What are the diagnostic criteria for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) formerly known as Caps?

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From the Guidelines

The diagnostic criteria for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) are not explicitly stated in the provided evidence, which focuses on autoinflammatory diseases such as CAPS, TRAPS, MKD, and DIRA, rather than CRPS specifically. The provided evidence 1 discusses the monitoring of disease-specific symptoms and patient-related outcomes for various autoinflammatory diseases, including CAPS, but does not provide diagnostic criteria for CRPS. Key points to consider in diagnosing CRPS include:

  • Persistent burning pain
  • Sensitivity to touch
  • Swelling
  • Limited range of motion
  • Changes in skin temperature and color
  • Abnormal hair or nail growth However, these criteria are not mentioned in the provided evidence 1, which instead focuses on diseases such as CAPS, characterized by symptoms like fever, rash, and musculoskeletal symptoms. In clinical practice, diagnosing CRPS typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests to rule out other conditions, but the provided evidence does not support a specific set of diagnostic criteria for CRPS. Given the lack of direct evidence, the diagnosis of CRPS should be based on the most recent and highest-quality clinical guidelines available, which may include criteria such as the Budapest criteria.

From the Research

Diagnostic Criteria for Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome (CAPS)

The diagnostic criteria for CAPS include:

  • Development of a thrombotic event of three or more organs in less than a week 2
  • Presence of antiphospholipid antibodies, such as lupus anticoagulant (LA) and/or anticardiolipin antibody (aCL) and/or beta(2)-GPI antibodies 3, 2
  • Microvascular thrombosis on histology 2
  • High titer antiphospholipid antibodies 4, 3

Clinical Features of CAPS

Clinical features of CAPS include:

  • Multiple organ involvement, such as cardiopulmonary, central nervous system, and renal system 3
  • Thrombocytopenia, seen in more than 60% of cases 2
  • Hemolytic anemia, such as micro-angiopathic hemolytic anemia (MHA) 4, 5
  • High-grade fever, renal failure, hepatic dysfunction, and unconsciousness 5

Laboratory Criteria for CAPS

Laboratory criteria for CAPS include:

  • Presence of antiphospholipid antibodies, such as LA, aCL, and/or beta(2)-GPI antibodies 3, 2
  • Triple positivity of aCL, anti-β2 glyeoprotein I antibody (aβ2GPI), and lupus anticoagulant (LA) 4
  • Thrombocytopenia and decreased hemoglobin 4

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia-related diseases or chance association?

Blood coagulation & fibrinolysis : an international journal in haemostasis and thrombosis, 2015

Research

Clinical and laboratory features of the catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome.

Clinical reviews in allergy & immunology, 2009

Research

[Case series and clinical analysis of 14 cases of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome].

Beijing da xue xue bao. Yi xue ban = Journal of Peking University. Health sciences, 2018

Research

[Early diagnosis and successful treatment of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome complicated by multiple organ failure].

Nihon Rinsho Men'eki Gakkai kaishi = Japanese journal of clinical immunology, 2010

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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