Abstract
To compare the treatment effects of a high-dose and low-dose oral steroid regimen based on changes in the radioisotope uptake ratio (RUR) observed from three-phase bone scintigraphy (TPBS) in patients with complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS I), we retrospectively analyzed data of 34 patients with CRPS I from traumatic brain injury and stroke. Depending on the dose of steroid administered, patients were divided into high-dose (n = 14) and low-dose steroid groups (n = 20). We compared the severity scores, Kozin’s classification scores, and RUR observed from TPBS between the two groups. There were significant changes in the severity scores and Kozin’s classification between the baseline and 2 weeks from baseline (p < 0.05), however, there were no significant differences in terms of changes in the scores, classification, or the RUR observed from TPBS at 2 weeks from baseline (p > 0.05). There were no treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) such as blood pressure elevation, impaired glycemic control, or gastrointestinal disturbances. Our results indicate that the efficacy profile of a low-dose oral steroid regimen is comparable to that of a high-dose regimen in alleviating symptoms in CRPS I patients. However, additional prospective, large-scale, multi-center studies are warranted to confirm our results.
Highlights
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic neurological disorder that commonly affects the upper extremities, lower extremities, hands, or feet, with pain often spreading to the entire limbs [1].CRPS can be divided into two types: type I (CRPS I), accounting for 90% of the total cases of CRPS, and type II (CRPS II)
Patients with complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS I) are vulnerable to severe disability and intractable pain; they are burdened with high healthcare costs unless appropriately diagnosed and treated [4]
This single-center, retrospective study was conducted in patients with CRPS I who were hospitalized at the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation within our medical institution (Konkuk University Chungju Hospital, Chungju, Korea) between October 2012 and December 2016
Summary
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic neurological disorder that commonly affects the upper extremities, lower extremities, hands, or feet, with pain often spreading to the entire limbs [1].CRPS can be divided into two types: type I (CRPS I), accounting for 90% of the total cases of CRPS, and type II (CRPS II). Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic neurological disorder that commonly affects the upper extremities, lower extremities, hands, or feet, with pain often spreading to the entire limbs [1]. Typical causes of CRPS I include minor traumas, fractures, and complications after stroke. In the case of CRPS that occurred after a stroke, in some studies, the incidence was as high as 50%. CRPS II is characterized by the definite presence of nerve injury [2]. Despite recent advancements in understanding CRPS I, it still poses a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma for clinicians. Patients with CRPS I are vulnerable to severe disability and intractable pain; they are burdened with high healthcare costs unless appropriately diagnosed and treated [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
