Study register · detail
Smoked Medicinal Cannabis for Neuropathic Pain in HIV: A Randomized, Crossover Clinical Trial
Clear benefit
456 citations
Samplen = 28
Duration5 consecutive days per…
ControlPlacebo cannabis
EndpointDDS
Blindingdoppelblind
Cannabinoidvollspektrum
Routeinhalativ
Key finding
Smoked cannabis reduced neuropathic pain in HIV patients significantly more than placebo.
Summary
Phase II crossover RCT on smoked cannabis in HIV-associated neuropathic pain (DSPN), n=28 completers (of 34 enrolled). Cannabis 1-8% THC vs. placebo, 4×daily for 5 days. Primary outcome (DDS pain intensity): median difference 3,3 points in favor of cannabis (effect size=0,60; p=0,016). 46% of the cannabis group achieved ≥30% pain reduction vs. 18% placebo (95% CI: 0,28-0,65 vs. 0,03-0,32). Two participants with treatment-limiting toxicity.
P
PopulationHIV-infected adults with treatment-refractory neuropathic pain symptoms (distal sensory polyneuropathy, DSPN), n=34 enrolled, n=28 completers
I
InterventionSmoked cannabis (1–8% THC), 4x daily over 5 consecutive days per treatment week
C
ControlPlacebo cannabis (smoked, inhaled)
O
OutcomeSignificantly greater pain reduction with cannabis vs. placebo (median DDS difference 3,3 points, effect size=0,60; p=0,016); proportion with ≥30% pain reduction: 46% (cannabis) vs. 18% (placebo)
Quality profile
Sample size
★★★★★
Blinding
Double-blind
Effect size
Clear benefit
Citations / year
★★★★★
Authors
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