J Trauma Inj.  2022 Sep;35(3):202-208. 10.20408/jti.2022.0019.

The effect of neuropathic pain on quality of life, depression levels, and sleep quality in patients with combat-related extremity injuries

• Atar MÖ
• Kamacı GK
• Özcan F
• Demir Y
• Aydemir K

• KMID: 2540360
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2022.0019

Abstract

Purpose
There is limited research on the effects of neuropathic pain (NP) on quality of life, depression levels, and sleep quality in patients with combat-related extremity injuries. This study evaluated whether patients with combat-related extremity injuries with and without NP had differences in quality of life, sleep quality, and depression levels.
Methods
A total of 98 patients with combat-related extremity injuries, 52 with NP and 46 without, were included in this cross-sectional study. The presence of NP was determined using the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs questionnaire. The outcome measures were a visual analogue scale (VAS), the 36-Item Short Form Survey, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
Results
The VAS subparameter scores for pain (all P˂0.05), PSQI sleep duration subscale scores (P=0.025), PSQI sleep disturbance subscale scores (P=0.016), and PSQI total scores (P=0.020) were significantly higher in patients with NP than those without. Logistic regression analysis showed that VAS scores of 5 and above for average pain during the previous 4 weeks contributed independently to the prediction of NP.
Conclusions
Patients with combat-related extremity injuries with NP had more pain and poorer sleep quality than those without NP. Sleep quality should be evaluated as part of the diagnostic work-up in patients with combat-related extremity injury with NP, and interventions to improve sleep quality may help manage NP in this patient group.

Keyword

Combat; Extremity injury; Neuropathic pain; Quality of life; Sleep quality