Such interventions would have the potential to reduce the prevalence of chronic pain in the population .
Although certain risk factors can identify individuals who are most likely to develop chronic pain , few interventions to prevent chronic pain have been identified .
To facilitate the identification of preventive interventions , an IMMPACT meeting was convened to discuss research design considerations for clinical trials investigating the prevention of chronic pain .
We present general design considerations for prevention trials in population s that are at relatively high risk for developing chronic pain .
Perioperative administration of pregabalin for pain after robot-assisted endoscopic thyroidectomy: a randomized clinical trial
Background Perioperative administration of pregabalin , which is effective for neuropathic pain , might reduce early postoperative and chronic pain . This r and omized , double-blinded , placebo-controlled trial ( Clinical Trials.gov ID NCT00905580 ) was design ed to investigate the efficacy and safety of pregabalin for reducing both acute postoperative pain and the development of chronic pain in patients after robot-assisted endoscopic thyroidectomy . Methods Ninety-nine patients were r and omly assigned to groups that received pregabalin 150 mg or placebo 1 h before surgery , with the dose repeated after 12 h. Assessment s of pain and side effects were performed 48 h postoperatively . The incidences of chronic pain and hypoesthesia in the anterior chest were recorded 3 months after surgery . Results Ninety-four patients completed the study .  Verbal numerical rating scale scores for pain and the need for additional analgesics were lower in the pregabalin group ( n = 47 ) than the placebo group ( n = 47 ) during 48 h postoperatively ( P < 0.05 ) . However , incidences of sedation and dizziness were higher in the pregabalin group ( P < 0.05 ) . There were no differences between the groups in the incidences of chronic pain and chest hypoesthesia at 3 months after surgery . Conclusions Perioperative administration of pregabalin ( 150 mg twice per day ) was effective in reducing early postoperative pain but not chronic pain in patients undergoing robot-assisted endoscopic thyroidectomy . Caution should be taken regarding dizziness and sedation
Such interventions would have the potential to reduce the prevalence of chronic pain in the population .
Although certain risk factors can identify individuals who are most likely to develop chronic pain , few interventions to prevent chronic pain have been identified .
To facilitate the identification of preventive interventions , an IMMPACT meeting was convened to discuss research design considerations for clinical trials investigating the prevention of chronic pain .
We present general design considerations for prevention trials in population s that are at relatively high risk for developing chronic pain .