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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
PubMed

Insights

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.
Abstract

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