Multimodal Nerve Block and Pulse Radiofrequency for Acute Herpes Zoster Pain (NCT06798662) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Multimodal Nerve Block and Pulse Radiofrequency for Acute Herpes Zoster Pain
China120 participantsStarted 2025-02-01
Plain-language summary
The primary objective of this clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy of liposomal bupivacaine and ropivacaine in the treatment of pain associated with herpes zoster (shingles). This trial will also assess the safety profiles of both liposomal bupivacaine and ropivacaine.
The study aims to address the following key questions:
Does nerve blockade with liposomal bupivacaine or ropivacaine reduce the required dosage of gabapentin in participants? What medical issues, if any, arise in participants undergoing paravertebral block, intercostal nerve block, RISS (Radiofrequency Intervention for Spinal Segment); or pulsed radiofrequency (PRF)? Can nerve blocks, specifically paravertebral block, intercostal nerve block, RISS; and PRF, effectively treat severe postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)? The study will compare these interventions.
Study Procedures:
Participants will:Receive ultrasound-guided nerve blocks or pulsed radiofrequency every 48 hours, for a total of 3 treatments.
Undergo assessments, either in-person or via telephone, at the following time points: before therapy (baseline), on the day of treatment (Day 1), Day 7, Day 30, and Day 90 post-treatment.
Have their symptoms recorded, along with their scores on the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and the Zoster Brief Pain Inventory (ZBPI).
Who can participate
Age range
20 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:
* Presence of typical clinical manifestations of herpes zoster (shingles), including vesicular and painful rash.
* Diagnosis of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) lasting for more than one month, unresponsive to conventional treatment.
* Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score ≥ 4.
* Involvement of thoracic nerve roots.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Refusal to provide written informed consent.
* Inability to cooperate with study assessments.
* History of systemic autoimmune disease, organ transplantation, or cancer.
* Prior receipt of other invasive pain treatments, such as spinal cord stimulation.
* Presence of a central nervous system (CNS) disorder.
* Presence of coagulopathy.
* Skin infection at the puncture site.
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
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
1
Numerical Rating Scale(NRS)
Timeframe: At baseline (before therapy), at 1 day of treatment, at 7 days post-treatment, 30 days post-treatment, and 90 days post-treatment