Assessing muscle elasticity in patients with postherpetic neuralgia using ultrasound
Preliminary Cohort Study on Muscle Elasticity Ultrasound Evaluation and Pathophysiological Changes in Postherpetic Neuralgia
This study is testing how muscle elasticity relates to pain in adults with postherpetic neuralgia to see if it can help improve their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Peking Union Medical College Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Beijing, Beijing) |
| Trial ID | NCT05912738 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study focuses on patients diagnosed with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) affecting the thoracic nerves, utilizing shear wave elastography to assess muscle elasticity. The study aims to understand the relationship between muscle elasticity and the pain experienced by PHN patients, which can significantly impact their quality of life. Participants aged 18 and older who require surgical intervention will be recruited, while those with certain exclusions, such as neuromuscular diseases or a high BMI, will not be eligible. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants prior to inclusion.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with postherpetic neuralgia affecting the thoracic nerves who require surgical intervention.
Not a fit: Patients with neuromuscular diseases, those on muscle relaxants, or individuals with a BMI over 30kg/m2 may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into muscle elasticity changes in PHN patients, potentially leading to improved pain management strategies.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using shear wave elastography in PHN is novel, similar studies have shown promise in assessing muscle conditions in other contexts.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged 18 years and older, diagnosed with PHN that affects the thoracic nerves and in need of surgical intervention, have been recruited. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants before inclusion. Exclusion Criteria: * neuromuscular diseases; ongoing use of muscle relaxants and/or other medications that impact muscles; allergy to local anesthetic; a body mass index (BMI) over 30kg/m2; malignant tumors; and pregnancy. Patients who previously had surgery in the PHN-affected area or had another disease causing muscle changes
Where this trial is running
Beijing, Beijing
- Peking union medical college hospital — Beijing, Beijing, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Xulei Cui — Peking Union Medical College Hospital
- Study coordinator: Heyu Ji, MD
- Email: jiheyu1929@163.com
- Phone: +8618374808445
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.