The early influence of COVID-19 pandemic-associated restrictions on pain, mood, and everyday life of patients with painful polyneuropathy

Introduction:The SARS-Cov-2 pandemic requires special attention on its psychological effects and the impact on patients with chronic pain.Objectives:This study aimed at examining the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic-associated regulations initiated by the German government on pain intensity and characteristics, emotional well-being, and everyday life of patients with painful polyneuropathy.Methods:Forty-three patients (well assessed with questionnaires before the pandemic and without change of their health status between baseline and current assessment) were investigated with validated, self-reported questionnaires and COVID-19-specific items 2 weeks after the regulations came into effect.Results:Pain intensity remained stable or even improved like the neuropathic pain symptom inventory total score (t0: 33.54 20.48 vs t1: 27.38 +/- 16.16, P = 0.008). Only 11.6% reported a pandemic-associated pain worsening. Rumination scores of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale were lower during t1 compared to before the pandemic regulations (t0: 7.81 +/- 4.70, t1: 6.49 +/- 4.39; P = 0.030). Interestingly, pain ratings for the last 7 days were higher in patients with a changed social life compared to those without (-1.63 +/- 1.60 vs 0.31 +/- 1.83; P = 0.01). Quality of life was decreased and helplessness increased in those with higher pain ratings.Conclusion:Results suggest a shift of attention from the chronic pain condition towards the imminent threat of a global pandemic. As the impacts of the pandemic are persistent and evolving, the development of the measured parameters in the forthcoming weeks will be of great interest.