Subgrouping of Peripheral Neuropathic Pain Patients According to Sensory Symptom Profile Using the Korean Version of the PainDETECT Questionnaire
- Author:
Kyomin CHOI
1
;
Ohyun KWON
;
Bum Chun SUH
;
Eunhee SOHN
;
In Soo JOO
;
Jeeyoung OH
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of Korean Medical Science 2022;37(3):e8-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:A culturally validated Korean version of the PainDETECT Questionnaire (PD-Q) was used to identify neuropathic pain components (NeP) in patients suffering from chronic pain. The purpose of this study was to determine if the Korean PD-Q can be used to subgroup patients with peripheral NeP according to sensory symptom profiles.
Methods:This study included 400 Korean patients with peripheral neuropathic pain diagnosed as probable or definite NeP. The total scores and subscores for each item in PD-Q were transformed into a Z-score for standardization. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to identify clusters of subjects by PD-Q scores.
Results:The mean total PD-Q score of the study participants was 14.57 ± 6.46. A hierarchical cluster analysis identified 5 clusters with distinct pain characteristic profiles. Cluster 1 had relatively severe burning and tingling sensations. The mean total PD-Q score for cluster 2 was the lowest of the 5 clusters. Cluster 3 tended to be vulnerable to pain in response to cold/heat stimulation. Cluster 4 showed relatively severe pain induced by physical stimuli, such as light touch or slight pressure. Cluster 5 had high scores for all NeP symptoms.
Conclusion:This study demonstrates the ability of patients to cluster by symptoms using the Korean PD-Q. Subgrouping of peripheral neuropathic pain by sensory symptom profile may be useful in making effective drug treatment decisions.
