1.Computed tomography-guided Gasserian ganglion interventions for cancer-related facial pain in patients with complex anatomy: insights and recommendations
Ale Ismael GONZÁLEZ-CASAREZ ; Germán Gerardo SANTAMARÍA-MONTAÑO ; Ricardo PLANCARTE-SÁNCHEZ ; María Rocío GUILLÉN-NÚÑEZ ; Ángel Manuel JUÁREZ-LEMUS ; Berenice Carolina HERNÁNDEZ-PORRAS ; Marcela SAMANO-GARCÍA ; Andrés ROCHA-ROMERO
Anesthesia and Pain Medicine 2023;18(2):132-138
Background:
The Gasserian ganglion is a well-known target for facial pain management, and patients with cancer present an anatomical challenge owing to tumor progression or treatment itself. Computed tomography (CT) is an alternative method for guiding these procedures.
Methods:
This was an observational retrospective analysis of patients with cancer-related facial pain who underwent CT-guided Gasserian ganglion interventions using local anesthetics, local anesthetics with steroids, phenol, and radiofrequency. Demographic, clinical, and procedure-related variables were collected from January 1, 2015, to December 30, 2018, at the National Cancer Institute. Data distribution was determined using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. A paired sample t-test (with a cut-off of P < 0.05 for statistical significance) was used for comparing outcome.
Results:
We observed a significant reduction in numerical rating scale (NRS) and douleur neuropathique 4 (DN4) scores from 7.6 ± 1.4 and 4.4 ± 1.4 to 3.2 ± 2.0 and 2.2 ± 1.4 points, respectively (P < 0.001). After the procedure, 70.8% of the patients were satisfied; 16.7% were very satisfied, and 12.5% were unsatisfied. No intra- or postoperative complications were observed. The most common neoplasms were head and neck tumors (83.3%).
Conclusions
Our data suggest that CT guidance is an effective and safe option for managing cancer-related facial pain in patients with complex anatomy, resulting in a significant reduction in pain, high satisfaction rates, and no mechanical complications. Future research should aim to refine the role of CT guidance in multimodal pain management in this population.
2.Work Ability Index: Psychometric Testing in Aeronautical Industry Workers
María Eugenia GONZÁLEZ-DOMÍNGUEZ ; Elena FERNÁNDEZ-GARCÍA ; Olga PALOMA-CASTRO ; Regina María GONZÁLEZ-LÓPEZ ; María Paz Rivas PÉREZ ; Luis LÓPEZ-MOLINA ; Jesús GARCÍA-JIMÉNEZ ; José Manuel ROMERO-SÁNCHEZ
Safety and Health at Work 2024;15(1):80-86
Background:
The Work Ability Index (WAI) is an instrument that measures work ability. The wide dispersion of the WAI internationally has led to its adaptation for use in different countries. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the WAI.
Methods:
A methodological design was used over an opportunistic sample of 233 workers in the aeronautical industry in Spain. Reliability was evaluated through internal consistency. Factorial validity, known groups, and convergent validity were tested.
Results:
The Cronbach's alpha and item-total correlation indicated an adequate internal consistency. The confirmatory factor analysis, performed to evaluate the factorial validity, found adequate fit indices for a two-factor solution with a high correlation between the factors. Factor 1, “Subjectively estimated work ability and resources”, was composed of 3 subscales and factor 2, “Ill-health-related”, of 2 subscales. Subscales 4 and 6 had loading in both factors. Workers under 45 years of age obtained higher significant scores than older ones. Convergent validity was also evidenced since WAI was highly correlated with self-assessment of health status.
Conclusions
The Spanish version of the WAI has shown evidence of reliability and validity in this study, supporting its use in individual and collective health surveillance by occupational health professionals. The factorial solution that was found has previously been reported in another international context. However, further research is needed to resolve the discrepancies detected in the role of some subscales between other national and international studies.