Research proves that pregabalin can improve arthritis more effectively
According to the American College of Rheumatology Annual Report, 300 mg of pregabalin has a safer and more effective way to improve the condition and pain relief of patients with hand osteoarthritis compared to duloxetine or placebo. It is a symptom of a centrally elevated pain.
Dr. Nidhi Sofat of St. George's University in London said in her speech: "We believe that future clinical trials should be encouraged to examine the balance between the efficacy and side effects of pregabalin and duloxetine."
Sofat and colleagues conducted a randomized, double-blind, 85-part trial of 42 clinics in the UK and set up a placebo-controlled trial. In this group, 65 participants with hand osteoarthritis (OA) had an average age of 62 years. Patients were assigned a placebo at doses of up to 60 mg of duloxetine or up to 300 mg of pregabalin. After 12 weeks, the researchers evaluated changes in the Australian and Canadian Hand Osteoarthritis Index (AUSCAN) pain scores and VAS pain scores. As a secondary endpoint, they assessed sensitization of AUSCAN function, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Pain Pressure Threshold (PPT).
The mean reduction in AUSCAN pain scores was greater in the pregabalin group (-132.1) compared with duloxetine (-62.5) and placebo (-47.1). The greatest improvement occurred in the pregabalin group because AUSCAN pain relief with duloxetine was not significant. Both pregabalin and duloxetine were significantly improved in VAS pain, but there was no significant improvement in depression or anxiety.
Baseline observations showed lower PPT in patients with hand arthritis compared to participants without OA. The side effects between the pregabalin and duloxetine groups were similar, although dizziness, dry mouth, drowsiness and loss of balance were more common in the pregabalin group.
