Meta-analysis of cannabis based treatments for neuropathic and multiple sclerosis-related pain

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Abstract
Objective: Debilitating pain, occurring in 50–70% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, is poorly understood and infrequently studied. We summarized efficacy and safety data of cannabinoid-based drugs for neuropathic pain.Data sources: Studies were identified from Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases; Bayer Healthcare provided additional trials.Study selection: Accepted were randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled trials of cannabinoid-based treatments for MS-related/neuropathic pain in adults ≥ 18 years of age.Data extraction: Two reviewers identified studies and extracted data; a third adjudicated disagreements. Data included baseline and endpoint pain scores on visual analog or 11-point ordinal scales.Data synthesis: Of 18 articles and three randomized controlled trial (RCT) reports identified, 12 articles and two reports were rejected (9 = inappropriate disease or outcome, 1 = duplicate, 1 = review, and 1 = abstract); six accepted articles and one RCT-report involved 298 patients (222 ...