Google
Trusted Resources: Evidence & Education
Scientific literature and patient education texts
Sickle Cell Disease: A Review of Nonpharmacological Approaches for Pain
source: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management
year: 2016
authors: Williams H, Tanabe P
summary/abstract:CONTEXT:
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a life-threatening condition that affects more than seven million people worldwide. The most common complication experienced by persons living with SCD is pain. Evidence supports the use of nonpharmacologic therapies in managing psychological and social complications of pain in persons with SCD, but there is little consensus if these approaches can also be applied for the treatment of pain in SCD.
OBJECTIVES:
To describe and synthesize the use of nonpharmacological therapies for reducing pain of any type and origin in persons with SCD.
METHODS:
A literature search was conducted using PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase. Databases were searched using the following terms: sickle cell, pain, and nonpharmacological therapies. Interventions were graded for methodological quality and categorized as 1) peer-support group therapies, 2) educational/psychological therapies, and 3) skill-based therapies.
RESULTS:
Twenty-eight nonpharmacological interventions for persons with SCD were examined. Of these studies, a wide variety of nonpharmacological interventions were tested. Twelve studies yielded significant improvements in pain, three studies reported no positive effect or differences between experimental and control conditions on pain or a pain-related outcome, and one study reported a negative or detrimental intervention effect.
CONCLUSION:
Approximately half of the studies reviewed demonstrated success in alleviating pain, suggesting that patients are able to use nonpharmacological interventions to reduce pain with some degree of success. Questions still remain regarding the efficacy and generalizability of these interventions for persons with SCD.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2015.10.017
read more full text
+myBinderRelated Content
-
Scientists edit genome to cure sickle cell anemiahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LKzM3G6...
-
Georgia Universities Join NIH-funded National Study of Bone Marrow Transplant for SCDThe Medical College of Georgia (MCG) and...
-
Elevated tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity, reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and mortality in adults w...Cardiopulmonary disease is the leading c...
-
Research Team Recognized for Organ-on-a-Chip DesignSCD is a group of genetic disorders that...
-
A multicenter randomized controlled trial of intravenous magnesium for sickle cell pain crisis in childrenMagnesium, a vasodilator, anti-inflammat...
-
Living With Sickle Cell Disease Is a Constant Battle With Pain, According to one Woman Who Has It“You don’t look sick.” That’s ...
-
Researchers ID key drivers of heart complications in sickle cell anemiaStudy opens path to earlier diagnosis, t...
To improve your experience on this site, we use cookies. This includes cookies essential for the basic functioning of our website, cookies for analytics purposes, and cookies enabling us to personalize site content. By clicking on 'Accept' or any content on this site, you agree that cookies can be placed. You may adjust your browser's cookie settings to suit your preferences. More Information
The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.
Powered by
Support for this site is provided by
This platform is made possible through a partnership with the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. (SCDAA) and its member organizations. SCDAA's mission is to advocate for people affected by sickle cell conditions and empower community-based organizations to maximize quality of life and raise public consciousness while advancing the search for a universal cure.