Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-21-2021
Journal
Journal of Child Neurology
Volume
36
Issue
10
First Page
823
Last Page
830
URL with Digital Object Identifier
10.1177/08830738211007685
Abstract
Objective: To assess thermal-sensory thresholds and psychosocial factors in children with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1 (CRPS-I) compared to healthy children. Methods: We conducted quantitative sensory testing on 34 children with CRPS-I and 56 pain-free children. Warm, cool, heat, and cold stimuli were applied to the forearm. Children with CRPS-I had the protocol administered to the pain site and the contralateral-pain site. Participants completed the self-report Behavior Assessment System for Children. Results: Longer pain durations (>5.1 months) were associated with decreased sensitivity to cold pain on the pain site (P =.04). Higher pain-intensity ratings were associated with elevated anxiety scores (P =.03). Anxiety and social stress were associated with warmth sensitivity (both P <.05) on the contralateral-pain site. Conclusions: Pain duration is an important factor in assessing pediatric CRPS-I. Hyposensitivity in the affected limb may emerge due to degeneration of nociceptive nerves. Anxiety may contribute to thermal-sensory perception in childhood CRPS-I.