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Algodystrophy: treatment.

Treatment of reflex sympathetic dystrophies involves early reduction of the nociceptive input, transient interruption of the sympathetic activity, modulation of central mechanisms of pain control, prevention of neurotrophic changes and treatment of associated behavioural problems. The fundamental steps are early control of pain by means of local anesthetic blocks and antiinflammatory agents followed by sympathetic blocks, physical therapy, transcutaneous electrical stimulation and supportive psychotherapy. The results obtained are not always satisfactory and about 40% of the patients is not susceptible to cure. The best results are obtained when treatment is started early.

Autonomic Nerve Block↗

[Shoulder-hand syndrome after stroke: a case report].

A case of shoulder-hand syndrome (algodystrophy, reflex sympathetic dystrophy) in a stroke patient is presented. Six weeks after stroke the condition started with pain, swelling and considerable reduction of movements of the hand and wrist followed by involvement of shoulder joint a few days later. Initially, the complaints were attributed to excessive rehabilitation, however, when cessation of exercises and anti-inflammatory treatment failed to improve, the diagnosis of shoulder-hand syndrome was suspected. Three phase bone scintigraphy performed 2 weeks after the onset of symptoms revealed features of possible algodystrophy. X-ray revealed no significant changes. The patient satisfactory responded to nasal salmon calcitonin treatment 300 units daily during 4 weeks. The reassessment performed 3 months after the onset of disease showed regression of most signs and symptoms as well as satisfactory range of motion of the hand and shoulder. Bone scintigraphy revealed typical algodystrophy pattern (diffusely increased periarticular uptake). The cause of such evolution of scintigraphic changes as well as some implications of nasal calcitonin administration were discussed.

Administration, Intranasal↗

Pinhole SPECT imaging in normal and morbid ankles.

UNLABELLED: Pinhole SPECT can generate sectional nuclear images of a normal and morbid ankle and hindfoot with remarkably enhanced resolution by portraying the topography and pathological alterations in great detail. METHODS: Pinhole SPECT was performed using a commercially available single-head, rotating gamma camera system by replacing the parallel-hole collimator used for planar SPECT with a pinhole collimator. The images were reconstructed in the same way as in planar SPECT by using the filtered back-projection algorithm and a Butterworth filter. First, we compared the scan resolution between the planar and pinhole SPECT images of a thyroid phantom and a normal ankle and hindfoot by working out pinhole SPECT anatomy with CT validation. Second, the clinical usefulness was assessed in one case each of fracture, reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis of the ankle with radiographic correlation. The resolution of the pinhole SPECT and planar pinhole images was compared for these diseases. RESULTS: The resolution of the pinhole SPECT of a thyroid phantom and of a normal ankle and hindfoot was significantly enhanced compared to the planar SPECT although image distortion was seen in the periphery of the field-of-view. The pinhole SPECT resolution was such that most of the anatomical landmarks were sharply delineated in the ankle and hindfoot and some useful diagnostic signs in the diseased ankle were visible. CONCLUSION: Pinhole SPECT can be performed using a single-head gamma camera system and filtered back-projection algorithm. It generates sectional scan images of both normal and morbid ankle and hindfoot with enhanced resolution portraying many anatomical landmarks and pathological signs in useful detail.

Adult↗

[Prevention of recurrence of Sudeck's disease with calcitonin].

In patients suffering from, or with a history of, reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), there is always a risk of exacerbation or reactivation of this disease after surgery or trauma. The use of calcitonin in the treatment of this type of disorder is well established. Starting in 1984, 18 patients with clinical symptoms of RSD or a history of this disease were given daily prophylactic treatment with salmon calcitonin (100 IU subcutaneously or as a spray). Ten of the patients underwent orthopaedic surgery and 8 received conservative treatment following trauma. The mean duration of prophylactic treatment was 4 days before and 23 days after surgery or trauma. Only one recurrence was observed (3 per cent). For comparison, a retrospective analysis of a group with the same inclusion criteria who underwent surgery or received conservative treatment after trauma, without prophylactic administration of calcitonin showed a recurrence of the underlying disease 28 per cent of the cases. It is therefore possible to recommend prophylactic administration of calcitonin, to patients with a history of RSD who are about to undergo orthopaedic surgery or conservative treatment following trauma.

Adult↗

Neuropathic pain in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency and extent to which subjects with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease report pain and to compare qualities of pain in CMT to other painful neuropathic conditions. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive, nonexperimental survey, using a previously validated measurement tool, the Neuropathic Pain Scale (NPS). PARTICIPANTS: Participants were recruited from the membership roster of a worldwide CMT support organization. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: NPS pain descriptors reported in CMT were compared with those reported by subjects with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), complex regional pain syndrome, type 1 (CRPS-1), also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy, diabetic neuropathy (DN), and peripheral nerve injury (PNI). RESULTS: Of 617 CMT subjects (40% response rate), 440 (71%) reported pain. with the most severe pain sites noted as low back (70%), knees (53%), ankles (50%), toes (46%), and feet (44%). Of this group, 171 (39%) reported interruption of activities of daily living by pain; 168 (38%) used non-narcotic pain medication and 113 (23%) used narcotics and/or benzodiazepines for pain. The use of pain description was similar for CMT, PHN, CRPS-1, DN, and PNI in terms of intensity and the descriptors hot, dull, and deep. CONCLUSIONS: Neuropathic pain is a significant problem for many people with CMT. The frequency and intensity of pain reported in CMT is comparable in many ways to PHN, CRPS-1, DN. and PNI. Further studies are needed to examine possible pain generators and pharmacologic and rehabilitative modalities to treat pain in CMT.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease↗

Treatment of complex regional pain syndrome type I.

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), also known as complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS I), is a disabling neuropathic pain syndrome. Controversy exists about the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions for the management of RSD/CRPS I. In order to ascertain appropriate therapies we conducted a review of existing randomized controlled trials of therapies for this disabling disease. Eligible trials were identified from the Cochrane, Pubmed, Embase and MEDLINE databases from 1966 through June 2000, from references in retrieved reports and from references in review articles. Twenty-six studies concerning treatment modalities were identified. Eighteen studies were randomized placebo-controlled trials and eight studies were randomized active-controlled trials. Three independent investigators reviewed articles for inclusion criteria using a 15-item checklist. Seventeen of the trials were of high quality according to the 15-item criteria. There was limited evidence for the effectiveness of these interventions because of the heterogeneity of treatment modalities. The search for trials concerning prevention of RSD/CRPS I resulted in two eligible studies. Both were of high quality and dealt with different interventions. There is limited evidence for their preventive effect.

Calcitonin↗

Prevalence and associated features of the cold hemiplegic arm.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Some stroke patients complain of an unpleasant sensation of coldness in the hemiplegic arm. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of this symptom and any associated features. METHODS: A questionnaire about symptoms in the arms was sent to patients at least 12 months after stroke. Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) was diagnosed if four typical symptoms were present in the arm. RESULTS: One hundred patients were recruited and 75 complete replies received. The mean age of the patients was 74 years, and the mean time since the stroke was 19 months. Forty patients (53%) experienced unilateral coldness in the hemiplegic arm. In 14 this sensation was constant, and 10 rated the symptom as troublesome. The symptom developed at a median time of 1 month after stroke, but only 13 patients (32%) sought advice from a doctor. Sensory symptoms and arm and shoulder pain were common, but the only symptoms associated with coldness were numbness (P < .001) and color change (P < .05). Fifteen patients fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for RSD, 13 of whom had coldness only in the hemiplegic arm. CONCLUSIONS: A sensation of coldness in the hemiplegic arm is common and distressing. It is associated with numbness and color changes in the arm. Some cases are caused by RSD, but other patients have coldness that may be due to other causes such as a vasomotor abnormality.

Aged↗

Nerve injury complications. Management of neurogenic pain syndromes.

Postural brachial plexus compression neuropathy occurs more frequently than usually realized. The cause is multifactorial with certain predisposing anatomic and congenital factors that are not uncommon. An inciting event is required to cause a clinically significant syndrome. The event can be a specific traumatic episode or cumulative trauma leading to an adoption of a guarding posture, which results in a self-perpetuating cycle and brachial plexus nerve compression. The diagnosis and management may be complicated by concurrent vascular compression, concurrent reflex sympathetic dystrophy, and associated inflammatory musculotendinous conditions. Diagnosis relies on the appreciation of a peculiar symptom complex of pain and paresthesias. The important clinical signs are a supraclavicular Tinel's sign and a positive stress abduction test. Treatment includes exercises, patient education, and behavior modification. However, misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment, such as unnecessary carpal and cubital tunnel releases. Operative treatment is reserved for those severe cases that are resistant to extended and intense physical therapy. The preferred surgical technique involves an anterior, supraclavicular approach allowing for complete visualization and release of intrinsic and extrinsic nerve compression. Awareness is the key to making the diagnosis, and successful treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach. It is generally accepted that injuries to peripheral nerves result in serious losses of function. Paresthesias and motor weakness cause immediate functional limitation, and place the hand at risk for further injury. The system has little regenerative capacity, and the chance for recovery is poor even under the best circumstances. Therefore the treatment of acute nerve injuries can be difficult and frustrating.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Brachial Plexus↗

[Sudeck's syndrome. Was Sudeck right?].

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) is a syndrome affecting an extremity after a minor trauma or operation. At the moment there is no consensus about the pathogenesis of RSD. In 1942 Paul Sudeck suggested that the signs and symptoms of RSD may be provoked by an exaggerated inflammatory response to injury or operation of an extremity. His theory found no disciples, as most physicians believe that RSD is initiated by an hyperactive sympathetic system. We performed various clinical and experimental investigations, including the effects of antiinflammatory treatment. The results of these studies support the theory of Paul Sudeck.

Animals↗

A case of recurrent and migratory complex regional pain syndrome type I: Prevention by gabapentin.

Complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS I) or reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) is a painful and disabling neuropathic pain syndrome. We report a case of a patient who has experienced CRPS I four times with an unidentified cause for all recurrences. The patient responded well to a combination of physiotherapy and intravenous regional sympathetic block in the first two attacks, but not in the fourth one. Gabapentin was effective in the last two attacks. Gabapentin was gradually discontinued 12 months after the last attack and no other recurrence was observed for a follow-up period of 9 months. This case suggests that gabapentin might be considered in the treatment and prevention of CRPS I.

Amines↗

Retroperitoneoscopic lumbar sympathectomy.

We present a series of 27 consecutive unselected patients who underwent 29 retroperitoneoscopic lumbar sympathectomies. There were 21 male patients and six female patients, with a mean age of 45 years (RANGE, 21 to 28 years). Twenty-two patients had ischemia of the lower limb, and five patients had severe reflex sympathetic dystrophy. The retroperitoneal space was developed with a balloon trocar inserted through a small incision in the flank. Additional trocars used for endoscopic instruments. The sympathetic chain from the ganglia second lumbar vertebrae to the fourth lumbar vertebrae was resected. The procedure was successfully accomplished in all the patients without any operative or postoperative complications. The mean operative time Was 136 minutes, and the mean hospital stay was 1.4 days. All the patients had significant improvement of pain or dystrophic changes. Retroperitoneoscopic lumbar sympathectomy successfully combines the advantages of minimally invasive surgery with the effectiveness of the open procedure.

Female↗

Pathologic alterations of cutaneous innervation and vasculature in affected limbs from patients with complex regional pain syndrome.

Complex regional pain syndromes (CRPS, type I and type II) are devastating conditions that can occur following soft tissue (CRPS type I) or nerve (CRPS type II) injury. CRPS type I, also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy, presents in patients lacking a well-defined nerve lesion, and has been questioned as to whether or not it is a true neuropathic condition with an organic basis. As described here, glabrous and hairy skin samples from the amputated upper and lower extremity from two CRPS type I diagnosed patients were processed for double-label immunofluorescence using a battery of antibodies directed against neural-related proteins and mediators of nociceptive sensory function. In CRPS affected skin, several neuropathologic alterations were detected, including: (1) the presence of numerous abnormal thin caliber NF-positive/MBP-negative axons innervating hair follicles; (2) a decrease in epidermal, sweat gland, and vascular innervation; (3) a loss of CGRP expression on remaining innervation to vasculature and sweat glands; (4) an inappropriate expression of NPY on innervation to superficial arterioles and sweat glands; and (5) a loss of vascular endothelial integrity and extraordinary vascular hypertrophy. The results are evidence of widespread cutaneous neuropathologic changes. Importantly, in these CRPS type I patients, the myriad of clinical symptoms observed had detectable neuropathologic correlates.

Adult↗

Reassessment of the incidence of complex regional pain syndrome type 1 following stroke.

Previous literature has suggested that reflex sympathetic dystrophy, also known as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) type 1, is a relatively common finding after a stroke. However, much of this data was obtained before patients routinely received early intensive inpatient rehabilitation. The purpose of this study is to reevaluate the incidence of CRPS type 1 following an acute first stroke. Subjects admitted to an acute rehabilitation setting for stroke with no other concomitant neurologic or orthopedic injuries between October 1, 1996, and May 31, 1997, were studied. At admission and once a week until discharge, subjects were evaluated for shoulder pain, decreased passive range of motion of the shoulder, wrist/hand pain, edema, and skin changes. If three of these five criteria were positive, the subjects underwent a triple-phase bone scan (TPBS). Bone scan findings consistent with CRPS type 1 were taken as confirming the diagnosis. Of 64 subjects, 13 underwent bone scans, with only one positive result. Thus our study revealed a 1.56 percent incidence of CRPS type 1 following a first stroke. This incidence is much lower than the historically accepted 12.5 percent. We speculate that this low figure is related to early comprehensive rehabilitation that included proper upper extremity positioning and early mobilization with sensory stimulation.

Adult↗

Sympathetically maintained pain.

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) is a controversial condition, redefined in 1996 by an ad hoc International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) task force. One of the strongest critiques against the entire concept of sympathetic-dependent pain is that patients labeled as having RSD harbor in reality a somatoform disorder. Here clinical cases are described to prove that other organic medical conditions may exist other than RSD and still present the clinical picture of pain, sensory, and vasomotor disorders and trophic changes. The analysis of each patient illustrates how the inappropriate diagnosis of RSD may lead to increased worsening of pain intensity, or delay the proper diagnosis, and consequently the appropriate treatment.

Adolescent↗

Adjuvant physical therapy versus occupational therapy in patients with reflex sympathetic dystrophy/complex regional pain syndrome type I.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness and cost of physical therapy (PT) or occupational therapy (OT) in patients with reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD). DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled trial, with 1 year follow-up. SETTING: Two university hospitals. PATIENTS: One hundred thirty-five patients who had been suffering from RSD of one upper extremity for less than 1 year. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were assigned to PT, OT, or a control group (social work). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Improvement in impairment level sumscore (ISS) over 1 year (Student's t test). A difference of 5 ISS points between the groups was defined as being clinically relevant. Furthermore, severity of disability and handicap was measured and tested exploratively (Wilcoxon; alpha = .05), and cost-effectiveness of the groups was calculated. RESULTS: PT and, to a lesser extent, OT resulted in a significant and also more rapid improvement in the ISS as compared with controls (6 and 4 ISS points, respectively). On a disability level, a positive trend was found in favor of OT. On a handicap level, no differences were found between the groups. PT had an advantage over OT regarding the cost-effectiveness ratio. CONCLUSION: In different ways PT and OT each contribute to the recovery from RSD of the upper extremity.

Female↗

The diagnosis and management of post-traumatic pain syndromes (causalgia).

There are two major categories of post-traumatic pain syndroms: (1) causalgia; and (2) mimocausalgia states or reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Vasoconstriction is usually present. Because of the pain, limitation of motion of the extremity occurs, and may result in permanent disability. There is often a great disparity between the apparent trauma and the severity of the pain. Sympathetic blocks and sympathectomy are definitive modes of therapy. In a series of 147 patients, 56% required surgical sympathectomy. The rest were treated by sympathetic blocks, physical therapy, and other medical measures. Eighty-two percent had excellent relief of pain, 11% had good relief, while 7% had no relief. Thirty-one percent of patients had residual symptoms resulting from the original injury, or from irreversible occurrences on the basis of pain and trophic changes. Emphasis is placed on early recognition and proper treatment.

Adolescent↗

Spinal cord stimulation for complex regional pain syndrome: an evidence-based medicine review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this investigation is to assess the evidence for efficacy of SCS in the management of pain in patients with CRPS. METHODS SEARCH STRATEGY: Electronic databases such as Medline and Cochrane Library were queried using key words such as "spinal cord stimulation," "reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD)," and "complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)." SELECTION CRITERIA: Relevant published randomized controlled trials (RCT), cohort studies, case-control studies, case series, and case reports that described SCS as the primary treatment modality for patients with CRPS were eligible for inclusion. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data extracted from qualified studies were summarized in sections of methodology, demographics, SCS equipment, primary and secondary outcomes, and complications. RESULTS: Thirteen studies using the primary search strategy and 7 studies from their reference lists were considered. Five of these 20 studies were discarded. One RCT, 2 prospective observational, and 12 retrospective observational studies were eventually considered. The methodological quality of all studies was poor except for the single RCT study. DISCUSSION: Although limited in quality and quantity, available evidence from the examined literature suggests that SCS is effective in the management of pain in patients with CRPS (grade B/C). Clinically useful information extracted from the available studies is very limited in guiding clinicians in the rational use of SCS for pain management in CRPS patients. Future attempts to investigate the efficacy of SCS in CRPS patients should involve methodologically robust designs such as randomized studies that have sufficient power.

Complex Regional Pain Syndromes↗

Use of pamidronate in chronic and acute bone loss conditions.

Involutional osteoporosis (OP), Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) and Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS) are conditions in which an increase in bone resorption has been described. It therefore seems logical to prescribe a potent inhibitor of bone resorption like pamidronate (APD) in a patient suffering from any of these conditions. In our experience, oral as well as intravenous APD therapy was able to increase significantly bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with OP. This increase was more marked at the lumbar spine than at the proximal femur. With cyclical intermittent APD therapy, a plateauing effect in the BMD results during the third year appeared. After weaning from APD therapy, a remanent effect was observed: no loss of bone apparently occurred for at least two years, but the biological remodeling parameters re-increased earlier. The protective action on OP fractures has still to be clearly demonstrated, however. In children with OI, oral APD therapy has produced a dramatic increase in bone mass, without adversely interfering with the growth spur. The effect on fracture rate is still debatable in such a protean condition. Intravenous APD administered daily for twelve days has provoked a dramatic improvement in patients with long lasting RSDS which had resisted to various well-accepted therapies. However, this was an open trial, and these favorable preliminary results should be confirmed in a double-blind study.

Acute Disease↗