The Clinical journal of pain
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Are demographic variables (age, gender, sex, and marital status) predictors of chronic pain and chronic pain disability? ⋯ The studies provided limited and conflicting evidence (level 4b) that either increasing age or sex correlates with chronic pain and chronic pain disability. Marital status and education both showed conflicting evidence (level 4b) of a correlation with chronic pain. Age and sex express different risks for disease, severity of injury, and occupational opportunities and choices. Demographic factors can modify the effect of other factors with which they interact. Future identification of predictors of chronic pain should include control for age and gender (level 3).
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Review Meta Analysis
Gabapentin for neuropathic pain: systematic review of controlled and uncontrolled literature.
To assess the efficacy/effectiveness and side effects of gabapentin for the treatment of neuropathic pain. ⋯ Gabapentin seems to be effective in multiple painful neuropathic conditions. The variable prescribing patterns of the uncontrolled studies raise the suspicion that effectiveness may be reduced if one limits administration of the drug to very low doses, whereas rapid dose escalation may be associated with increased central nervous system side effects. Well-designed controlled trials may provide insight into differential symptom sensitivity to the drug.