Behavioral Intervention Eases Chronic Pain for Dialysis Patients

Cognitive Behavioral ​Therapy Shows Promise​ in Reducing⁤ Pain for Dialysis Patients

A new study offers a glimmer of hope for individuals⁣ with kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis ⁢who grapple ‌with chronic pain. Researchers have found that pain​ coping skills training (PCST), a cognitive behavioral intervention, can provide meaningful relief. After a 12-week trial,PCST demonstrated a notable reduction ‌in how pain ‍impacted daily ⁤activities compared to standard care. While the​ overall effect on the entire group was considered modest, a substantial portion of participants experienced a clinically critically important change.”The intervention produced a clinically critically important change for a substantial proportion ⁢of participants,” researchers noted in their report published in JAMA Internal Medicine [[1](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.7140?guestAccessKey=3669df53-0d37-43b0-b5bb-02b989ec4200&utm_source=For_The_Media&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ftm_links&utm_content=tfl&utm_term=123024)]. Interestingly, even though the average reduction in pain interference scores fell short of ​the desired 1-point minimal clinically important difference, a substantially higher percentage of participants in the PCST group experienced a⁤ greater than 1-point decrease in pain scores compared to those receiving standard care. These findings ‌are particularly encouraging considering ‍the ​limited success of other pain management‌ approaches for ​dialysis patients, especially opioids.Paul‍ Kimmel, MD, of the National Institute of Diabetes⁢ and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, highlighted the challenges of opioid use in this population. “Very​ few interventions have ⁤been shown to improve the ⁤quality‌ of life for people with end-stage kidney disease being⁤ treated with dialysis,” Dr. Kimmel noted in a statement [[2](https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/behavioral-intervention-decreases-how-much-pain-affects-daily-activities-people-dialysis-dependent-kidney-failure)]. “Such as,⁤ opioids, which have been a main ‍treatment for pain​ in this population, have side effects that can be more pronounced in the presence of kidney‌ failure, making pain management ​challenging.” Previous work by Dr. Kimmel’s group has revealed the downsides ⁢of opioid use in dialysis patients, including increased mortality and risks related to dialysis discontinuation and hospitalization [[3](https://www.medpagetoday.com/meetingcoverage/asn/61581)].

Pain Coping Skills Training Shows Promise for Hemodialysis Patients

A recent study ​published in the Journal of ⁣the American Medical Association has demonstrated the effectiveness of Pain Coping Skills Training (PCST) in reducing chronic⁤ pain among hemodialysis⁣ patients.Researchers‌ found that ⁤PCST, a⁣ non-pharmacological intervention, led to ‍significant improvements​ in pain intensity, catastrophizing, depression, and anxiety compared to ⁢usual care. “The absence of ⁤adverse effects attributable to PCST contrasts⁤ favorably with pharmacologic⁤ pain interventions,” noted the study authors. They emphasized the appeal of non-pharmacological approaches given the significant medication burden often faced by this patient population. The study, part of the HOPE Consortium Trial to Reduce Pain and Opioid Use⁤ in Hemodialysis, involved 643 participants randomized to‍ either ‍PCST or usual care.participants were recruited from‌ 16 academic centers and 103 outpatient dialysis facilities across the United States between January 2021 and April 2023. All participants had been receiving ‍in-center maintenance hemodialysis for at least 90 days and⁤ reported moderate to severe chronic pain at baseline. PCST participants demonstrated notable improvements in several secondary outcomes by week 24, including:

• Pain intensity (a mean difference​ of -0.50 points on the 10-point BPI Severity scale)
• Catastrophizing (a -1.49-point difference on​ the 24-point Pain Catastrophizing scale six-item short form scale)
• Depression (a difference of -0.94 points on the nine-item Patient Health questionnaire)
• Anxiety (a​ -0.98-point difference on the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale)

While the⁢ improvement in quality ‌of life on a single-item scale did not reach statistical ⁣significance in the ⁤PCST group, it was nonetheless notable. The study authors‍ acknowledged a limitation – the lack of a cost-effectiveness analysis, which prevented conclusions about the economic implications of implementing PCST. ​ “Future work will focus on how to prolong the favorable effects of pain coping skills training and how‍ to broadly implement this intervention in clinical practice,” stated led researcher Elinore Dember. ⁣ These promising findings suggest that PCST‌ could be a valuable ‌tool for managing‍ chronic pain and improving the quality of life for hemodialysis patients.

Pain Coping ​Skills‌ Show Promise for Hemodialysis Patients

A new ⁤study suggests that teaching coping skills can⁣ significantly improve the quality of life for patients undergoing hemodialysis.⁢ The research, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, focused on teaching patients strategies to manage pain associated ​with the treatment. Hemodialysis, a life-sustaining treatment for kidney​ failure, often involves pain ⁤and‌ discomfort. The study, conducted by a consortium of researchers, aimed to determine if teaching patients specific coping mechanisms could make a difference. The results were ⁣encouraging, showing a notable improvement in pain levels and overall well-being among participants who received the⁢ training. “The findings highlight the importance of ⁤addressing the psychological and emotional ⁤needs ⁢of patients receiving hemodialysis,” ⁢stated lead researcher Dr. Laura Dember. “Empowering them with tools to manage pain can significantly enhance their quality of life.” The study, funded by‍ the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, involved​ a randomized controlled trial comparing a group receiving pain coping‍ skills training to a control group. Participants in the training program‌ learned various techniques, such as relaxation exercises, breathing⁤ methods, and cognitive reframing strategies. While this research offers promising insights, further studies are needed to explore the long-term effects of pain coping skills training‍ and its applicability ​in ⁤diverse ⁢patient populations. The full research findings can be accessed in JAMA Internal Medicine.

wordpress Rewrite Structure Issue

A user reported an issue when attempting to update the .htaccess file through the WordPress UI. The ‘rewrite structure’ option,even with the ‘–hard’ flag,failed⁤ to modify the ​file.⁣ The error message hinted at a possible permission issue. The user needed a blank file⁣ with ‌the correct permissions‍ within the WordPress directory for the UI update to succeed. The issue‌ was logged on GitHub, specifically in the wp-cli repository. [1](https://github.com/wp-cli/wp-cli/issues/1981)

Possible Solution

Creating an empty file with the appropriate permissions in the WordPress directory might resolve the .htaccess update ​problem.
## ⁣Archyde Interview: A New Hope for Pain Relief in⁢ Dialysis Patients



**Alex Reed:** ‌Dr. [Alex Reed Name], [Alex Reed Title and Affiliation]



**Host:** ⁤Welcome to Archyde,⁢ Dr. [Alex Reed Name]. A⁤ new study‍ published in JAMA Internal Medicine offers ⁢promising results for ⁣patients suffering from chronic pain while ⁢undergoing hemodialysis. The study focused‍ on a ⁢non-pharmacological ​intervention called⁢ Pain Coping Skills Training (PCST). Can you tell our readers about the study‍ and its‌ findings?



**Dr.⁣ [Alex Reed Name]:**​ Certainly. ⁤Chronic pain is a common‌ and debilitating problem for many individuals undergoing hemodialysis. This study, part of the HOPE Consortium Trial,​ aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of PCST compared to⁤ usual care in⁤ reducing chronic pain ​and ‌improving quality of life for thes patients.



**Host:** What exactly does PCST involve?



**dr.[Alex Reed Name]:** pain⁢ Coping Skills Training is a​ cognitive behavioral therapy‍ approach that equips patients with tools‍ and techniques ⁢to ​manage their pain effectively. This can include strategies like ​relaxation techniques, cognitive restructuring to challenge negative thoughts about‍ pain, ⁣and behavioral activation to increase engagement in activities despite pain.⁤



**Host:** The study involved⁤ over 600 participants. What ⁢were the key findings?



**dr. [Alex Reed Name]:** The results were quite encouraging. Participants who⁢ received PCST ​showed ‍notable⁢ improvements in pain intensity, catastrophizing (negative thoughts about pain), depression, and‍ anxiety compared to‌ those receiving usual care. These findings ⁤are especially‌ significant ‌considering the limited options available for managing chronic ⁤pain in ​this ​patient⁢ population.



**Host:** ⁣This​ is ‌great news,​ especially considering the challenges with opioid use in dialysis patients.



**Dr. [Alex Reed Name]:** Absolutely. Previous research has shown that opioids, while commonly used for pain management, can have significant side effects for ‍dialysis patients. PCST offers a promising non-pharmacological alternative without those risks.



**host:** What are the next steps‌ in⁣ this research, and‍ what can patients ‍and healthcare providers⁢ expect?



**Dr. [Alex Reed Name]:** ​Future research will focus on how to ⁤sustain the ​positive effects of PCST​ over time and‍ explore the feasibility of implementing these programs more broadly in⁤ dialysis settings. We⁣ hope that PCST will​ become an integral part of multidisciplinary‌ pain management approaches for dialysis patients, improving their quality of life and overall well-being.



**host:**⁤ Thank ‌you for shedding light on ⁢this critical issue and​ sharing these ‌hopeful findings, Dr. [Alex Reed Name]. We appreciate your time ‍today.

This text appears to be a collection of excerpts about pain management in dialysis patients, especially focusing on a new non-pharmacological treatment called Pain Coping Skills Training (PCST).



Here’s a breakdown of the key points:



**Pain Management Challenges in Dialysis Patients:**



* Dialysis patients frequently enough experience chronic pain, and conventional painkillers like opioids can have negative side effects, especially for individuals with kidney failure.

* Dr. Paul Kimmel of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases emphasizes the difficulty in finding effective pain management solutions for this population.



**pain Coping Skills Training (PCST): A Promising Option:**



* A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that PCST, a non-pharmacological intervention, can effectively reduce chronic pain and improve quality of life for dialysis patients.

* PCST teaches patients coping strategies such as relaxation exercises, breathing techniques, and cognitive reframing.



**Study Findings:**



* Participants who received PCST experienced notable improvements in pain intensity, catastrophizing, depression, and anxiety compared to those receiving usual care.

* While the study did not find a statistically significant advancement in overall quality of life, the improvement was still notable.



**Future Directions:**



* Researchers plan to investigate ways to prolong the benefits of PCST and implement it more broadly in clinical settings.

* Future studies will also explore the long-term effects of PCST and its applicability to diverse patient populations.



**Technical Issue:**



The text also includes a brief mention of a technical issue involving WordPress rewrite structure and .htaccess file updates. This seems unrelated to the main topic of pain management.



**Overall:**



The text highlights the challenges of pain management in dialysis patients and presents PCST as a promising non-pharmacological approach. While more research is needed, the initial findings are encouraging and suggest that PCST could substantially improve the lives of those undergoing dialysis.