Treatment for pain associated with shingles using local injections

Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Tender Point Infiltration (TPI) for Management of Acute and Subacute Zoster Associated Pain

This study is testing if a new injection treatment can help people with shingles pain feel better compared to just taking antiviral medications.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 136 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 75 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Beijing Tiantan Hospital (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Beijing, Beijing)
• Trial ID: NCT06344403 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness and safety of Tender Point Infiltration (TPI) combined with local anesthetics and steroids for patients suffering from acute and subacute pain related to herpes zoster. The study aims to compare the clinical outcomes of patients receiving TPI alongside standard antiviral treatments against those receiving antiviral treatments alone. By exploring alternative local therapies, the trial seeks to provide insights into potentially more effective pain management strategies with fewer side effects. Participants will be monitored for pain relief and overall satisfaction with their treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 75 who have experienced herpes zoster rash for less than 90 days and report severe pain.

Not a fit: Patients with infections at the injection site, severe health issues, or those who are pregnant or lactating may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve pain management for patients suffering from herpes zoster.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited evidence for the efficacy of existing local therapies for herpes zoster pain, some studies have shown positive therapeutic effects with alternative approaches.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with onset of HZ rash less than 90 days.
2. HZ affected the spinal nerves (cervical/thoracic/lumbar nerve).
3. Aged 18 to 75 years (inclusive).
4. Pain intensity \> 7 cm on a visual analogue scale (VAS 0-10 cm).
5. Agreed to sign the informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Infection at the puncture site.
2. Poor general situation unable to be treated.
3. A history of abuse of narcotics.
4. Non-compliance or inability to complete the self-evaluation questionnaires.
5. Pregnancy or lactation.

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing

• Beijing Tiantan Hospital — Beijing, Beijing, China (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Fang Luo, M.D.

Conditions: Herpes Zoster, Local Infiltration, Acute Pain, Herpes zoster, Acute pain