Validation of the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) questionnaire and its correlation with visual analog pain scales in Greek population

Introduction One of the diagnostic tools of neuropathetic pain (NP) relies on screening questionnaires including the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) questionnaire. Aim To apply and validate the LANSS questionnaire in Greek population. To assess any correlation between LANSS score and visual analog pain scales. Methods A prospective instrument validation study of LANSS was conducted in University Hospital of Larissa, on 70 patients (35 NP and 35 nociceptive pain), from April 2015 to June 2015. Visual analog pain scales (VAS-ADL; impact of pain on daily living activities, VAS-INT; pain intensity) were also assessed and correlated with LANSS scale. Results The mean age of NP and nociceptive pain group was 67.11 ± 10.05 and 39.14 ± 17.07 years respectively. The mean LANSS score was 12.84 (± 9.27) in initial test, and 12.54 (± 9.41) in the retest evaluation. Cronbach's alpha was 0.895 and 0.901 at initial and retest examinations respectively, both values indicating good internal consistency. NP group had significant higher LANSS score than nocipeptive pain group (21.34 [± 1.39] vs 4.34 [± 4.86], p < 0.01). The sensitivity of LANSS questionnaire to distinguish neuropathic and nociceptive pain was 94.29% (95% CI: 80.81-99.13%), while its specificity was 88.57% (95% CI: 73.24-96.73%). A significant correlation was noticed between total LANSS score and VAS-ADL (initial r = 0.248; p < 0.05 and retest evaluation r = 0.288; p < 0.05). Conclusion The LANSS score is a reliable and valuable instrument to assess neuropathic pain in diabetic patients and to differentiate it from nociceptive pain in Greek population. In diabetic patients LANSS score is associated with impact on daily activities and potentially with quality of life.