SCREENING FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL VARIABLES THAT PREDICT CHRONIC POSTSURGICAL PAIN

• Main Author: Keunebrock, Laura
• Format: Web Resource
• Language: English
• Published: Morressier 01.01.2017
• DOI: 10.26226/morressier.5d1cc24d57558b317a173646

Background: With an incidence of up to 50 percent, chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) is considered an important complication after surgery. Psychosocial variables seem to have a significant contribution. A screening tool using such variables has however never been established. This study examines the relationship between preoperatively reported psychosocial variables using validated questionnaires, and the risk to develop chronic postsurgical pain. Methods: Approval from the local ethical committee was obtained. (Clinicaltrials.gov requested). Adult patients (with exclusion of chronic pain patients) planned for surgery requiring anesthesia were included. All consenting patients filled out a preoperative modified Profile-29 questionnaire. Subjects were contacted three to six months after surgery to evaluate pain scores using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Those reporting an NRS score of three or higher where asked to complete a postoperative questionnaire regarding neuropathic symptoms and functional interference.Results: A logistic regression analysis of 97 participants showed a significant relationship between scores from the modified Profile-29 questionnaire and the development of CPSP (z = 2.13, p = 0.03). We also see a significant association with sleep problems (z = 2.47, p = 0.01) and preoperative pain levels (z = 2.4, p = 0.02) and chronification.Conclusions: Psychosocial variables as inquired in the profile-29 play an important role in predicting CPSP, with most importantly sleep problems and preoperative pain level. A higher score on the profile-29 questionnaire is linked with a higher risk of chronification. We could, however, not yet determine a cut-off value identifying high risk patients.