Pregabalin in the Treatment of Peripheral and Central Chronic Neuropathic Pain

Mater Sociomed, 2023 · DOI: 10.5455/msm.2023.35.42-47 · Published: March 1, 2023

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the use of pregabalin, a medication often used for nerve pain, to treat chronic neuropathic pain that originates either in the peripheral or central nervous system. The goal was to see how well pregabalin works in reducing this type of pain and improving the overall quality of life for patients in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study also kept track of any side effects patients experienced while taking pregabalin to ensure it is a safe treatment option.

Study Duration

3 Months

Participants

125 patients with neuropathic pain

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Pregabalin significantly reduced pain intensity in patients with diabetes mellitus, after stroke, with lower back pain, and with multiple sclerosis.
2
The study found a significant improvement in various aspects of life quality across all groups analyzed, especially for those with diabetes.
3
The effectiveness of pregabalin treatment was rated as 'good' or 'very good' by over 70% of participants in each group.

Research Summary

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of pregabalin in treating peripheral and central chronic neuropathic pain in 125 patients across five groups based on their underlying conditions. The results demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in pain intensity in most groups and an improvement in quality of life, with treatment effectiveness rated positively by the majority of participants. The study concludes that pregabalin is a safe and effective drug for treating neuropathic pain of various etiologies.

Practical Implications

Improved Pain Management

Pregabalin can be considered as a first-line treatment option for patients suffering from neuropathic pain, especially those with diabetes mellitus, post-stroke conditions, lower back pain, or multiple sclerosis.

Enhanced Quality of Life

The study suggests that pregabalin not only reduces pain but also improves the overall quality of life, including physical functioning, emotional well-being, and social activities, for patients with chronic neuropathic pain.

Safe Treatment Option

The research indicates that pregabalin is generally safe and well-tolerated, with a low incidence of unexpected side effects, making it a viable option for long-term management of neuropathic pain.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted in a single country (Bosnia and Herzegovina), which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other populations.
2
The sample size for some subgroups (e.g., spinal cord injury) was relatively small, potentially affecting the statistical power of the analysis.
3
The study design was observational and non-interventional, which may introduce bias compared to randomized controlled trials.

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