Premium
Characteristics and potential biomarkers of adult sickle cell patients with chronic pain
Author(s) -
Albo Camila,
Kumar Sanjiv,
Pope Michael,
Kidwell Kyle Michael,
Xu Hongyan,
Bowman Latanya,
Wells Leigh,
Barrett Nadine,
Fields Sabine,
Bora Pritam,
Patel Niren,
Kutlar Abdullah
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
european journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1600-0609
pISSN - 0902-4441
DOI - 10.1111/ejh.13461
Subject(s) - medicine , opioid , biomarker , chronic pain , nerve growth factor , hyperalgesia , gastroenterology , young adult , anesthesia , oncology , nociception , receptor , physical therapy , biochemistry , chemistry
Objectives In this study, we investigated the evolution of chronic pain in sickle cell patients (SCD) as an age‐dependent phenomenon and studied the frequency of vaso‐occlusive episode frequency, opioid use, quantitative sensory testing (QST), and biomarkers of chronic pain (CP). Methods We undertook a cross‐sectional study of the evolution of CP in SCD. A total of 72 subjects (age 15‐66) were enrolled. VOE frequency, presence of CP hydroxyurea (HU) therapy, opioid use, and laboratory parameters were collected. QST was performed, and plasma tryptase, substance P, and NGF (Nerve Growth Factor) levels were assayed. Results There was an age‐dependent increase in frequency of CP, VOEs, opioid use, and Von Frey monofilament values. CP patients had significantly higher opioid use (daily morphine equivalents) (52.8 mg vs 6.94 mg, P = .009), suggesting a correlation between opioid use and hyperalgesia. NGF levels were also significantly higher ( P = .051). Our results confirm previous observations of an age‐dependent increase in the proportion of patients with CP and support the contributing role of mast cell activation and neurogenic inflammation. Conclusions This is the first study of NGF as a possible biomarker of CP in SCD. If confirmed, this could provide a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for CP in SCD.