Predictors of Response to Ultrasound-Guided Thoracic Paravertebral Nerve Block in Patients With Herpetic Neuralgia

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating factors that predict successful outcomes of ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral nerve block (TPVB) in patients suffering from herpetic neuralgia. Herpetic neuralgia is a painful condition caused by reactivation of varicella zoster viruses, often following herpes zoster infection, which causes a painful rash primarily in older adults. This study aims to improve pain management by identifying which demographic, clinical, medication, and procedural factors are linked to better pain relief after TPVB. Participants will receive one of two procedures: ultrasound-guided TPVB with 25 mg bupivacaine 0.5% plus 8 mg dexamethasone in a 10 mL volume, or ultrasound-guided TPVB with 10 mL of saline as a placebo. The study is blinded, so neither the patients nor the researchers know which treatment is given during the trial. TPVB involves injecting local anesthetics and steroids near the thoracic vertebrae to block spinal nerves and provide pain relief. During the study, patients' pain levels will be measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale at baseline, 24 hours, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after the intervention. Researchers will monitor clinical outcomes, track medication use, and assess patient satisfaction. The study includes adults aged 18 to 70 years with diagnosed herpetic neuralgia affecting one thoracic dermatome and aims to better understand how to select patients who may benefit most from TPVB.

Predicting Ultrasound-Guided Thoracic PVB Success in Herpetic Neuralgia