Complex regional pain syndrome in children (algoneurodystrophy)
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a group of chronical painful conditions, which are one of common complications after limb injuries. Significant role at its development has hyperactivation of sympaticus (defect in function of autonomic nervous system), which leads to defect in microcirculation and also defect in the pain management. Altogether it leads up to development of neurogenic inflammation. If CRPS is left untreated, irreversible changes evolve and cause permanent invalidisation of the patient. Try to go through the algorithm, determine the diagnosis according to the typical clinical symptoms and indicate appropriate therapy for CRPS on time.
Review
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is an illness, which habitually appears after primary injury or after surgical intervention on the limb. The cause of developing CRPS is unknown as well as its prevalence. Studies usually show prevalence around 1.5–3.0 cases per 100.000 inhabitants. Women are affected more likely than men (4 : 1). Therapy of CRPS is complicated, very important is a multidisciplinary approach combining rehabilitation, pharmacotherapy and invasive methods. Mentioned algorithm fully reflects the latest recommendations in the therapy of CRPS, very clearly describes the progressive development of the diagnosis, the basic symptoms and side effects of its treatment. In my opinion, CRPS algorithm is accurate tutorial for diagnosing and curing this illness according to the latest medical findings.
Sources
DAVIS, Peter, Franklyn CLADIS a Etsuro MOTOYAMA. Smith's Anesthesia for Infants and Children. Eighth edition. Philadelphia: Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc., 2011. ISBN 978-0-323-06612-9.
