Actively Recruiting
The Regulatory Mechanisms of Electroacupuncture Intervention on Immune Cells in Herpes Zoster
Led by First People's Hospital of Hangzhou · Updated on 2026-02-03
8
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Herpes Zoster (HZ), caused by the Varicella-Zoster Virus, is a common infection marked by localized pain and blistering, affecting physical health, mental well-being, and quality of life. This research aims to explore how electroacupuncture (EA) influences immune cells in HZ patients, alongside standard medication, to understand its potential effects on immune regulation and pain relief. The study will use advanced mass cytometry to analyze immune cell changes during treatment. The study will include 8 female HZ patients aged 50 to 70 years and 3 healthy female controls matched by age. Patients will be split into two groups: one receiving only medication (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride and Mecobalamin tablets) and the other receiving the same medication plus daily electroacupuncture for seven consecutive days. Electroacupuncture will target specific acupoints related to the affected area using an electrical device, with sessions lasting 30 minutes each. Participants will undergo blood tests to measure immune cell levels before treatment, during treatment on day 4, and after treatment on day 7. Pain intensity and characteristics will be assessed daily using the Visual Analogue Scale and the Douleur Neuropathique 4 questionnaire. Researchers will also monitor lesion healing times and any side effects throughout the treatment period to evaluate the effects and safety of the interventions.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Electroacupuncture Regulation of Immune Cells in Herpes Zoster
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Female, aged between 50 and 70 years
- Meets diagnostic criteria for Herpes Zoster
- Disease duration of 7 days or less with no prior antiviral, analgesic, or other treatments
- Herpetic lesions limited to the trunk, affecting 1 to 3 dermatomes
- Willing to participate and has signed informed consent
- Healthy controls: female, age-matched volunteers with no history of Herpes Zoster or major diseases
- Clear consciousness and ability to communicate normally
- Understands the study protocol and agrees to comply
- Has signed written informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Special types of Herpes Zoster including ophthalmic, otic, visceral, meningeal herpes zoster, and zoster sine herpete
- Women planning to conceive, pregnant, or breastfeeding
- Severe primary diseases of the circulatory, respiratory, or endocrine systems, or systemic failure
- Patients with bleeding tendencies
- Use of corticosteroids or immunosuppressants within the past month
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 7 days
Participants receive medication with Valacyclovir Hydrochloride and Mecobalamin tablets for 7 days. Those in the electroacupuncture group also receive daily electroacupuncture sessions for 7 consecutive days. Pain intensity and lesion healing are assessed throughout treatment.
Visits on Day 0, Day 1 to Day 7 with daily assessments
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
The Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital
Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China, 310053
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
Y
Yan Shi
M
Mingqi Tu
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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