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Continuous axillary brachial plexus analgesia with low dose morphine in patients with complex regional pain syndromes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 August 2006

S. C. Azad ,
A. Beyer ,
A. W. Römer ,
A. Galle-Röd ,
K. Peter  and
P. Schöps
S. C. Azad
Affiliation:
Clinic for Anaesthesiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany Pain Management Unit, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
A. Beyer
Affiliation:
Clinic for Anaesthesiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany Pain Management Unit, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
A. W. Römer
Affiliation:
Clinic for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Klinikum Großhadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
A. Galle-Röd
Affiliation:
Clinic for Anaesthesiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
K. Peter
Affiliation:
Clinic for Anaesthesiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
P. Schöps
Affiliation:
Pain Management Unit, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany Clinic for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Klinikum Großhadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
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Abstract

In this prospective pilot study, nine patients suffering from complex regional pain syndrome of the arm were treated with morphine 0.16mg h−1 (3.84mg day−1) applied continuously through an axillary brachial plexus catheter. In all of them an oral analgesic medication including the less potent opioid tramadol had not provided sufficient pain relief. During regional treatment, patients were kept in hospital and physiotherapy was carried out frequently in order to improve strength and function of the affected arm. Pain at rest and during movement as well as grip strength were assessed at first visit, during morphine infusion and at a long–term follow–up visit. All assessments improved significantly during plexus analgesia. There were no major opioid related side–effects. The results from this pilot study indicate that continuous axillary brachial plexus analgesia with low dose morphine might be beneficial in patients suffering from complex regional pain syndrome of the arm.

Keywords

anaesthetic techniquespain managementcomplex regional pain syndromeaxillary brachial plexus cathetermorphine
Type
Original Article
Information
European Journal of Anaesthesiology , Volume 17 , Issue 3 , March 2000 , pp. 185 - 188
Copyright
2000 European Society of Anaesthesiology

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