RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Predictors of persistent pain after breast cancer surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
JF Canadian Medical Association Journal
JO CMAJ
FD Canadian Medical Association
SP E352
OP E361
DO 10.1503/cmaj.151276
VO 188
IS 14
A1 Li Wang
A1 Gordon H. Guyatt
A1 Sean A. Kennedy
A1 Beatriz Romerosa
A1 Henry Y. Kwon
A1 Alka Kaushal
A1 Yaping Chang
A1 Samantha Craigie
A1 Carlos P.B. de Almeida
A1 Rachel J. Couban
A1 Shawn R. Parascandalo
A1 Zain Izhar
A1 Susan Reid
A1 James S. Khan
A1 Michael McGillion
A1 Jason W. Busse
YR 2016
UL http://www.cmaj.ca/content/188/14/E352.abstract
AB Background: Persistent pain after breast cancer surgery affects up to 60% of patients. Early identification of those at higher risk could help inform optimal management. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies to explore factors associated with persistent pain among women who have undergone surgery for breast cancer.Methods: We searched the MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO databases from inception to Mar. 12, 2015, to identify cohort or case–control studies that explored the association between risk factors and persistent pain (lasting ≥ 2 mo) after breast cancer surgery. We pooled estimates of association using random-effects models, when possible, for all independent variables reported by more than 1 study. We reported relative measures of association as pooled odds ratios (ORs) and absolute measures of association as the absolute risk increase.Results: Thirty studies, involving a total of 19 813 patients, reported the association of 77 independent variables with persistent pain. High-quality evidence showed increased odds of persistent pain with younger age (OR for every 10-yr decrement 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24–1.48), radiotherapy (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.16–1.57), axillary lymph node dissection (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.73–3.35) and greater acute postoperative pain (OR for every 1 cm on a 10-cm visual analogue scale 1.16, 95% CI 1.03–1.30). Moderate-quality evidence suggested an association with the presence of preoperative pain (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.01–1.64). Given the 30% risk of pain in the absence of risk factors, the absolute risk increase corresponding to these ORs ranged from 3% (acute postoperative pain) to 21% (axillary lymph node dissection). High-quality evidence showed no association with body mass index, type of breast surgery, chemotherapy or endocrine therapy.Interpretation: Development of persistent pain after breast cancer surgery was associated with younger age, radiotherapy, axillary lymph node dissection, greater acute postoperative pain and preoperative pain. Axillary lymph node dissection provides the only high-yield target for a modifiable risk factor to prevent the development of persistent pain after breast cancer surgery.