Clinical drug investigation
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Review Meta Analysis
An investigation of factors contributing to higher levels of placebo response in clinical trials in neuropathic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
In new drug development in neuropathic pain (NeP), randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (PCTs) with long treatment durations in a parallel-group design are recommended for confirmatory trials. ⋯ The results of this study suggest that NeP condition, trial design, and demographic and baseline characteristics may contribute to elevated placebo response in clinical trials in patients with NeP. In addition, the magnitude of placebo response and the effect of treatment duration are greater in pDPN than in PHN. These facts should be considered when planning and conducting confirmatory trials in NeP.