Key result
An interdisciplinary team approach combining pharmacologic, non-pharmacologic, and psychological treatments is recommended for managing chronic pain in pediatric patients with POTS.
Why the study?
Controversy persists over POTS diagnosis and treatment while pediatric patients continue to present with co-occurring chronic pain that limits daily activities, making treatment recommendations critical.
Management of chronic pain in pediatric POTS requires a tailored, interdisciplinary approach combining pharmacologic, physical, and psychological therapies.
Supports consideration of interdisciplinary pain strategies in pediatric POTS; leaves open the need for prospective trials to confirm benefit.
Pediatric patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) often present with co-occurring struggles with chronic pain (POTS+pain) that may limit daily activities. POTS is a clinical syndrome characterized by orthostatic symptoms and excessive postural tachycardia without orthostatic hypotension. Active research from the medical and scientific community has led to controversy over POTS diagnosis and treatment, yet patients continue to present with symptoms associated with POTS+pain, making treatment recommendations critical. This topical review examines the literature on diagnosing and treating pediatric POTS+pain and the challenges clinicians face. Most importantly, clinicians must employ an interdisciplinary team approach to determine the ideal combination of pharmacologic (e.g., fludrocortisone), non-pharmacologic (e.g., physical therapy, integrative medicine), and psychological (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation) treatment approaches that acknowledge the complexity of the child's condition, while simultaneously tailoring these approaches to the child's personal needs. We provide recommendations for treatment for youth with POTS+pain based on the current literature.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Junghans-Rutelonis et al. (2019) conducted a review in Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) with chronic pain. Interdisciplinary team approach (pharmacologic, non-pharmacologic, and psychological treatments) was evaluated. An interdisciplinary team approach combining pharmacologic, non-pharmacologic, and psychological treatments is recommended for managing chronic pain in pediatric patients with POTS.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: