Zunyi Medical University

Research Objectives Background and Significance: Zoster-associated neuralgia (ZAN) refers to neuropathic pain experienced by herpes zoster (HZ) patients before, during, and after rash resolution, characterized by paroxysmal, lightning-like, or knife-like sensations. Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a common type of chronic pain, is often accompanied by physical-psychological impairments, social dysfunction, and anxiety-depression. While high-voltage long-term pulsed radiofrequency (HL-PRF) has become a conventional treatment for ZAN, it is limited by residual postoperative localized pain and suboptimal efficacy for refractory cases. Liposomal bupivacaine (LB), a sustained-release analgesic providing up to 72 hours of pain relief, offers potential for combined subcutaneous injection to enhance symptomatic control.
Study Process:
This clinical study focuses on evaluating the efficacy of HL-PRF combined with LB subcutaneous injection in treating ZAN. The trial will be conducted from December 16, 2024, to December 14, 2026, with an anticipated enrollment of 92 participants. Patients will be randomized into two groups:
HL-PRF group: Under CT-guided localization, high-voltage pulsed radiofrequency (HL-PRF) therapy was precisely delivered to the pathologically compromised dorsal root ganglion (DRG).
HL-PRF+LB group: HL-PRF treatment followed by LB subcutaneous injection at the painful lesion site 2 hours post-procedure.
Clinical data will be collected preoperatively, and inflammatory factors will be assessed on the first postoperative day. Follow-up evaluations via telephone will occur at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. By analyzing changes in observed indicators before and after treatment, this study aims to determine the clinical efficacy of combining HL-PRF with LB subcutaneous injection for ZAN.

Participants will be invited to take part in clinical research. This informed consent form will provide information to the participants to help them decide whether to participate in the clinical study. If participants have any questions, please ask them directly to the researcher in charge of this study. This study was approved by the Biomedical Research Ethics Review Committee of the Institute. This trial is a randomized controlled clinical study. According to the different treatment methods, the control group was randomly divided into the control group and the experimental group. Control group: On the basis of conventional drug treatment, long-term high-voltage pulsed radiofrequency treatment was carried out. Experimental group: On the basis of conventional drug treatment, dexmedetomidine nasal spray was administered before HL-PRF treatment, before bedtime on the day of the operation, and before bedtime on the 1st to 3rd days after the operation. Heart rate, blood pressure and blood oxygen saturation were monitored respectively before the operation, during the operation and after the operation. Telephone follow-ups were conducted at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after the operation respectively. If the participants agree to participate in this study, the researchers will number the participants and establish medical records. The researchers will have detailed communication with the participants or their families, inform them of the research situation, and ask the participants to provide disease information, including the onset of the disease, family history, previous medical visits and some examination results.
What do you need to do in this research? Once participating in the study, participants will be required to provide true information about their medical history and current physical condition. Tell the research doctor about any discomfort you encountered during the research process; Do not take restricted drugs, foods, etc. Tell the research doctor whether you have participated in or are currently participating in any other research recently.
Risks and discomfort: Communicating and talking with researchers may cause participants to feel psychologically uncomfortable.
Since this study only collected the medical history, data and epidemiological investigation of patients or normal people, there is no harm in this study. If participants are injured during the clinical trial, they can receive free treatment and/or appropriate compensation in accordance with Chinese law.
What are the benefits of participating in this research? Useful information can be provided for disease research by studying the information of the participants.
The cost of participating in this study: Participation in this study will be based on the medical information of the research participants, and the related costs will not be borne by the participants.
Privacy issue: If participants decide to take part in this study, their participation status and personal data during the study period will be kept confidential. When necessary, government administrative departments or members of the ethics review committee may access the personal data of participants in research institutions. When the results of this study are announced, the personal identity information of the participants will not be disclosed.