Marilyn S. Jacobs

Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference 2012: Recommendations for the Management of Pain by Intrathecal (Intraspinal) Drug Delivery: Report of an Interdisciplinary Expert Panel: INTRATHECAL THERAPY CONSENSUS

Introduction:  The use of intrathecal (IT) infusion of analgesic medications to treat patients with chronic refractory pain has increased since its inception in the 1980s, and the need for clinical research in IT therapy is ongoing. The Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference (PACC) panel of experts convened in 2000, 2003, and 2007 to make recommendations on the rational use of IT analgesics based on preclinical and clinical literature and clinical experiences.

Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference--2012: recommendations to reduce morbidity and mortality in intrathecal drug delivery in the treatment of chronic pain.

Introduction:  Targeted intrathecal drug infusion to treat moderate to severe chronic pain has become a standard part of treatment algorithms when more conservative options fail. This therapy is well established in the literature, has shown efficacy, and is an important tool for the treatment of both cancer and noncancer pain; however, it has become clear in recent years that intrathecal drug delivery is associated with risks for serious morbidity and mortality.

Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference--2012: recommendations on trialing for intrathecal (intraspinal) drug delivery: report of an interdisciplinary expert panel.

Introduction:  Trialing for intrathecal pump placement is an essential part of the decision‐making process in placing a permanent device. In both the United States and the international community, the proper method for trialing is ill defined.

Best practices for intrathecal drug delivery for pain.

The objective of this study was to identify best practices and provide guidance to clinicians to ensure safety and optimize intrathecal drug delivery for chronic intractable pain.

Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference—2012: Consensus on Diagnosis, Detection, and Treatment of Catheter‐Tip Granulomas (Inflammatory Masses)

Introduction:  Continuous intrathecal infusion of drugs to treat chronic pain and spasticity has become a standard part of the algorithm of care. The use of opioids has been associated with noninfectious inflammatory masses at the tip of the intrathecal catheter, which can result in neurologic complications.

Evaluation of patients for implantable pain modalities: medical and behavioral assessment.

BackgroundAdvances in neurobiology serve as the basis for current and evolving implantable pain modalities, consisting of neurostimulation and neuraxial drug administration systems. Appropriate treatment of pain begins with an accurate diagnosis based on thorough physical and behavioral evaluations. MeasuresThe medical evaluation includes a review of the patients medical history, diagnostic studies, physical examination, complete diagnostic workup, and screening trial of the proposed implantable therapy. The behavioral evaluation includes a review of the patients history and medical records, clinical interview, mental status examination, psychological testing, and determination of suitability for implantation. ConclusionsPatients with chronic pain are subject to neurophysiological, emotional, and behavioral influences that govern their perception of pain and of pain relief. Therefore, treatment of chronic pain is multidisciplinary, drawing on cognitive and behavioral psychological therapies, functional rehabilitation, orthopedic and neurologic surgery, medications, nerve blockade, neuroaugmentative procedures, and sometimes neurodestructive procedures. Appropriate selection of patients helps ensure that implantable therapies are used for those who are most likely to benefit.

The Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference (PACC): Recommendations on Intrathecal Drug Infusion Systems Best Practices and Guidelines

Pain treatment is best performed when a patient‐centric, safety‐based philosophy is used to determine an algorithmic process to guide care. Since 2007, the International Neuromodulation Society has organized a group of experts to evaluate evidence and create a Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference (PACC) to guide practice.

Loin Pain Hematuria Syndrome: Pain Relief With Intrathecal Morphine

Loin pain hematuria syndrome (LPHS) is characterized by hematuria and incapacitating loin pain. The pain experienced with LPHS is, in general, extremely difficult to treat. Many surgical and pharmacologic therapies have been directed at LPHS pain without success. This report documents successful pain control in a patient with LPHS using long-term intrathecal morphine delivered via an implantable pump. Intrathecal narcotic therapy may provide pain relief for the chronic pain of LPHS.

The Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference (PACC): Recommendations for Trialing of Intrathecal Drug Delivery Infusion Therapy

Intrathecal (IT) drug infusion is an appropriate and necessary tool in the algorithm to treat refractory cancer and noncancer pain. The decision‐making steps/methodology for selecting appropriate patients for implanted targeted drug delivery systems is controversial and complicated. Therefore, a consensus on best practices for determining appropriate use of IT drug infusion may involve testing/trialing this therapy before implantation.

Psychological Factors Influencing Chronic Pain and the Impact of Litigation

Understanding chronic pain requires an understanding of psychological factors related to the pain experience. This paradigm is the standard foundation for pain medicine as well as physical medicine and rehabilitation diagnosis and treatment. Pain patients with spine disease frequently present with a multifaceted array of physical and psychological aspects including depression, anxiety, traumatic stress, cognitive dysfunction, a potential for substance abuse, and regressed social functioning. An evolving standard of care mandates that prior to invasive pain therapies for spinal pain psychological suitability be determined. Spine pain disorders in the context of ongoing litigation present complex clinical situations which cannot be managed by medical treatments alone. The litigation will add stress and disruption to the medical diagnosis and treatment. The biopsychosocial model with inclusion of clinical psychologists as members of the treatment team is essential. This review will consider the important factors essential for a best practice approach to management of the spine pain patient with coexisting litigation.