Background: Complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS I), formerly known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), is a chronic painful disorder that usually develops after a minor injury to a limb. This topical review gives a synopsis of CRPS I and discusses the current concepts of our understanding of CRPS I in adults, the diagnosis, and treatment options based on the limited evidence found in medical literature. CRPS I is a multifactorial disorder. Possible pathophysiological mechanisms of CRPS I are classic and neurogenic inflammation, and maladaptive neuroplasticity. At the level of the central nervous system, it has been suggested that an increased input from peripheral nociceptors alters the central processing mechanisms. Methods: A literature search was conducted using, as electronic bibliographic database, Medline from 1980 until 2014. Results: An early diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment are necessary to prevent permanent disability. Conclusions: The pharmacological treatment of CRPS I is empirical and insufficiently effective. Further research is needed regarding the therapeutic modalities discussed in the guidelines. Physical therapy is widely recommended as a first-line treatment. The efficacy of local anesthetic sympathetic blockade as treatment for CRPS I is questionable.

Complex regional pain syndrome type I: a comprehensive review / M. Bussa, D. Guttilla, M. Lucia, A. Mascaro, S. Rinaldi. - In: ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA. - ISSN 0001-5172. - 59:6(2015 Jul), pp. 685-697. [10.1111/aas.12489]

Complex regional pain syndrome type I: a comprehensive review

M. Bussa
Primo
;
2015

Abstract

Background: Complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS I), formerly known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), is a chronic painful disorder that usually develops after a minor injury to a limb. This topical review gives a synopsis of CRPS I and discusses the current concepts of our understanding of CRPS I in adults, the diagnosis, and treatment options based on the limited evidence found in medical literature. CRPS I is a multifactorial disorder. Possible pathophysiological mechanisms of CRPS I are classic and neurogenic inflammation, and maladaptive neuroplasticity. At the level of the central nervous system, it has been suggested that an increased input from peripheral nociceptors alters the central processing mechanisms. Methods: A literature search was conducted using, as electronic bibliographic database, Medline from 1980 until 2014. Results: An early diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment are necessary to prevent permanent disability. Conclusions: The pharmacological treatment of CRPS I is empirical and insufficiently effective. Further research is needed regarding the therapeutic modalities discussed in the guidelines. Physical therapy is widely recommended as a first-line treatment. The efficacy of local anesthetic sympathetic blockade as treatment for CRPS I is questionable.
neuropathic pain; chronic pain; algodystrofy; CRPS; neurogenic inflammation; maladaptive neuroplasticity; sympathetically maintained pain
Settore MED/01 - Statistica Medica
Settore MED/16 - Reumatologia
Settore MED/41 - Anestesiologia
Settore MED/09 - Medicina Interna
Settore MED/34 - Medicina Fisica e Riabilitativa
lug-2015
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2434/1005012
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