biostudies-literatureUnknown27(1)Di Stefano G<h4>Background and objective</h4>Neuropathic pain is an occasionally reported complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that has received increased attention in scientific literature. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to provide information on the frequency of neuropathic pain associated with COVID-19.<h4>Databases and data treatment</h4>We systematically reviewed and analysed literature regarding neuropathic pain associated with COVID-19. Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases. We considered prospective and retrospective studies published up until September 2022 (limitations included English language, full-text publications and studies including at least 10 patients). A random effects meta-analysis was performed and heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed.<h4>Results</h4>We identified 149 studies. We included 17 studies in the systematic review, and six studies reporting the frequency of neuropathic pain in the acute/subacute phase of COVID-19 in the meta-analysis. The estimated frequency of neuropathic pain ranged between 0.4 and 25%. Forest plot analysis showed that the random effect overall frequency was 10% (95% confidence interval: 5%-15%), with a high level of heterogeneity (Chi²  = 104; Tau²  = 0.004; df = 5; I²  = 95%; test for overall effect: Z = 3.584; p < 0.0005). The overall risk of bias was moderate in all studies selected, particularly due to the poor description of neuropathic pain diagnostic criteria.<h4>Conclusions</h4>The pooled estimated frequency of neuropathic pain associated with COVID-19 should be considered with caution due to the high heterogeneity across studies and the poor description of the neuropathic pain diagnostic criteria applied.<h4>Significance</h4>Emerging evidence supports the development of neuropathic pain as a complication of COVID-19. However, longitudinal studies enrolling consecutive patients with COVID-19 that detail the diagnostic criteria for neuropathic pain are needed to better assess the frequency of this condition.European journal of pain (London, England)44-53https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9877974biostudies-literatureA systematic review and meta-analysis of neuropathic pain associated with coronavirus disease 2019.PMC9877974Leone CGalosi ETruini AFalco PDi Stefano GDi Pietro GfalseA systematic review and meta-analysis of neuropathic pain associated with coronavirus disease 2019.<h4>Background and objective</h4>Neuropathic pain is an occasionally reported complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that has received increased attention in scientific literature. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to provide information on the frequency of neuropathic pain associated with COVID-19.<h4>Databases and data treatment</h4>We systematically reviewed and analysed literature regarding neuropathic pain associated with COVID-19. Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases. We considered prospective and retrospective studies published up until September 2022 (limitations included English language, full-text publications and studies including at least 10 patients). A random effects meta-analysis was performed and heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed.<h4>Results</h4>We identified 149 studies. We included 17 studies in the systematic review, and six studies reporting the frequency of neuropathic pain in the acute/subacute phase of COVID-19 in the meta-analysis. The estimated frequency of neuropathic pain ranged between 0.4 and 25%. Forest plot analysis showed that the random effect overall frequency was 10% (95% confidence interval: 5%-15%), with a high level of heterogeneity (Chi²  = 104; Tau²  = 0.004; df = 5; I²  = 95%; test for overall effect: Z = 3.584; p < 0.0005). The overall risk of bias was moderate in all studies selected, particularly due to the poor description of neuropathic pain diagnostic criteria.<h4>Conclusions</h4>The pooled estimated frequency of neuropathic pain associated with COVID-19 should be considered with caution due to the high heterogeneity across studies and the poor description of the neuropathic pain diagnostic criteria applied.<h4>Significance</h4>Emerging evidence supports the development of neuropathic pain as a complication of COVID-19. However, longitudinal studies enrolling consecutive patients with COVID-19 that detail the diagnostic criteria for neuropathic pain are needed to better assess the frequency of this condition.2023-01-01T00:00:00Z2023 Jan2025-04-25T20:16:01.712Z2025-04-06T08:18:01.255ZS-EPMC98779743636732210.1002/ejp.2055