Data for: Altered Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis Moderates the Relationship between the Intensity of Pain and Severity of Depression in Patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type-1
Description
Abstract of associated article: Patients with complex regional pain syndrome type-1 (CRPS-1) suffer from severe neuropathic pain and other comorbidities, including depression. The present study examined whether altered hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function is involved in the comorbidity of pain and depression in patients with CRPS-1. Disease-related medical records and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores were obtained from 45 male CRPS-1 patients currently taking medication. The cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) concentrations were measured in saliva samples collected at 0, 30, and 60 minutes after awakening and at nighttime (2200 h) from patients and age- and gender-matched healthy controls (n=50, 19-28 years old). The mean visual analog scale of maximum pain (VASmax pain) and mean BDI scores were 7.0 and 18.9, respectively. The BDI scores were correlated with the VASmax pain score and duration of disease. The BDI scores were significantly and positively correlated with total cortisol secretions during the post-awakening period (CARauc) and negatively correlated with total DHEA secretions during the post-awakening period (Daucawk). Both the VASmax pain score and duration of disease were significantly correlated with the Daucawk, but not with the CARauc. A disease-related dichotomous variable, the spreading of CRPS, was prevalent in patients who had relatively higher BDI scores, longer disease durations, or higher molar CARauc/Daucawk ratios. These results indicate that altered HPA axis function may be involved in the relationship between the intensity of pain and severity of depression in patients with CRPS-1 under on-medication conditions.