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Chronic Post-Ischemia Pain Model for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type-I in Rats
Published on: January 21, 2020
Leukocytes in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type I
Edward C T H Tan1, Wim J G Oyen, R Jan A Goris
1Department of General Surgery - Section Traumatology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. E.Tan@chir.umcn.nl
Inflammation
|November 3, 2006
Summary
This study found increased leukocyte accumulation in patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type I (CRPS I), suggesting a role for these white blood cells in the condition's development.
Area of Science:
- Pain Medicine
- Immunology
- Radiology
Background:
- The exact cause of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type I (CRPS I) remains unknown.
- Inflammation is suspected to be a key factor in CRPS I development.
- Leukocytes (white blood cells) may contribute to the inflammatory process in CRPS I.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of leukocytes in the pathophysiology of acute CRPS I.
- To assess leukocyte accumulation in patients with CRPS I using radiolabeled leukocyte scans.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving six patients diagnosed with acute warm CRPS I.
- Radiolabeled autologous leukocyte scans were performed on both hands of CRPS I patients.
- Comparison was made with unaffected limbs and three control patients with Colles fracture but no CRPS I.
Main Results:
- Leukocyte accumulation was significantly higher in the affected limbs of CRPS I patients compared to controls (mean ratio 1.49 vs. 1.09 at 4 hours post-injection).
- Asymmetrical leukocyte accumulation was observed in CRPS I patients, but not in controls.
- A statistically significant difference (p=0.012) in leukocyte accumulation was found between CRPS I patients and controls at 4 hours.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence suggesting a significant increase in leukocyte accumulation in acute CRPS I.
- Leukocytes appear to play a role in the underlying pathophysiology of CRPS I.
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