Abstract

ORDUNA GONZALEZ, M.J.; LOPEZ CARBALLO, C.; CAMBLOR SUAREZ, E.  and  LOPEZ ROUCO, M.. Treatment of epidural pain in peripheral vascular ischemia (I). Rev. Soc. Esp. Dolor [online]. 2009, vol.16, n.2, pp.101-111. ISSN 1134-8046.

Peripheral arterial ischemia can result from various diseases that compromise limb vascularization, leading to pain, disability, and reduced quality of life; critical limb ischemia can cause substantial morbidity and mortality and chronic pain. The present article aims to provide a historical review of the scientific literature on the distinct types of peripheral ischemia, pain due to this disease, epidural analgesic treatment, and the particular features that should be taken into account in this disease. A MEDLINE search was performed and the main data on the evolution and main lines of research in epidural analgesia and pain in peripheral arterial ischemia were gathered. Since its introduction in peripheral ischemia, epidural infusion has been an effective analgesic method, which in the case of local anesthetics also provides positive hemorheological effects through sympathetic block. Epidural spinal cord stimulation is used to treat chronic pain and has specific indications in peripheral ischemia, with a potential trophic effect and limb salvage capacity even in critical limb ischemia due to atherosclerotic occlusive disease. Indeed, both the analgesic and trophic effects of the various epidural analgesic modalities vary according to their technical characteristics and the distinct types of peripheral ischemia. The limitations and risks of epidural analgesia in limb ischemia should be taken into account. Scientific studies evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of epidural spinal cord stimulation in non-atherosclerotic occlusive peripheral ischemia, as well as research into the clinical vascular parameters that can act as predictors of limb preservation in critical limb ischemia during the test phase of spinal cord stimulation are required.

Keywords : Peripheral vascular ischemia; Ischemic pain; Epidural therapy; Spinal cord stimulation.

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