BACKGROUND: The main symptom of herpes zoster (HZ) is pain. While numerous antiviral agents, administered either orally or intravenously, have been recommended for treating this symptom in clinical practice, the optimal strategy for preventing HZ-associated pain remains uncertain.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency and safety of a novel analgesic mixture containing parecoxib for treating thoracic HZ neuralgia through ultrasound (US)-guided paravertebral blockades.
STUDY DESIGN: An open-label, prospective, randomized clinical trial.
SETTING: A university hospital.
METHODS: Sixty patients with thoracic HZ neuralgia receiving appropriate antiviral therapy and pregabalin treatment were randomly divided into 2 equally sized groups. Group C (the control group) received a conventional mixture (0.25% lidocaine + 1/4 betamethasone + 0.1% ropivacaine + saline, 15 mL volume). Group N received the experimental mixture (the above components + 1000 µg of methylcobalamin + 20 mg of parecoxib, 15 mL in volume). Under US-guidance, 15 mL of the assigned mixture was injected below the costotransverse ligament at the affected thoracic segment. The scores on the numeric rating scale (NRS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were assessed at baseline and at 12 hours and then 7 days after treatment. Safety parameters (nausea, vomiting, constipation, injection site reactions, pneumothorax, local anesthetic toxicity, and respiratory depression) were monitored.
RESULTS: Both groups showed significant reductions in their NRS scores and improvements to their sleep (P < 0.001). Compared to the control mixture, the novel drug combination was associated with superior NRS scores (P < 0.001) and significantly improved PSQI scores (P < 0.001) at 7 days after treatment. Side effects and complications (nausea, vomiting, constipation, injection site reactions, pneumothorax, local anesthetic toxicity, and respiratory depression) were not observed in either group of patients.
LIMITATIONS: The sample size of this study was relatively small. Study section and publication bias might have affected the general findings.
CONCLUSIONS: Compared to conventional treatment, US-guided paravertebral blocks that used the novel drug combination provided more sustained analgesia and greater sleep quality enhancement without additional safety concerns. This optimized formulation represents a promising therapeutic approach for treating thoracic HZ-associated neuralgia.
| Discipline Area | Score |
|---|---|
| Physician |  |
Physician rater
The sample size is very small. The groups are not well matched, particularly for sex. Men and women likely experience pain differently. The difference in pain scores between groups is likely not of clinical relevance.
Physician rater
Thoracic paravertebral block is an invasive option for selected patients with thoracic herpes zoster pain. There are various drug combinations to use for the block. Further studies assessing benefit and risk is needed.
, McMaster University