Intradermal exosomes, platelet-rich plasma, and steroid injections for post-herpetic neuralgia
A Comparative Study of Intradermal Injection of Exosomes, Platelet-Rich Plasma and Steroids in the Treatment of Post-Herpetic Neuralgia
This study will test whether intradermal injections of exosomes, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), or a steroid can lessen long-lasting shingles-related nerve pain in adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Zagazig University Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Zagazig, Zagazig) |
| Trial ID | NCT07565844 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial will enroll 45 adults with dermatomal pain persisting at least 90 days after herpes zoster and randomly assign them to receive intradermal exosome injections, intradermal autologous PRP injections, or intradermal triamcinolone acetonide injections. Each participant will receive four treatment sessions spaced two weeks apart, with outcomes measured at baseline, after the final session, and at 3- and 6-month follow-up visits. Primary outcomes include changes in pain severity and neuropathic pain characteristics, and secondary outcomes include quality of life, patient satisfaction, and adverse events. Safety and tolerability of the injections will be monitored throughout the study.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older with dermatomal pain consistent with post-herpetic neuralgia lasting at least 90 days who can give informed consent and attend follow-up visits are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, immunocompromised, have active skin infection in the affected dermatome, have bleeding disorders or low platelets, or who regularly use anticoagulants are excluded and unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these injections could provide targeted options to reduce chronic post-herpetic nerve pain and improve quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Corticosteroids and PRP have prior clinical use with mixed results for pain conditions, while intradermal exosome therapy is a newer approach with limited clinical data so far.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with post-herpes zoster persistent dermatomal pain consistent with post-herpetic neuralgia for at least 90 days. Male or female patients. Age 18 years or older. Willingness to comply with study procedures and attend follow-up visits. Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * History of hypersensitivity to any of the study treatments. Pregnancy. Any type of skin infection involving the affected dermatome. Immunocompromised patients, including patients with cancer or HIV. Patients with bone marrow aplasia. Patients with known bleeding tendency, platelet dysfunction, or thrombocytopenia, defined as platelet count less than 150 × 10⁹/L. Regular use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Where this trial is running
Zagazig, Zagazig
- Zagazig University Hospitals — Zagazig, Zagazig, Egypt (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: mona Elradi
- Email: monaelradi@medicine.zu.edu.eg
- Phone: +201067070550
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.