title: Predictive Factors Associated with Success and Failure for Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation in Patients with Trigeminal Neuralgia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT) has been widely used to manage trigeminal neuralgia (TN) refractory to oral medication. Careful selection of patients for managing TN with RFT can decrease morbidity and improve treatment efficacy.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The goal of this study was to determine clinical variables related to the treatment outcome in patients with TN undergoing RFT.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective analysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  University hospital in Korea.
  
  
  METHODS
  Demographic and clinical data were garnered by billing records for patients with TN who received RFT by one pain physician between January 2005 and August 2014. A successful outcome was pre-defined as at least 50% pain relief on a 0-10 NRS pain score for longer than 6 months after RFT. Variables evaluated for their association with outcome included age, gender, baseline pain score, etiology, type of pain, co-existing psychopathology, and history of previous intervention.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among 90 patients who underwent RFT for managing TN, 75 patients (83.3%) reported a successful outcome (> 50% pain relief at 6 months after RFT procedure). Pain characteristics was the most significant predictor associated with successful outcomes of RFT in both univariate and multivariate logistic analysis; odds ratio of provoked paroxysmal pain was 131.516 and mixed type of pain was 20.602 in multivariate analysis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Prospective studies are recommended to confirm our findings and ascertain which additional variables can be taken into account to improve the likelihood of a successful outcome for RFT in patients with TN.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A provoked paroxysmal pain or mixed pain condition was associated with a positive outcome for RFT in patients with TN. In addition, bilateral TN, high baseline NRS pain score, or co-morbid psychiatric condition was related with negative outcomes in univariate analysis. Pain clinicians should consider these findings when selecting patients for managing TN to increase the efficacy of RFT.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  IRB No. 1403-118-569.
authors.forename: Hyun Seung
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Jin
authors.affiliation: Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Ji Yeon
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.affiliation: Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Yong-Chul
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Sang Chul
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea.
authors.forename: Eun Joo
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Pyung-Bok
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Jee Youn
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Moon
mesh_terms: D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011846:Radio Waves; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014277:Trigeminal Neuralgia / Q000628:therapy*