Early thoracic sympathetic block improves the treatment effect for upper extremity neuropathic pain

The sympathetic nervous system has important roles in mediating many neuropathic pain conditions. A thoracic sympathetic block (TSB) is a useful therapeutic procedure for neuropathic pain in the upper extremities and thorax. However, no studies have examined the factors related to an improved therapeutic effect of TSB. In this study, we evaluated the influence of potential prognostic factors for a better TSB effect and identified clinically important prognostic factors.

Percutaneous TSB was performed in 51 patients, under fluoroscopic guidance. Data collected for each patient included age, gender, body mass index, diagnosis, pain intensity, and symptom duration. The adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for each variable were calculated by logistic regression.

TSB was more effective in patients with symptom durations of ≤1 year compared with >1 year (P = 0.006; odds ratio, 8.037; 95% confidence interval, 1.808-35.729). Patient age, gender, body mass index, diagnosis, and intensity of pre-TSB pain were not associated with TSB effectiveness.

The results showed that an earlier TSB produced a better outcome for patients with chronic pain syndrome. Thus, early TSB should be performed in patients with chronic pain in the upper extremities.