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BACKGROUND: Post-poliomyelitis syndrome (PPS) is a progressive neuromuscular syndrome, with chronic pain being one of the most prevalent symptoms. We present a case report on intrathecal analgesic drug delivery to diminish chro­nic, refractory pain in a patient with PPS.
CASE REPORT: In a wheelchair-bound 45-year-old female patient (Caucasian, body mass index [BMI] 20.5) with severe chronic, refractory pain, a Synchromed® II pump (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA) was implanted after multidisciplinary consultation and a successful trial period. After 8 months, relocation of the pump due to regional pressure problems with surrounding erythema had to occur. A second pump relocation due to pressure pro­blems and skin erosion was needed 18 months after the first relocation, moving from the abdominal wall to the sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle, resulting in resolution of the problems.
CONCLUSIONS: In patients with PPS, intrathecal analgesic drug delivery can be an option to treat chronic, refractory pain. Multidisciplinary consultation is necessary to deal with the wide variety of problems in these patients. Skin problems at the site of the pump reservoir can be challenging and time-consuming and, ultimately, can necessitate relocation (or removal) of the device.