The postmastectomy pain syndrome: an epidemiological study on the prevalence of chronic pain after surgery for breast cancer

The prevalence of the postmastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) and its clinical characteristics was assessed in a group of patients who had undergone surgery for breast cancer at the Department of Surgery, Odense University Hospital, within the period of 1 May 2003 to 30 April 2004. The study included 258 patients and a reference group of 774 women. A questionnaire was mailed to the patients 1½ year after surgery and to the women in the reference group. The PMPS was defined as pain located in the area of the surgery or ipsilateral arm, present at least 4 days per week and with an average intensity of at least 3 on a numeric rating scale from 0 to 10. The prevalence of PMPS was found to be 23.9%. The odds ratio of developing PMPS was 2.88 (95% confidence interval 1.84–4.51). Significant risk factors were as follows: having undergone breast surgery earlier (OR 8.12), tumour located in the upper lateral quarter (OR 6.48) and young age (OR 1.04). This study shows that, although recent advances in the diagnostic and surgical procedures have reduced the frequency of the more invasive surgical procedures, there still is a considerable risk of developing PMPS after treatment of breast cancer

Tratamento da doença de Hailey-Hailey com toxina botulínica tipo A Hailey-Hailey disease treatment with Botulinum toxin type A

Duas irmãs com doença de Hailey-Hailey, com lesões recorrentes - uma em axilas e outra em região inguinal -, e resposta limitada aos tratamentos clássicos. Elas foram tratadas com aplicação de toxina botulínica tipo A. Observamos que houve importante melhora na paciente tratada na região inguinal e remissão completa na paciente em cujas axilas sofreram tratamento. Além disso, foi possível poupar uso de antibióticos sistêmicos e corticoides tópicos. O alto custo é um fator restritivo para uso rotineiro e estudos maiores são necessários para definir eficácia e relação custo-benefício dessa intervenção.<br>Two sisters with recurrent lesions, one on axillae and other on the groin, and with limited response to classical treatments were treated with injections botulinum toxin type A. We observed marked improvement in the patient treated in the groin and complete remission in the patient treated in the axillae. It was possible to spare the use of systemic antibiotics and topical corticosteroids. The high cost is a restrictive factor to routine use and large studies are necessary to access efficacy and cost benefit profile