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. 2015 Sep;62(9):1501-11.
doi: 10.1002/pbc.25574. Epub 2015 May 13.

Early insights into the neurobiology of pain in sickle cell disease: A systematic review of the literature

Amanda M Brandow  1   2   3 , Rebecca A Farley  1   2 , Julie A Panepinto  1   2   3
Affiliations

Early insights into the neurobiology of pain in sickle cell disease: A systematic review of the literature

Amanda M Brandow et al. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2015 Sep.

Abstract

Novel insights into the neurobiology of sickle cell disease (SCD) pain have recently been discovered. We systematically reviewed the literature focusing on original research that examined the biology of pain in SCD and/or addressed assessment or treatment of neuropathic pain in SCD. This review of 15 articles that met inclusion criteria provides epidemiological, basic, and clinical data that support central and/or peripheral nervous system abnormalities likely contribute to sickle cell pain. Continued basic and clinical investigation into pain neurobiology is imperative to translate these discoveries into novel ways to assess and treat neuropathic pain and decrease patient suffering.

Keywords: neurobiology; neuropathic pain; pain; sickle cell disease.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no competing financial interests.

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