The humanistic burden of neuropathic pain in Canada

The impact of neuropathic pain (NeP) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is not well documented. The objective of this research was to evaluate the humanistic burden of NeP in Canada. An observational study was conducted at primary care sites across three Canadian provinces among patients suffering from NeP associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, cervical radiculopathy and post-operative neuropathy. Humanistic burden of illness data were collected through several questionnaires. Primary care physicians enrolled 126 patients with a mean age of 58.7 years (standard deviation (SD) 13.5 years). On the EuroQol scale (EQ-5D) (0 = death, 1 = perfect health), patients with mild, moderate or severe pain had scores of 0.7 (SD 0.2), 0.5 (SD 0.3) and 0.2 (SD 0.3), respectively. Increased pain levels were statistically associated with a decrement in utility (i.e. HRQoL), impaired sleep and a higher rate of depression. The HRQoL of patients suffering from NeP is substantially reduced. © 2006 Informa UK Ltd.