Observation on the effect of platelet-rich plasma combined with drugs in the treatment of herpes zoster neuralgia

Abstract

Purpose

To observe the effect of ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in the treatment of herpes zoster neuralgia (HZN).

Methods

Eighty patients with HZN were randomly divided into observation group and control group, with 40 cases in each group. The observation group was treated with ultrasound-guided PRP injection of target nerves combined with drugs. The control group was treated with drugs alone. The pain scores of before treatment (T0), and 1 week (T1), 1 month (T2), 3 months (T3) and 6 months (T4) after treatment were recorded with Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). The sleep quality of patients was assessed with the Athens Insomnia Scale, and the dosage used at each time point, skin lesions, adverse reactions, and the occurrence of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) were recorded.

Results

The NRS score of the two groups after treatment showed a downward trend. Compared with T0 at each time point, the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). And the NRS score of the observation group was lower than control group (p < 0.05). The sleep quality of the observation group was better. The dosage of the observation group was less, and the time of herpes dry-up, scab crusting and shedding in the observation group was significantly shorter (p < 0.05). The incidence of dizziness, lethargy, ataxia and PHN in the observation group was significantly reduced (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Compared with traditional drug treatment alone, the ultrasound-guided PRP injection has the advantages of better analgesia and fewer side effects, which provides a new idea for the treatment of HZN.

Keywords:

• Platelet-rich plasma
• herpes zoster
• ultrasound

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Data availability statement

The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article.

Geolocation information

Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the [Scientific research project of Guangxi Health Commission] under Grant [Z20190922]; [Scientific research project of Guangxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine] under Grant [GXZYZ20210401]; and [Cultivation project of National Natural Science Foundation of China] under Grant [GJPY2018002].