A Trial of Gabapentin in Vulvodynia: Biological Correlates of Response

Vulvodynia Clinical Trial

Official title: A Controlled Trial of Gabapentin in Vulvodynia: Biological Correlates of Response

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The Specific aims of this project are to (1) test the prediction that pain from tampon insertion (primary outcome measure) is lower in PVD patients when treated with gabapentin compared to when treated with placebo. Secondary outcome measures include intercourse pain and 24-hour pain and (2)perform a mechanism-based analysis of gabapentin effectiveness, and to gain insight into the underlying pathophysiology of subtypes of PVD that may lead to more specific treatment options.

Clinical Trial Description

This is a 18-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-treatment, two-period crossover design, where 120 women between 18 of age and older who report insertional dyspareunia, pain with tampon insertion, and tenderness localized to the vulvar vestibule will be enrolled in the study. Electronically entered daily diaries will be used to determine if pain is lower in PVD subjects when treated with gabapentin (up to 3600 mg/d) compared to when treated with placebo. Biological measurements will include assessment of allodynia and hyperalgesia from capsaicin administration, muscle tension using a vaginal pressure algometer, number of tender points by clinical examination, and changes in blood pressure, pulse and heart rate variability. . The Long-range goals of this project are to explicate the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms of PVD, and to use this knowledge to create evidence-based differential diagnoses of subtypes of PVD and to individualize treatments for each subtype. The immediate goal is to conduct a multicenter, randomized controlled trial (RCT) of gabapentin treatment for PVD, and which will also provide critical data on a new PVD-testing and response paradigm, as well as on characteristics that may define subtypes of PVD. Gabapentin, an anticonvulsant with analgesic, anxiolytic, and antispasmotic effects, was selected because of its efficacy in treating other neuropathic pain conditions. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Vulvodynia

• NCT number: NCT01301001
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: University of Tennessee
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: August 2012
• Completion date: January 2016