Efficacy of repetitive paravertebral block combined with medication in the treatment of zoster-related pain with different courses

OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical outcomes of repetitive paravertebral block (PVB) combining oral medication in the treatment of zoster-related pain (ZP) with different courses. METHODS: Sixty-seven patients with ZP were divided into 3 groups based on their course of herpes zoster (HZ). Group I: 24 patients with acute herpetic neuralgia (within one month of disease onset); group II: 22 patients with subacute herpetic neuralgia (disease onset from 1 to 3 months); group III: 21 patients with postherpetic neuralgia (more than 3 months since disease onset). All patients received ultrasound-guided repetitive PVB with oral gabapentin and tramadol sustained-release tablets. The VAS and QS scores and the incidences of hematoma, dizziness, nausea, and drowsiness were compared at 1 day, 3 months, and 6 months after treatment. RESULTS: Pain intensity and sleep quality of the 3 groups improved to varying degrees after treatment. The best efficacy was achieved in the acute group, followed by the subacute group, and the poorest efficacy was observed in the chronic group. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of ultrasound-guided repetitive PVB with oral medication varied with the courses of HZ. The shorter the time since onset, the better the efficacy. This combined treatment showed better efficacy in patients at the acute and subacute stages and significantly improved their pain and sleep quality, while demonstrating limited pain relief in chronic patients.