Secondary erythromelalgia successfully treated with patient-controlled epidural analgesia and interferon α-2b: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

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.

Erythromelalgia: a cutaneous manifestation of neuropathy?

“…The neurological study and the electromyography are indispensable to rule out peripheral neuropathies of other etiologies. 20 , 29 , 66 …”

“…Thus, EM secondary to polycythemia vera can respond to aspirin associated with hydroxyurea while in other patients, alpha-2b interferon and epidural analgesia are necessary. 20 , 28 , 29 , 79 , 80 …”

Case Report and Literature Review: Interventional Management of Erythromelalgia

“…In this case we have successfully treated an adult erythromelalgia patient with epidural infusion of 0.0625% ropivacaine with 2 mcg/ml fentanyl at 12 ml/hour for 3 days, and patient’s pain was well controlled even nine months after the treatment. While there are a few reported cases of epidural treatment that have led to good pain relief in pediatric patients [7–13], to our knowledge this one of a few adult case of erythromelalgia patient successfully managed with an epidural infusion [10,14].…”