Gabapentin-induced myositis in a patient with spinal cord injury – a case report

Qatar Medical Journal, 2020 · DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5339/qmj.2020.30 · Published: June 11, 2020

Simple Explanation

This case report discusses a patient with a spinal cord injury who developed myositis, a muscle inflammation, while taking gabapentin for neuropathic pain. The patient's symptoms included generalized muscle pain and tenderness, along with elevated levels of creatine kinase and myoglobin in the blood, leading to a diagnosis of gabapentin-induced myositis. Discontinuing gabapentin resolved the symptoms and normalized blood parameters, suggesting a probable link between the medication and the myositis.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

One 29-year-old male with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Level 4: Case Report

Key Findings

1
Gabapentin use was associated with the development of myositis in a patient with spinal cord injury, characterized by generalized muscle pain and tenderness.
2
Elevated creatine kinase and myoglobin levels supported the diagnosis of myositis, which improved upon discontinuation of gabapentin.
3
The Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale indicated a 'probable' relationship between gabapentin and the development of myositis.

Research Summary

This case report describes a 29-year-old male with a spinal cord injury who developed myositis while on gabapentin for neuropathic pain. The patient presented with new-onset generalized muscle pain and tenderness, elevated creatine kinase and myoglobin levels, and a probable adverse drug reaction score for gabapentin. Discontinuation of gabapentin led to the resolution of symptoms and normalization of blood parameters, suggesting gabapentin as the probable cause of myositis in this patient.

Practical Implications

Increased Awareness

Raise awareness among clinicians about the potential for gabapentin to induce myositis, especially in patients with neuropathic pain and spinal cord injuries.

Monitoring

Recommend monitoring creatine kinase and myoglobin levels in patients on gabapentin who develop new or worsening muscle pain.

Differential Diagnosis

Consider gabapentin-induced myositis in the differential diagnosis of muscle pain in patients taking the medication, particularly when other causes have been ruled out.

Study Limitations

1
Preexisting myositis could not be excluded due to the unavailability of baseline CK and myoglobin levels.
2
Myositis was diagnosed based on clinical findings and lab results, without confirmation by biopsy or EMG studies.
3
The study is limited to a single case, restricting the generalizability of the findings.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Pharmacology