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Pain in youths with neuromuscular disease.

Abstract
To examine the prevalence and characteristics of pain in children with neuromuscular disease (NMD), 42 youths with NMD underwent a comprehensive evaluation including a detailed intake interview and structured questionnaire that included demographic and functional data. Youths who reported chronic pain were further queried about pain characteristics, locations, and intensity using an 11-point numerical rating scale and a modified Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). The sample consisted of 24 males (57%) and 18 females (43%), ages ranging from 9 to 20 years (M = 14.8, SD = 2.96). Participants included 14 (37%) with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, 6 (14%) with myotonic dystrophy, 2 (5%) with Becker dystrophy, 2 (5%) with limb-girdle dystrophy, 2 (5%) with congenital muscular dystrophy, 1 (2%) facioscapulohumeral, and 15 (36%) were classified as ''other NMD.'' Twenty-one (50%) were ambulatory; 26 (62%) used power wheelchairs/scooters, 9 (2%) used manual wheelchairs, 3 (.07%) used crutches/canes, and 1 (2%) used a walker. A total of 23 (55%) of the youths reported having chronic pain. Current pain intensity was 1.30 (range = 0-6), mean pain intensity over the past week was 2.39 (range = 0-7), mean pain duration was 8.75 hours (SD = 12.84). Pain in the legs was most commonly reported and 83% reported using pain medications. This study indicates that chronic pain is a significant problem in youths with NMD. These data strongly support making comprehensive pain assessment and management an integral part of the standard of care for youths with NMD.
AuthorsJoyce M Engel, Deborah Kartin, Gregory T Carter, Mark P Jensen, Kenneth M Jaffe
JournalThe American journal of hospice & palliative care (Am J Hosp Palliat Care) Vol. 26 Issue 5 Pg. 405-12 ( 2009) ISSN: 1938-2715 [Electronic] United States
PMID19820205 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.)
Chemical References
  • Analgesics
Topics
  • Adolescent
  • Analgesics (therapeutic use)
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Muscular Dystrophies (complications)
  • Neuromuscular Diseases (complications)
  • Pain (etiology, psychology)
  • Pain Management
  • Pain Measurement
  • Quality of Life
  • Sleep Wake Disorders (etiology)
  • Young Adult

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