Use of gabapentin in the treatment of childhood reflex sympathetic dystrophy

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy, a painful syndrome involving an extremity aft er trauma or injury, is increasingly reported in the pediatric population. Although no clear pathophysiologic mechanism for this disorder has been ide ntified, the role of central serotonin activity seems important. Gabapentin , a new antiepileptic medication, has been demonstrated to be effective in adults with reflex sympathetic dystrophy, The first reported case of a chil d with a diagnosis of reflex sympathetic dystrophy who was treated successf ully with gabapentin is presented. (C) 2000 by Elsevier Science Inc. All ri ghts reserved.