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A Multicenter Study on Neuropathic Pain in China: Characteristics and the Efficacy of Pregabalin

He L, Yan ZW, Shen QY, Wang YD and Peng Y

Background: This clinical study aims to analyse the characteristics of neuropathic pain patients across country nationwide and evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of pregabalin for the treatment of neuropathic pain. The GABA analogue, pregabalin, is being studied to try to establish standardized management of neuropathic pain as it is commonly used in postherpetic neuralgia in China.
Methods: Patients with neuropathic pain from 17 hospitals were included for four weeks. The demographics and baseline characteristics of patients were analyzed. The primary outcome was the difference in the pain intensity scores in the numerical rating scale from baseline to follow-up visits. Secondary outcomes included the differing visual analogue scale (VAS) of the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire, sleep quality, anxiety and depression scores, and side effects during four weeks of follow-up.
Results: As 355 patients completed the 4-week follow up, various types of neuropathic pain intensity scores significantly decreased at the first week of treatment and improved through the course of the study. Meanwhile; the difference in the percentage change in patient global impression of change scores, mean sleep interference scores, anxiety and depression scores are all significantly higher after 4-week treatment. Most of the side effects went away during treatment as patients adjust to the medicine.
Conclusions: The data demonstrated that pregabalin was effective and well tolerated in Chinese patients with neuropathic pains. This study also analyzed the distribution features of neuropathic pain in a general population and established standardized management of neuropathic pain in China.