Possibilities of the quantitative sensory testing in chronic pelvic pain

Objectives. This work is devoted to the syndrome of chronic pelvic pain and the possibilities of the method of quantitative sensory testing. This method allows to evaluate the interest of A-delta and C-fibers, which are responsible for carrying out pain impulses. Methods. The sensor examined the zones: vagina anterior and right vulva posterior and left vulva posterior. Cold and warm temperature sensitivity was assessed. The presence of hypoesthesia or hyperesthesia was determined from the vulva with a difference of more than 3ºC. In this study were examined 50 patients with a diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain. All patients had duration of the disease more than 3 years, and all were women. Patients were divided into groups by nosology. A group of patients with interstitial cystitis, the second group included women with chronic pelvic pain syndrome after surgical treatment of endometriosis, the third group included patients with chronic pelvic pain syndrome with myofascial pain syndrome. Results. As a result of the study, it was shown that in most patients A-delta and C-fibers are affected, which indicates their involvement in the chronic pelvic pain syndrome. The heterogeneity of the damage to these sensory pathways was noted, the A-delta fiber was most often affected, which requires further study. However, there was no clear difference in three groups. So we can speak of a single mechanism for the development of chronic pain in the process of pelvic pain. It was shown that the method can be used to detect the involved of A-delta and C-fibers and to confirm the presence of a chronic process, with the purpose of prescribing appropriate treatment.

quantitative sensory testing, chronic pelvic pain, interstitial cystitis, endometriosis, myofascial pain syndrome