Treatment of pediatric chronic pain with tramadol hydrochloride: siblings with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome - Hypermobility type.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of tramadol hydrochloride for the treatment of chronic pain refractory to previous treatment in two pediatric patients.

METHODS

Tramadol hydrochloride was administered (50 mg/day to 150 mg/day) to two siblings with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome - Hypermobility type refractory to previous pharmacological treatments, and changes in pain intensity and physical activity were assessed.

RESULTS

Pain intensity decreased and physical activity improved within days of starting therapy. Positive results have been maintained for 30 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Tramadol hydrochloride was a safe and effective treatment for relieving chronic pain in two pediatric patients suffering from the hypermobility type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. No morbidity or side effects were noted during the 30-month follow-up.