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The effectiveness of topically applied capsaicin. A meta-analysis
1Pharmacoepidemiology Section, School of Pharmacy, The Queen's University of Belfast, UK.
European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Topical capsaicin cream offers significant pain relief for diabetic neuropathy, osteoarthritis, and psoriasis compared to placebo. This meta-analysis confirms its efficacy in improving patient outcomes across these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Clinical Medicine
- Pain Management
Background:
- Topical capsaicin is utilized for various pain conditions.
- Evidence for its efficacy across different neuropathic and inflammatory conditions requires synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively assess the effectiveness of topical capsaicin in treating diabetic neuropathy, osteoarthritis, post-herpetic neuralgia, and psoriasis through a meta-analysis of clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search using computerized and manual methods.
- Meta-analysis of response data from identified clinical trials using fixed and random effects models.
- Outcome measures included odds ratio (OR) and rate difference (RD) of response rates compared to placebo.
Main Results:
- Topical capsaicin demonstrated significantly greater pain relief than placebo for diabetic neuropathy (OR=2.74, RD=0.25), osteoarthritis (OR=4.36, RD=0.29), and psoriasis (OR=2.80, RD=0.35).
- Evidence of heterogeneity was noted in psoriasis RDs.
- Initial discomfort with topical capsaicin presented a challenge.
Conclusions:
- Topical capsaicin is an effective treatment for pain associated with diabetic neuropathy, osteoarthritis, and psoriasis.
- Further research may be needed to address heterogeneity and patient-reported outcomes, considering initial application discomfort.