Using electroacupuncture to regulate immune cells in herpes zoster patients
The Regulatory Mechanisms of Electroacupuncture Intervention on Immune Cells in Herpes Zoster
This study is testing if adding electroacupuncture to standard treatment can help improve immune response and reduce pain and healing time for patients with herpes zoster.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 8 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | First People's Hospital of Hangzhou Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hangzhou, Zhejiang) |
| Trial ID | NCT06643247 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of electroacupuncture on immune cell regulation in patients with herpes zoster (HZ), a viral infection that causes pain and blistering. It will enroll 8 HZ patients and 3 healthy controls, randomly assigning patients to receive either standard medication or medication combined with electroacupuncture. The study will analyze changes in immune cells using mass cytometry before, during, and after treatment, while also assessing pain intensity and lesion healing. The goal is to determine if electroacupuncture can enhance immune response and alleviate symptoms associated with HZ.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are females aged 50 to 70 years with a recent diagnosis of herpes zoster and limited herpetic lesions.
Not a fit: Patients with special types of herpes zoster or those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to conceive may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel treatment option that enhances immune function and reduces pain in herpes zoster patients.
How similar studies have performed: While acupuncture has shown promise in pain relief and immune modulation, this specific approach using electroacupuncture in herpes zoster is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for HZ: * Meets HZ diagnostic criteria; * Female, aged between 50 and 70 years; * Disease duration ≤7 days, with no prior antiviral, analgesic, or other treatments; * Herpetic lesions limited to the trunk, within 1 to 3 dermatomes; * Willing to participate in the trial and has signed the informed consent form. Inclusion Criteria for HC: * No history of HZ or major cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, hematologic, endocrine, or neurological diseases; * Age-matched female HC volunteers for the HZ group; * Clear consciousness and ability to communicate normally; * Fully understands the study protocol, demonstrates good compliance, and is willing to cooperate with the study; * Has signed a written informed consent form. Exclusion Criteria: * Special types of herpes zoster, including ophthalmic, otic, visceral, meningeal herpes zoster, and zoster sine herpete; * Women who are planning to conceive, pregnant, or breastfeeding; * Patients with severe primary diseases of the circulatory, respiratory, or endocrine systems, or systemic failure; * Patients with bleeding tendencies; * Use of corticosteroids or immunosuppressants within the past month.
Where this trial is running
Hangzhou, Zhejiang
- The Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital — Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Yan Shi
- Email: tumingqi1230@163.com
- Phone: 13867439433
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.