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van der Spek DPC, Dirckx M, Mangnus TJP, Cohen SP, Huygen FJPM. 10. Complex regional pain syndrome. Pain Pract 2024. [PMID: 39257325 DOI: 10.1111/papr.13413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a clinical disorder that can develop following surgery or trauma. Based on the most prominent underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, CRPS can be classified into different subtypes, namely inflammatory, nociplastic/neuropathic, vasomotor, and motor. Depending on the subtype, personalized treatment can be applied. If conservative treatments are insufficient or ineffective, more invasive treatments may be recommended. This article provides an overview of the most recent insights into CRPS and discusses the most common invasive treatments. METHODS The literature regarding interventional treatments for CRPS has been systematically reviewed and summarized. RESULTS Bisphosphonates are effective in treating the inflammatory subtype, while ketamine can provide pain relief for the nociplastic/neuropathic subtype. Sympathetic blocks are effective in addressing vasomotor disturbances. For patients with refractory symptoms, neurostimulation is a viable option due to its multimechanistic properties for all subtypes. End-of-line motor disturbances may benefit from intrathecal baclofen. CONCLUSIONS CRPS is a debilitating condition with an unpredictable course. The effectiveness of treatment varies from patient to patient. When conservative approaches prove insufficient, gradual progression to invasive treatments based on the underlying subtype is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniël P C van der Spek
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Pain Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maaike Dirckx
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Pain Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas J P Mangnus
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Pain Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Steven P Cohen
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Neurology, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Psychiatry and Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Frank J P M Huygen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Pain Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Delon-Martin C, Lefaucheur JP, Hodaj E, Sorel M, Dumolard A, Payen JF, Hodaj H. Neural Correlates of Pain-Autonomic Coupling in Patients With Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Treated by Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of the Motor Cortex. Neuromodulation 2024; 27:188-199. [PMID: 37589642 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition involving autonomic dysregulation. In this study, we report the results of an ancillary study to a larger clinical trial investigating the treatment of CRPS by neuromodulation. This ancillary study, based on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), evaluated the neural correlates of pain in patients with CRPS in relation to the sympathetic nervous system and for its potential relief after repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the motor cortex. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eleven patients with CRPS at one limb (six women, five men, aged 52.0 ± 9.6 years) were assessed before and one month after the end of a five-month repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) therapy targeting the motor cortex contralateral to the painful limb, by means of electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) measurement, daily pain intensity scores on a visual numerical scale (VNS), and fMRI with motor tasks (alternation of finger movements and rest). The fMRI scans were analyzed voxelwise using ESC and VNS pain score as regressors to derive their neural correlates. The criterion of response to rTMS therapy was defined as ≥30% reduction in VNS pain score one month after treatment compared with baseline. RESULTS At baseline, ESC values were reduced in the affected limb vs the nonaffected limb. There was a covariance of VNS with brain activation in a small region of the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) contralateral to the painful side on fMRI investigation. After rTMS therapy on motor cortex related to the painful limb, the VNS pain scores significantly decreased by 22% on average. The criterion of response was met in six of 11 patients (55%). In these responders, at one month after treatment, ESC value increased and returned to normal in the CRPS-affected limb, and overall, the increase in ESC correlated with the decrease in VNS after motor cortex rTMS therapy. At one month after treatment, there also was a covariance of both variables (ESC and VNS) with fMRI activation of the S1 region previously mentioned. The fMRI activation of other brain regions (middle frontal gyrus and temporo-parietal junction) showed correlation with ESC values before and after treatment. Finally, we found a positive correlation at one month after treatment (not at baseline) between VNS pain score and fMRI activation in the temporo-parietal junction contralateral to painful side. CONCLUSIONS This study first shows a functional pain-autonomic coupling in patients with CRPS, which could involve a specific S1 region. However, the modulation of sympathetic sudomotor activities expressed by ESC changes was rather correlated with functional changes in other brain regions. Finally, the pain relief observed at one month after rTMS treatment was associated with a reduced activation of the temporo-parietal junction on the side in which rTMS was performed. These findings open perspectives to define new targets or biomarkers for using rTMS to treat CRPS-associated pain. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION The Clinicaltrials.gov registration number for the study is NCT02817880.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Delon-Martin
- University of Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, Grenoble, France.
| | - Jean-Pascal Lefaucheur
- EA University Paris Est Créteil, Health Faculty, Créteil, France; AP-HP, Clinical Neurophysiology Unit, Henri Mondor Hospital, Créteil, France
| | - Enkeledja Hodaj
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, Clinical Investigation Center, Grenoble, France
| | - Marc Sorel
- Sud-Seine-et-Marne Hospital, Center for Pain Evaluation and Treatment, Nemours, France
| | | | - Jean-François Payen
- University of Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, Grenoble, France; CHU Grenoble Alpes, Pain Center, Grenoble, France
| | - Hasan Hodaj
- University of Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, Grenoble, France; CHU Grenoble Alpes, Pain Center, Grenoble, France
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Harnik MA, Kesselring P, Ott A, Urman RD, Luedi MM. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and the Value of Early Detection. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2023; 27:417-427. [PMID: 37410335 PMCID: PMC10462545 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-023-01124-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The goal of this narrative review is to describe the current understanding of the pathology of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), as well as diagnostic standards and therapeutic options. We will then make the case for early recognition and management. RECENT FINDINGS CRPS remains an enigmatic pain syndrome, comprising several subtypes. Recent recommendations clarify diagnostic ambiguities and emphasize the importance of standardized assessment and therapy. Awareness of CRPS should be raised to promote prevention, early detection, and rapid escalation of therapy in refractory cases. Comorbidities and health costs (i.e., the socioeconomic impact) must also be addressed early to prevent negative consequences for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Alexander Harnik
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Kesselring
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Ott
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Richard D. Urman
- Department of Anaesthesiology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
| | - Markus M. Luedi
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
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Limerick G, Christo DK, Tram J, Moheimani R, Manor J, Chakravarthy K, Karri J, Christo PJ. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Evidence-Based Advances in Concepts and Treatments. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2023; 27:269-298. [PMID: 37421541 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-023-01130-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review presents the most current information about the epidemiology of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), classification and diagnostic criteria, childhood CRPS, subtypes, pathophysiology, conventional and less conventional treatments, and preventive strategies. RECENT FINDINGS CRPS is a painful disorder with multifactorial pathophysiology. The data describe sensitization of the central and peripheral nervous systems, inflammation, possible genetic factors, sympatho-afferent coupling, autoimmunity, and mental health factors as contributors to the syndrome. In addition to conventional subtypes (type I and type II), cluster analyses have uncovered other proposed subtypes. Prevalence of CRPS is approximately 1.2%, female gender is consistently associated with a higher risk of development, and substantial physical, emotional, and financial costs can result from the syndrome. Children with CRPS seem to benefit from multifaceted physical therapy leading to a high percentage of symptom-free patients. The best available evidence along with standard clinical practice supports pharmacological agents, physical and occupational therapy, sympathetic blocks for engaging physical restoration, steroids for acute CRPS, neuromodulation, ketamine, and intrathecal baclofen as therapeutic approaches. There are many emerging treatments that can be considered as a part of individualized, patient-centered care. Vitamin C may be preventive. CRPS can lead to progressively painful sensory and vascular changes, edema, limb weakness, and trophic disturbances, all of which substantially erode healthy living. Despite some progress in research, more comprehensive basic science investigation is needed to clarify the molecular mechanisms of the disease so that targeted treatments can be developed for better outcomes. Incorporating a variety of standard therapies with different modes of action may offer the most effective analgesia. Introducing less conventional approaches may also be helpful when traditional treatments fail to provide sufficient improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Limerick
- Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Dana K Christo
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Jennifer Tram
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - John Manor
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | | | - Jay Karri
- Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Paul J Christo
- Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
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Kim D, Kim MJ, Kim JH, Oh J, Choi K. A Pilot Study of Autonomic Function Screening Tests for Differentiating Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type II and Traumatic Neuropathic Pain. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59040646. [PMID: 37109606 PMCID: PMC10143614 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59040646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: One of the most challenging tasks in a clinical setting is to differentiate between complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) type II and traumatic neuropathic pain (NeP). CRPS is characterized by several dysautonomic manifestations, such as edema, hyper/hypohidrosis, skin color change, and tachycardia. This study compared the outcomes of autonomic function screening tests in patients with CRPS type II and traumatic NeP for diagnostic differentiation. Materials and Methods: CRPS type II was diagnosed according to the Budapest research criteria, while NeP was diagnosed according to the updated grading system suggested by the International Association for the Study of Pain Special Interest Group on Neuropathic Pain in 2016. Twenty patients with CRPS type II and twenty-five with traumatic NeP were investigated. Results: Twelve patients with CRPS type II presented abnormal results for the quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART). Abnormal QSART results were more common in the CRPS type II group. Conclusions: Analysis of QSART combined with other ancillary tests can help in the differential diagnosis of CRPS type II and traumatic NeP if factors influencing abnormal QSART are sufficiently controlled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayoung Kim
- Department of Neurology, Konkuk University College of Medicine, Konkuk University Medical Center, Seoul 05030, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Jung Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Konkuk University College of Medicine, Konkuk University Medical Center, Seoul 05030, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hun Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Konkuk University College of Medicine, Konkuk University Medical Center, Seoul 05030, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeeyoung Oh
- Department of Neurology, Konkuk University College of Medicine, Konkuk University Medical Center, Seoul 05030, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyomin Choi
- Department of Neurology, Konkuk University College of Medicine, Konkuk University Medical Center, Seoul 05030, Republic of Korea
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Sivanesan E, Goebel A. Complex regional pain syndrome: developing diagnostic tools and treatments from sympathetic nervous system, neuroimmune and neuromodulation discoveries in neuropathic pain. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2021; 46:193-195. [PMID: 33419876 DOI: 10.1136/rapm-2020-102327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eellan Sivanesan
- Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andreas Goebel
- Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool and Department of Pain Medicine, Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
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Lee HJ, Lee KH, Moon JY, Kim YC. Prevalence of autonomic nervous system dysfunction in complex regional pain syndrome. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2021; 46:196-202. [PMID: 33419877 DOI: 10.1136/rapm-2020-101644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to investigate the prevalence of dysautonomia in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) via the combined autonomic nervous system (ANS) function tests, including the deep breathing test (DBT), orthostatic test (OST) and sympathetic skin response (SSR). METHOD We retrospectively examined 263 patients who underwent the combined ANS tests to evaluate CRPS between August 2013 and December 2016. Based on the Budapest clinical criteria, patients were stratified into confirmed-CRPS or suspected-CRPS groups. We performed binary logistic regression analysis using the inverse probability of treatment weighting to investigate the association between the tests and CRPS. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated to assess the diagnostic performance of the ANS tests for CRPS. We compared the results of these tests between the outcomes of sympathetic nerve blocks (SNBs). RESULTS Among 247 patients, finally included in this study, 199 patients (80.6%) were diagnosed with CRPS. Abnormal results of overall or each ANS function test showed significant associations with CRPS, excluding OST (overall abnormality: OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.51 to 3.95; p<0.001; DBT: OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.23 to 5.38, p=0.013; OST: OR 1.88, 95% CI 0.92 to 3.84, p=0.085; SSR: OR 2.71, 95% CI 1.38 to 5.32, p=0.004). However, their prevalence in CRPS and their sensitivities for CRPS were low (overall abnormality: 26.1%; each test: <15%). No significant association existed between dysautonomia and SNB outcomes. CONCLUSION Dysautonomia, as evaluated using the combined ANS tests, were observed in a small portion of patients with CRPS. The diagnostic performances of these tests for CRPS were inadequate for clinical purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho-Jin Lee
- Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Kang Hee Lee
- Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Jee Youn Moon
- Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of) .,Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Yong-Chul Kim
- Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of).,Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
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Kessler A, Yoo M, Calisoff R. Complex regional pain syndrome: An updated comprehensive review. NeuroRehabilitation 2020; 47:253-264. [PMID: 32986618 DOI: 10.3233/nre-208001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a complex disorder that can have a significant impact on the quality of life of a person with this syndrome. The diagnosis and treatment of CRPS are often difficult as there is no one confirmatory test and no one definitive treatment. Currently, the most widely accepted clinical diagnostic criteria are the Budapest criteria, which were developed by expert consensus. Though no one single treatment has been found to be universally effective, early detection and an interdisciplinary approach to treatment appear to be key in treating CRPS. This review aims to present up-to-date clinical information regarding the diagnosis and management of CRPS and highlight the potential issues with diagnosis in the neurological population. Ultimately, more research is needed to identify the exact etiology of CRPS in order to help target appropriate therapies. In addition, more randomized controlled trials need to be performed in order to test new therapies or combinations of therapies, including pharmacological, interventional, and behavioral therapies, to determine the best treatment options for this potentially debilitating disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Kessler
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Shirley Ryan Abilitylab, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Min Yoo
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Randy Calisoff
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Shirley Ryan Abilitylab, Chicago, IL, USA
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