Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) pulsed radiofrequency combined with paravertebral injection of recombinant human interferon-α 2b in the treatment of patients with acute herpes zoster neuralgia and its preventive effectiveness on postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).
Methods: A retrospective analysis of 62 patients with acute herpes zoster neuralgia was implemented. All patients were divided into two groups: pulsed radiofrequency paraspinal injection of recombinant human interferon-α 2b (group P); pulsed radiofrequency combined with paravertebral injection of saline (group C). The numerical rating scales (NRS) scores were used for pain assessment, and the dose of the analgesic drug was recorded. Gal-3 and IL-6 levels in blood were compared between the two groups before treatment and at 1 week, 2, and 4 weeks after treatment. The incidence of PHN was recorded in both groups.
Results: The pain intensity, the levels of Gal-3 and IL-6 in blood and the dose of oral administration of gabapentin capsules and morphine were reduced in all patients after treatment. Compared with group C, patients in group P had lower NRS scores, blood levels of Gal-3 and IL-6, and dosages of oral gabapentin capsules and morphine hydrochloride immediate-release tablets after treatment. The incidence of PHN was significantly lower at 8 and 12 weeks.
Conclusion: DRG pulsed radiofrequency combined with paravertebral injection of recombinant human interferon-α 2b for acute stage herpes zoster neuralgia is a more effective treatment, and can effectively prevent the incidence rate of PHN.
Keywords: pulsed radiofrequency, dorsal root ganglion, recombinant human interferon-α 2b, herpes zoster, postherpetic neuralgia