A systematic review and meta‐analysis of neuropathic pain associated with coronavirus disease 2019

Background and Objective Neuropathic pain is an occasionally reported complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) that has received increased attention in scientific literature. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we aimed to provide information on the frequency of neuropathic pain associated with COVID‐19. Databases and Data Treatment We systematically reviewed and analysed literature regarding neuropathic pain associated with COVID‐19. Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases. We considered prospective and retrospective studies published up until September 2022 (limitations included English language, full‐text publications and studies including at least 10 patients). A random effects meta‐analysis was performed and heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed. Results We identified 149 studies. We included 17 studies in the systematic review, and six studies reporting the frequency of neuropathic pain in the acute/subacute phase of COVID‐19 in the meta‐analysis. The estimated frequency of neuropathic pain ranged between 0.4 and 25%. Forest plot analysis showed that the random effect overall frequency was 10% (95% confidence interval: 5%–15%), with a high level of heterogeneity (Chi2 = 104; Tau2 = 0.004; df = 5; I2 = 95%; test for overall effect: Z = 3.584; p