Faculty Collaboration Database

Pregabalin as a treatment for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a meta-analysis. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2008;33(5):389-94

Date

09/09/2008

Pubmed ID

18774507

DOI

10.1016/j.rapm.2008.02.012

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-50649099070 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   33 Citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is an increasingly prevalent disorder that is best managed through a multimodal approach. We examined the effects of pregabalin on pain control, sleep disturbance, and the patient's global impression of change (PGIC) for the treatment of this disorder.

METHODS: Studies were identified using the National Library of Medicine's PubMed and EMBase databases (1966 to July 15, 2007). Inclusion criteria were randomized trials comparing pregabalin to placebo in the treatment of DPN for adult patients. A total of 13 abstracts were identified of which 3 met inclusion criteria. Data were collected from each article and results were recorded. Primary outcome was pain at the conclusion of the study. Secondary outcomes included number of patients with 50% reduction in mean pain score, PGIC ratings at endpoint, and adverse events. A random-effects model was used.

RESULTS: The 3 studies yielded 728 total subjects from 5 centers, of which 476 received pregabalin (dose range 75 to 600 mg/day) and 252 received placebo. Pregabalin treatment was associated with a significant decrease in pain scores (weighted mean difference, 1.15), higher likelihood to achieve at least a 50% reduction in mean pain score (relative risk [RR], 4.05), and improved PGIC ratings (RR = 1.45). Pregabalin was associated with an increased risk of somnolence, dizziness, and edema.

CONCLUSIONS: Pregabalin has significant effects on the pain associated with DPN as well as secondary endpoints that affect patients' quality of life.

Author List

Hurley RW, Lesley MR, Adams MC, Brummett CM, Wu CL

Author

Robert W. Hurley MD, PhD Adjunct Professor of Anesthesiology and CTSI in the Anesthesiology department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Analgesics
Diabetic Neuropathies
Female
Humans
Male
Models, Statistical
Pain Measurement
Pregabalin
Quality of Life
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Sleep Wake Disorders
Treatment Outcome
gamma-Aminobutyric Acid