J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2021 Nov 14:S1748-6815(21)00561-1. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2021.11.022. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a neuropathic pain condition with no universally recognised treatment. The study evaluates the efficacy of a therapeutic protocol consisting of oral citalopram and lidocaine injections in patients affected by CRPS.
METHODS: Between January 2010 and December 2014, 150 consecutive patients with CRPS were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned into three groups: group one – lidocaine injection and oral citalopram; group two – lidocaine injection and oral placebo; and group three – injective and oral placebo. The Impairment Sum Score (ISS) was used to assess the severity of CRPS before, as well as at regular intervals after treatment commenced. Statistical significance (p < 0.05) was determined by paired t-tests.
RESULTS: The combined treatment proved to be more effective (ISS 47.6 to 12.6) than local anaesthetic alone (ISS 47.5 to 21.5) and to placebo (ISS 47.2 to 29.9).
CONCLUSION: This study indicates that CRPS may be managed with well-tolerated association of oral citalopram and lidocaine injections.
PMID:34903493 | DOI:10.1016/j.bjps.2021.11.022
