Characteristics and outcomes of peripheral neuropathic pain patients with repeated applications of high‐concentration capsaicin cutaneous patch: Results of a retrospective chart review in Germany

• Published in: Pain practice 2024-06, Vol.24 (5), p.700-708
• Main Authors: Kern, Kai‐Uwe, Quandel, Tamara, Theis, Sina, Schubert, Tino
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Analgesics - administration & dosage; Analgesics - therapeutic use; Analgesics, Opioid - administration & dosage; Analgesics, Opioid - therapeutic use; Capsaicin - administration & dosage; Female; Germany - epidemiology; HCCP; high‐concentration capsaicin patch; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neuralgia - drug therapy; Neuralgia - etiology; neuropathic pain; opioid reduction; pain intensity; Pain Measurement - methods; real‐world study; Retrospective Studies; Sensory System Agents - administration & dosage; Transdermal Patch; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 1530-7085; 1533-2500
• DOI: 10.1111/papr.13345

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate patient characteristics, concomitant analgesic medication, and pain intensity in a real‐world setting in Germany, focusing on the repeated application of high‐concentration capsaicin patch (HCCP) for neuropathic pain. Design Data were collected from electronic medical records of patients who received at least two HCCP treatments between January 2011 and July 2022. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the number of HCCP treatments, age groups, and specific neuropathic pain conditions. Setting The study was conducted at an outpatient pain center in Wiesbaden, Germany. Subjects The study included 97 patients, primarily diagnosed with neuropathic back pain, postoperative or post‐traumatic neuropathic pain, and postherpetic neuralgia. Methods The daily dose of concomitant medications (eg, opioids and anticonvulsants) at the start of capsaicin therapy was compared with the average within 2 years of capsaicin therapy. The last observation carried forward method was used if HCCP treatment was discontinued before the end of the 2‐year period. Results The majority of patients received concomitant medications, with opioids, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants being the most common. The average daily morphine equivalent dose decreased significantly during HCCP treatment. Pain intensity at baseline was generally high, but substantial improvements were observed in patients who received at least three HCCP applications. Conclusions This study provides evidence for the effectiveness of HCCP treatment in reducing pain intensity and concomitant opioid use in patients with neuropathic pain. Further research is needed to explore the long‐term outcomes and optimal treatment regimens for different patient populations.