[Guanethidine blockade for palliative treatment in reflex dystrophy]

Guanethidine blockade was employed in 22 patients with causalgia, hyperpathia and reflex dystrophy in an upper limb. Guanethidine was administered by means of regional intravenous technique in which 20 mg guanethidine was mixed with 400 IU of heparin and 70 mg lignocaine. Avascularity was present for 20 minutes. The number of blockades was determined in advance. In 68% of the patients, beneficial results occurred as they were relieved of pain or improved considerably. Employment of lignocaine in the injection solution made the blockade less painful.