Current Issue January 2012 | Vol. 13, No. 1

Guillermo Alexander, et al

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic and often disabling pain disorder. Research indicates that neurogenic inflammation and activation of the immune system play a role in the pathophysiology of CRPS. This study evaluated the plasma levels of cytokines, chemokines and their soluble receptors in 148 subjects afflicted with CRPS and in 60 gender and age matched healthy controls. Changes in plasma cytokines, chemokines, and their soluble receptors were found in subjects with CRPS as compared to healthy controls. Identifying biomarkers that define disease subgroups can be valuable in the design of specific therapies and in designing clinical trials.

Lance McCracken, et al

Opioids are frequently used to treat chronic nonmalignant pain in primary care. However, both patients and general practitioners have concerns about these medications. It may be possible to improve pain management practices by addressing practitioners’ worries about opioids, and the effects these worries have on their prescribing practices. This study is a pilot and feasibility study that compares two training experiences to improve appropriate opioid prescribing for chronic pain.