The analgesic efficiency of pregabalin for the treatment of postoperative pain in total hip arthroplasty

Abstract

Background: Only few studies have yet investigated whether perioperative administration of pregabalin can reduce the incidence of postoperative chronic neuropathic pain after total hip arthroplasty (THA). This prospective, randomized study compared placebo with pregabalin in the hope that a lower pregabalin dose would improve analgesia without increasing side-effects after THA. Methods: This study was a prospective randomized blinded study, with a parallel design and an allocation ratio of 1:1 for the treatment groups. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board in Weifang People's Hospital and written informed consent was obtained from all subjects before enrolment. A total of 120 patients who meet inclusion criteria are randomized to either pregabalin or placebo group. The primary objective of the study was visual analog scale score. As secondary outcomes, opioid consumption measurement, Harris Hip Score, hip range of motion, patient satisfaction, and complications were made at different time points throughout the study for comparison. Results: The null hypothesis of this study was that pregabalin would reduce pain after THA. Trial registration: This study protocol was registered in Research Registry (researchregistry5669).

Community Pharmacists’ Perceptions towards the Misuse and Abuse of Pregabalin: A Cross-Sectional Study from Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia

“…Pregabalin inhibits the release of neurotransmitters (glutamate, noradrenaline, 5-hydroxytryptamine, dopamine, and substance P) at synapses by binding to the α2δ-subunits of presynaptic voltage-dependent calcium channels. The drug blocks the excitability of the neurons, particularly in the central nervous system (CNS) [14]. These neurons' blocking actions possibly account for the analgesic, anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, and sleep-modulating activities of pregabalin [14][15][16].…”

“…The drug blocks the excitability of the neurons, particularly in the central nervous system (CNS) [14]. These neurons' blocking actions possibly account for the analgesic, anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, and sleep-modulating activities of pregabalin [14][15][16]. As per Pharma Marketing, net pregabalin (Lyrica ® ) sales worldwide in 2014 were ranked 12th (approximately USD 5.4 billion), with an annual growth rate of almost 12% [17].…”