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RSDSA 2006 Grants
The RSDSA Board of Directors has awarded the following research
grants for 2006.
Effects of sympathectomy on abnormal afferent discharge
in an animal model of CRPS-I
Dr. Gary Bennett of McGill University plans to further explore
a rat model that appears to have relevance to CRPS-I. This
ischemic/reperfusion injury model does not result in detectable
nerve injury, but it produces several features common in CRPS-I.
Preliminary data indicate that sympathectomy may reduce the
pain intensity in this model, suggesting the importance of
sympathetic outflow in the syndrome generated by this CRPS-I
model. Dr. Bennett proposes that this type of ischemic injury
may account for up to 50% of CRPS-I cases, and if true, results
of this study would have significant relevance to human CRPS-I,
for which there is currently no accepted animal model. Availability
of a validated animal model of CRPS-I would significantly
advance both pathophysiology and treatment research into this
condition. The purpose of the proposed study is to test in
a larger sample than previously available the effects of sympathectomy
on the CRPS-like syndrome produced by this model. Results
will be used to support a larger federal grant application.
Follow-up study for the Internet-based Epidemiologic Survey
A web-based survey was conducted by the Johns Hopkins School
of Medicine between October 2004 and February 2005 to better
understand the epidemiology of CRPS. This survey, funded by
the RSDSA and posted at the Association's web site, resulted
in more than 1350 entries. The survey has provided valuable
information that has been analyzed in part and presented as
a poster-abstract at the Annual meeting of the American Society
of Anesthesiologist, 2005. The survey has resulted in considerable
data that needs additional scrutiny (e.g., checking duplicate
entries, validating the diagnosis) and analysis of results.
Moreover, the survey has raised additional questions that
need further clarification from the participants of the original
survey who have indicated willingness to participate in future
surveys. The proposal is primarily aimed at developing an
additional follow-up survey questionnaire that will be approved
by the Institutional IRB, generating a web-site that individuals
can directly access, storing and analyzing the data, and communicating
the knowledge gained to clinicians and the public.
Updated May 22, 2006 |
