A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness and adverse events of gabapentin and pregabalin for sciatica pain

Aim: This SR aims to assess the effectiveness of pregabalin and gabapentin on pain and disability caused by acute sciatica and the adverse events associated with their clinical use. Design: Systematic review. Databases: Electronic databases of Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Clinical Trials.gov were searched from their inception until March 1st of 2021. Selection criteria: Randomized trials (RCT) with adults > 18 years old with acute sciatica for a minimum of 1 week and a maximum of 1 year (at least moderate pain). Data treatment: The outcomes were pain, disability and adverse events. Data was summarized using odds ratio and mean difference. GRADE was used to calculate the level of evidence. Results: Eight RCT involving 747 participants were included. The effect of pregabalin was assessed in 3 RCT and in one three-arm trial (pregabalin vs limaprost vs a combination of limaprost and pregabalin). Two trials assessed the effect of gabapentin compared with placebo and one compared with tramadol. One study assessed the effect of gabapentin vs pregabalin in a crossover head-to-head trial. A statistically significant improvement on leg pain at 2 weeks and leg pain with movement at 3 and 4 months was found in a RCT comparing gabapentin with placebo. There were no statistically differences on the remaining time periods assessed for leg pain, low back pain and functional disability. Conclusions: This SR provides clear evidence for lack of effectiveness of pregabalin and gabapentin for sciatica pain management. In view of this, its routine clinical use cannot be supported. (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U.

Automated summary

This systematic review found lack of effectiveness of pregabalin and gabapentin in managing sciatica pain and disability. Therefore, routine clinical use of these medications cannot be supported.