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Investigating the validity of the DN4 in a consecutive population of patients with chronic pain

Author

Listed:
  • Hans Timmerman
  • Monique A H Steegers
  • Frank J P M Huygen
  • Jelle J Goeman
  • Nick T van Dasselaar
  • Marcel J Schenkels
  • Oliver H G Wilder-Smith
  • André P Wolff
  • Kris C P Vissers

Abstract

Neuropathic pain is clinically described as pain caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of the Dutch version of the DN4, in a cross-sectional multicentre design, as a screening tool for detecting a neuropathic pain component in a large consecutive, not pre-stratified on basis of the target outcome, population of patients with chronic pain. Patients’ pain was classified by two independent (pain-)physicians as the gold standard. The analysis was initially performed on the outcomes of those patients (n = 228 out of 291) in whom both physicians agreed in their pain classification. Compared to the gold standard the DN4 had a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 76%. The DN4-symptoms (seven interview items) solely resulted in a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 67%. For the DN4-signs (three examination items) it was respectively 75% and 75%. In conclusion, because it seems that the DN4 helps to identify a neuropathic pain component in a consecutive population of patients with chronic pain in a moderate way, a comprehensive (physical-) examination by the physician is still obligate.

Suggested Citation

  • Hans Timmerman & Monique A H Steegers & Frank J P M Huygen & Jelle J Goeman & Nick T van Dasselaar & Marcel J Schenkels & Oliver H G Wilder-Smith & André P Wolff & Kris C P Vissers, 2017. "Investigating the validity of the DN4 in a consecutive population of patients with chronic pain," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(11), pages 1-21, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0187961
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187961
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