Files

No attached file found for this publication.

Details

Authors
Show more
Abstract
Introduction: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a debilitating condition characterized by sensory, vasomotor, sudomotor, trophic, and motor disturbances of the affected limb. Recent studies suggest the existence of several subgroups among CRPS patients, possibly related to different pathological mechanisms Understanding early CRPS characteristics is crucial for prognosis and treatment. Methods: The present study recruited 113 early CRPS patients (< 6 months) between May 2022 and December 2023 in Belgium. Data collection involved demographic variables, work-related factors, CRPS history and clinical manifestations, body perception disturbances, quantitative sensory testing (QST), and a visuospatial attentional task. Latent class analysis (LCA) was performed to investigate potential phenotypes. Results: Skin color asymmetry, swelling, and motor disturbances were common, while sweating asymmetry and trophic disturbances were less frequent. QST revealed sensory profile abnormalities, including thermal and mechanical stimuli detection deficits and increased pain sensitivity to thermal stimuli and blunt pressure. No systematic visuospatial bias was observed, but participants reported disturbances in body perception similar to those of persistent CRPS. Cluster analysis identified four subgroups: Mild, Moderate, Cognitive, and Pressure allodynia CRPS. The severe subgroups showed worse outcomes, with "Cognitive CRPS" showing severe body perception impairment and allodynia rates, while "Pressure allodynia CRPS" presented the highest psychosocial risk of chronification and pressure sensitivity. Overall, the presence of allodynia, high OMPSQ-SF scores, low-intensity initiating events, and lower PPT values were associated with poorer outcomes. Discussion: These results highlight the heterogeneity within early CRPS. Future longitudinal studies are needed to validate these findings and assess their prognostic implications.
Affiliations

Citations

  • APA
  • Chicago
  • FWB

Louis, M.-H., Legrain, V., Aron, V., Filbrich, L., Henrard, S., & Berquin, A. (2024). Early CRPS is not a homogeneous group: a cluster analysis. IASP World Congress on Pain 2024, Amsterdam. https://hdl.handle.net/2078.5/267062