P08 A multi-disciplinary approach to treating young patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Authors: Schneider Robert , Dalton Glenda 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Introduction/Background
The Rheumatology service provides outpatient assessment and rehabilitative intervention for CYP with inflammatory/non-inflammatory pain conditions across South London and Southeast England.
CRPS remains poorly understood condition. Young people experience persistent severe and debilitating pain. The service receives approximately 20 referrals per annum, a figure increasing year-on-year.
Early recognition and intervention is key for successful outcomes, but referrals to specialist services may be delayed months from onset of symptoms.
No current national pathway to manage CRPS for paediatric patients.
The team are aiming to identify “gold standard” intervention for CYP with CRPS, using existing models. matching resource to need.

Description/Method
Exact cause of CRPS unknown.
Injury sometimes trigger, but not 1/10 cases.
More common in women.
1.2/100,000 CYP (5-15 years old) in the UK; 15,000 new adult cases in adults pa (1 in 3,800).
Diagnosis mainly clinical. No specific test confirms CRPS. Mainly based on symptoms and physical examination.
Symptoms include:
usually single limb, can be widespread
pain (particularly allodynia), hypersensitivity, altered sensation
skin changes around affected area, e.g. sensitive to touch, change in temperature
swelling of limbs
hair & nail growth
functional impact
increased sweating
stiffness
increased anxiety, lower mood, depression
muscle weakness
Difficult to treat – no single treatment available
Duration of intervention varies from few weeks (mild cases) to indefinitely in some.
CRPS can impact on activities of daily living, mobility, school attendance, sleep, mood.
Early diagnosis and intervention is key.
Imperative need for MDT approach; enables CYP to start to live alongside pain and develop control over their lives.
CASE STUDY - 14F
Past Medical History = DDH and Perthes of L hip; last surgery October 2020 (metalwork removed)
2021 - Presented with significant pain, numbness and restricted movement in left leg. Admitted locally for 6-day investigation. Labelled “very complex”. No improvement upon discharge.
Limited mobility – using wheelchair
Reduced school attendance (30%)
Not wearing shoe/sock (left foot)
Limited socialisation
Affecting mood and mental well-being
2022 Referral to RhEve
Attended ELCH One-Stop Clinic; met Rheumatologist
Reassurance, understanding and validation + robust diagnosis of CRPS
Referred to Physio/OT for intervention
Seen within 1/52 by Physio/OT
Repeated CRPS messages – ensured understanding; reassurance that team “know” how to treat; not complex for us!
Focus not on “fixing” pain
Use of breathing/distraction techniques; encouraged weight-bearing, movement, desensitisation and mobility

Discussion/Results
CASE STUDY INTERVENTION OUTCOMES [after one x 2 hour therapy session]:
Touching own leg
Noticed colour change in L leg/foot
Actively started to move toes
Took partial weight through L heel using crutches
Negotiated stairs
Reported to feel “confident” enough to be able to work on strategies at home
Trialled wearing a soft shoe on her L foot
Learnt breathing techniques and was able to use distraction
Able to set some functional goals, e.g. school attendance, playing football, seeing friends
From our extensive experience, we understand that:
Intervention begins with the individual) - “Being healthy is more than just not being ill - it's about our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing”
MDT approach is the most successful treatment for CRPS.
This patient group demands a great deal of resource (e.g. clinics, inpatient admissions, therapy intervention time, liaison between ELCH and local teams)
A confident, robust diagnosis is essential to support the young person and family in engaging with treatment intervention, moving from pre-contemplation to contemplation stage of change
The CYP & their family must understand the diagnosis and show readiness for rehabilitation in order to move to the preparation stage of change
Therapeutic intervention is most likely to be successful when the patient has engaged with treatment and has started to gain control of their symptoms, thereby moving from preparation towards action
Our hypothesis is that by being aware of the stages of change and delivering interventions at the “correct” time the team can facilitate improved and quicker outcomes with the patient’s rehabilitation.

Key learning points/Conclusion
The young people that we see:
Need confident & robust diagnoses delivered with empathy
Benefit from time and space to process complex diagnoses
Gain from continual opportunities for learning and asking questions
Deserve to feel listened to, and receive reassurance and validation with empathy and compassion
The need for a tailored approach for each individual CYP as each individual’s needs differ! Clinicians need to be flexible, e.g. duration and timings of appointments
Value multi-disciplinary working – this is also an opportunity for clinicians to learn and feel supported
We have a responsibility to provide learning opportunities and mentoring/support to local network colleagues
WHAT NEXT? To potentially develop National guidelines for Child and Young Person (CYP) with other stake holders.