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Ultrasound-Guided Thoracic Paravertebral Block With Steroid and Local Anesthetic for Acute Herpes Zoster: Effects on Pain Control and Prevention of Postherpetic Neuralgia

NCT07349680 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: PHASE3 · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 100

Last updated 2026-01-20

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Background: Acute herpes zoster causes severe neuropathic pain and may progress to postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). This study aims to evaluate ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block with local anesthetic and steroid in reducing acute pain and PHN incidence.

Methods: This prospective randomized study included 100 patients diagnosed with acute thoracic herpes zoster (rash ≤14 days, NRS ≥4). Participants were allocated into two groups: a control group receiving standard medical treatment and an intervention group receiving standard treatment in addition to an ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block with (0.25% bupivacaine + 40 mg methylprednisolone) at 48-72-hour intervals. Pain intensity was assessed at baseline and during follow-up. The incidence of postherpetic neuralgia was recorded. Secondary outcomes included analgesic consumption and patient satisfaction.

Conditions

  • Postherpetic Neuralgia

Interventions

DRUG

Valacyclovir + Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) + Gabapentin (standard medical therapy)

Participants received standard medical therapy consisting of: Valacyclovir 1000 mg orally three times daily for 7 days Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) 1 g orally twice daily for 14 days Gabapentin starting at 300 mg/day, titrated according to pain intensity and tolerance, up to a maximum of 1800 mg/day

PROCEDURE

Ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) with bupivacaine 0.25% + methylprednisolone 40 mg

Participants received an ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) using an injectate volume of 15 mL, consisting of: Bupivacaine 0.25% (local anesthetic) Methylprednisolone 40 mg (corticosteroid) The block was performed at the thoracic level corresponding to maximal pain/dermatomal involvement, and was repeated every 48 hours for a total of three sessions.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Assiut University

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
45 Years
Max Age
65 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2023-03-15
Primary Completion
2025-09-20
Completion
2025-10-10
FDA Drug
Yes

Countries

  • Egypt

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07349680 on ClinicalTrials.gov