UnknownNot Applicable

Epidural Platelet Rich Plasma Injection for Herpes Zoster

Hong Kong30 participantsStarted 2022-09-01

Plain-language summary

Herpes zoster is a common disease, usually caused by the reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus from the dorsal root ganglion. Acute herpes zoster is characterized by severe pain and the appearance of vesicular skin rashes that usually heal in 2-3 weeks. One of the complications of acute herpes zoster is post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is usually defined as persistent pain lasing 90 days or more from the onset of skin rash. The reported incidence of PHN ranges from between 5% to over 50%. PHN can negatively impact one's quality of life due to serious physical, psychological, functional, and social disturbances due to consequences of chronic pain. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is an emerging treatment option for chronic pain. It is currently used predominantly for treating musculoskeletal pain conditions such as osteoarthritis and tendinopathies. However, PRP promotes the healing of nerve injury and reduces neuropathic pain, making it a potentially promising treatment option for neuropathic pain. The effect of interlaminar epidural PRP for PHN has not been studied. In this study, a case series will be performed to investigate the analgesic effect of interlaminar epidural PRP for patients with thoracic herpes zoster.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years or above * Average numerical rating scale (NRS) pain score over 3 out of ten over the week * Onset of herpes zoster within 2 weeks * Thoracolumbar herpes zoster * Able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Cervical and trigeminal herpes zoster * Bilateral involvement of herpes zoster * Using anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet medication (not including aspirin) * Allergy: contrast dye, PRP, local anaesthetic * pregnancy

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Pain score

Timeframe: on postoperative day 1

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05538364

SponsorThe University of Hong Kong

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2023-12-31

Contact for this trial

Stanley SC Wong, MD, MBBS

22553303 wongstan@hku.hk

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Acute Herpes Zoster Neuropathy trials