Who are at risk for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Who gets CRPS? How does childhood and adult CRPS differ?
Adult CRPS occurs in women more than in men (2 to 4:1). It affects all races. Adults get CRPS much more often than children, and it usually involves the upper extremity. The highest incidence is in the 40- to 60-year age group with a mean age of 50 years.
Childhood CRPS occurs mostly in girls (70%) and is more common in Caucasians. It is more common in adolescence (mean age, 12–13 years) and unusual in children aged <7 years. The incidence in children is thought to be underreported because it often goes unrecognized due to being less likely to occur with a history of inciting trauma, usually affects the lower extremity which is cool, and oftentimes is diagnosed as a psychiatric condition. It is in general a more benign disease in children who respond better to physical and occupational therapy than adults.
