Intravenous ketamine infusions for chronic algodystrophy: a review

Abstract Chronic algodystrophy is difficult to treat, because the disease in this stage is usually resistant to many therapies. It particularly concerns conditions with predominant severe, intractable pain and disability of the involved extremity. In these, the severest cases, searching for effective pain control therapy is extremely important. Intravenous ketamine infusions constitute a promising therapy, which appeared recently. Ketamine possesses properties of blocking central sensitization and development of neuropathic pain through its effect on NMDA receptor, a critical factor in this process. The article presents problem of chronic, refractory algodystrophy, mechanism of ketamine action in pain control, literature review on treatment outcomes and authors' own experience in this field. Ketamine seems to be a useful option for pain control in patients with refractory algodystrophy.