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Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of gabapentin and pregabalin in the treatment of neuropathic pain due to peripheral nerve injury.
Methods
The study was designed to include military veterans with neuropathic pain due to combat-related peripheral nerve injury. The plan was to randomly assign the patients into two groups: Group 1 to receive gabapentin and Group 2 to receive pregabalin. The patients' level of pain at baseline, after one week, one month, and three months of treatment was to be assessed via a Visual Analog Scale [VAS] and the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs [LANSS] pain scale. The Sleep Interference Score was to be determined using an 11-point numerical rating scale at baseline and after three months of treatment.
Results
Thirty patients were recruited into the study. Hence, Groups 1 and 2 were each composed of 15 patients. The mean reduction in VAS pain and LANSS scores from baseline to after the first week, first month, and third month of treatment was statistically significant in both the groups [P < 0.05]; however, there were not any significant differences in mean changes in VAS pain and LANSS scores between the two groups. The mean reduction in sleep interference score from baseline to after three months of treatment was significantly greater in Group 2 than in Group 1 [P = 0.001].
Conclusions
There were no significant differences in the outcome of the treatment of neuropathic pain due to peripheral nerve injury between the two groups; however, pregabalin was superior to gabapentin in reducing the mean sleep interference score.