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The Pharmacological Management of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in Pediatric Patients

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Abstract

The awareness of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in the pediatric population is increasing. The condition involves regional pain that is out of proportion to any initiating event (if there is one) and is associated with sensory, functional, autonomic, and inflammatory changes in the region of the pain. The signs and symptoms of CRPS can vary between patients and stage of the disease process. Like many chronic pain conditions, it is often associated with significant disability and a detrimental effect on quality of life. It has a complex pathophysiology that remains poorly understood but provides many potential targets for treatments. Management involves a biopsychosocial formulation that encompasses physical and psychological interventions alongside pharmacological strategies. We review the current evidence for the treatment of this condition in children, with particular reference to pharmacological management.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anaesthesia, Great Ormond Street Hospital For Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH, UK

    Glyn Williams & Richard Howard

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  1. Glyn Williams
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  2. Richard Howard
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Correspondence to Glyn Williams.

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Dr. Glyn Williams and Dr. Richard Howard have no financial disclosures or conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of this article.

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Williams, G., Howard, R. The Pharmacological Management of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in Pediatric Patients. Pediatr Drugs 18, 243–250 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40272-016-0179-z

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