Brose WG. Gutlove DP. Luther RR. Bowersox SS. McGuire D. Use of intrathecal ziconotide (SNX-111), a novel, N-type, voltage-sensitive, calcium channel blocker, in the management of intractable brachial plexus avulsion pain. Clinical Journal of Pain. 13(3):256-9, 1997.
							Case Summary
								To study the analgesic, antihyperesthesic, and anti-allodynic properties of ziconotide (SNX-111) in neuropathic pain, the authors describe a patient with refractory, severe deafferentation pain successfully treated with SNX-111 in an open-label, baseline-controlled Phase I/II trial. The patient was a 43-year-old man with intractable deafferentation pain of 23 years' duration secondary to brachial plexus avulsion. Ziconotide, the first neuron-specific, N-type, voltage-sensitive calcium channel blocker developed for clinical use, was administered by continuous, constant-rate, intrathecal infusion via an indwelling cervical catheter. The primary outcome measures were the Visual Analog Scales of Pain Intensity (VASPI) and Pain Relief (VASPR). The patient experienced complete pain relief (VASPI = 0.0 cm and VASPR = 10.0 cm) with elimination of hyperesthesia and allodynia. The authors conclude that ziconotide (SNX-111) administered intrathecally by continuous, constant-rate infusion, produced dose-dependent pain relief in a 43-year-old male patient with a 23-year history of intractable deafferentation and phantom limb pain secondary to brachial plexus avulsion and subsequent amputation. Dizziness, blurred vision, and lateral-gaze nystagmus were dose-dependent side effects that resolved with decreasing dose levels. Complete pain relief was achieved in this patient without side effects after dose adjustment. They report that ziconotide (SNX-111) is a potent analgesic, antihyperesthesic, and antiallodynic agent.