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 .
Amitriptyline in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic symptoms.
BACKGROUND Neuropathy is a common adverse effect of chemotherapy . The tricyclic antidepressant , amitriptyline , is a gold st and ard in the treatment of neuropathic pain . This double-blind , r and omized placebo-controlled trial assessed the efficacy of amitriptyline to prevent chemotherapy-induced neuropathic symptoms . PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients without previous neuropathy , who started chemotherapy with vinca alcaloids , platina derivatives or taxanes  , were r and omized to receive amitriptyline ( target dose , 100 mg daily ) or placebo for the duration of their chemotherapy . Chemotherapy-induced neuropathic symptoms were evaluated with a patient diary and after every third chemotherapy cycle with clinical examination . The diary data were transformed to a neuropathy score . A total of 114 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were r and omly assigned to the treatment or control arm . RESULTS There was no difference in the appearance of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic symptoms between the groups . In general , the intensity of neuropathic symptoms was mild . CONCLUSION Amitriptyline does not prevent chemotherapy-induced neuropathy
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 .