Prevalence of Neuropathic Pain in Patients with Osteoarthritis

Objective  The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of neuropathic pain and characterize the quality of life of patients with osteoarthritis who consulted a pain clinic in Southwestern Colombia. Methods  A cross-sectional study was conducted via telephone survey. Participants ≥18 years of age with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis were included. The LANSS questionnaire was used to evaluate symptoms and signs of neuropathic pain, and the Short Form-8 was used to evaluate quality of life. Results  Response rate was 54.1% (46/85). The male-to-female ratio was 5:1, with an average age of 72 ± 10 years. Most participants (91.3%) had severe pain. The prevalence of neuropathic pain was 28.3% (95%CI = 15.99-43.46), and the prevalence of neuropathic pain amongst women was 84.6% (95%CI = 54.55-98.01). Dysesthesias and paroxysmal pain were present in 92.3% of individuals with neuropathic pain. Regarding quality of life, limitations in physical activity were the most significant, as 63% of individuals reported such limitations. Conclusion  Neuropathic pain was found to be prevalent and had a negative impact on physical function, highlighting the need for therapeutic strategies targeted to specific neuropathic pain pathways in patients with osteoarthritis.