title: Consistence and discrepancy of neuropathic pain screening tools DN4 and ID-Pain.
abstract: Pain is a subjective condition that cannot be objectively measured; for this reason, self patient-perspective is crucial. Recently, several screening tools to discriminate between nociceptive and neuropathic pain have been developed. We aimed at assessing the consistence and discrepancy of two widely used screening tools, The Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) and the 6-item questionnaire (ID-Pain), by comparing their ability in discriminating neuropathic from nociceptive pain. DN4 and ID-Pain were administered to 392 Italian patients attending 16 outpatient services for peripheral nerve diseases. Based on medical history, clinical findings and diagnostic tools, patients were divided into two groups (neuropathic and nociceptive). Globally, ID-Pain identified neuropathic pain in 60 % of patients (38 % probable, 22 % likely). Interestingly also DN4 diagnosed neuropathic pain in 60 % of cases. A discrepancy was observed in 16 % of cases. DN4 and ID-Pain resulted to be highly interrelated in the identification of neuropathic pain. Sensitivity of DN4 was 82 % and specificity was 81 %, while ID-Pain (considering both probable and likely groups) showed sensitivity 78 % and specificity 74 %. Reliable screening tools for neuropathic pain are well related between them; hence, they are available for researchers and clinicians who may choose the most appropriate for their activity. Since the gold standard for the diagnosis and treatment of neuropathic pain cannot do without a neurological evaluation, perhaps DN4, that includes physician objective measures, may help reducing the percentage of dubious cases. Conversely, when needing a more agile tool (not needing a physician) ID-Pain may be adopted.
authors.affiliation: Don Gnocchi Foundation, Milan, Italy. lpadua@rm.unicatt.it
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Padua
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Briani
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Truini
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Aprile
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bouhassirà
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cruccu
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jann
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nobile-Orazio
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pazzaglia
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Morini
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mondelli
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ciaramitaro
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cavaletti
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cocito
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fazio
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Santoro
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Galeotti
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Carpo
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Plasmati
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Benedetti
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Schenone
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult