The Use of Transdermal Buprenorphine in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Report of Two Cases

ABSTRACT

Management of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) can be challenging. Various pharmacological approaches have produced mixed results. Buprenorphine activates mu-opioid receptors and antagonizes kappa and delta receptors, acts at N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, and is an orphan-related ligand-1 receptor agonist. It is available in transdermal patches that last for up to 7 days. This report describes two patients with refractory CRPS who were treated with transdermal buprenorphine. The patients experienced approximately 50% reduction in pain intensity scores. Application site rash that occurred was managed with topical steroid spray used before applying the patch.

KEYWORDS:

• buprenorphine
• buprenorphine transdermal system
• Butrans
• complex regional pain syndrome
• causalgia
• regional sympathetic dystrophy

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.