Prospective, multicenter study of the outcome of complex regional pain syndrome after 12 months

Background and objectives: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) can lead to severe pain and limited functionality in the long term. Guidelines should help to optimize treatment procedures. It should be investigated which outcome is achieved after 1 year with guideline-based therapy. Materials and methods: In a prospective multicenter study, 40 patients with newly diagnosed CRPS were examined to determine how their pain and functional limitations changed within 1 year. In addition, it was investigated whether the time of diagnosis and invasive measures influence these outcome parameters. Results: All patients received physiotherapy and/or ergotherapy, treatment with glucocorticoids and/or bisphosphonates 29 (72.5%); various invasive measures were carried out in 13 (32.5%). After 1 year, both pain and functionality were significantly improved; two-thirds reported a tolerable average pain intensity. Severe functional impairment according to von Korff disability points was found after 1 year in 9 (22.5%), and a moderate or severe impairment according to medical evaluation in 6 (15%) and 3 (7.5%) patients, respectively. Earlier diagnosis and corresponding earlier start of treatment correlated with better outcome in terms of pain and functionality according to von Korff, but not according to medical evaluation. The influence of invasive procedures on the outcome parameters tended to be low. Conclusion: Guideline-based treatment led to a good outcome in terms of pain and functionality in the majority of patients. Early diagnosis correlated with better outcome, so suspected cases should be referred quickly to a medical facility with appropriate expertise.