Neuralgia del Trigémino, del Glosofaríngeo y Post-herpética en Pacientes del Hospital Universitario San Ignacio (HUSI) Bogota, Colombia / Trigeminal, Glossopharyngeal and Post-Herpetic Neuralgia in Patients of the San Ignacio University Hospital (HUSI) Bogota, Colombia

Determinar las características clínicas, pautas para el diagnóstico, tratamiento y evolución de la neuralgia del trigémino, postherpética y del nervio glosofaríngeo. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de 119 historias clínicas de pacientes diagnosticados con neuralgia del trigémino, glosofaríngeo y postherpética tratados en el Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, registrando datos de sexo, edad, antecedentes médicos, exámenes complementarios, características clínicas, tratamientos y evolución. Se revisaron 119 historias clínicas, de las cuales 86 pertenecían a mujeres y 33 a hombres, el 84 % correspondían a neuralgias del trigémino, el 11,7 º% a post- herpética, y el 2,5% en el glosofaríngeo. El lado afectado más común fue el lado izquierdo con un 54%, las ramas más afectadas en la neuralgia del trigémino fue la maxilar y mandibular (V2- V3), en la postherpética la oftálmica (V1), la patología concomitante más frecuente hallada en el grupo fue la HTA, el tipo de dolor más frecuente fue el lancinante con un 82,4%. Los medicamentos más utilizados fueron la carbamazepina (60,5%) seguida de pregabalina (29,4%), en tratamientos quirúrgicos la radiofrecuencia fue la más empleada en un 32 %. 30 pacientes presentaron recaídas que en general fueron manejadas con aumento de las dosis de los medicamentos. Este estudio muestra una similitud con la literatura reportada, presentando más casos de neuralgia de trigémino, seguida de la post herpética y por último del glosofaríngeo. Más frecuente en mujeres, con un promedio de edad de 60 años, afectando en mayor proporción la rama mandibular y maxilar en la neuralgia de trigémino y en la postherpética la oftálmica.

To determine the clinical characteristics, guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and evolution of trigeminal neuralgia, postherpetic neuralgia and glossopharyngeal neu- ralgia. A descriptive study of 119 clinical histories of patients diagnosed with Trigeminal Neoplasia, glossopharyngeal and postherpetic treated at the Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, recording data such as: gender, age, medical history, diagnostic exams, clinical features, branches and side of the face affected, treatments and evolution. 86 clinical records of women and 33 of men were evaluated, 100 with trigeminal neuralgia, 14 postherpetic, 3 glossopharyngeal, the most common affected side was the left side with 51%, the most affected branches in trigeminal neuralgia was the V2-V3, postherpetic V1, the most frequent antecedent of the neuralgias was the AHT, the type of pain that was more frequent was the lancinanting with 82.4%. The most commonly used medication was carbamazepine (60.5%) and pregabalin (29.4%); in surgical treatments radiofrequency was the most used in 32%; 30 patients had relapses that were generally managed with increased doses. This study shows a similarity with the reported literature, presenting more cases of trigeminal neuralgia, followed by the herpetic and finally the glossopharyngeal neuralgia, finding more cases in women than in men, with an average age of 60 years, affecting in Greater proportion the mandibular and maxillary branch in the trigeminal neuralgia and in the postherpetic ophthalmic.

A clinical study on the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia with pulsed radiofrequency of the dorsal root ganglion with pain management

@#This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) with pain management as treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). A total of 78 patients with PHN in the thoracolumbar region were randomly divided into two groups (n = 39 for each group): Group A, oral drug treatment only; Group B, DRG PRF of the thoracic spinal nerve combined with oral drug treatment. The numerical rating scale (NRS) scores of both groups were observed before treatment and at 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after treatment. The results showed that the NRS scores of both groups were significantly decreased after treatment (P < 0.05). In addition, the NRS score in Group B decreased significantly more than in Group A (P < 0.05). In conclusion, DRG PRF with pain management is a safe and effective treatment for elderly PHN patients, and it can quickly alleviate pain symptoms.

Effectiveness of temporary spinal cord stimulation in herpetic neuralgia / 中华神经医学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the clinical outcomes of temporary spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in treatment of herpetic neuralgia.Methods:Patients with diagnosed herpetic neuralgia at acute or subacute periods received SCS in our hospital from January 2017 to January 2019. Changes of drug dosage, changes of pain and sleep, sequelae, and complications were recorded before and 7, 30 and 90 d after treatment.Results:(1) Thirty d after surgery, more than 50% patients stopped using the drugs; 90 d after surgery, 75.2% patients ( n=82) stopped using the drugs; 24.8% of the patients ( n=27) still had pain episodes and needed medication, but the dosage was less than before. (2) Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and simple sleep quality scale scores decreased gradually with the extension of time, and these scores 7, 30 and 90 d after treatment were statistically different as compared with those before treatment ( P<0.05). (3) On the 90 th d of follow-up, 24.8% patients ( n=27) developed post-herpetic neuralgia, with VAS scores ranging from 4 to 6, and without affecting their daily life and sleep; none of the patients had serious complications. Conclusion:Temporary SCS is an effective way to relieve pain, and it can also reduce the incidence of post-herpetic neuralgia.

Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Different Frequencies on Post-herpetic Neuralgia / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To observe the efficacy and safety of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in frequencies of 5 Hz and 10 Hz for post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). Methods:From March, 2017 to March, 2018, 60 PHN patients were randomly divided into groups A (n = 20), B (n = 20) and C (n = 20), who accepted sham rTMS, 5 Hz rTMS and 10 Hz rTMS, respectively, ten times for two weeks. They were assessed with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of pain, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Patients' Global Impression of Change Scale (PGIC), medication regulation (MR) and incidence of adverse events, before treatment (T0), immediately after stimulation (T1-T10), one month after treatment (T11) and three months after treatment (T12). Results:Compared with group A, VAS scores reduced in groups B and C at T3-T12 (P < 0.05), and reduced more in group C than in group B at T7-T12 (P < 0.05). The average VAS reduction was less in group B than in group C (χ2 = 5.347, P < 0.05). The PSQI and PGIS scores were less in groups B and C than in group A at T12 (P < 0.05), while it was less in group C than in group B (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference among three groups in MR and the incidence of adverse events. Conclusions:rTMS in either frequencies of 5 Hz or 10 Hz may relieve pain, and improve sleep for PHN patients, while 10 Hz rTMS seems more effective in terms of pain and sleep.

Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Different Frequencies on Post-herpetic Neuralgia / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To observe the efficacy and safety of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in frequencies of 5 Hz and 10 Hz for post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). Methods:From March, 2017 to March, 2018, 60 PHN patients were randomly divided into groups A (n = 20), B (n = 20) and C (n = 20), who accepted sham rTMS, 5 Hz rTMS and 10 Hz rTMS, respectively, ten times for two weeks. They were assessed with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of pain, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Patients' Global Impression of Change Scale (PGIC), medication regulation (MR) and incidence of adverse events, before treatment (T0), immediately after stimulation (T1-T10), one month after treatment (T11) and three months after treatment (T12). Results:Compared with group A, VAS scores reduced in groups B and C at T3-T12 (P < 0.05), and reduced more in group C than in group B at T7-T12 (P < 0.05). The average VAS reduction was less in group B than in group C (χ2 = 5.347, P < 0.05). The PSQI and PGIS scores were less in groups B and C than in group A at T12 (P < 0.05), while it was less in group C than in group B (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference among three groups in MR and the incidence of adverse events. Conclusions:rTMS in either frequencies of 5 Hz or 10 Hz may relieve pain, and improve sleep for PHN patients, while 10 Hz rTMS seems more effective in terms of pain and sleep.

Systematic review and sequential analysis on treatment of herpes zoster pain mainly by fire needle therapy / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To assess the therapeutic effect and safety of fire needle therapy in the treatment of herpes zoster pain. METHODS: We collected randomized controlled trials about treatment of herpes zoster pain mainly by fire needle therapy (published from the date of establishment of each database to Dec 1 of 2018) from databases of CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, Chinese Biomedical Document Service System (SinoMed), PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library by using key words of "fire needle" "burnt needle" "red-hot needle" "herpes zoster" "postherpetic neuralgia" and "herpetic neuralgia". Then, we conducted Meta-analysis and sequential analysis about the outcomes of studies met our inclusion criteria using RevMan5.3.5 and TSA0.9.10 Beta softwares and employed GRADE profiler 3.6.1 to grade the quality of evidence. RESULTS: A total of 25 studies including 2 024 patients were brought into the present analysis. Outcomes of the qualitative analysis indicated that the fire needle therapy has a higher effective rate than the western medicine group. Meta-analysis showed that after the treatment mainly with fire needle therapy, 1) the VAS score is evidently lower [WMD=-0.96, 95% CI(-1.22, -0.71), P<0.000 01], 2) the duration of 30% pain relief is obviously shorter [WMD=-1.82, 95% CI (-2.46, -1.18), P<0.000 01], 3) the duration of pain is evidently shorter {fire needle combined with electroacupuncture [WMD=-11.53, 95% CI(-14.57, -8.48), P<0.000 01]; fire needle combined with cupping [WMD=-4.75, 95% CI (-7.99, -1.51), P=0.004]; pure fire needle therapy [WMD=-1.82, 95% CI (-2.46, -1.18), P<0.000 01], and 4) the occurrence rate of post-herpetic neuralgia is considerably lower [RR=0.16, 95% CI (0.09, 0.30), P<0.000 01]. The occurrence and management of adverse events were not mentioned in all the included studies, suggesting no safety problem of the therapy, but the publication bias has not been taken seriously. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of herpes zoster pain, fire needle as the main treatment approach can significantly relieve pain, shorten the pain duration, and reduce the incidence of post-herpetic neuralgia.

Epidemiology, treatment and prevention of herpes zoster: A comprehensive review

Herpes zoster is a major health burden that can affect individuals of any age. It is seen more commonly among individuals aged ≥50 years, those with immunocompromised status, and those on immunosuppressant drugs. It is caused by a reactivation of varicella zoster virus infection. Cell-mediated immunity plays a role in this reactivation. Fever, pain, and itch are common symptoms before the onset of rash. Post-herpetic neuralgia is the most common complication associated with herpes zoster. Risk factors and complications associated with herpes zoster depend on the age, immune status, and the time of initializing treatment. Routine vaccination for individuals over 60 years has shown considerable effect in terms of reducing the incidence of herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia. Treatment with antiviral drugs and analgesics within 72 hours of rash onset has been shown to reduce severity and complications associated with herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia. This study mainly focuses on herpes zoster using articles and reviews from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and a manual search from Google Scholar. We cover the incidence of herpes zoster, gender distribution, seasonal and regional distribution of herpes zoster, incidence of herpes zoster among immunocompromised individuals, incidence of post-herpetic neuralgia following a zoster infection, complications, management, and prevention of herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia.

Stimulating Frequency-dependent Analgesic Effect of Electroacupuncture via Down-regulating Expression of VEGF in Dorsal Horns of Lumbar Spinal Cord in Post Herpetic Neuralgia Rats / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of different frequencies of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation on pain threshold (PT) and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in dorsal horns (DHs) of the lumbar spinal cord in resiniferatoxin (RTX)-induced post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) rats, so as to reveal its mechanism in alleviating PHN. METHODS: Male SD rats were randomized into control, model, 2 Hz-EA, 15 Hz-EA, 100 Hz-EA and sham EA groups (n=16 in each). The PHN model was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of RTX (250 μg/kg), and rats of the control group received intraperitoneal injection of the same dose of vehicle (10% Tween 80, 10% alcohol and 0.9% NaCl). Rats of EA treatment groups received EA stimulation (2 Hz, 15 Hz or 100 Hz, 1 mA) at the left "Huantiao" (GB 30) and "Yanglingquan" (GB 34) for 30 min, once every other day for 35 days, starting from 1 week after RTX injection. For sham control, acupuncture needles were inserted ipsilaterally into GB 30 and GB 34 for 30 min without electrical stimulation or manual needle manipulation. The mechanical allodynia was quantified with Von Frey filaments. The expression of mRNA and protein of VEGF in the DHs of lumbar spinal cord 4-6 segments (sampled under light microscope) was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS: A single RTX injection gradually induced tactile allodynia (significant reduction of the mechanical PT) within 3 weeks relevant to the control group (P<0.01). EA applied to GB 30 and GB 34 at 2 Hz and 15 Hz, but not 100 Hz, significantly decreased the tactile allodynia after the treatment (2 Hz from 2 weeks on and 15 Hz from 3 weeks on) in RTX-treated rats (P<0.05). RTX administration increased the mRNA and protein expression of VEGF in the lumbar spinal cord compared with the control group (P<0. 05). Moreover, 2 Hz, but not 15 Hz and 100 Hz EA significantly reduced VEGF mRNA and protein expression(P<0.05). The expression of both VEGF mRNA and protein was negatively correlated with mechanical PT in RTX-induced PHN rats. CONCLUSION: EA at 2 Hz can significantly reduce VEGF expression in the lumbar spinal cord DHs of PHN rats, which is possibly in part related to its effect in alleviating the mechanical allodynia. Our study suggests that 2 Hz EA is the best stimulation frequency for relieving PHN.

Herpes zoster en adultos mayores en un hospital privado de la ciudad de Buenos Aires, junio 2013 - mayo 2014 / Herpes zoster in elderly adults in a community hospital in Buenos Aires. June 2013-May 2014

El herpes zoster (HZ) se produce por reactivación del virus varicela zoster. Sus principales factores de riesgo son edad avanzada y presencia de comorbilidades (diabetes, inmunodepresión). Existen escasos datos de HZ en Sudamérica, y especialmente en adultos mayores. Analizamos retrospectivamente las características epidemiológicas y clínicas de 340 pacientes mayores de 60 años atendidos por HZ, entre junio 2013 y mayo 2014. La edad promedio de consulta fue de 74 años (60-100), localización torácica 210 (62%); el 75% (255) de las consultas iniciales se realizaron en guardias. El 68%, 143, presentaron dolor y vesículas, y 4% (14) solo dolor al inicio; el dolor persistió luego de finalizar el episodio en el 41% (139) de los pacientes. El diagnóstico se realizó entre 1 y 3 días de iniciado el cuadro en el 53% (180). El promedio de consultas por episodio fue de 3.6 (1-24). Tratamiento antiviral se indicó en 91% (309) de los pacientes [en 49% (167) fue inadecuado en tiempo o dosis], y tratamiento para el dolor en el 66% (224) de los casos: drogas más usadas (solas o en combinación) AINES (43%, 146), pregabalina (30%, 102), opiáceos (24%, 82), y corticoides (12%, 41). Solo el 9% (31) presentó comorbilidades y el 27% (126) dolor post episodio (duración promedio: 138.7 días). El diagnóstico fue tardío, dificultando el uso correcto de antivirales. El dolor post episodio fue más frecuente que en la literatura consultada; sin embargo, son pocos los datos en este grupo etario.

Herpes zoster (HZ) is caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus. Its main risk factor is increasing age and comorbidities. There are limited data on the characteristics of HZ in South America, especially in the elderly. We analyzed epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 340 patients over 60 years assisted for HZ, between June 2013 and May 2014. The average age was 74 years (60-100), 62% (210) had thoracic location; 75% (255) of the initial consultations were held in guards; 68% (143) had pain and vesicles, and 4% (14) only pain at baseline. Pain persisted after finishing the episode in 41% (139). The diagnosis was made between 1 and 3 days from the beginning of the episode in 53% (180 patients). Average number of visits per episode was 3.6 (1-24). Antiviral treatment was supplied to 91% (309); however it was inadequate in dose or time in 49.1% (167 cases). Pain treatment was indicated in 66% (224). Most frequently used drugs (alone or in combination) were non-steroidal painkillers (43%, 146), pregabalin (30%, 102), opiates (24%, 82), and steroids (12%, 41); 9% (31) presented comorbidities; 27% (126) experienced pain after the ending of the episode, with an average duration of 138.7 days. In general, diagnosis was done late, making it difficult to use antivirals correctly. The presence of pain was more frequent than reported in other publications, however there are few data in this age group.

Analysis of risk factors of herpes zoster after renal transplantation in a single center / 器官移植

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors of the incidence of herpes zoster after renal transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 830 recipients undergoing renal transplantation for the first time in the Organ Transplantation Research Institute of the 309th Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army from March 2009 to March 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors of the incidence of herpes zoster after renal transplantation. Results Among 830 patients, 42 (5.1%) suffered from herpes zoster postoperatively. Clinical manifestations of herpes zoster mainly included varicella-zoster rash in the head, face, trunk and limbs. No patient died from herpes zoster. Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) was the most common complication of herpes zoster. Univariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that advanced age and adrenal cortical hormone (hormone) shock therapy could increase the risk of herpes zoster viral infection after renal transplantation (OR=2.414, P=0.016; OR=2.936, P=0.003). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that advanced age and hormone shock therapy were the independent risk factor of the incidence of herpes zoster following renal transplantation (OR=2.238, P=0.030; OR=2.755, P=0.005). Conclusions Herpes zoster after renal transplantation is clinically manifested with varicellazoster rash. Advanced age and hormone shock therapy are the independent risk factor of the incidence of herpes zoster after renal transplantation.

Determinants of Central Nervous System Involvement in Herpes Zoster

BACKGROUND: Herpes zoster is a viral disease characterized by a painful skin rash with blisters in a limited area on one side of the body, often in a stripe. Central nervous system(CNS) involvements are uncommon complications of herpes zoster. The exact mechanism and risk factors are still unknown. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of patients who was admitted at our hospital due to herpes zoster from 2003 to 2013. The patients under age 15, herpes zoster infection without skin lesions, and cases not confirmed by a dermatologist were excluded. CNS involvements are defined as meningitis, encephalitis, single or multiple cranial neuropathies and all cases were evaluated with brain magnetic resonance imaging, spinal tapping, serological tests and confirmed by a neurologist. We compared the herpes zoster patients with CNS involvement to those without CNS involvement. Age, sex, body mass index, associated chronic medical illnesses, site and extent of skin lesion and development of post herpetic neuralgia were compared between two groups. RESULTS: Total 1,131 subjects (male 460, female 671) were recruited. A group with CNS involvement was 91(8.04%). Sex, body mass index, associated chronic medical illnesses, extent of skin lesion were not different between two groups. A group with CNS involvement showed younger age(p<0.01), more facial and cervical skin lesions(p<0.01), lesser development of post herpetic neuralgia(p=0.048). CONCLUSIONS: CNS involvement is not a rare complication of herpes zoster and more frequent in patients with younger age and faciocervical zoster.

Curative efficacy of interferon in combination with ganciclovir in treatment of herpes zoster and its effects on post herpetic neuralgia and IL-6, IL-10 / 中国生化药物杂志

Objective To investigate curative efficacy of interferon in combination with ganciclovir in treatment of herpes zoster and its effects on post herpetic neuralgia and IL-6, IL-10.Methods 106 patients of herpes zoster who received therapy in Heilongjiang electric power hospital from January 2014 to February 2015 were selected as research objects.Those patients were divided into control group(n=52) and observation group(n=54) by random number table.All patients were given symptomatic treatments, such as analgesia.Besides that, control group was treated with ganciclovir, while observation group was treated with interferon in combination with ganciclovir.Then, the curative efficacy of herpes zoster, incidence of post herpetic neuralgia, pain score of patients with post herpetic neuralgia and levels of inflammatory factors were compared.And during the treatment, adverse reactions were observed.Results After treatment, the total therapeutic efficacy ratio of herpes zoster in observation group and control group was 92.6% and 78.8% respectively with statistical difference(P<0.05).And incidence of post herpetic neuralgia in observation group and control group was 44.4% and 50.0% respectively with no statistical difference.Score of VAS which reflects pain in observation group after the treatment was statistically lower than that in control group in patients with post herpetic neuralgia(P<0.05).As to inflammatory factors, in comparison with control group, level of IL-6 in observation group was statistically lower [(137.6 ±32.4) pg/mL vs(340.5 ±30.6) pg/mL, P<0.05] and level of IL-10 was statistically higher [(179.3 ±22.5)μg/mL vs(150.6 ±24.1)μg/mL, P<0.05].During the treatment, there was no case of severe adverse reaction. Conclusion Interferon in combination with ganciclovir is effective for herpes zoster, which can significantly increase curative efficacy, alleviate pain degree of post herpetic neuralgia with minor adverse reactions .

Herpes-zóster e neuralgia pós-herpética / Herpes-zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Herpes-zoster (HZ) is a vesicular painful skin rash resulting from the reactivation of vari¬cella-zoster virus (VZV) in dorsal root ganglia or cranial nerves, which occurs decades after the primary varicella infection. However, even after skin healing, pain may persist for months or even years. This is a complication known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). This review aimed at giving an overview of herpes-zoster and PHN clinical history, focusing on pain control. CONTENTS: PHN is characterized by chronic neuropathic pain. Its incidence is higher among the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. There are several treatment options, which may be pharmacological or interventionist, both with variable efficacy. CONCLUSION: Pain affects quality of life of patients, interfering with their daily activities. In spite of advances already obtained in the analgesic therapy for HZ and PHN, there are still difficulties in its approach. So, it is very important to prevent, diagnose and early treat HZ and its complications.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O herpes-zóster (HZ) é uma erupção cutânea vesicular dolorosa resultante da reativação do vírus varicela-zóster (VVZ) nos gânglios da raiz dorsal ou nos nervos cranianos, que ocorre décadas após a infecção primária de varicela. Entretanto, mesmo após a cicatrização cutânea, a dor pode persistir por meses e até anos. Esta é uma das complicações conhecida como neuralgia pós-herpética (NPH). O objetivo desta revisão é fornecer uma visão geral da história clínica do herpes-zóster e da NPH, focando a abordagem do controle da dor.CONTEÚDO: A NPH caracteriza-se por dor neuropática crônica. Há incidência aumentada em idosos e indivíduos imunocomprometidos. Muitas opções de tratamento estão disponíveis, podendo ser farmacológico e intervencionista, ambos apresentam eficácia variável.CONCLUSÃO: A dor afeta a qualidade de vida dos pacientes, interfererindo nas suas atividades diárias. Apesar dos avanços já obtidos na terapia analgésica do HZ e da NPH, ainda existem inúmeras dificuldades na sua abordagem. Portanto, é muito importante prevenir, diagnosticar e tratar precocemente o HZ e suas complicações.

Methadone in post-herpetic neuralgia: A pilot proof-of-concept study

OBJECTIVE: This research was designed as a pilot proof-of-concept study to evaluate the use of low-dose methadone in post-herpetic neuralgia patients who remained refractory after first and second line post-herpetic neuralgia treatments and had indications for adding an opioid agent to their current drug regimens. METHODS: This cross-over study was double blind and placebo controlled. Ten opioid naïve post-herpetic neuralgia patients received either methadone (5 mg bid) or placebo for three weeks, followed by a 15-day washout period and a second three-week treatment with either methadone or placebo, accordingly. Clinical evaluations were performed four times (before and after each three-week treatment period). The evaluations included the visual analogue scale, verbal category scale, daily activities scale, McGill pain questionnaire, adverse events profile, and evoked pain assessment. All patients provided written informed consent before being included in the study. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01752699 RESULTS: Methadone, when compared to placebo, did not significantly affect the intensity of spontaneous pain, as measured by the visual analogue scale. The intensity of spontaneous pain was significantly decreased after the methadone treatment compared to placebo on the category verbal scale (50% improved after the methadone treatment, none after the placebo, p = 0.031). Evoked pain was reduced under methadone compared to placebo (50% improved after the methadone treatment, none after the placebo, p = 0.031). Allodynia reduction correlated with sleep improvement (r = 0.67, p = 0.030) during the methadone treatment. The side effects profile was similar between both treatments. Conclusions: Methadone seems to be safe and efficacious in post-herpetic neuralgia. It should be tried as an adjunctive treatment for post-herpetic ...

Recent and emerging trends in Pharmacotherapy of neuropathic pain.

Neuropathic pain is a type of chronic pain caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system. The pathophysiology of neuropathic pain is very complex, not fully understood and different from that somatic pain. It has a deleterious effect on health related quality of life, and leads to increased health-care costs and its management is extremely difficult. The response to currently available treatments is less promising, so newer agents with better efficacy and safety are needed. Currently tricyclic antidepressants and anticonvulsants like gabapentin and pregabalin are considered as the 1st line drugs but these are not able to produce complete relief. Various recent drugs are: high dose capsaicin patch, topical lidocaine, botulinum toxin A, lacosamide, Selective Serotinin Reuptake inhibitorss, NMDA antagonists. Certain new targets like endocannabinoid system and various neurotrophic factors like BDNF, NT3, NT4, and GDNF are undergoing preclinical and clinical trials and their role in the treatment of neuropathic pain is still emerging.

Neuralgia pós-herpética em área anatômica pouco usual: relato de caso / Post-herpetic neuralgia in unusual anatomic area: case report

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O herpes zoster (HZ) é uma doença causada pela reativação do vírus varicela-zoster nos nervos cranianos e nos gânglios das raízes espinhais dorsais, geralmente deflagradas décadas depois da infecção primária de varicela. Sua complicação mais comum é a neuralgia pós-herpética (NPH), que é caracterizada por dor neuropática crônica e que se inicia entre um e seis meses após a cura das erupções cutâneas do HZ. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar um caso de quadro de neuralgia pós-herpética em área anatômica pouco comum. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente do sexo feminino, 55 anos, com diagnóstico de HZ, que evoluiu para neuralgia pós-herpética. A paciente queixa-se de dor intensa e persistente em queimação localizada inicialmente em toda a extensão do membro inferior esquerdo (MIE). Ao exame físico apresentava alodínia e hiperalgesia no MIE até a raiz da coxa. CONCLUSÃO: O HZ apresenta-se mais frequentemente envolvendo os dermátomos facial e torácico. No entanto, deve-se sempre lembrar as áreas anatômicas pouco frequentes, para que seja realizado precocemente o diagnóstico e o tratamento, evitando assim as complicações.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Herpes zoster (HZ) is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus in cranial nerves and spinal root ganglia, in general triggered decades after the primary varicella infection. Its most common complication is post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), characterized by chronic neuropathic pain and starting one to six months after the healing of HZ skin rashes. This study aimed at reporting a case of post-herpetic neuralgia in unusual anatomic area. CASE REPORT: Female patient, 55 years old, with diagnosis of HZ evolving to post-herpetic neuralgia. Patient complains of severe and persistent burning pain initially located throughout her left lower limb (LLL). At physical evaluation she presented LLL allodynia and hyperalgesia up to the root of the thigh. CONCLUSION: HZ usually involves face and chest dermatomes. However, one has to consider unusual anatomic areas to provide early diagnosis and treatment, thus preventing complications.

Report of cases in patients with acute herpetic neuralgia using a Mangifera indica extract

It has been accepted that neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and glial activation are involved in the central sensitization underlying neuropathic and inflammatory pain. Vimang® is the brand name of an aqueous extract of Mangifera indica L., Anacardiaceae, traditionally used in Cuba for its antioxidant, antiinflammatory, analgesic, and immunomodulatory properties. In the present study, we determined the possible effects of Vimang formulations in acute herpes zoster (n=12) patients, that received a daily dose of 1800 mg of extract (two coated Vimang tablets, 300 mg each, three times daily before meals) associated to low doses of amitriptyline (10-25 mg/d). In addition to the tablets, they utilized compresses containing Vimang dissolution at 2 percent on skin lesions for thirty days. The average daily pain score using a Likert scale and variations in concomitant drug daily dosage were determined. The analgesic effect was observed from week 1 (p<0.001) with respect to baseline data and none showed post-herpetic neuralgia. Significant reduction of antidepressant medication (p<0.01) and analgesic rescue dosages (p=0.0035) with respect to the initial daily dosage were showed. No adverse events were reported. The results obtained in this report of cases suggest that Vimang supplementation might be beneficial to prevent and treat neuropathic pain.

Chronic osteomyelitis on mandible induced by trigeminal zoster

The Varicella zoster virus is responsible for two common infectious diseases: chicken pox(Varicella) and shingles(Herpes zoster). Chicken pox is the primary infection. After the initial infection, the virus remains dormant in sensory ganglia until reactivation may occur decades later. The subsequent reactivation is Herpes zoster. Herpes zoster of the trigeminal nerve distribution manifests as painful, vesicle eruptions of the skin and mucosa innervated by the affected nerve. Oral vesicles usually appear after the skin manifestrations. Reports of osteomyelitis of jaw after trigeminal herpes zoster are extremely rare. We report a case of osteomyelitis on mandible caused by herpes zoster infection which was treated by antiviral drug, curettage. At 1 year post-operatively, mandibular mucosa had healed without recurrent sign. But post-herpetic neuralgia is remained.

Significance of Infrared Thermal Imaging in Herpes Zoster Patients / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Herpetic disorders cause pain and skin lesion. So, asymmetric temperature of both sides of the involving dermatome has been reported in thermogram. This study examined the usefulness of infrared thermography for a predictor of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). METHODS: Patients with acute herpes zoster who underwent nerve block were randomly selected. Biographic data, including age, gender and times of onset of the skin lesions, development of PHN, combined diseases were recorded. Infrared thermography was performed and subjective pain severity, dysesthesia and allodynia, skin lesion size were assessed. RESULTS: The temperature differences between the lesion site and the contralateral site at lateral and posterior were significantly correlated with lesion size (P 0.05). PHN was correlated with skin lesion size and infrared thermal imaging (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Infrared thermal imaging cannot demonstrate subjective pain objectively in herpes zoster. Short duration showed high temperature on the lesion sites compared to the contralateral sites. The patients with big skin lesions developed PHN more. The PHN can be predicted by the infrared thermal imaging as low temperature on the lesion site compared to the contralateral site.

Three Case Reports of Dysesthesia Successfully Treated with Ougikeishi-gomotsu-to / 日本東洋医学雑誌

We report three cases of dysesthesia that showed improvement after treatment with Ougikeishi-gomotsu-to. Case 1 was a 70-year-old woman diagnosed with post-herpetic neuralgia in 1998 (left trigeminal nerve level). She visited our department with left facial dysesthesia and pain on ****, 2002. We initiated the treatment by Ougikeishi-gomotsu-to. She judged the dysesthesia to have disappeared by about 50% after 4 weeks, and by about 10-20% after 6 weeks. We used Rokumi-gan with Ougikeishi-gomotsu-to on ********. She felt a little dysesthesia and pain on *****.<br>Case 2 was a 55-year-old woman diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome in March 2002. She had felt dysesthesia in both hands since 1999. She visited our department for the first time in April 2002. We initiated the treatment by Ougikeishi-gomotsu-to. After 1 week, she felt dysesthesia in only the fingertips. Now, we are using Boui-ougi-to, acupuncture and moxibustion in combination with Ougikeishi-gomotsu-to. She feels only a little dysesthesia.<br>Case 3 was a 72-year-old woman diagnosed with post-herpetic neuralgia on ********, 2002 (Th 12 and L 1 level). She was treated at the anesthesiology department on *****. But her pain and dysesthesia hardly improved. She visited our department on ****. We initiated the treatment by Ougikeishi-gomotsu-to. She judged her dysesthesia and pain to have disappeared by about 40% after 23 days, and by about 20% after 6 weeks.