Abstract
Purpose
To compare the therapeutic effects of continuous epidural block combined with drugs and oral drugs alone on postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).
Methods
Ninety-six PHN patients meeting the standard were selected and divided into group A and group B. Patients in group A had epidural block combined with oral administration of gabapentin and oxycodone-acetaminophen, and patients in group B received oral gabapentin and oxycodone-acetaminophen. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Wisconsin brief pain inventory scores were used to evaluate the patients in group A and group B for 6 times (before treatment, 1 d, 3 d, 7 d, 15 d and 30 d after treatment) respectively, and the complications and adverse reactions of the two treatment methods, as well as the number of cases requiring remedial measures were observed.
Results
There were significant differences in VAS and Wisconsin brief pain inventory scores at 1 d, 3 d, 7 d, 15 d and 30 d after treatment between the two groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, the scores before and after treatment decreased with the time of treatment, and there was a significant difference between the two groups at different time points (p < 0.05). No significant adverse reactions were observed in group A except for 1 patient with catheter detachment. Compared with group A, the adverse reactions of group B were more varied and obvious.
Conclusion
Both treatments have certain effects on PHN, but epidural block combined with drug therapy is more effective, especially for patients with severe pain, early use can quickly relieve pain.
Data availability statement
The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article.
Geolocation information
Linyi City, Shandong Province, China