Long-term outcomes of adolescents with juvenile-onset fibromyalgia into adulthood and impact of depressive symptoms on functioning over time

Reduced Cortico-Cortical Resting-State Connectivity in Sensory Systems Related to Bodily Pain in Juvenile Fibromyalgia

OBJECTIVE

Juvenile-onset fibromyalgia (JFM) is a paradigmatic chronic pain condition for which the underlying neurobiological substrates are poorly understood. This study examined, for the first time, data-driven resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) alterations in 37 female adolescents with JFM compared with 43 healthy female adolescents and identified associations with bodily pain.

METHODS

Whole-brain voxel-wise rsFC alterations were assessed using the intrinsic connectivity contrast, a measure of node centrality at each voxel, and seed-based analyses for interpretability. We studied the relationship between rsFC alterations in somatosensory systems and the location and extension of bodily pain.

RESULTS

Adolescents with JFM had voxel-wise rsFC reductions in the paracentral lobule (PCL)/primary somatosensory cortex (S1) (T = 4.89, family-wise error corrected p-value (pFWE) < 0.001) and left midcingulate cortex (T = 4.67, pFWE = 0.043). Post hoc analyses revealed reduced rsFC spanning major cortical sensory hubs (T > 4.4, pFWE < 0.030). Cortico-cortical rsFC reductions within PCL/S1 in JFM occurred in locations innervated by bodily areas where the pain was most frequent (F = 3.15; positive false discovery rate = 0.029) and predicted widespread pain (T > 4.4, pFWE < 0.045). Conversely, adolescents with JFM had increases in PCL/S1-thalamus (T = 4.75, pFWE = 0.046) and PCL/S1-anterior insula rsFC (T = 5.13, pFWE = 0.039).

CONCLUSION

Reduced cortico-cortical sensory integration involving PCL/S1 and spanning the sensory systems may underly critical pain sensory features in youth with JFM. Reduced sensory integration is paralleled by augmented cross-talk between sensory and affective/salience-processing regions, potentially indicating a shift toward more affectively colored sensory experiences to the detriment of specific sensory discrimination.

Recommendations for Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System pediatric measures in youth with chronic pain: a COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments systematic review of measurement properties

ABSTRACT

The Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) pediatric measures assess physical, emotional, and social health among children and adolescents. However, their measurement properties have not been systematically examined in youth with chronic pain. A systematic review applying the COnsensus based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) methodology was conducted to evaluate self-reported PROMIS pediatric measures in youth with chronic pain, assessing 8 measurement properties across all versions (item bank, short form, and computer adaptive testing) from 63 studies covering 25 measures. Moderate or high-quality evidence was most available for content validity, structural validity, internal consistency (measurement precision), and construct validity. Four short-form PROMIS pediatric measures-mobility, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and physical stress experiences-achieved recommendation for the use in chronic pain clinical trials; 7 approached recommendation and 14, including the commonly used PROMIS Pediatric Pain Interference Scale, would be recommended with further evidence. Recommendations were also provided for the use of each measure in observational studies. Overall, based on the existing evidence, a total of 11 self-reported PROMIS pediatric short-form measures, including pain intensity, pain behavior, mobility, sleep disturbance, sleep-related impairment, anxiety, depressive symptoms, psychological stress experiences, physical stress experiences, family relationships, and positive effect, are recommended or approaching recommendation for use in youth ages 8 to 19 years with chronic pain. Research is needed to further establish test-retest reliability, measurement errors, cross-cultural validity, and responsiveness. Future work should expand the evaluation of PROMIS pediatric measures in subpopulations of youth with chronic pain, particularly young children and those with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Pain-Related Stigma and Its Associations With Clinical and Experimental Pain Severity in Youth With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Conditions

OBJECTIVE

Many children with chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions experience stigma which can have negative downstream consequences. This study compares ratings of clinical pain (current pain intensity and pain interference), experimental pain (temporal summation, cold water tolerance, and cold pain intensity), and pain-related stigma among three groups of youth with rheumatic conditions. The relations among ratings of pain-related stigma and pain variables were explored.

METHODS

Eighty-eight youth aged 8-17 years with a diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA = 32), juvenile fibromyalgia (JFM = 31), or non-specific chronic pain (NSCP = 25) completed measures of clinical pain ratings (average 7-day pain intensity, day of assessment pain (DoA), and pain interference), experimental pain (cold pain tolerance, cold pain intensity, and temporal summation of mechanical pain), and pain-related stigma. Data analysis compared pain-related stigma and pain ratings across the three groups and examined the relations among pain-related stigma and pain ratings.

RESULTS

Youth with JFM reported higher ratings of clinical pain and pain-related stigma than their counterparts with NSCP or JIA. However, there were no differences in experimental pain. Pain-related stigma was associated with greater ratings of pain interference, particularly for those with JIA and NSCP. Pain-related stigma was also associated with greater average daily pain intensity but not DoA.

CONCLUSION

Youth with medically unexplained pain report greater stigma and worse pain than their peers; thus, robust assessment of pain in this population is necessary. Future work should longitudinally explore the impact of pain-related stigma on pain outcomes and treatment responses.

Beliefs About Pain in Pediatric Inflammatory and Noninflammatory Chronic Musculoskeletal Conditions: A Scoping Review

OBJECTIVE

The Common Sense Self-Regulatory Model posits that beliefs about pain influence coping behaviors and subsequent physical and mental health outcomes in children/young people with chronic musculoskeletal conditions. It was unclear how and what beliefs had been investigated in this population, and whether there were similarities and differences in beliefs held about pain by those experiencing inflammatory versus noninflammatory musculoskeletal conditions. This scoping review addressed this gap.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted using four databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, and CINAHL) in November 2021. Primary studies exploring key stakeholders' (including children, parents, and/or healthcare professionals) beliefs about pain underlying pediatric chronic musculoskeletal conditions were synthesized.

RESULTS

Eighteen articles were identified. Cross-sectional designs were predominantly used to explore beliefs (n = 6). The majority used questionnaires to assess beliefs (n = 12). Beliefs common across musculoskeletal conditions were that children/young people felt their pain was not understood by others, and pain affected their physical functioning. Differences included children/young people and parents thinking they had some ability to control pain, and causal beliefs relating to underlying disease activity. These pain beliefs were more likely to be held in relation to inflammatory diagnoses. In contrast, children/young people and parents were more likely to view pain as uncontrollable, with more uncertainty regarding underlying causes, relating to noninflammatory diagnoses.

CONCLUSIONS

Methods used to explore pain beliefs were inconsistent. Studies identified similarities and differences which appear to be closely related to the underlying diagnosis. Findings justify further exploration to identify potentially modifiable targets to improve pain outcomes in this population.

Augmented pain-evoked primary sensorimotor cortex activation in adolescent girls with juvenile fibromyalgia

ABSTRACT

Juvenile fibromyalgia (JFM) is a chronic widespread pain condition that primarily affects adolescent girls. Previous studies have found increased sensitivity to noxious pressure in adolescents with JFM. However, the underlying changes in brain systems remain unclear. The aim of this study was to characterize pain-evoked brain responses and identify brain mediators of pain hypersensitivity in adolescent girls with JFM. Thirty-three adolescent girls with JFM and 33 healthy adolescent girls underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging scans involving noxious pressure applied to the left thumbnail at an intensity of 2.5 or 4 kg/cm 2 and rated pain intensity and unpleasantness on a computerized Visual Analogue Scale. We conducted standard general linear model analyses and exploratory whole-brain mediation analyses. The JFM group reported significantly greater pain intensity and unpleasantness than the control group in response to noxious pressure stimuli at both intensities ( P < 0.05). The JFM group showed augmented right primary somatosensory cortex (S1) activation to 4 kg/cm 2 (Z > 3.1, cluster-corrected P < 0.05), and the peak S1 activation magnitudes significantly correlated with the scores on the Widespread Pain Index ( r = 0.35, P = 0.048) with higher activation associated with more widespread pain. We also found that greater primary sensorimotor cortex activation in response to 4 kg/cm 2 mediated the between-group differences in pain intensity ratings ( P < 0.001). In conclusion, we found heightened sensitivity to noxious pressure stimuli and augmented pain-evoked sensorimotor cortex responses in adolescent girls with JFM, which could reflect central sensitization or amplified nociceptive input.

Clinical Characterization of Juvenile Fibromyalgia in a Multicenter Cohort of Adolescents Enrolled in a Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

Juvenile fibromyalgia (JFM) is a complex chronic pain condition that remains poorly understood. The study aimed to expand the clinical characterization of JFM in a large representative sample of adolescents with JFM and identify psychological factors that predict pain interference.

METHODS

Participants were 203 adolescents (ages 12-17 years) who completed baseline assessments for the multisite Fibromyalgia Integrative Training for Teens (FIT Teens) randomized control trial. Participants completed the Pain and Symptom Assessment Tool, which includes a Widespread Pain Index (WPI; 0-18 pain locations) and Symptom Severity checklist of associated somatic symptoms (SS; 0-12) based on the 2010 American College of Rheumatology criteria for fibromyalgia. Participants also completed self-report measures of pain intensity, functional impairment, and psychological functioning.

RESULTS

Participants endorsed a median of 11 painful body sites (WPI score) and had a median SS score of 9. Fatigue and nonrestorative sleep were prominent features and rated as moderate to severe by 85% of participants. Additionally, neurologic, autonomic, gastroenterologic, and psychological symptoms were frequently endorsed. The WPI score was significantly correlated with pain intensity and catastrophizing, while SS scores were associated with pain intensity and all domains of physical and psychological functioning. Depressive symptoms, fatigue, and pain catastrophizing predicted severity of pain impairment.

CONCLUSION

JFM is characterized by chronic widespread pain with fatigue, nonrestorative sleep, and other somatic symptoms. However, how diffusely pain is distributed appears less important to clinical outcomes and impairment than other somatic and psychological factors, highlighting the need for a broader approach to the assessment and treatment of JFM.

Family structure and multisite musculoskeletal pain in adolescence: a Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 study

BACKGROUND

Family structure is suggested to be associated with adolescent pain, but evidence on its association with multisite MS pain is sparse. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the potential associations between family structure ('single-parent family', 'reconstructed family', and 'two-parent family') and multisite musculoskeletal (MS) pain in adolescence.

METHODS

The dataset was based on the 16-year-old Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 adolescents with available data on family structure, multisite MS pain, and a potential confounder (n = 5,878). The associations between family structure and multisite MS pain were analyzed with binomial logistic regression and modelled as unadjusted, as the evaluated potential confounder, mother's educational level, did not meet the criteria for a confounder.

RESULTS

Overall, 13% of the adolescents had a 'single-parent family' and 8% a 'reconstructed family'. Adolescents living in a single-parent family had 36% higher odds of multisite MS pain compared to adolescents from two-parent families (the reference) (Odds Ratio [OR]: 1.36, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.17 to 1.59). Belonging to a 'reconstructed family' was associated with 39% higher odds of multisite MS pain (OR 1.39, 1.14 to 1.69).

CONCLUSION

Family structure may have a role in adolescent multisite MS pain. Future research is needed on causality between family structure and multisite MS pain, to establish if there is a need for targeted support.

Predicting the Need for Transition from Pediatric to Adult Pain Services: A Retrospective, Longitudinal Study Using the Electronic Persistent Pain Outcome Collaboration (ePPOC) Databases

A proportion of youth with chronic pain do not respond to interdisciplinary pain management and may require transition to adult pain services. This study sought to characterize a cohort of patients referred to pediatric pain services who subsequently required referral to an adult pain service. We compared this transition group with pediatric patients eligible by age to transition but who did not transition to adult services. We sought to identify factors predicting the need to transition to adult pain services. This retrospective study utilized linkage data from the adult electronic Persistent Pain Outcomes Collaboration (ePPOC) and the pediatric (PaedePPOC) data repositories. The transition group experienced significantly higher pain intensity and disability, lower quality of life, and higher health care utilization relative to the comparison group. Parents of the transition group reported greater distress, catastrophizing, and helplessness relative to parents in the comparison group. Three factors significantly predicted transition: compensation status (OR = 4.21 (1.185-15)), daily anti-inflammatory medication use (OR = 2 (1.028-3.9)), and older age at referral (OR = 1.6 (1.3-2.17)). This study demonstrated that patients referred to pediatric pain services who subsequently need transition to adult services are a uniquely disabled and vulnerable group beyond comparative peers. Clinical applications for transition-specific care are discussed.

Association of Common Pediatric Surgeries With New Onset Chronic Pain in Patients 0-21 Years of Age in the United States

Chronic pain (CP) is a major public health issue. While new onset CP is known to occur frequently after some pediatric surgeries, its incidence after the most common pediatric surgeries is unknown. This retrospective cohort study used insurance claims data from 2002 to 2017 for patients 0 to 21 years of age. The primary outcome was CP 90 to 365 days after each of the 20 most frequent surgeries in 5 age categories (identified using CP ICD codes). Multivariable logistic regression identified surgeries and risk factors associated with CP after surgery. A total of 424,590 surgical patients aged 0 to 21 were included, 22,361 of whom developed CP in the 90 to 365 days after surgery. The incidences of CP after surgery were: 1.1% in age group 0 to 1 years; 3.0% in 2 to 5 years; 5.6% in 6 to 11 years; 10.1% in 12 to 18 years; 9.9% in 19 to 21 years. Some surgeries and patient variables were associated with CP. Approximately 1 in 10 adolescents who underwent the most common surgeries developed CP, as did a striking percentage of children in other age groups. Given the long-term consequences of CP, resources should be allocated toward identification of high-risk pediatric patients and strategies to prevent CP after surgery. PERSPECTIVE: This study identifies the incidences of and risk factors for chronic pain after common surgeries in patients 0 to 21 years of age. Our findings suggest that resources should be allocated toward the identification of high-risk pediatric patients and strategies to prevent CP after surgery.

The complexities of the sleep-pain relationship in adolescents: A critical review

Chronic pain is a common and disabling condition in adolescents. Disturbed sleep is associated with many detrimental effects in adolescents with acute and chronic pain. While sleep and pain are known to share a reciprocal relationship, the sleep-pain relationship in adolescence warrants further contextualization within normally occurring maturation of several biopsychological processes. Since sleep and pain disorders begin to emerge in early adolescence and are often comorbid, there is a need for a comprehensive picture of their interrelation especially related to temporal relationships and mechanistic drivers. While existing reviews provide a solid foundation for the interaction between disturbed sleep and pain in youth, we will extend this review by highlighting current methodological challenges for both sleep and pain assessments, exploring the recent evidence for directionality in the sleep-pain relationship, reviewing potential mechanisms and factors underlying the relationship, and providing direction for future investigations. We will also highlight the potential role of digital technologies in advancing the understanding of the sleep and pain relationship. Ultimately, we anticipate this information will facilitate further research and inform the management of pain and poor sleep, which will ultimately improve the quality of life in adolescents and reduce the risk of pain persisting into adulthood.

Processing of pain by the developing brain: evidence of differences between adolescent and adult females

ABSTRACT

Adolescence is a sensitive period for both brain development and the emergence of chronic pain particularly in females. However, the brain mechanisms supporting pain perception during adolescence remain unclear. This study compares perceptual and brain responses to pain in female adolescents and adults to characterize pain processing in the developing brain. Thirty adolescent (ages 13-17 years) and 30 adult (ages 35-55 years) females underwent a functional magnetic resonance imaging scan involving acute pain. Participants received 12 ten-second noxious pressure stimuli that were applied to the left thumbnail at 2.5 and 4 kg/cm 2 , and rated pain intensity and unpleasantness on a visual analogue scale. We found a significant group-by-stimulus intensity interaction on pain ratings. Compared with adults, adolescents reported greater pain intensity and unpleasantness in response to 2.5 kg/cm 2 but not 4 kg/cm 2 . Adolescents showed greater medial-lateral prefrontal cortex and supramarginal gyrus activation in response to 2.5 kg/cm 2 and greater medial prefrontal cortex and rostral anterior cingulate responses to 4 kg/cm 2 . Adolescents showed greater pain-evoked responses in the neurologic pain signature and greater activation in the default mode and ventral attention networks. Also, the amygdala and associated regions played a stronger role in predicting pain intensity in adolescents, and activity in default mode and ventral attention regions more strongly mediated the relationship between stimulus intensity and pain ratings. This study provides first evidence of greater low-pain sensitivity and pain-evoked brain responses in female adolescents (vs adult women) in regions important for nociceptive, affective, and cognitive processing, which may be associated with differences in peripheral nociception.

Signature for Pain Recovery IN Teens (SPRINT): protocol for a multisite prospective signature study in chronic musculoskeletal pain

INTRODUCTION

Current treatments for chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain are suboptimal. Discovery of robust prognostic markers separating patients who recover from patients with persistent pain and disability is critical for developing patient-specific treatment strategies and conceiving novel approaches that benefit all patients. Given that chronic pain is a biopsychosocial process, this study aims to discover and validate a robust prognostic signature that measures across multiple dimensions in the same adolescent patient cohort with a computational analysis pipeline. This will facilitate risk stratification in adolescent patients with chronic MSK pain and more resourceful allocation of patients to costly and potentially burdensome multidisciplinary pain treatment approaches.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Here we describe a multi-institutional effort to collect, curate and analyse a high dimensional data set including epidemiological, psychometric, quantitative sensory, brain imaging and biological information collected over the course of 12 months. The aim of this effort is to derive a multivariate model with strong prognostic power regarding the clinical course of adolescent MSK pain and function.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study complies with the National Institutes of Health policy on the use of a single internal review board (sIRB) for multisite research, with Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Review Board as the reviewing IRB. Stanford's IRB is a relying IRB within the sIRB. As foreign institutions, the University of Toronto and The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) are overseen by their respective ethics boards. All participants provide signed informed consent. We are committed to open-access publication, so that patients, clinicians and scientists have access to the study data and the signature(s) derived. After findings are published, we will upload a limited data set for sharing with other investigators on applicable repositories.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04285112.

Associations between courses of posttraumatic stress disorder and physical health conditions among Canadian military personnel

BACKGROUND

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and physical health conditions commonly co-occur and are both prevalent among military personnel. This study examined how courses of PTSD (no PTSD, remitted, new onset, persistent/recurrent) are associated with physical health conditions, among a population-based sample of Canadian military personnel.

METHOD

We analyzed data from the 2002 Canadian Community Health Survey-Mental Health and Well-being-Canadian Forces supplement (CCHS-CF) and the 2018 Canadian Armed Forces Members and Veterans Mental Health Follow-Up Survey (CAFVMHS; N = 2941). Multivariable logistic regressions examined associations between PTSD courses (reference = no PTSD) and physical health conditions.

RESULTS

In general, physical health conditions were more prevalent among symptomatic PTSD courses compared to no PTSD. After adjustment, new onset PTSD was associated with increased odds of all physical health conditions with the exception of ulcers and cancer (AOR range: 1.41-2.31) and remitted PTSD was associated with increased odds of diabetes (AOR = 2.31).

CONCLUSION

Results suggest that new onset PTSD may be most strongly associated with physical health conditions. Findings may inform targeted screening and intervention methods among military personnel with PTSD and physical health conditions.

Pediatric Chronic Orofacial Pain: A Narrative Review of Biopsychosocial Associations and Treatment Approaches

Pediatric chronic orofacial pain (OFP) is an umbrella term which refers to pain associated with the hard and soft tissues of the head, face, and neck lasting >3 months in patients younger than 18 years of age. Common chronic pediatric OFP diagnoses include temporomandibular disorder, headaches, and neuropathic pain. Chronic OFP can adversely affect youth's daily functioning and development in many areas of well-being, and may be associated with emotional stress, depression, functional avoidance, and poor sleep, among other negative outcomes. In this mini-review, we will discuss common psychological comorbidities and familial factors that often accompany chronic pediatric OFP conditions. We will also discuss traditional management approaches for pediatric orofacial pain including education, occlusal appliances, and psychological treatments such as relaxation, mindfulness-based interventions, and cognitive-behavioral treatments. Finally, we highlight avenues for future research, as a better understanding of chronic OFP comorbidities in childhood has the potential to prevent long-term pain-related disability in adulthood.

Sleep Health Assessment and Treatment in Children and Adolescents with Chronic Pain: State of the Art and Future Directions

Sleep is interrelated with the experience of chronic pain and represents a modifiable lifestyle factor that may play an important role in the treatment of children and adolescents with chronic pain. This is a topical review of assessment and treatment approaches to promote sleep health in children and adolescents with chronic pain, which summarizes: relevant and recent systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and methodologically sound prospective studies and clinical trials. Recommendations are provided for best practices in the clinical assessment and treatment of sleep health in youth with chronic pain. This overview can also provide researchers with foundational knowledge to build upon the best evidence for future prospective studies, assessment and intervention development, and novel clinical trials.

Implications of Nerve Fiber Density on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Juvenile Fibromyalgia

Juvenile fibromyalgia (JFM) is a condition that presents as chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain and affects children and adolescents. JFM remains a challenging diagnosis, as it is both based on subjective criteria and the pathogenesis is poorly understood. Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is a distinct condition, which is characterized by pathology of small A-delta and C fibers, and can present similarly to JFM. Small fiber pathology is characterized by reduced intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) on skin biopsy. Recent studies have found that as many as half of patients with JFM can demonstrate decreased IENFD, in pattern similar to SFN. This phenomenon has been referred to as small fiber pathology. The meaning of these findings was disputed; however, the current consensus remains that fibromyalgia and SFN are distinct conditions. Additionally, among patients with fibromyalgia, there are two phenotypes: those with small fiber pathology and those without. The purpose of this review was to characterize the role assessment of IENFD plays in the clinical context. We conducted a narrative review of pertinent articles pertaining to JFM, SFN and small fiber pathology in fibromyalgia. We concluded that assessment of IENFD should be completed if SFN is suspected either when a patient first presents or in patients who were previously diagnosed with fibromyalgia and SFN is later suspected. Distinguishing between JFM and SFN is important because recommended therapies differ between the two conditions. However, there is no evidence to support the use of skin biopsy to distinguish between the two discussed fibromyalgia phenotypes. More studies are needed to elucidate whether IENFD varies with morbidity and if both fibromyalgia phenotypes vary in their response to different therapeutic regimens.

A Scoping Review and Proposed Framework for Coping in Youth With a History of Psychological Trauma and Chronic Pain

OBJECTIVE

Psychological trauma (e.g., abuse, neglect) and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) commonly occur in pediatric pain populations and may be related to various maladaptive coping strategies, which may in turn affect short- and long-term pain-related outcomes in youth. Accordingly, the current scoping review and conceptual framework seeks to identify important gaps in the field's current understanding of how coping impacts outcomes in youth who have experienced trauma/PTSS and pediatric chronic pain and explores avenues for future investigation.

METHODS

A scoping review of the literature was performed in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, PsycInfo, and Sociological Abstracts. Eligibility criteria included pediatric populations experiencing chronic pain, trauma, adverse childhood events, and/or PTSS and associated coping mechanisms. Nine research papers were selected and used to support the conceptual framework. The framework builds upon the work of Compas et al.'s' model of control-based coping (Compas et al., 2006; Compas & Harding Thomsen, 1999) and outlines the potential effects of trauma and/or PTSS and pain on coping and pain-related outcomes (e.g., pain chronicity, functional outcomes) in pediatric chronic pain populations.

RESULTS

A history of chronic pain and psychological trauma and/or PTSS in youth may contribute to increased risk for maladaptive coping and in turn, poorer pain-related and psychosocial outcomes long-term.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from the current scoping review and proposed conceptual framework will guide future research and treatment efforts for youths experiencing pain and trauma and/or PTSS and thereby enhance long-term outcomes.

The prevalence of chronic pain in young adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT

Prior systematic reviews have summarized the prevalence and impact of chronic pain in "average" pediatric (i.e., school-age) and adult (i.e., middle-age) age groups. To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe the prevalence of chronic pain in the subgroup of individuals that fall in between established boundaries of "childhood" and "adulthood" - known as young adulthood. The goal of this research was to meta-analyze prevalence data on pain in young adults based on available data published between 2008 and 2020. Searches were identified with MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO. We included general population and university-based studies presenting prevalence estimates of chronic pain (pain lasting ≥3 months) in young adults. We identified 43 articles providing prevalence estimates across a combined population of 97,437 young adult respondents (age range: 15-34), with studies undertaken in 22 countries. Available data allowed for stratification of prevalence according to pain condition. The overall pooled random-effect prevalence rate of chronic pain in young adults was 11.6%, suggesting that 1 in every 9 young adults experience chronic pain worldwide. Prevalence rates varied considerably according to pain condition. Estimates did not vary according to sex, geographic location, and several study methodological characteristics (i.e., population type, sampling area, sampling year, investigation period, assessment method). Overall, young adult chronic pain is common and should be recognized as a major public health concern. Considering the difficulties young adults face accessing adult healthcare, greater attention is needed to develop transition programs and evidence-based treatments tailored to the unique needs of this age group.

The Evolution of Fibromyalgia, Its Concepts, and Criteria

Fibromyalgia developed in the 1950s from a substrate of difficult to explain regional and widespread pain mixed with symptoms of psychosocial distress. Controversies regarding psychological issues were common. Multiple criteria arose to define the disorder, but each identified a different set of patients. The identification of widespread pain as a criterion changed the nature of the disorder by effectively eliminating regional pain as a component condition. The easy-to-measure and relatively reliable widespread pain criterion then came to define the disorder. In the primary care community, diagnostic criteria were largely ignored, and a substantial fraction of diagnosed patients with lower pain scores, particularly women and those with high non-pain symptom scores, were diagnosed. Non-pain symptoms were added back to the fibromyalgia definition and criteria in 2010. Recognition grew that fibromyalgia fit the description of a functional somatic disorder. The idea of fibromyalgia as a primary pain disorder with a neurobiological basis contended with fibromyalgia as a broader biopsychosocial disorder. It is increasingly recognized that fibromyalgia represents a dimensional, non-binary condition and that features of fibromyalgia extend to persons who do not satisfy the criteria. Severity assessments are now available but rarely used. The course of fibromyalgia is not well studied, and improvement and remission criteria have not been successfully defined. The future of fibromyalgia as a discrete disorder remains uncertain as features of fibromyalgia are increasingly observed in patients with multiple different medical conditions.

Juvenile Fibromyalgia

Juvenile fibromyalgia is a common referral in pediatric rheumatology settings. Providing a clear diagnosis and explanation of altered pain processing offers reassurance that pain has a biologic basis and the symptoms are part of a recognized pain syndrome. Physicians should acknowledge the impact of chronic pain and associated symptoms on patient's lives and take time to understand contributing factors including stress, mood, inactivity, and lifestyle factors. The optimal treatment for juvenile fibromyalgia is multidisciplinary, focusing on education about juvenile fibromyalgia, along with physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, sleep hygiene, healthy lifestyle habits, and medications for symptom management as appropriate.

Effectiveness of a Psychosocial Aftercare Program for Youth Aged 8 to 17 Years With Severe Chronic Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Severe chronic pediatric pain causes individual suffering and significantly affects social functioning and psychological well-being. For children with high pain severity, intensive interdisciplinary pain treatment (IIPT) is a well-established treatment. However, across specialized centers, it is not sufficient for all patients.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of a psychosocial aftercare (PAC) program for pediatric patients with severe chronic pain followed up for 6 months after discharge from IIPT.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This multicenter randomized clinical trial with 4 assessment points (pre-IIPT, immediately post-IIPT, 3 months, and 6 months) was conducted at 3 pediatric specialized tertiary care pain centers in Germany between September 11, 2018, and March 31, 2020. Included patients were aged 8 to 17 with a severe chronic pain condition who had been admitted for IIPT. Data were analyzed from June 8 to September 4, 2020.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients and their families were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 study groups at inpatient IIPT admission. Both groups received standardized 3- to 4-week IIPT. After IIPT discharge, the intervention group received PAC and the control group received usual care. PAC involved ongoing contact with a social worker for as long as the family requested the support, up to a maximum of 6 months.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome measure was pain at 6 months, measured using the Chronic Pain Grading (CPG), an instrument based on an algorithm indicating severity of the chronic pain disorder. Secondary outcomes included other pain-related and emotional parameters.

RESULTS

A total of 419 patients were randomized (mean [SD] age, 14.3 [2.1] years; 303 [72.3%] girls; 116 [27.7%] boys), with 218 assigned to usual care and 201 assigned to PAC. At baseline in both groups, the median (IQR) CPG was 3 (2-4). Superiority of PAC compared with usual care was demonstrated at 6 months (median [IQR] CPG: usual care, 2 [2-3]; PAC, 1 [1-2]; r = 0.30; 95% CI, 0.17-0.41). Additionally, PAC significantly improved emotional parameters (eg, significant time × group interaction: b = -8.84; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This randomized clinical trial found that PAC improved pain-related and emotional parameters during the intervention 6 months after discharge from IIPT. Future research is needed to investigate the intervention's long-term effects.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German Clinical Trials Register ID: DRKS00015230.

Targeting the stress response in pediatric pain: current evidence for psychosocial intervention and avenues for future investigation

Nonpharmacological treatments for chronic pain in youth have been identified as first-line treatments over and above medication. Therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction have shown good efficacy in reducing the psychological correlates (eg, anxiety, depression, and stress) and social or behavioral sequelae (eg, limited physical activity and lack of school engagement) associated with pediatric chronic pain. However, minimal research has examined the physiological mechanism(s) of action for these interventions. A recent review (Cunningham, et al., 2019) emphasized the need for objective (ie, physiological) assessment of treatment response in pediatric pain populations. The current review adds to this literature by identifying the physiological stress response as a particular target of interest in interventions for pediatric pain. Research indicates that youth with chronic pain report high rates of psychological stress, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and exposure to adverse childhood experiences (abuse/neglect, etc). In addition, a host of research has shown strong parallels between the neurobiology of pain processing and the neurobiology of stress exposure in both youth and adults. Interventions such as narrative or exposure therapy (eg, trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy) and mindfulness-based or meditation-based therapies have shown particular promise in alleviating the neurobiological impact that stress and pain can have on the body, including reduction in allostatic load and altered connectivity in multiple brain regions. However, no study to date has specifically looked at these factors in the context of pediatric pain treatment. Future research should further explore these constructs to optimize prevention in and treatment of these vulnerable populations.

A qualitative study of risk and resilience in young adult women with a history of juvenile-onset fibromyalgia

BACKGROUND

Juvenile-onset Fibromyalgia (JFM) is a chronic pain condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep difficulties, mood concerns, and other associated symptoms. Although diagnosed in childhood, JFM often persists into adulthood can result in continued physical, social, and psychological impairment. The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify themes of risk and resilience for long-term outcomes among young adults diagnosed with JFM in childhood.

METHODS

The sample included 13 young adults (ages 26-34) who had been diagnosed with JFM in adolescence. Focus groups were used to elicit qualitative information about living with JFM and perceived challenges and buffering factors impacting their adjustment.

RESULTS

The majority of participants (80%, N = 12) continued to meet criteria for fibromyalgia (FM). An iterative, thematic analysis revealed themes of resilience (e.g., greater acceptance, re-setting expectations, active coping, addressing mental health) and risk (e.g., lack of information, stigma, isolation, negative healthcare experiences).

CONCLUSION

Results suggest the need for longer follow-up of youth with JFM as they transition to adulthood with multidisciplinary care and more attention to education about JFM and associated symptoms such as fatigue, as well as ongoing support for coping and mental health needs. A holistic approach to care during the transition years could be beneficial to minimize impact of JFM on long-term functioning.

Improvements in Sleep Correlate With Improvements in Clinical Outcomes Among Adolescents Undergoing Intensive Interdisciplinary Pain Treatment

OBJECTIVES

Intensive interdisciplinary pain treatment (IIPT) programs have been shown to restore function, improve coping, and reduce pain in adolescents with chronic pain. Yet, little is known about patients' sleep during IIPT and whether or not improvements in pain treatment outcomes are associated with changes in sleep pre-to-post IIPT treatment. The objectives of the current study were to describe sleep among adolescents entering IIPT and examine associations between sleep parameters and IIPT treatment effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Self-reported sleep measures and clinical outcomes (eg, functional disability, coping, average pain), were collected from 44 adolescents (mean age=14.57, 68.2% female) at admission and discharge from an inpatient IIPT program. Wrist-worn actigraphy data and sleep diaries from participants' first week and last week in the program were analyzed to characterize sleep parameters.

RESULTS

Participants self-reported poor sleep/wake patterns, high levels of insomnia symptoms, and subclinical problems with daytime sleepiness upon admission into IIPT, although actigraphic indices of sleep from the first week of IIPT admission were only just under clinical guidelines for healthy adolescent sleep. Better self-reported sleep quality assessed via aggregated sleep diaries from the first week was associated with improvement in average pain and disability over the course of the program. Furthermore, improvements in insomnia symptoms and daytime sleepiness throughout the program were positively correlated with concurrent improvements in functional disability and coping.

DISCUSSION

Taken together, results suggest that sleep may be associated with IIPT treatment effects and pave the way for future research to continue examining these relationships.

Juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome: A Review- Treatment and Prognosis

Juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome (JPFS) is a chronic musculoskeletal pain syndrome affecting children and adolescents. In part one of this review, we discussed the epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and diagnosis of JPFS. Part two focuses on the treatment and prognosis of JPFS. Early intervention is important. The standard of care is multidisciplinary, combining various modalities-most importantly, exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy. Prognosis varies and symptoms may persist into adulthood.

The Clinical Utility of a Brief Psychological Stress Measure (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System) in Youth with Chronic Pain

OBJECTIVE

To preliminarily examine the psychometric properties (i.e., internal consistency reliability, construct validity) and clinical utility of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) psychological stress experiences scale in a sample of youth with chronic pain.

METHODS

Participant data were gathered from an institutional review board (IRB) approved clinical data registry. One hundred sixty-eight children and adolescents (age: mean = 14.97, SD = 2.78) with chronic pain presenting to a tertiary pain treatment clinic were included in the data set. Internal consistency estimates (i.e., Cronbach's alpha), bivariate correlations, and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to preliminarily examine reliability and validity. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to examine the associations between PROMIS psychological stress and pain-related and psychosocial outcomes.

RESULTS

Confirmatory factor analysis and correlational results indicated that the PROMIS psychological stress experiences scale shows promising reliability and validity in the current sample of youth with chronic pain. Additionally, the results indicated that almost 50% of youth with chronic pain report "high" or "very high" stress (T ≥ 60) and significantly higher rates of stress when compared with national validation samples (P < 0.001). The results also indicated that the PROMIS psychological stress experiences scale was significantly associated with both pain-related and psychosocial outcomes (all P <0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The PROMIS psychological stress experiences scale shows promising psychometric properties in youth with pediatric pain and may be useful in assessing for psychological impairment. Future research should further examine the use of this brief measure to assess psychological stress in medical clinics as a way to enhance intervention and prevention efforts in these youth.

A digital health psychological intervention (WebMAP Mobile) for children and adolescents with chronic pain: results of a hybrid effectiveness-implementation stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text.

Using a hybrid implementation-effectiveness design, our digital psychological intervention for pediatric chronic pain (WebMAP) demonstrated successful implementation, but effectiveness was limited by modest treatment engagement.

Although psychological treatments benefit youth with chronic pain, treatment is not accessible in most communities. Digital health interventions offer promise for expanding access and reach to this population. Using a stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial design, we evaluated effectiveness and implementation of a digital health delivered psychological intervention for pediatric chronic pain. One hundred forty-three youth, aged 10 to 17 years, with chronic pain and a caregiver were recruited from 8 clinics in the United States. Active intervention included access to the Web-based Management of Adolescent Pain (WebMAP) Mobile app and the WebMAP parent web site to learn pain self-management skills. Effectiveness outcomes included pain intensity, disability, and patient global impression of change, while Reach, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance were implementation outcomes. Results showed that youth in both treatment conditions (WebMAP vs Usual Care) had similar changes over time in pain and disability. Youth in the WebMAP condition perceived greater improvement (patient global impression of change) at post-treatment and follow-up (d's = 0.54 and 0.44, P < 0.05) compared with youth receiving usual care. Use of the digital health intervention was modest and variable; approximately 30% of youth and parents completed treatment. Greater engagement (number of completed modules) was associated with significantly greater reductions in pain and disability from pre-treatment to follow-up (d's = −0.57 and −0.38, P < 0.05). Parents, youth, and providers found treatment acceptable; providers had positive attitudes and demonstrated referrals over a maintenance period. Further research is needed to understand how to enhance treatment engagement with digital health interventions and optimize implementation.

Randomized clinical trial of Fibromyalgia Integrative Training (FIT teens) for adolescents with juvenile fibromyalgia - Study design and protocol

OBJECTIVE

Juvenile-onset fibromyalgia (JFM) is a chronic debilitating pain condition that negatively impacts physical, social and academic functioning. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is beneficial in reducing functional disability among adolescents with JFM but has only a modest impact on pain reduction and does not improve physical exercise participation. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to test whether a novel intervention that combines CBT with specialized neuromuscular exercise training (the Fibromyalgia Integrative Training program for Teens "FIT Teens") is superior to CBT alone or a graded aerobic exercise (GAE) program.

DESIGN/METHODS

This 3-arm multi-site RCT will examine the efficacy of the FIT Teens intervention in reducing functional disability (primary outcome) and pain intensity (secondary outcome), relative to CBT or GAE. All interventions are 8-weeks (16 sessions) in duration and are delivered in small groups of 4-6 adolescents with JFM. A total of 420 participants are anticipated to be enrolled across seven sites with approximately equal allocation to each treatment arm. Functional disability and average pain intensity in the past week will be assessed at baseline, post-treatment and at 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-month follow-up. The 3-month follow-up is the primary endpoint to evaluate treatment efficacy; longitudinal assessments will determine maintenance of treatment gains. Changes in coping, fear of movement, biomechanical changes and physical fitness will also be evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

This multi-site RCT is designed to evaluate whether the combined FIT Teens intervention will have significantly greater effects on disability and pain reduction than CBT or GAE alone for youth with JFM. Clinical trials.gov registration: NCT03268421.

Long-term outcomes of children with severe chronic pain: Comparison of former patients with a community sample

BACKGROUND

Findings on the short- and long-term effectiveness of intensive interdisciplinary pain treatment (IIPT) for children with severe chronic functional pain are promising. However, a definitive appraisal of long-term effectiveness cannot be made due to a lack of comparison groups. The aim of the present study was to compare the health status of former patients with the health status of an age- and sex-matched comparison group from the community.

METHODS

Data from two samples, a clinical sample of former patients (n = 162; aged 14 to 26) and an age- and sex-matched community sample (n = 162), were analysed. Former patients provided data 7 years after IIPT. Pain characteristics, physical and mental health status, autonomy, coping and health care utilisation were compared between the two samples.

RESULTS

Seven years after treatment, the majority (58%) of the clinical sample were completely pain-free. Compared to the community sample, the clinical sample demonstrated worse physical and mental health and continued to seek more frequent health care, irrespective of whether or not they experienced ongoing chronic pain. However, the clinical sample reported better coping strategies and a comparable level of autonomy.

CONCLUSION

Patients experiencing severe chronic pain in childhood who engage in IIPT are likely to have recovered from their pain in early adulthood. Long-term treatment effects may manifest in better coping strategies. However, reduced mental and physical health status may indicate a negative long-term effect of early chronic pain experiences or a general vulnerability in people developing a chronic pain condition in childhood.

SIGNIFICANCE

The majority of severely impaired paediatric chronic pain patients no longer suffer from chronic pain seven years after intensive interdisciplinary pain treatment. However, former patients have worse physical and mental health status than a community sample, and continue to seek out more frequent health care utilisation, irrespective of whether or not they continue to experience chronic pain. Therefore, potential negative long-term effects of childhood chronic pain experiences need specific attention early on.

Juvenile primary Fibromyalgia Syndrome: epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and diagnosis

Juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome (JPFS) is a chronic, musculoskeletal pain syndrome affecting children and adolescents, most commonly adolescent girls. The syndrome has a multifactorial etiology, with altered central pain processing playing an important role. The hallmark symptom is severe, widespread musculoskeletal pain. Other symptoms include sleep and mood disturbances, headaches, stiffness, and subjective joint swelling. Physical examination can reveal multiple tender points. The diagnosis is clinical, with defined criteria. Early diagnosis and intervention are important. In this part of the review, we discuss the epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and diagnosis of JPFS. Part two will focus on treatment and prognosis.

Long-term impact of adolescent chronic pain on young adult educational, vocational, and social outcomes

Despite evidence of broad impact on daily functioning in adolescence, little is known regarding the life course effects of childhood chronic pain. This is the first nationally representative study to characterize the disruptive impact of chronic pain in adolescence on key educational, vocational, and social outcomes in young adulthood (12 years later). Data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) were used, including 3174 youth with chronic pain and 11,610 without chronic pain. Multivariate regression analyses controlling for sociodemographic factors and adolescent depression found that chronic pain in adolescence was associated with long-term risk of a constellation of impairments indicative of socioeconomic disparities. Specifically, adolescent chronic pain was subsequently associated with reduced educational attainment (eg, lower odds of attaining a high school diploma and bachelor's degree), poor vocational functioning (eg, lower odds of receiving employer-provided benefits and higher odds of receiving public aid), and social impairments (eg, early parenthood, lower self-reported romantic relationship quality) in young adulthood. These findings provide a window into the future of adolescents with chronic pain, contributing to the limited knowledge base of the scope of adverse long-term outcomes during the transition to adulthood. However, several questions remain. Increased research attention is needed to understand the life course impact of pediatric chronic pain, including early risk factors and underlying mechanisms that drive adverse outcomes as they unfold across the lifespan.

Comorbid Conditions, Mental Health and Cognitive Functions in Adults with Fibromyalgia

This study examined age group differences across adulthood in comorbid conditions, mental health, and cognitive function in people with fibromyalgia. Participants completed an online survey about how fibromyalgia affects their everyday life. Chi square analyses were conducted to examine associations between age groups and (a) comorbid conditions and (b) severity of anxiety and depression. ANOVA analyses examined age group differences on aspects of self-report cognitive function. The greatest prevalence of comorbid conditions was found in middle adulthood. Early adulthood was associated with more cases of severe anxiety with the lowest number of cases being in the oldest age group. Middle adulthood was associated with worse self-report pain compared to the youngest age group. Older adults showed better self-report cognitive function compared to younger adults. Distinct age profiles based on comorbid conditions, mental health, and symptom severity across adulthood in fibromyalgia have been demonstrated.

Impact of Endometriosis on Life-Course Potential: A Narrative Review

Endometriosis may exert a profound negative influence on the lives of individuals with the disorder, adversely affecting quality of life, participation in daily and social activities, physical and sexual functioning, relationships, educational and work productivity, mental health, and well-being. Over the course of a lifetime, these daily challenges may translate into limitations in achieving life goals such as pursuing or completing educational opportunities; making career choices or advancing in a chosen career; forming stable, fulfilling relationships; or starting a family, all of which ultimately alter one's life trajectory. The potential for endometriosis to impact the life course is considerable, as symptom onset generally occurs at a time of life (menarche through menopause, adolescence through middle age) when multiple life-changing and trajectory-defining decisions are made. Using a life-course approach, we examine how the known effects of endometriosis on life-domain satisfaction may impact health and well-being across the life course of affected individuals. We provide a quasi-systematic, narrative review of the literature as well as expert opinion on recommendations for clinical management and future research directions.

Pain in Youth With Sickle Cell Disease: A Report From the Sickle Cell Clinical Research and Intervention Program

OBJECTIVES

Pain is prevalent among youth with sickle cell disease (SCD). However, previous research has been limited by small sample sizes and lacked examinations of developmental differences in pain, which are critical to minimizing the development of chronic pain as youth transition into adulthood. The primary aim of the current study was to compare pain and pain interference across 4 developmental groups in a large sample of youth with SCD. The secondary aim was to identify risk factors for greater pain and pain interference.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Utilizing a cross-sectional study design, the expression and predictors of pain and pain interference were compared across 4 developmental stages: toddlers/preschoolers (2 to 4 y), school-aged children (5 to 7 y), preadolescents (8 to 12 y), and adolescents (13 to 18 y). Participants included 386 youth with SCD and their caregivers.

RESULTS

Caregiver-reported pain and pain interference and youth-reported pain interference increased across developmental groups and plateaued approaching adolescence (multivariate analyses of variance P=0.002 for pain and P<0.001 for pain interference). Elevated fatigue, anxiety, and perceived difficulties with pain management were the most robust predictors of higher youth- and caregiver-reported pain (βs ranging from 0.15 to 0.68; P<0.001) and pain interference (βs ranging from 0.18 to 0.64; P<0.001).

DISCUSSION

Disease and treatment-related variables were not associated with pain. Self-reported pain was elevated in older versus younger developmental groups and was largely linked to anxiety, fatigue, and perceptions of pain management, thus highlighting the modifiable nature of factors influencing pain among youth with SCD.

Pain, functional disability, and their Association in Juvenile Fibromyalgia Compared to other pediatric rheumatic diseases

BACKGROUND

Severe pain and impairments in functioning are commonly reported for youth with juvenile fibromyalgia. The prevalence and impact of pain in other diseases commonly managed in pediatric rheumatology comparatively have been rarely systematically studied. The objective of the current study was to determine the extent to which high levels of pain and functional limitations, and the strength of their association, are unique to youth with juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome/JPFS) relative to other pediatric rheumatic diseases.

METHODS

Using data from 7753 patients enrolled in the multinational Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Legacy Registry, we compared the levels and association of pain and functional limitations between youth with JPFS and those with other rheumatic diseases.

RESULTS

Pain levels were rated highest among youth with JPFS (M = 6.4/10, SD = 2.4) and lowest for juvenile dermatomyositis (M = 1.7/10, SD = 2.2), with pain significantly higher in the JPFS group than any other pediatric rheumatic disease (effect sizes = .22 to 1.05). Ratings on measures of functioning and well-being also were significantly worse for patients with JPFS than patients with any other rheumatic disease (effect sizes = .62 to 1.06). The magnitude of association between pain intensity and functional disability, however, generally was higher in other rheumatic diseases than in JPFS. Pain was most strongly associated with functional limitations in juvenile dermatomyositis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and mixed connective tissue disease.

CONCLUSIONS

JPFS is unique among conditions seen in pediatric rheumatology with regard to ratings of pain and disability. However, pain appears to be comparably or more highly associated with level of functional impairment in other pediatric rheumatic diseases. Pain in childhood rheumatic disease thus would benefit from increased prioritization for research and treatment.