Comparative efficacy and safety of gabapentin, pregabalin, oxcarbazepine, and duloxetine in diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A network meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose To conduct a network meta-analysis comparing the safety and efficacy of gabapentin (GBP), pregabalin (PGB), oxcarbazepine (OXC), and duloxetine (DLX) in treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Materials and Methods The study’s eligibility criteria includee randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a focus on DPN patients receiving GBP, PGB, DLX, or OXC versus placebo. Noncompliant trials with incomplete information and observational studies were excluded. Results Twelve (RCTs) of PGB, 2 of GBP, 3 of DLX, and 1 of OXC met the inclusion criteria. When drugs were compared for efficacy (direct comparison), GBP (Odd’s ratio [OR] = 3.208, P DLX > PGB for efficacy and PGB > DLX > OXC for safety. Conclusion In evaluating medications for DPN against placebo, GBP and OXC demonstrated the highest effectiveness while maintaining a favorable safety profile.

Keywords

• diabetic peripheral neuropathy
• duloxetine
• gabapentin
• network meta-analysis
• oxcarbazepine
• pregabalin