Pregabalin in the treatment of post-traumatic peripheral neuropathic pain: a randomized double-blind trial

Van Seventer, R., Bach, F. W., Toth, C. C., Serpell, M. , Temple, J., Murphy, T. K. and Nimour, M. (2010) Pregabalin in the treatment of post-traumatic peripheral neuropathic pain: a randomized double-blind trial. European Journal of Neurology, 17(8), pp. 1082-1089. (doi: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2010.02979.x)

Abstract

Background: Pregabalin is effective in the treatment of peripheral and central neuropathic pain. This study evaluated pregabalin in the treatment of post-traumatic peripheral neuropathic pain (including post-surgical). Methods: Patients with a pain score >= 4 (0-10 scale) were randomized and treated with either flexible-dose pregabalin 150-600 mg/day (n = 127) or placebo (n = 127) in an 8-week double-blind treatment period preceded by a 2-week placebo run-in. Results: Pregabalin was associated with a significantly greater improvement in the mean end-point pain score vs. placebo; mean treatment difference was -0.62 (95% CI -1.09 to -0.15) (P = 0.01). The average pregabalin dose at end-point was similar to 326 mg/day. Pregabalin was also associated with significant improvements from baseline in pain-related sleep interference, and the Medical Outcomes Study sleep scale sleep problems index and sleep disturbance subscale (all P < 0.001). In the all-patient group (ITT), pregabalin was associated with a statistically significant improvement in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale anxiety subscale (P < 0.05). In total, 29% of patients had moderate/severe baseline anxiety; treatment with pregabalin in this subset did not significantly improve anxiety. More patients reported global improvement at end-point with pregabalin than with placebo (68% vs. 43%; overall P < 0.01). Adverse events led to discontinuation of 20% of patients from pregabalin and 7% from placebo. Mild or moderate dizziness and somnolence were the most common adverse events in the pregabalin group. Conclusion: Flexible-dose pregabalin 150-600 mg/day was effective in relieving neuropathic pain, improving disturbed sleep, improving overall patient status, and was generally well tolerated in patients with post-traumatic peripheral neuropathic pain.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Serpell, Dr Michael
• Authors: Van Seventer, R., Bach, F. W., Toth, C. C., Serpell, M., Temple, J., Murphy, T. K., and Nimour, M.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Clinical Specialities
• Journal Name: European Journal of Neurology
• ISSN: 13515101