Ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block plus steroids versus usual care for post-herpetic neuralgia pain
Official title: Comparison Between the Efficacy of Ultrasound-guided Erector Spinae Plane Block and Conventional Treatment for Pain Management in Patients With Post-herpetic Neuralgia
Run by Alexandria University · NCT07256145 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Alexandria University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Alexandria, Aleexandria) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | February 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | March 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | December 1, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07256145 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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Alexandria University
Alexandria, Aleexandria, Egypt Recruiting
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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.