Pregabalin in Chronic Post-thoracotomy Pain.

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Neuropathic Pain Research
• Pharmacological Interventions

Background:

• Chronic post-thoracotomy pain (CPP) is a prevalent complication following thoracic surgery.
• CPP often presents with neuropathic characteristics, including burning, dysesthetic, and aching sensations.
• Current thoracotomy techniques do not consistently prevent the development of CPP.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy and safety of pregabalin in managing chronic post-thoracotomy pain.
• To compare pregabalin's effectiveness against diclofenac sodium for CPP relief.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, randomized study involving 50 patients undergoing posterolateral thoracotomy.
• Group A (25 patients) received pregabalin for 21 days; Group B (25 patients) received diclofenac sodium on demand.
• Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at multiple time points up to 24 weeks.

Main Results:

• Pregabalin significantly reduced VAS pain scores from three weeks onwards compared to diclofenac sodium (p<0.05 at 3 weeks, p<0.001 at 6, 12, and 24 weeks).
• Initial pain scores (days 0, 1, 7) were comparable between groups.
• No significant adverse reactions were reported in the pregabalin group.

Conclusions:

• Pregabalin serves as a safe and effective adjuvant therapy for chronic post-thoracotomy pain.
• High patient compliance and minimal side effects support pregabalin's use.
• Further research with larger cohorts and extended follow-up is recommended.