Pulsed Radiofrequency Combined With Intercostal Nerve Block For Chest And Back Postherpetic Neuralgia In Elderly

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) combined with intercostal nerve block on chest and back postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in elderly patients.MethodsSixty PHN patients, aged from60to95years, with central or peripheral hyperalgia (VAS score≥4) for3months to3years were enrolled in the study. They were randomly assigned to intercostal nerve block (group A, n=30), or PFR combined with intercostal nerve block (group B, N=30). All the patients undertook intercostal nerve block with20ml mixed solution (0.75%bupivacaine10ml, triamcinolone acetonride20mg and vitamin B121.0mg into normal saline), and the patients in group B had PFR before the block. The VAS scores were recorded before treatment(To), and24h (T1),1week (T2),1month (T3),3months (T4) and6months (T5) after the first treatment.ResultsNo adverse reaction was found after treatment. VAS pain scores were significantly reduced in both groups at each time point after treatment as compared with those at to (all P<0.05). The VAS scores in group B were significantly lower than those in group A at t1,t2and t3(all P<0.05). ConclusionPRF combined with intercostal nerve block is a safe and effective treatment for PHN of the chest and back in the elderly.