Search

Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists or recurs for more than 3 months. This study focuses on neuropathic pain (NP) and fibromyalgia (FM) which are chronic pain states, and aims to identify lifestyle habits associated with their prevalence. Other neurological disorders are also analyzed as references. Association between the variable referring to disease prevalence (number of claims for reimbursement of marker drugs) and the variable for lifestyle habits/health examination results (collected from insured individuals aged 40–74 years) was determined by analyzing Japanese nationwide datasets, which were collected in 2018 and aggregated by prefecture. Pregabalin, donepezil, and levodopa were used as marker drugs for the chronic pain states, dementia-related diseases (Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia) and Parkinson's disease (PD), respectively. Pearson's correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were conducted. Variables showing correlation coefficient (|r|)>0.5 were put into the multiple linear regression. Exercise habits (ꞵ=−0.3182), smoking habits (0.3218), daily drinking (0.2683), and alanine aminotransferase>51 U/L (0.2309) were finally incorporated in the equation for pregabalin (R2=0.7268). Walking speed (−0.4543) and daily drinking (0.5077) were incorporated in the equation for donepezil (R2=0.5718). The prevalence of chronic pain states is associated with lifestyle habits, just like the dementia-related diseases. Exercise in daily life is negatively associated with the prevalence of the chronic pain states, although excessive alcohol drinking, smoking, and high serum ALT are positively associated with it. The prevalence of PD seems less associated with lifestyle habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of stellate ganglion block, performed by ultrasound guided technique and blind technique, and ultrasound guided T2 intercostal nerve block., Methods: In the present study, we evaluated the changes in upper arm skin temperature, and the development of Horner syndrome after stellate ganglion block (blind technique and ultrasound guided technique) and ultrasound guided T2 intercostal nerve block in 12, 11 and 10 patients scheduled for each block. Stellate ganglion blocks (blind technique) were performed via an anterior paratracheal approach at C6 using 1% mepivacaine 5 ml. Ultrasound guided stellate ganglion blocks were performed using 8-5 MHz, curved array transducer, and 1% mepivacaine 5 ml is injected to the longus colli muscle at C6 by the out of plane technique. Ultrasound guided intercostal nerve blocks were performed using 13-6 MHz, linear array transducer, and 0.75% ropivacaine 5 ml at T2. Patients were examined before and after the procedure., Results: There were no significant differences in the increase of skin temperature and the development of Horner syndrome between the groups., Conclusions: Compared to stellate ganglion block (blind technique), ultrasound guided stellate ganglion block and T2 ultrasound-guided intercostal nerve block provided a similar efficacy.

In Japan, endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair became one of the standard procedures in 2006. It has been performed in 8 patients at our hospital. We try epidural anesthesia with sedation for treatment because of the good control of blood pressure and immobilization of the patient. We usually perform epidural catheterization one day before the operation to avoid epidural hematoma due to heparinization during the operation. We usually use radiographic monitoring for safe and precise insertion of the catheter into the epidural space. Epidural catheterization with radiographic monitoring is useful for safe and reliable epidural analgesia.

We have experienced a very rare case of ruptured pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm with acute gangrenous cholecystitis. A 67-year-old male complaining of epigastralgia was admitted to our hospital. Ultrasound sonography demonstrated acute cholecystitis and cholecystolithiasis. Computed tomography scan showed the findings of acute cholecystitis and retroperitoneal mass. Emergency laparotomy revealed an acute gangrenous cholecystitis and a retroperitoneal hematoma around the second portion of the duodenum. Cholecystectomy was performed, however, the bleeding vessel was not identified. The patient bled again from the abdomen on the 6th postoperative day. A postoperative angiography indicated an inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm. A resection of the aneurysm was performed following the angiography. Pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms are uncommon and ruptured pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms result in fatal hemorrhage and high mortality. We reviewed the previously reported cases and discussed the suitable and expeditious diagnosis and management of the pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms.