Combining high-voltage pulsed radiofrequency with liposomal bupivacaine for treating herpes zoster pain

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of high-voltage long-duration pulsed radiofrequency (HL-PRF) combined with liposomal bupivacaine (LB) for patients suffering from zoster-associated neuralgia (ZAN). The study aims to improve pain management in individuals who have not responded adequately to other treatments or have experienced intolerable side effects. Participants will receive HL-PRF and LB subcutaneous injections to assess their pain relief over time. The trial is designed for patients aged 40 to 85 with moderate to severe pain levels.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients diagnosed with zoster-associated neuralgia (ZAN) who meet ALL of the following conditions:

* Voluntarily provided written informed consent.
* Inadequate response to pharmacological or other non-surgical therapies OR intolerable drug-related adverse effects.
* Herpes zoster (HZ) lesions involving cranial/cervicocephalic, cervical, thoracic, or lumbar dermatomes.
* Moderate-to-severe pain intensity, defined as a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) score ≥4 at baseline.
* Aged between 40 and 85 years.
* Body weight: Male ≥50 kg; female ≥45 kg.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe cardiovascular diseases or life-threatening arrhythmias (e.g., heart failure, third-degree atrioventricular block without pacemaker implantation).
* Contraindications to minimally invasive interventions (e.g., coagulation disorders, active infections).
* Allergy to local anesthetics or lipid emulsions; Severe dysfunction of vital organs (cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic, or renal) rendering the patient unfit for the procedure.
* Severe endocrine disorders or long-term use of corticosteroids/immunosuppressive agents.
* Cognitive impairment or inability to cooperate with treatment protocols.
* Prior history of neuromodulation therapies (e.g., spinal cord stimulation or pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment).

Where it's running

• Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University
  Zunyi, Guizhou, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jie Yuan — Zunyi Medical College
• Study coordinator: Shirong Tan
• Email: 15085046515@163.com
• Phone: +8615085046515

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.