title: Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome in children.
abstract: We report 3 children with reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome, review the literature, and discuss current concepts of diagnosis and management. In this disorder, pain, tenderness, swelling, vasomotor instability, and dystrophic skin changes frequently develop after minor injury. The clinical diagnosis is supported by osteopenia detected on radiographs and either increased or decreased radionuclide uptake on bone scan of the affected extremity. Treatment with a graduated program of physical therapy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is beneficial in almost all patients. In contrast to adults, the prognosis of childhood reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome is favorable; most children recover completely after one episode.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, CA 92350.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ashwal
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tomasi
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Neumann
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schneider
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D011859:Radiography; D012019:Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D004561:Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation