Clinical characteristics of reflex sympathetic dystrophy in Aragon (Spain). A prospective study of 171 patients

We followed a total of 171 patients diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). This enigmatic condition normally has a secondary origin, being trauma the unleashing cause in most cases. Psychological predisposition plays a major role in developing the clinical state, which affects lower extremities more frequently. In this series, patients were first seen during the acute “warm” phase and the final outcome was generally good after a period of treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), calcitonin and physical therapy. However, a comprehensive review of the literature revealed the heterogeneity of this condition.

ResumenHemos estudiado una poblacion de 171 pacientes diagnosticados de distrofia simpatico refleja (DSR). En esta poblacion la DSR tiene, en gran medida, un origen secundario, siendo el traumatismo el mas frecuente. El terreno predisponente mas habitual es el psicologico. La DSR predomina en las extremidades inferiores. La mayor parte de las DSR han llegado en fase caliente. En general, la evolucion ha sido satisfactoria con AINES, calcitonina y rehabilitacion. En suma, nuestro estudio pone de manifiesto la gran heterogeneidad de este sindrome.