RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Nociception is the major cause of burn pain and leads to central hyperalgesia. Gabapentin (Gp) is an antihyperalgesic drug that selectively affects central sensitization. We studied the opioid-sparing and analgesic effects of Gp in severely burned patients. METHODS: Ten patients (mean total burned body surface area (TBSA), 25%), received 2400 mg of oral Gp daily from after burn days 3-24 in addition to standard pain therapy. They were compared to a retrospective matching group. Outcomes were cumulative morphine consumption and mean daily pain scores. Outcomes were recorded during treatment (21 days) and 21 days after treatment. RESULTS: During treatment and post-treatment phases, patients receiving Gp had cumulative morphine consumption and a mean daily pain score significantly lower than controls. CONCLUSION: Gp use reduced opioid consumption and lowered pain scores that seemed to extend beyond its pharmacologic action probably result from the ability of Gp to prevent central hyperalgesia induced by burns.