Test-retest agreement and reliability of quantitative sensory testing 1 year after breast cancer surgery

Kenneth Geving Andersen, Henrik Kehlet, Eske Kvanner Aasvang

16 Citationer (Scopus)

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:: Quantitative sensory testing (QST) is used to assess sensory dysfunction and nerve damage by examining psychophysical responses to controlled, graded stimuli such as mechanical- and thermal detection and pain thresholds. In the breast cancer population, 4 studies have used QST to examine persistent pain after breast cancer treatment (PPBCT), suggesting neuropathic pain being a prominent pain mechanism. However, the agreement and reliability of QST has not been described in the postsurgical breast cancer population, hindering exact interpretation of QST studies in this population. The aim of the present study was to assess test-retest properties of QST after breast cancer surgery.

METHODS:: 32 patients recruited from a larger ongoing prospective trial were examined with QST 12 months after breast cancer surgery and reexamined a week later. A standardized QST protocol was used, including sensory mapping for mechanical, warmth and cold areas of sensory dysfunction, mechanical thresholds using monofilaments and pin-prick, thermal thresholds including warmth and cold detection thresholds and heat pain threshold, with bilateral examination. Agreement and reliability were assessed by Bland-Altman plots, descriptive statistics, coefficients of variance and intraclass correlation.

RESULTS:: Bland-Altman plots showed high variation on the surgical side. Intraclass coefficients (ICC) ranged from 0.356 to 0.847 (moderate to substantial reliability). Between-subject variation was generally higher (0.9 to 14.5 SD) than within subject variation (0.23 to 3.55 SD). There were no significant differences between pain and pain free patients. The individual test retest variability was higher on the operated side compared with the non-operated side.

DISCUSSION:: The QST protocol reliability allows for group-to-group comparison of sensory function, but less so for individual follow-up after breast cancer surgery.

OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftThe Clinical journal of pain
Vol/bind31
Udgave nummer5
Sider (fra-til)393–403
Antal sider11
ISSN0749-8047
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 2015

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