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 .
Postoperative Pain and Long-Term Functional Outcome After Administration of Gabapentin and Pregabalin in Patients Undergoing Spinal Surgery
Study Design . Prospect i ve , double-blind study , r and omized control trial . Objective . To evaluate and compare the analgesic efficacy , adverse effects , and clinical utility of gabapentin and pregabalin in postoperative pain management , long-term functional outcome , and quality of life in patients undergoing spinal surgery . Summary of Background Data . Patient outcome after lumbar discectomy for radicular low back pain is variable and the benefit is inconsistent . The most common persistent symptoms are pain , motor deficit , and decreased functional status . Methods . This study was conducted in 90 patients belonging to the 18 to 75 age group of either sex undergoing spinal surgery under general anesthesia . Group A received 300 mg of gabapentin , group B received 75 mg of pregabalin , whereas group C received placebo 1 dose 1 hour before surgery and 8 hourly for 7 days , thereafter . The outcome of postoperative static and dynamic pain and functional outcome was recorded using 3 question naires — visual analogue scale , Prolo functional and economic score , Oswestry Disability Index score from preoperative period to 3 months postoperatively . Results . Among the 3 groups , subjects receiving pregabalin showed consistently reduced static and dynamic pain intensity and also required lesser amount of rescue drug throughout the postoperative period . There was statistically significant difference ( P < 0.05 ) in the Prolo score and Oswestry Disability Index score at all time intervals between group B and group C. Although , significant difference in the functional outcome between group A and group B was seen at 3 months . Conclusion . Preoperative pregabalin administration is associated with less pain intensity and improved functional outcomes 3 months after lumbar discectomy followed by gabapentin and then placebo . Level of Evidence :
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 .