The effect of pregabalin on pain and function in knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Study Summary

3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 214 patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis comparing pregabalin, alone or combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), against NSAIDs alone. Pooled outcomes included pain intensity, measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS), and functional outcomes, assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Pregabalin significantly improved WOMAC scores, particularly when combined with NSAIDs, while reductions in VAS pain scores were not statistically significant. Pregabalin monotherapy demonstrated limited benefits compared with combination therapy. These findings suggested that pregabalin may improve function when used alongside NSAIDs, although further high-quality trials were needed to establish its efficacy and safety.