Ultrasound-guided erector spinae block with betamethasone for truncal postherpetic neuralgia
Official title: The Effectiveness of Ultra-Sound Guided Erector Spinae Block With Betamethasone for Management of Truncal Chronic Post Herpetic Neuralgia, a Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.
Run by Cairo University · NCT07000409 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will test whether adding an ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block with betamethasone to standard care reduces pain in adults with truncal postherpetic neuralgia.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Cairo University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 30, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | June 5, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07000409 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18 to 75 with truncal postherpetic neuralgia lasting more than three months, ASA II–III, BMI ≤35, with acceptable liver and kidney function and not on anticoagulants or long-term opioids are the intended participants.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients on long-term opioid regimens, with coagulation abnormalities, significant hepatic or renal impairment, BMI >35, local infection at the block site, or inability to consent are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional protocol adds an ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane (ESP) block with betamethasone to the usual medical management for patients with truncal postherpetic neuralgia persisting more than three months. The ESP block is performed under ultrasound to deposit local anesthetic and betamethasone in the fascial plane beneath the erector spinae muscle to target dorsal and ventral rami. Pain intensity, analgesic consumption, and safety outcomes are recorded over follow-up to determine the duration and magnitude of analgesia. The trial enrolls adults aged 18–75 with ASA II–III status who meet biochemical and coagulation eligibility criteria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could provide longer-lasting local pain relief and reduce dependence on systemic pain medications for truncal PHN.
How similar studies have gone: Ultrasound-guided ESP blocks have produced promising analgesic results in thoracic and postoperative pain in small clinical and cadaveric studies, but adding long-acting corticosteroids for chronic PHN is a relatively novel approach with limited prior data.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients age between 18 and 75. * Patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) II and III status. * Patients diagnosed with truncal chronic post herpetic neuralgia( neuropathic pain persistent for more than 3 months from the onset of rash appearance ) Exclusion Criteria: * Patients unable to comprehend the informed consent. * Patients on long term opioid regimens. * Patients with impairment in hepatic (Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) \>50 U/L, and/or Aspartate aminotransferase (AST): \>45 U/L) or renal functions( creatinine level ≥1.5 mg/dL) * Patients on anti-coagulation regimens. * Patients with coagulation abnormalities (i.e. international normalized ratio (INR) ≥1.5 and/or platelets ≤50000) * Local infection in the site of the block. * Patients with body mass index (BMI) \> 35.
Where it's running
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Cairo University
Cairo, Egypt Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Nada R Radwan, Master
- Email: nadarefaat1994@gmail.com
- Phone: 00201114595879
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.