Efficacy of Perioperative Pregabalin in Reducing the Incidence of Chronic Neuropathic Pain and Postthoracotomy Syndrome.

Summary

This study is designed to assess: 1. The impact of taking perioperative pregabalin on the incidence of chronic neuropathic pain and postthoracotomy syndrome at 3 months in patients who have undergone a thoracotomy with a thoracic epidural as the basic analgesic modality. 2. The impact of taking perioperative pregabalin on the relief of acute pain, and on the use of additional analgesics, such as opioids, for the relief of such pain in patients who have undergone thoracic surgery with a thoracic epidural as the basic analgesia. 3. The impact of taking perioperative pregabalin on the quality of life and level of functioning of patients who underwent thoracic surgery 3 months earlier. 4. The safety profile of pregabalin in this patient population. Hypothesis: The basic hypothesis in this study is that a dose of pregabalin administered preemptively 1 hour before a thoracotomy, then repeatedly during the postoperative period, when neuronal hyperexcitability is at a maximum (i.e., 4 days), will lead to a 33.3% decrease in the prevalence of chronic pain 3 months after surgery.

Timeline

Start

2010-06

Primary completion

2012-04

Completion

2012-04

Drugs

Indications