OBJECTIVE: Central post-stroke pain (CPSP) refers to neuropathic pain in areas of the body corresponding to stroke lesions. Duloxetine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, is safe and effective against neuropathic pain. In this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study, we studied the effect of duloxetine in CPSP patients.

METHODS: Consecutive patients satisfying the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study and were randomized in a simple 1:1 randomization to duloxetine and placebo groups. Baseline demographic, clinical and imaging data were obtained. Prespecified primary outcome was comparison of change in pain intensity from baseline to 4 weeks, as assessed on Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) in both groups. Prespecified secondary outcomes were comparison of change in average pain severity from baseline to 4 weeks as measured on Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SFMPQ-2) score and Pain Disability Index (PDI) score and comparison of Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) score at the end of 4 weeks of treatment in both groups. Duloxetine at doses of 30 mg and similarly appearing placebo tablets were given and the dose was doubled if there was no response at the end of 2 weeks. Response to treatment was defined as = 2 points reduction of NRS pain score.

RESULTS: Total 82 patients were enrolled in the study, 41 in each group. There was a significant difference in reduction in NRS score between duloxetine and placebo group from baseline (6.51 ± 1.03 vs 6.37 ± 1.41) to 4 weeks (3.02 ± 1.70 vs 4.40 ± 1.77, p = 0.02 for difference in reduction between groups). SFMPQ-2 score (p = 0.032) and Pain Disability Index score (p = 0.005) also differ significantly from baseline to 4 weeks between the two groups. PGIC score at the end of 4 weeks was significantly different between the two groups (5.15 ± 1.54 versus 3.89 ± 1.51; p < 0.001). Responder rate (defined as % of patients with = 2 points reduction on NRS pain score from baseline to end of 4 weeks), on post-hoc analysis was found to be significantly higher in duloxetine group (80.5%) than placebo group (43.9%) (p = 0.042).

CONCLUSION: Duloxetine can be an effective treatment option for patients with moderate to severe central post-stroke pain.