Chronic pain and mortality: a systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Chronic pain is common, often widespread and has a substantial impact on health and quality of life. The relationship between chronic pain and mortality is unclear. This systematic review aimed to identify and evaluate evidence for a relationship between chronic pain and mortality.

Methods

A search of ten electronic databases including EMBASE and MEDLINE was conducted in March 2012, and updated until March 2014. Observational studies investigating the association between chronic or widespread pain (including fibromyalgia) and mortality were included. Risk of bias was assessed and a meta-analysis was undertaken to quantify heterogeneity and pool results. A narrative review was undertaken to explore similarities and differences between the included studies.

Resul

SUBMITTER: Smith D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4047043 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature