Cognitive Decline in Patients with Chronic Pancreatitis Pain
Author Information
Author(s): Jongsma Marijtje L. A., Postma Simone A. E., Souren Pierre, Arns Martijn, Gordon Evian, Vissers Kris, Wilder-Smith Oliver, van Rijn Clementina M., van Goor Harry
Primary Institution: Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Hypothesis
Chronic pancreatitis pain is associated with cognitive decline and this decline is related to pain duration and other individual factors.
Conclusion
Patients with chronic pancreatitis pain performed significantly worse on cognitive tests compared to healthy controls, with pain duration being a strong predictor of cognitive decline.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients with chronic pancreatitis pain showed significant cognitive deficits in psychomotor performance, memory, and executive functions.
- Pain duration was found to be the strongest predictor of cognitive decline in patients.
- Depressive symptoms, sleep disturbances, and opioid use contributed to cognitive decline but to a lesser extent than pain duration.
Takeaway
People with chronic pancreatitis pain may have trouble thinking clearly, especially if they've been in pain for a long time.
Methodology
The study assessed cognitive performance in 16 patients with chronic pancreatitis pain using a neuropsychological test battery and compared results with 16 matched healthy controls.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the small sample size and the exclusion of patients with persistent alcohol use.
Limitations
The study's findings may be influenced by comorbid conditions such as depression and alcohol abuse, which were present in many patients.
Participant Demographics
16 patients with chronic pancreatitis pain and 16 matched healthy controls, aged around 49 years, with equal gender distribution.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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