In fact, a drug derived from LG268 for use in cancer patients raises serum triglyceride levels, which might worsen obesity and cardiovascular disease. Nonetheless, we are entering a brave new world of pharmacologic control of cholesterol metabolism, with a view toward treating and preventing atherosclerosis. Reflex sympathetic dystrophy is a poorly understood syndrome that under various names, including causalgia, denotes the manifestations of weird disturbances in sympathetic reflexes that may follow injury to a limb. The latest proposed appellation, complex regional pain syndrome, includes pain, autonomic dysfunction, edema, movement disorder, dystrophy, and atrophy. By unclear mechanisms, pain reflexes from the damaged area initiate profound dysfunction within the central nervous system, leading to disabling weakness, tremor, muscle spasms, and dystonia.
Sympathetic blockade is sometimes helpful but only at early stages of the disorder.
Two novel treatments may provide relief for severely affected patients. All 54 subjects had suffered from a pain syndrome for more than six months. Functional status, however, did not improve. During prolonged therapy via intrathecal pump, three patients regained hand function. In some patients, pain and violent spasms were also relieved.