Zoster Associated Pain. A garb of roses from hell.
Conditions
Interventions
For 2 weeks (the prestudy period) patients are treated with paracetamol and
NSAIDs. During this period (and afterward) concomitant PHN medication
maintained on a stable dose is allowed. After this p
Sponsors
Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht
Eligibility
Age
18 Years to 99 Years
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: -Adult outpatients with a history of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) for at least 6 months after onset of the vesicular eruption. -Global pain intensity at least 40 mm on a 100 mm visual-analogue scale (VAS) despite conventional therapy.
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: -PHN in regions innervated by the trigeminal nerve. -Polyneuropathy or severe other neurologic disease. -Diseases accompanied with an immunocompromised state. -Disorders of coagulation (including use of coumarin anticoagulants). -Contra-indications for spinal anesthesia. -Satisfactory pain relief with conventional treatments(s). -
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Global pain relief 1 year after treatment tested by VAS scores. | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Global pain relief at the end of treatment and after 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 6 months and 2 years. VAS scores for burning and lancinating pain, and allodynia at the end of treatment and at each follow-up visit. Areas of pain and allodynia at at the end of treatment and at each follow-up visit. Methylprednisolone concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid. (Part I) Interleukin-8 concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid. EQ5D scores just before treatment and at each follow-up visit. The amount of rescue medication used. Side-effects. | — |
Countries
Netherlands
Outcome results
None listed