Comparison of efficacy of Gabapentin versus Pregabalin in patients of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy – A randomized, open label, and parallel group study

ABSTRACT

Background: Diabetes is a form of chronic illness requiring a collective treatment approach such as glycemic monitoring, self-management, education, and adequate support to prevent the occurrence of acute complications. One of the most frequently occurring complication in Type 2 diabetes has been diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) or distal symmetrical polyneuropathy. Newer anticonvulsants such as Gabapentin and Pregabalin have been proven beneficial in patients with peripheral neuropathic pain. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of Gabapentin and Pregabalin in relieving the pain in patients of DPN. Materials and Methods: This is an open label, randomized, multi-dose, two treatment, single-period, single-center, parallel study comparing Gabapentin and Pregabalin for efficacy in patients suffering with DPN using visual analog scale, daily sleep interference score, patient’s global impression of change, and clinician’s global impression of change. Results: One hundred patients were randomized into two groups and the treatment started as and when they reported to the hospital. Statistical analysis was done in SPSS version 23 and intent to treat principle is employed for analysis. Results were distributed in demographics and treatment comparison. Decreased sleep interference and global impression of change reported during first visit, in which participants under Pregabalin group had better improvement score comparing Gabapentin group alone was found statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our study revealed that Pregabalin is found to be more efficacious when compared to Gabapentin among Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with painful peripheral neuropathy. Hence, we conclude that Pregabalin provided significant improvement in pain relief and other perspectives.