Central sensitization associated with low fetal hemoglobin levels in adults with sickle cell anemia

Methods: We conducted a prospective study of static and dynamic quantitative sensory tests in 30 adults with SCA and 30 matched controls. Results: Static thermal testing using cold stimuli showed lower pain thresholds (p = 0.04) and tolerance (p = 0.04) in sickle cell subjects, but not for heat. However, SCA subjects reported higher pain ratings with random heat pulses (p < 0.0001) and change in scores with temporal summation at the heat pain threshold (p = 0.002). Similarly, with the use of pressure pain stimuli, sickle cell subjects reported higher pain ratings (p = 0.04), but not higher pressure pain tolerance/thresholds or allodynia to light tactile stimuli. Temporal summation pain score changes using 2 pinprick probes (256 and 512 mN) were significantly greater (p = 0.004 and p = 0.008) with sickle cell, and delayed recovery was associated with lower fetal hemoglobin (p = 0.002 and 0.003). Conclusions: Exaggerated temporal summation responses provide evidence of central sensitization in SCA. Implications: The association with fetal hemoglobin suggests this known SCA modifier may have a therapeutic role in modulating central sensitization.

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Central sensitization associated with low fetal hemoglobin levels in adults with sickle cell anemia ; volume:17 ; number:1 ; year:2017 ; pages:279-286 ; extent:8 ; Scandinavian journal of pain ; 17, Heft 1 (2017), 279-286 (gesamt 8)

Contributors, Places and Time

• Creator: Darbari, Deepika S. ; Vaughan, Kathleen J. ; Roskom, Katherine ; Seamon, Cassie ; Diaw, Lena ; Quinn, Meghan ; Conrey, Anna ; Schechter, Alan N. ; Haythornthwaite, Jennifer A. ; Waclawiw, Myron A. ; Wallen, Gwenyth R. ; Belfer, Inna ; Taylor VI, James G.

Further information

• DOI: 10.1016/j.sjpain.2017.08.001
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2024022714510031439605
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 14.08.2025, 10:58 AM CEST