The effect of pregabalin treatment on balance and gait in patients with chronic low back pain: a retrospective observational study. (1st January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Çağlar Okur, Sibel; Vural, Meltem; Pekin Doğan, Yasemin; Mert, Murat; Sayıner Çağlar, Nil
• Is Part Of: Journal of drug assessment. Volume 8(2019)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 32
• Page End: 35
• Publication Date: 2019-01-01
• Subjects: Adverse drug events -- balance -- gait -- pregabalin -- radiculopathy; Drugs -- Testing -- Periodicals; 615.1901
• DOI: 10.1080/21556660.2019.1579098
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2155-6660

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Low back pain is the most common musculoskeletal problem, and is a major cause of loss of workforce. Chronic low back pain associated with radiculopathy often includes nociceptive and neuropathic components. While non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the first choice for the nociceptive component, pregabalin is preferred as the neuropathic component. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 48 patients (26 women, 22 men) who had chronic low back pain associated with radiculopathy. A follow-up chart was used to collect data from February 2017 to November 2017. The patients characteristics (age, gender, initial daily dose of pregabalin), neuropathic pain (DN4 scale; Douleur Neuropathique, 4 questions), and balance and gait (Tinetti Balance and Gait Test) were assessed. Results: The DN4 scores in the fourth ( p < .001) and 12th ( p < .001) weeks were significantly lower in patients. The Tinetti total test scores (23.2 ± 3.9) in the first ( p > .001) week were significantly lower. There was no significant difference between the Tinetti test scores (balance, gait, and total scores) at baseline and in the 12th week ( p > .001). Conclusion: Pregabalin is effective on neuropathic pain and may have adverse effects on balance at initial doses and dose increments. Tolerance develops to these effects at maintenance doses.