
doi: 10.1093/pm/pnaa210
pmid: 33118603
AbstractObjectivesThe goal of this study was to identify central sensitization–related symptom severity subgroups in a large multicountry sample composed of patients with chronic pain and pain-free individuals using the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI).MethodsA large, pooled international (N = 8 countries) sample of chronic pain patients plus healthy subjects (total N = 2,620) was randomly divided into two subsamples for cross-validation purposes. First, a hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was performed using CSI item-level data as clustering variables (test sample; N = 1,312). Second, a latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted to confirm the optimal number of CSI clusters (validation sample; N = 1,308). Finally, to promote implementation in real-world clinical practice, we built a free online Central Sensitization Inventory Symptom Severity Calculator.ResultsIn both HCA (N = 1,219 valid cases) and LPA (N = 1,245 valid cases) analyses, a three-cluster and three-profile solution, respectively, emerged as the most statistically optimal and clinically meaningful. Clusters were labeled as follows: (i) Low Level of CS-Related Symptom Severity, (ii) Medium Level of CS-Related Symptom Severity, and (iii) High Level of CS-Related Symptom Severity.ConclusionsOur results indicated that a three-cluster solution clearly captured the heterogeneity of the CSI data. The calculator might provide an efficient way of classifying subjects into the cluster groups. Future studies should analyze the extent to which the CSI cluster classification correlates with other patient-reported and objective signs and symptoms of CS in patients with chronic pain, their associations with clinical outcomes, health-related costs, biomarkers, (etc.), and responsiveness to treatment.
Central Nervous System Sensitization, 610, Central Sensitization, Latent Profile Analysis, EMC NIHES-02-67-01, Central Sensitivity Syndrome, Hierarchical Cluster Analysis, SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being, Central Sensitization Inventory, Central Sensitivity Syndrome; Central Sensitization; Central Sensitization Inventory; Chronic Pain; Hierarchical Cluster Analysis; Latent Profile Analysis, Humans, Dolor, Chronic Pain
Central Nervous System Sensitization, 610, Central Sensitization, Latent Profile Analysis, EMC NIHES-02-67-01, Central Sensitivity Syndrome, Hierarchical Cluster Analysis, SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being, Central Sensitization Inventory, Central Sensitivity Syndrome; Central Sensitization; Central Sensitization Inventory; Chronic Pain; Hierarchical Cluster Analysis; Latent Profile Analysis, Humans, Dolor, Chronic Pain
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