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