Global Survey Neuropathic Pain Affects Family Life, DF and Sleep

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News Release

Thursday 13 May 2004, 11:00 GMT Thursday 13 May 2004

HEALTH MEDICAL Pfizer Inc

New Global Survey Finds That Neuropathic Pain Affects Family Life, Daily

Function and Sleep

MADRID, Spain, May 13 /PRNewswire/ -- People who suffer from neuropathic

(nerve) pain say that chronic pain can be so severe that they have

trouble performing day-to-day activities, sleeping, and experience

problems with family and personal relationships. When pain is at its

worst, many feel " anxious, " " desperate " and often " unable to go on, "

according to the survey presented today at the first International

Congress of NeuPSIG, the Special Interest Group on Neuropathic Pain of

the International Association for the Study of Pain ( IASP) meeting.

Results from the survey were released at a press briefing at which the

formation of the Neuropathic Pain Network (NPN), a global coalition of

organizations dedicated to improving the lives of patients with

neuropathic pain, was also announced.

Roughly one third of those polled said neuropathic pain impacted day-

to-day activities including cooking, shopping, playing sports and caring

for families. At least one in four respondents in most countries said

they felt " anxious, " " desperate " and " unable to go on " when their pain

is at its worst. Further, a third of those polled said chronic

neuropathic pain disrupted their sleep.

" This survey highlights the seriousness of neuropathic pain and its

impact on patients and their families, " said Harry Kletkzo, a

neuropathic pain patient and managing director of the German Pain

League, a member of the NPN. " Unlike muscle pain, neuropathic pain

responds poorly to standard pain therapies, making it frustrating for

patients and physicians. Our group is dedicated to raising awareness of

this condition and advancing the standard of care for patients with

neuropathic pain. "

More than 15 million people in Europe and the United States suffer from

neuropathic pain which is characterized by a burning, tingling and/or

shock-like sensation. Neuropathic pain results from a dysfunction of the

nervous system, is a challenge to manage and is generally

under-diagnosed. The pain can be so extreme that some sufferers find

even the touch of clothing on skin triggers an unbearable burning pain.

The majority of those surveyed said they suffered from neuropathic pain

for about two to three years. In most countries, patients said they saw

at least two to three doctors before being correctly diagnosed. While 65

to 89 percent of respondents were being treated with prescription

medications at the time of the survey, 16 to 44 percent said their

medication had little to no effect. The range was even higher for those

taking over-the- counter medications.

The survey was conducted by Interactive and was supported by

Pfizer Inc. A total of 1,202 patients (approximately 150 per country)

from Australia, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Sweden,

and Mexico were surveyed via telephone. All patients in the survey were

diagnosed with neuropathic pain.

About Npn

The Neuropathic Pain Network (NPN) is a global coalition of patient

advocacy groups including the German Pain League, the American Chronic

Pain Association and the Neuropathy Trust. NPN is committed to raising

awareness and providing education that will help advance the standard of

care for patients with neuropathic pain. The group is working to

communicate learnings that will help people with neuropathic pain get an

early diagnosis, access to effective therapies and education about

prevention.

About Pfizer Inc

Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures and markets leading

prescription medicines for humans and animals and many of the world's

best- known consumer brands.

About Interactive®

Interactive (www.harrisinteractive.com) is a worldwide market

research and consulting firm best known for The Poll®, and for

pioneering the Internet method to conduct scientifically accurate market

research. Headquartered in Rochester, New York, Interactive

combines proprietary methodologies and technology with expertise in

predictive, custom and strategic research. The Company conducts

international research from its U.S. offices and through wholly owned

subsidiaries-London-based HI Europe (www.hieurope.com), Paris-based

Novatris and Tokyo-based Interactive Japan-as well as through the

Interactive Global Network of independent market- and opinion-

research firms.

Distributed by PR Newswire on behalf of Pfizer Inc