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The Sciatic Nerve Cuffing Model of Neuropathic Pain in Mice
Published on: July 16, 2014
WITHDRAWN: Gabapentin for acute and chronic pain
Philip J Wiffen1, Henry J McQuay, Jayne Edwards
1UK Cochrane Centre, National Institute for Health Research, Summertown Pavilion, Middle Way, Oxford, UK, OX2 7LG.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|March 18, 2011
Summary
Gabapentin effectively manages chronic neuropathic pain, including diabetic neuropathy and post-herpetic neuralgia. However, it shows no benefit for acute pain relief.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Management
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Anticonvulsant drugs have been utilized for pain management since the 1960s.
- Gabapentin is a key anticonvulsant with a clinical impression of efficacy in chronic neuropathic pain, particularly lancinating or burning pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the analgesic effectiveness of gabapentin.
- To assess the adverse effects associated with gabapentin use in clinical pain management.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, SIGLE, CENTRAL) up to November 2004.
- Randomized trials assessing gabapentin for acute, chronic, or cancer pain with subjective pain assessment were included.
- Data extraction, quality scoring, and calculation of Numbers-Needed-to-Treat-to-Benefit (NNTs) and Numbers-Needed-to-Harm (NNHs) were performed by independent reviewers.
Main Results:
- Fifteen studies involving 1468 participants were analyzed, focusing on conditions like post-herpetic neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy.
- Gabapentin demonstrated effectiveness in chronic neuropathic pain, with an NNT of 4.3; 42% improved compared to 19% with placebo.
- While effective for diabetic neuropathy (NNT 2.9) and post-herpetic neuralgia (NNT 3.9), gabapentin showed no benefit in acute post-operative pain.
Conclusions:
- Evidence supports gabapentin's efficacy in treating chronic neuropathic pain conditions.
- Limited evidence suggests gabapentin is not effective for acute pain management.
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