Article summary
This Phase IV interventional trial (n=60) evaluated whether repeated intravenous esketamine infusions provide non-inferior pain relief to continuous esketamine administration in adults with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) affecting one upper and/or lower extremity. The primary outcome was pain intensity, measured using current and average 24-hour Numerical Rating Scale scores at specified time points. Participants received either esketamine infusions every 2 weeks for 3 months in a day-treatment setting or continuous esketamine administration during a 6-day clinical admission. Esketamine was administered intravenously at up to 0.2 mg/kg/h, with a maximum total dose of 800 mg. Secondary assessments included treatment-related adverse events, logistical protocol deviations, CRPS questionnaires, quantitative sensory testing, thermography, serum and cellular immunity measures, pain scores through 6 months, and reductions in pain medication.
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