title: [Retrospective evaluation of pregabalin for cancer-related neuropathic pain].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Evidence to support the use of pregabalin in combination with opioid analgesics for the treatment of cancer-related neuropathic pain is limited.
  
  
  METHODS
  We carried out a retrospective investigation on patients hospitalized in our department with cancer-related neuropathic pain and under pregabalin treatment. Patients were divided into two groups: A group (= < 300 mg pregabalin daily) and B group (> 300 mg pregabalin daily). The two groups were compared in terms of a suite of factors (e. g., age starting and maimtenance dose of pregabaline, adverse effect).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patient's age was significantly lower in the B group (> 300 mg pregabalin daily). Of the total number of patients involved in the study, 67% experienced mild and moderate somnolence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In this retrospective investigation, we conclude that the younger cancer patients may need lager doses of pregabalin to relieve cancer-related neuropathic pain. In addition, the mild and moderate somnolence occurs frequently when pregabalin is administered with opioid analgesics for the treatment of cancer-related neuropathic pain.
authors.affiliation: Department of Palliative Care, Saito Yukoukai Hospital, Ibaraki 567-0085.
authors.forename: Mika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Baba
authors.forename: Ikuo
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Gomyo
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006970:Disorders of Excessive Somnolence / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D010166:Palliative Care; D000069583:Pregabalin; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D000069583:Pregabalin; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid