title: Secondary erythromelalgia successfully treated with patient-controlled epidural analgesia and interferon α-2b: A case report and review of the literature.
abstract: Erythromelalgia (EM) is a debilitating neurovascular disease that is refractory to numerous treatment modalities. The present study reported the case of a 72-year-old woman diagnosed with EM secondary to polycythemia vera (PV), who was effectively treated with the use of patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) and interferon α-2b therapy. The study aimed to provide clinical information on this condition based on the findings of the present case and previously-reported cases. PCEA containing local anesthetics and dexamethasone or fentanyl resulted in nearly complete relief of symptoms. Furthermore, continuous use of interferon α-2b for the treatment of the PV completely relieved the EM symptoms. In conclusion, PCEA and interferon α-2b may be promising treatments for EM secondary to PV.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pain Management, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China.
authors.forename: Xingzhi
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation, Fushun Central Hospital, Fushun, Liaoning 113000, P.R. China.
authors.forename: Yaomin
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Department of Pain Management, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China.
authors.forename: Yao
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Qu
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand Surgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China.
authors.forename: Laijin
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lu
keywords: erythromelalgia; interferon; patient-controlled epidural analgesia; polycythemia vera