Long Term Outcome of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the long term outcome of multidisciplinary treatment for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
Methods: A questionnaire was sent by mail to 80 patients who had recently received inpatient care at Osaka University Hospital. The questionnaire contained questions concerning current pain, daily sleeping pattern, health care service, current occupation, quality of life and patient satisfaction.
Results: The questionnaire was answered by 55 patients (69%). Approximately 70% of patients considered inpatient treatment effective for reducing pain and recovering motor function. The current numerical pain rating scale showed 4.2±3.5, 51% of the patients had good sleeping status, 15% of the patients required assistance for daily life, and 53% continuously received health care. Occupational difficulty was reported in most cases; only 18% of the patients were able to return to former jobs.
Conclusion; Our results showed that CRPS patients were able to receive effective treatment in an inpatient setting. Most CRPS patients not only suffer from pain after hospital discharge but are also faced with long term therapy, occupational difficulties, together with physical and social disability problems.