Rheumatology international
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Observational Study
Osteoarthritis pain has a significant neuropathic component: an exploratory in vivo patient model.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and includes manifestations of both nociceptive and neuropathic mechanisms. Intravenous lignocaine, a sodium channel blocker and neuronal membrane stabiliser, has been shown in controlled trials to be effective in neuropathic pain; however, the outcome of intravenous lignocaine in osteoarthritis patients has not been assessed yet. The existence of a neuropathic component to the pain of osteoarthritis was investigated by examining possible benefits upon sensory aspects of pain in osteoarthritis patients receiving intravenous lignocaine therapy. ⋯ Pain intensity (p < 0.001), pain relief (p < 0.003) and mobility (p < 0.003) were all significantly improved after administration of lignocaine intravenous infusion therapy. Pain was significantly reduced in a group of osteoarthritis patients after administration of intravenous lignocaine. This suggests that part of the pain mechanism in this patient group may be neuropathic, appears to contribute significantly to the patients' pain, and requires further investigation in studies designed specifically for the purpose.