New and low-cost auto-algometry for screening hypertension-associated hypoalgesia.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present work was to measure the pain threshold in hypertensive patients with a new auto-algometry method.


METHODS
Auto-algometry consists of asking the subjects to push their fingers against a fixed round-tip needle until they feel a pain sensation. An electronic force transducer permits the measurement of the force applied by the subjects and storage of the data on a personal computer. Eight tests are performed twice on each subject on the tip and back of four fingers. For each test, the maximal applied force (grams) is defined as pain threshold. The overall discomfort during the entire procedure is reported by the subjects on a 0 (no discomfort) to 10 (intolerable pain) scale.


METHODS
A group of hypertensive patients (n = 22) and a group of normotensive subjects (n = 22) underwent the auto-algometry examination.


RESULTS
The pain threshold was higher in hypertensive patients compared with normotensive subjects. All discomfort scores referred by the subjects fell within the 4-6 range.


CONCLUSIONS
The data obtained from this study indicate that the auto-algometer as described here can detect hypoalgesia associated with hypertension.
Viggiano
Andrea
A
Department of Study of Institutions and Territorial Systems, University of Naples Parthenope, Napoli, Italy. andrea.viggiano@uniparthenope.it
Zagaria
Nicola
N
Passavanti
Maria Beatrice
MB
Pace
Maria Caterina
MC
Paladini
Antonella
A
Aurilio
Caterina
C
Tedesco
Michele Adolfo
MA
Natale
Francesco
F
Calabrò
Raffaele
R
Monda
Marcellino
M
De Luca
Elena
E
D000328:Adult; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004582:Electronics, Medical / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers / Q000294:innervation; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009619:Nociceptors / Q000502:physiology; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D017288:Pain Threshold / Q000502:physiology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D020886:Somatosensory Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D014159:Transducers / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends