Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation Therapy in Pediatric Patients: A Case Series

BACKGROUND: Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation therapy has been shown to provide effective relief in controlling chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS)-related pain; however, there is little information on its efficacy and safety in pediatric patients. CASE REPORT: Following Institutional Review Board approval, a review of pediatric patients who underwent DRG therapy at a single university pain center was conducted. Five patients under 18 years old with CRPS or intercostal neuralgia who failed prior therapies received DRG stimulation therapy. Three of 5 patients (60%) reported 50% or more relief with DRG therapy. Secondary outcomes including resolution of allodynia, sudomotor and vasomotor dysfunction, and tropic changes as well as school/work attendance and reduced physical restrictions at the longest follow-up were improved in responders. CONCLUSION: In our limited series we found substantially improved analgesia, reduction in symptoms of CRPS, and improved functional outcomes in pediatric patients treated with DRG neuromodulation for unresponsive chronic pain. KEY WORDS: Chronic regional pain syndrome, intercostal neuralgia, neuromodulation, pediatric