[A case report of reflex sympathetic dystrophy treated with nifedipine]

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) refers to a symptom complex observed after nerve injury and consists primarily of severe burning pain associated with sensory, vasomotor and trophic phenomena. A 54-year-old male had undergone nephrectomy. At surgery left XIth intercostal nerve had been injured by cautery. After a few weeks following surgery, the patient developed progressive deep burning pain, stabbing sensation and dysesthesia in the left abdominal region. Analgesics and narcotics were ineffective. We diagnosed his case as RSD. He received nifedipine 10mg sublingually. Pain relief was obtained within 10min and lasted for 6hs. Consequently, nifedipine therapy was started at a daily dose of 30 to 60mg. His symptoms were markedly improved within 4 weeks. After 3 months his pain resolved. At the present, some pain often returns, but nifedipine is effective. Nifedipine may be useful as a drug for the management of reflex sympathetic dystrophy.