Short- and Midterm Analgesic Outcomes of Ketamine Versus Lidocaine Infusion in Chronic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain: A Retrospective Study
Pain Research and Management, vol.2026, no.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 2026 Issue: 1
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1155/prm/7897619
- Journal Name: Pain Research and Management
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Psycinfo, Directory of Open Access Journals, Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Pharma Collection (ProQuest)
- Keywords: chronic pain, infusions, intravenous, ketamine, lidocaine, neuropathic pain, pain measurement
- Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Background: Intravenous ketamine and lidocaine infusions are increasingly used for chronic peripheral neuropathic pain, particularly in refractory cases. However, comparative data on their short- and midterm analgesic outcomes in routine clinical practice are limited. Methods: This retrospective study included patients with chronic peripheral neuropathic pain who received intravenous ketamine or lidocaine infusion between January and May 2021. Ketamine was administered at 1 mg/kg/h and lidocaine at 3 mg/kg/h for five consecutive days. Pain intensity and neuropathic pain features were assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and the Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) questionnaire at baseline and at 2 weeks, 2 months, and 6 months after treatment. Clinically meaningful pain relief was defined as a ≥ 50% reduction in pain scores. Results: A total of 102 patients were analyzed (ketamine group, n = 44; lidocaine group, n = 58). Both groups showed significant reductions in NRS and DN4 scores at all follow-up points compared with baseline (p < 0.01). Clinically meaningful pain relief was more frequent in the ketamine group at 2 weeks (p < 0.01), whereas no significant differences were observed at 2 and 6 months (p > 0.05). Adverse effects occurred more often with ketamine, while lidocaine was associated with fewer side effects (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Ketamine provided a greater early analgesic response at 2 weeks, whereas both treatments demonstrated comparable midterm efficacy at 2 and 6 months. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06297915.