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Systemic adenosine infusions alleviated neuropathic pain
Eva Gyllenhammar1, Lars-Olof Nordfors
1Sollentuna Palliative Home Care Team, PAH, Box 474, S-191 24 Sollentuna, Sweden.
Pain
|September 29, 2001
Summary
Intravenous adenosine (ADO) infusions effectively managed severe neuropathic pain in a teenage patient with a degenerative neurometabolic disorder. This treatment provided sustained pain relief without side effects over seven months.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Management
- Pharmacology
Background:
- A 15-year-old male with a degenerative neurometabolic disorder experienced refractory neuropathic pain, including allodynia, despite opioid therapy.
- Quantitative sensory testing revealed sensory alterations consistent with neuropathic mechanisms.
Observation:
- Continuous intravenous opioid infusion provided partial relief for nociceptive pain (headache, muscle pain, renal calculi) but not for tactile allodynia.
- Weekly intravenous adenosine (ADO) infusions were initiated to address the persistent burning pain.
Findings:
- Following five weeks of ADO infusions, the patient reported no recurrence of pain between treatments.
- ADO infusions were continued for seven months, demonstrating sustained efficacy without adverse effects or tolerance.
- The patient's allodynia significantly improved, indicating a positive response to ADO therapy.
Implications:
- Adenosine (ADO) shows potential as a modulator for both neuropathic and nociceptive pain.
- Intravenous ADO may be a viable therapeutic option for managing complex pain syndromes, particularly those involving allodynia.
- This case highlights the role of ADO in controlling neuropathic pain mechanisms in adolescents.