Gabapentin versus tricyclic antidepressants for diabetic neuropathy and post-herpetic neuralgia: discrepancies between direct and indirect meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Previous systematic reviews concluded that tricyclics antidepressants are superior to gabapentin for neuropathic pain, but were based on indirect comparisons from placebo-controlled trials.

Purpose

To evaluate gabapentin versus tricyclic antidepressants for diabetic neuropathy and post-herpetic neuralgia, using direct and indirect comparisons.

Data sources

MEDLINE (1966 to March Week 4 2008), the Cochrane central register of controlled trials (1st quarter 2008), and reference lists.

Study selection

We selected randomized trials directly comparing gabapentin versus tricyclic antidepressants or comparing either of these medications versus placebo.

Data extraction

Studies were reviewed, abstracted, and quality-rated by two independent investigato

SUBMITTER: Chou R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2628998 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature