Pain Management Institute

Suzetrigine is a novel non-opioid analgesic initially approved for acute pain management. There has been growing interest in its potential applications for chronic pain conditions. As clinical awareness and accessibility expand, evaluating early outpatient prescribing patterns is essential to better understand its adoption and possible role in broader pain management strategies. To evaluate outpatient prescribing trends of suzetrigine at a single academic institution over 5 months to evaluate early adoption and prescription trends. This retrospective observational study examined outpatient prescriptions of suzetrigine from March 1, 2025, to July 31, 2025. Prescription counts were extracted from the institutional electronic medical record system and analyzed by month. A total of 367 Suzetrigine prescriptions were written over the 5-month period. Monthly distribution was as follows:March: 3 prescriptionsApril: 44 prescriptionsMay: 97 prescriptionsJune: 93 prescriptionsJuly: 130 prescriptionsThere was a clear upward trend in prescribing from March to July. This increase may reflect growing provider familiarity and favorable patient response to the medication. Suzetrigine outpatient prescribing has increased significantly over a short time frame at our institution. Continued monitoring of prescription trends, indications, and patient outcomes will be essential as this medication becomes more widely utilized in pain management.

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi efektivitas teknologi Augmented Reality (AR) dalam meningkatkan hasil belajar siswa berkebutuhan khusus, dengan fokus pada anak-anak Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) dan disabilitas belajar lainnya. Melalui metode systematic literature review sebanyak 14 artikel terpilih dari database scopus. Artikel yang direview dibatasi pada studi kuantitatif dengan desain eksperimen yang dipublikasikan dalam rentang tahun 2014-2024, dengan melibatkan siswa berkebutuhan khusus serta mengevaluasi efektivitas intervensi pembelajaran berbasis augmented reality. Analisis data dilakukan melalui descriptive dan narrative synthesis terhadap temuan utama studi terpilih. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa AR memberikan dampak positif pada keterampilan sosial, kognitif, dan emosional siswa berkebutuhan khusus. Beberapa studi menunjukkan peningkatan keterampilan sosial dan pemahaman emosional, khususnya melalui aplikasi permainan berbasis AR dan buku bergambar interaktif. Meskipun hasilnya bervariasi, penggunaan AR terbukti meningkatkan motivasi belajar dan mengurangi gejala-gejala autisme, seperti hiperaktivitas dan iritabilitas. Temuan ini mengindikasikan bahwa AR merupakan alat yang menjanjikan untuk mendukung pembelajaran siswa berkebutuhan khusus, dengan desain yang tepat dan terpersonalisasi.

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the initial site of calcification development in rotator cuff tendons using serial ultrasonographic evaluations.MethodsA total of 21 patients with de novo calcifications were included. Ultrasonography was used to assess calcifications in the rotator cuff tendons. The distance from the tendon insertion on the humerus to the calcification site was measured, along with the long and short diameters and the long-to-short diameter ratio.ResultsIn 19 patients (90%), calcifications were in direct contact with the tendon insertion on the humerus. In the remaining two patients (10%), the calcifications were located 1 mm proximal to the tendon insertion site. The mean long and short diameters of the calcifications were 9.4 ± 4.6 and 2.7 ± 1.2 mm (range: 3.0-17.0 and 1.0-4.5 mm), respectively. The mean long-to-short diameter ratio was 2.4 ± 2.2 mm (range: 1.8-10.0 mm). Regarding shoulder disorders, 1, 7, and 13 patients had a rotator cuff tendon tear, calcific tendinitis, and adhesive capsulitis, respectively.ConclusionsCalcifications in the rotator cuff tendons appear to originate at the tenoperiosteal junction or in close periosteal proximity and extend along the tendon axis.

BackgroundThe FINRISK calculator has been in use in Finland since 2007 to predict 10-year risk of acute coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, or either of them (i.e. cardiovascular disease, CVD). This study describes the development of the updated version (3.0) of the risk equation formula.MethodsIn the version 3.0, the risks of CHD, stroke, or CVD were modelled with Fine-Gray sub distribution hazard models separately for men and women. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was added as an alternative for total cholesterol (TC). Other variables (smoking, systolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, diabetes, and family history) remained the same. To enhance understanding on the importance of risk factors in young adults, risk equations were developed to give 30-year risks in addition to 10-year risks. Data from FINRISK 1992, 1997, 2002, 2007, and 2012 studies were used.ResultsBoth models, including either TC or LDL, had practically equal predictive ability for the 10-year-risk of CVD. The AUC values were 0.791 (TC model) and 0.790 (LDL model) for men and 0.811 (both models) for women. Calibration plots indicated that the prediction accuracy was not affected by replacing TC with LDL. The average risks of diseases for 40-year-old men and women were calculated for 10 and 30 years from the TC-models. For CHD, 10- and 30-year risks for men were 2.0% and 11.5%, respectively. For women the corresponding figures were 0.4% and 3.6%. For stroke, 10- and 30-year risks for men were 0.7% and 5.1% and for women 0.4% and 4.1%, respectively. For CVD, the probabilities for men were 2.6% and 16.2% and for women 0.8% and 7.5%.ConclusionsConcerning predictive ability, TC can be replaced by LDL enhancing the use of the FINRISK calculator in clinical work where both or either of them are measured. Adding 30-year risk predictions to the calculator is justified to underscore the impact of risk factors already at younger age.Key messages• In the risk equation formula, total cholesterol can be replaced by LDL which is frequently measured in clinical practice and is an important modifiable lipid fraction when evaluating CVD risk.• Updating the risk equation formula of the FINRISK calculator and adding 30-year risk projections enhance cardiovascular risk prediction and screening of patients at younger age.

Purpose of Study This retrospective review aimed to evaluate the prevalence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-positive urine drug screens (UDS) in patients undergoing chronic opioid therapy (COT) for chronic pain at a single academic institution. With a growing national trend toward cannabis legalization and increased public access to marijuana for medical and recreational purposes, understanding the intersection between THC use and opioid prescribing practices is essential. The presence of THC on UDS has clinical, legal, and ethical implications, especially in regions where cannabis remains illegal. This study sought to quantify the prevalence of THC positivity in patients receiving COT for chronic pain. Findings A total of 244 UDS results were reviewed from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024. Among these, 24 patients (9.8%) tested positive for THC. Documentation and clinical responses to positive results varied, with some providers documenting patient counseling, while others did not acknowledge the result in the medical record. In a small subset of cases, positive THC findings contributed to changes in opioid therapy, including tapering or discontinuation. Conclusion THC-positive UDS results are relatively common among patients receiving chronic opioid therapy, highlighting the increasing prevalence of cannabis use in this population. These findings align with prior literature and reinforce the need for individualized, non-punitive approaches to care. Routine screening, consistent documentation, and open communication about cannabis use are essential components of effective opioid risk stratification, safe prescribing practices, and informed treatment planning. These considerations are critical in regions where recreational marijuana remains illegal, which may further influence provider decision-making regarding ongoing opioid therapy.