TO COMPARE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AMITRIPTYLINE AND PREGABALIN IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DIABETIC NEUROPATHY IN SKBZ/CMH MUZAFFARABAD

Abstract

Objectives: To compare amitriptyline and pregabalin in the management of diabetic neuropathy in terms of mean pain score.

Study design: Randomized controlled trial.

Place and duration of study: H.H Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan Hospital/ CMH, Muzaffarabad from December 2023 to June 2024.

Methodology: Sixty two patients with diabetic neuropathy were given either amitriptyline or pregabalin for eight weeks. Numeric pain rating scale was assessed at baseline, four weeks and eight weeks after therapy and compared between groups. Data was analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 20.00.

Results: Mean age of patients was 46.37 ± 8.44 years. There were 42 (67.74%) male and 20 (32.26%) female patients. Mean duration of diabetes was 5.82 ± 2.44 years. Mean HbA1C% was 9.13 ± 1.39%. Mean baseline numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) score was 8.04 ± 1.55. Mean NPRS score at four weeks follow up in amitriptyline group (A) was 6.03 ± 1.49 while in pregabalin group (B) it was 4.93 ± 1.74 (p = 0.010). Mean NPRS score at eight weeks follow up in amitriptyline group (A) was 5.03 ± 1.49 while in pregabalin group (B) it was 2.70 ± 1.59 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Pregabalin is better in reducing pain related to diabetic neuropathy.