology of the signs and symptoms of CPRS I are not biologically plausible; 2) there are no consistent laboratory or imaging testing available; 3) the signs and symptoms fluctuate over time without a medical explanation; 4) the definitions of most studies are derived from statistical analysis with little consideration to required sample size, i.e. power calculations; 5) interobserver reliability in the assessment of the signs and symptoms are often only fair to moderate, and agreement on the diagnosis of "CRPS I" is poor. Even physicians who still believe in the concept of "CRPS I" admit that it is vastly overdiagnosed and has become a diagnosis of last resort, often without a complete differential diagnosis and an alternative explanation. Finally, one of the most convincing arguments that there is no clinical entity as "CRPS I" comes from the enormous heterogeneity in sign and symptom profiles and the heterogeneity of pathophysiological mechanisms postulated. This observation is underscored by the diversity of responses among "CRPS I" patients to essentially all treatment modalities. It has even led to the concept that the signs and symptoms of CRPS can spread throughout the body, as if it is an infectious disease, without any medical plausible explanation. If true progress is to be made in helping patients with pain, it will require entirely new and different concepts and abandoning CRPS I as a legitimate diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea T Borchers
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - M Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, United States.
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Potential risk factors for the onset of complex regional pain syndrome type 1: a systematic literature review. Anesthesiol Res Pract 2015; 2015:956539. [PMID: 25688265 PMCID: PMC4321092 DOI: 10.1155/2015/956539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Revised: 12/21/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaesthetists in the acute and chronic pain teams are often involved in treating Complex Regional Pain Syndromes. Current literature about the risk factors for the onset of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1 (CRPS 1) remains sparse. This syndrome has a low prevalence, a highly variable presentation, and no gold standard for diagnosis. In the research setting, the pathogenesis of the syndrome continues to be elusive. There is a growing body of literature that addresses efficacy of a wide range of interventions as well as the likely mechanisms that contribute to the onset of CRPS 1. The objective for this systematic search of the literature focuses on determining the potential risk factors for the onset of CRPS 1. Eligible articles were analysed, dated 1996 to April 2014, and potential risk factors for the onset of CRPS 1 were identified from 10 prospective and 6 retrospective studies. Potential risk factors for the onset of CRPS 1 were found to include being female, particularly postmenopausal female, ankle dislocation or intra-articular fracture, immobilisation, and a report of higher than usual levels of pain in the early phases of trauma. It is not possible to draw definite conclusions as this evidence is heterogeneous and of mixed quality, relevance, and weighting strength against bias and has not been confirmed across multiple trials or in homogenous studies.
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Factors associated with complex regional pain syndrome type I in patients with surgically treated distal radius fracture. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 2014; 134:1775-81. [PMID: 25311113 DOI: 10.1007/s00402-014-2094-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Wrist fracture is considered a typical initiating trauma for complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS I). However, few studies have comprehensively evaluated factors associated with the occurrence of CRPS I after the surgical treatment of a distal radius fracture (DRF). This study evaluates the factors influencing the occurrence of CRPS I after the surgical treatment of a DRF. METHODS A total of 477 patients with a DRF who had been treated surgically were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Patients were followed for 6 months after surgery, and CRPS I was diagnosed using the Budapest diagnostic criteria for research. The factors assessed for the development of CPRS I were age, gender, the body mass index, the type of fracture, the energy of trauma, the number of trial reductions, the type of surgery, and the duration of immobilization. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify independent predictors of the occurrence of CRPS I. RESULTS Among the 477 patients, 42 (8.8 %) satisfied the Budapest criteria for CRPS I within 6 months of surgery. Female patients developed CRPS I more frequently, and the patients who developed CRPS I were older and more likely to sustain a high energy injury or have a comminuted fracture. According to the multivariate analysis, female patients and those with a high energy trauma or severe fracture type were significantly more likely to develop CRPS I (p = 0.02, 0.01, and 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS High energy injuries, severe fractures, and the female gender contribute to the development of CRPS I after the surgical treatment of DRF. The results have important implications for physicians who wish to identify patients at high risk for CRPS I after operative fixation for DRF and instigate treatment accordingly.
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Bean DJ, Johnson MH, Kydd RR. The Outcome of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1: A Systematic Review. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2014; 15:677-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2014.01.500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Revised: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Parkitny L, McAuley JH, Di Pietro F, Stanton TR, O'Connell NE, Marinus J, van Hilten JJ, Moseley GL. Inflammation in complex regional pain syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurology 2013; 80:106-17. [PMID: 23267031 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0b013e31827b1aa1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We conducted a systematic review of the literature with meta-analysis to determine whether complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is associated with a specific inflammatory profile and whether this is dependent on the duration of the condition. METHODS Comprehensive searches of the literature using MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and reference lists from published reviews identified articles that measured inflammatory factors in CRPS. Two independent investigators screened titles and abstracts, and performed data extraction and risk of bias assessments. Studies were subgrouped by medium (blood, blister fluid, and CSF) and duration (acute and chronic CRPS). Where possible, meta-analyses of inflammatory factor concentrations were performed and pooled effect sizes were calculated using random-effects models. RESULTS Twenty-two studies were included in the systematic review and 15 in the meta-analysis. In acute CRPS, the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-8 and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors I (sTNF-RI) and II (sTNF-RII) were significantly increased in blood. In chronic CRPS, significant increases were found in 1) TNFα, bradykinin, sIL-1RI, IL-1Ra, IL-2, sIL-2Ra, IL-4, IL-7, interferon-γ, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and sRAGE (soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products) in blood; 2) IL-1Ra, MCP-1, MIP-1β, and IL-6 in blister fluid; and 3) IL-1β and IL-6 in CSF. Chronic CRPS was also associated with significantly decreased 1) substance P, sE-selectin, sL-selectin, sP-selectin, and sGP130 in blood; and 2) soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) in CSF. Most studies failed to meet 3 or more of our quality criteria. CONCLUSION CRPS is associated with the presence of a proinflammatory state in the blood, blister fluid, and CSF. Different inflammatory profiles were found for acute and chronic cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Parkitny
- Neuroscience Research Australia, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Rhee PC, Dennison DG, Kakar S. Avoiding and treating perioperative complications of distal radius fractures. Hand Clin 2012; 28:185-98. [PMID: 22554662 DOI: 10.1016/j.hcl.2012.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Numerous methods of treatment are available for the management of distal radius fractures, with modern trends favoring volar fixed-angle distal radius plates. Whatever the method of fixation, recognition, management, and prevention of the known associated complications are essential to achieve a good outcome. This article reviews the common preventable complications that are associated with operative treatment of distal radius fractures, including tendon injuries, inadequate reduction, subsidence or collapse, intra-articular placement of pegs or screws, nerve injuries, complex regional pain syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, and compartment syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter C Rhee
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street Southwest, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Unstable distal radius fractures in the elderly patient--volar fixed-angle plate osteosynthesis prevents secondary loss of reduction. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 68:992-8. [PMID: 20065876 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0b013e3181b99f71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because of demographic changes in industrialized countries, signifying a growing population of the aged and a markedly increased life expectancy, the incidence of the distal radius fracture is expected to increase by a further 50% until the year 2030. Osteoporosis characterizes the radius fracture in elderly patients. Primarily weakening metaphyseal bone, osteoporosis renders simple fractures unstable and makes distal bone fixation a challenge. The introduction of fixed-angle plate systems for extension fractures of the radius was evaluated in a prospective study performed at our hospital after selection and acquisition of a new plating system. The focus of our interest was whether a secondary loss of reduction can be prevented by this plating system in the elderly patient. METHODS We reviewed 58 patients aged 75 years or older treated for unstable distal radius fractures using a volar fixed-angle plate. Postoperative management included immediate finger motion, early functional use of the hand, wrist splint used for 4 weeks, and physiotherapy. At the time of follow-up, after a mean period of 13 months (range, 12-15 months), standard radiographic and clinical fracture parameters were measured and final functional results were assessed. RESULTS Bone healing had occurred in all patients at the time of follow-up. On X-rays taken at the time of follow-up, 53 patients (91%) had no radial shortening, 5 patients (9%) had a mean radial shortening occurred during follow-up of only 1.3 mm (range, 1-2 mm) compared with the contralateral side. Comparing the first postoperative X-rays with those taken at final evaluation showed no measurable loss of reduction in the volar tilt or radial inclination. Castaing's score yielded a perfect outcome in 25 cases, a good outcome in 30 cases, and an adequate outcome in 3 cases. On an average, the range of motion was reduced by 19% during extension/flexion, by 13% during radial/ulnar deviation, and by 9% in pronation/supination compared with the contralateral side. Grip strength was 55% higher than that of the contralateral side. Eleven patients (19%) reported pain at rest with a mean Visual Analog Pain Scale score of 3.1 (range, 1-6), whereas 30 patients (52%) had pain on load-bearing with a mean Visual Analog Pain Scale score of 3.4 (range, 1-8). The mean disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score (Jester A, Harth A, Germann G. J Hand Surg Am. 2005;30:1074.e1-1074.e10) was 28 points. A carpal tunnel syndrome with abnormal nerve conduction velocity was diagnosed in three patients, a rupture of the flexor pollicis longus tendon was seen in one patient. CONCLUSION Fixed-angle plate osteosynthesis at the distal radius in the elderly patient signifies a significant improvement in the treatment of distal radial fractures in terms of restoration of the shape and function of the wrist associated with a low complication rate. This technique with its simple palmar access, allows exact anatomic reduction of the fracture, allows early return to function, and minimizes morbidity in the elderly patient. Secondary correction loss can be prevented by this procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa de Mos
- Erasmus University Medical Center, Pharmaco-epidemiology Unit, Departments of Medical Informatics and Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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