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Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology

03-04-2024 | Chronic Pancreatitis

Tools for Bedsite Pain Assessments in Chronic Pancreatitis

Authors: Louise Kuhlmann, MD, PhD, Asbjørn Mohr Drewes, MD, PhD, DMSc

Published in: Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Chronic pancreatitis (CP), a condition marked by severe pain, necessitates precise pain assessment for effective treatment. This review explores recent advances in CP pain assessment, including CP-specific tools, quantitative sensory testing (QST), and the emerging use of wearable devices.

Recent Findings

Unidimensional pain assessment tools are constrained in capturing the multifaceted nature of CP pain. CP-specific tools, such as the Comprehensive Pain Assessment Tool (COMPAT) and its briefer variant, COMPAT-SF, exhibit promise but may necessitate further validation for broader adoption. QST provides a semi-objective method for characterizing pain profiles, and the P-QST consortium is refining QST for CP patients.
Additionally, technology is opening new avenues for objective pain assessment. Wearable devices, like smartwatches, can monitor vital signs, activity levels, and sleep quality. While they hold promise for improving pain assessment, their effectiveness requires further validation.

Summary

Accurate pain assessment is critical for managing CP. Recent developments include tools like COMPAT and COMPAT-SF, QST for characterizing pain profiles, and the potential of wearable devices. These advances can potentially enhance pain assessment and guide personalized treatment strategies. Integration into clinical practice and rigorous validation will be instrumental in improving CP pain assessment and raising the level of patient care.
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Metadata
Title
Tools for Bedsite Pain Assessments in Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors
Louise Kuhlmann, MD, PhD
Asbjørn Mohr Drewes, MD, PhD, DMSc
Publication date
03-04-2024
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology
Print ISSN: 1092-8472
Electronic ISSN: 1534-309X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11938-024-00445-5
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