Ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block plus steroids versus usual care for post-herpetic neuralgia pain
Comparison Between the Efficacy of Ultrasound-guided Erector Spinae Plane Block and Conventional Treatment for Pain Management in Patients With Post-herpetic Neuralgia
NA · Alexandria University · NCT07256145
This study will test whether an ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block with steroids reduces pain and improves satisfaction in adults with post-herpetic neuralgia who have not improved with medicines.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Alexandria University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Alexandria, Aleexandria) |
| Trial ID | NCT07256145 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The trial is a single-blinded, prospective randomized controlled comparison of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block with steroids versus conventional treatment for adults with post-herpetic neuralgia. Participants will receive baseline history, clinical exam, CBC, fasting glucose and coagulation testing before randomization to either the block plus steroid injection or usual medical care. Outcomes include pain measured by VAS at 24 hours, one week, and six weeks, analgesic use, patient satisfaction using SAPS, and any injection-related complications. Follow-up visits are scheduled at 24 hours, one week, and six weeks to record these measures.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 20–70 with post-herpetic neuralgia who have not responded to medical treatment and who do not have active infection, significant cognitive impairment, or severe immunocompromise are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients younger than 20 or older than 70, those with systemic infection, uncontrolled diabetes, severe osteoporosis, dementia, or other contraindications to injections are unlikely to benefit from the procedure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, the block could provide faster and longer-lasting pain relief, reduce oral analgesic use, and improve patient satisfaction.
How similar studies have performed: Small case series and short-term studies of erector spinae plane blocks and steroid injections for thoracic neuropathic pain have shown benefit, but high-quality randomized data specifically in post-herpetic neuralgia remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with post-herpetic neuralgia not responding to medical treatment. Exclusion Criteria: \- 1- Patient refusal 2- Age less than 20 years or older than 70 years. 3- Systemic Infection. 4-Patients with dementia or other diseases that could have impaired their memory or cognitive function. 5- Immunocompromised patients, severe osteoporosis, and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.
Where this trial is running
Alexandria, Aleexandria
- Alexandria University — Alexandria, Aleexandria, Egypt (RECRUITING)
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.
Conditions: Post-Herpetic Neuralgia