Pregabalin for Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
Author Information
Author(s): Joseph C Arezzo, Julio Rosenstock, Linda LaMoreaux, Lynne Pauer
Primary Institution: Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Hypothesis
Does pregabalin 600 mg/d effectively relieve pain in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy compared to placebo?
Conclusion
Pregabalin 600 mg/d effectively reduced pain, was well tolerated, and had no significant effect on nerve conduction in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy.
Supporting Evidence
- Pregabalin-treated patients had lower mean pain scores than controls.
- 49% of pregabalin patients were responders compared to 23% of placebo patients.
- No significant changes in nerve conduction were observed with pregabalin treatment.
Takeaway
This study found that a medication called pregabalin helps reduce pain for people with diabetes-related nerve pain, and it doesn't hurt their nerves.
Methodology
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial over 13 weeks with 167 patients across 23 centers.
Potential Biases
Potential ascertainment bias in reporting peripheral edema due to frequent assessments.
Limitations
The study may have biases due to the assessment of adverse events and the exclusion of patients with certain conditions.
Participant Demographics
Patients were men and women aged ≥18 years with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and painful diabetic neuropathy.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI, -1.96 to -0.60
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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