An evidence-based algorithm for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this article is to discuss an evidence-based algorithm that can be implemented by the primary care physician in his/her daily clinical practice for the treatment of patients with neuropathic pain conditions.


METHODS
A treatment algorithm for neuropathic pain was formulated on the basis of a review of 105 high-quality, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. The number needed to treat (NNT) and number needed to harm (NNH) were used to compare the safety and effectiveness of current treatments for neuropathic pain syndromes. Most of the clinical trials reviewed in the analysis assessed tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).


RESULTS
TCAs had the lowest NNT followed by opioids and AEDs, such as gabapentin and pregabalin. The nature of the retrospective calculation of the NNT and NNH involves obvious limitations because of the pooling of studies with different experimental designs and outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients presenting with neuropathic pain are becoming a more frequent occurrence for the primary care physician as the population ages. Evidence-based treatment options allow for the most efficient and effective pharmacotherapy regimen to be implemented.
Finnerup
Nanna B
NB
Department of Neurology, Danish Pain Research Center, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark. finnerup@ki.au.dk
Otto
Marit
M
Jensen
Troels S
TS
Sindrup
Søren H
SH
D000465:Algorithms; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D000700:Analgesics