PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors for long-term pain following an ICU stay. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, single-center study included patients who stayed in the ICU for ≥3 days and could complete a questionnaire. The primary aim was to assess chronic pain incidence at 3 months and up to 1 year post-discharge and identify associated risk factors. Follow-up involved 3 phone interviews at 3, 6, and 12 months, utilizing the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2). RESULTS: Among the 150 included patients (mean age 66 ± 17 years
66 % male
median SAPS II 39), 71(47 %) reported pain at discharge. At 3 months, 39 % of 114 respondents had pain, and 35 % of 103 patients at one year. Significant factors for pain at 3 months included urgent surgical admission (p = 0.029), axial-skeleton bone fractures (p = 0.035), days with significant pain in ICU (p = 0.004), and opioid exposure (p = 0.014 for duration, p = 0.038 for dose). Axial skeleton fractures were independently associated with pain at 1 year (OR 5.18, p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Around one-third of ICU patients experience pain one year post-discharge, with axial-skeleton bone fractures being a significant risk factor for chronic pain. IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: Management of pain and optimal opioids dose during ICU stay are crucial to limit chronic pain after ICU discharge. Special attention should be given to patients with axial-skeleton fracture.