Comparisons between the efficacy of limaprost alfadex and pregabalin in cervical spondylotic radiculopathy : design of a randomized controlled trial

Background : Cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) is a relatively common neurological disease caused by the mechanical compression of nerve roots. Limaprost, a prostaglandin E-1 derivative, functions as a vasodilator and has been used in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis in Japan. However the effects of limaprost in cervical radiculopathy remain unclear. Our aim was to compare the efficacy of limaprost with that of pregabalin, which is widely used for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Methods : In this randomized trial, patients with CSR received either limaprost or pregabalin orally for 8 weeks, along with nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs. The primary outcomes were assessed using a numerical rating scale of pain and numbness, both at rest and during movement. Secondary outcomes were assessed using Short Form 36, provocation tests, painDETECT questionnaire, and subjective global assessment. The obtained data were evaluated according to the per-protocol analysis principle. Results : A total of 46 patients were enrolled in this study, and 35 were available for analysis. A greater reduction in pain score was observed in neck pain during movement, and scapular and arm pain both at rest and during movement in the pregabalin-treated group up to 4 weeks. In the limaprost-treated group, numbness of the arm during movement showed a marked alleviation compared to the pregabalin-treated group at 8 weeks. There were no apparent differences between the two groups in terms of the secondary outcomes. Conclusions : Although pregabalin provided an earlier pain relief than limaprost, limaprost was superior to pregabalin in treating arm numbness. Limaprost might be one of the effective therapeutic options for CSR in primary care settings.