• Qi Li, Aimin Feng, Hong Xiao, Jun Li, and Hui Liu.
• Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041,China.
• Zhong Nan Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban. 2014 Sep 1;39(9):930-4.

ObjectiveTo determine the short and mid-term effect of paravertebral adriamycin injection under CT guidance on intractable postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).MethodsFrom January 2010 to May 2012, 68 patients with intractable PHN receiving paravertebral adriamycin injection under CT guidance were enrolled. The outcome included the Quality of Life Score (QLS), Visual Analogue Score (VAS) (average, the worst and the least VAS), pain relief rate at the time before and after the injection, and 1 year after discharge.ResultsLower VAS was observed after the injection than that before the injection [(3.5 ± 1.5) vs (7.9 ± 1.3) on average; (2.1 ± 0.9) vs (6.5 ± 1.7) at least and (4.5 ± 1.4) vs (9.2 ± 1.1) at worst, P<0.05]. Lower VAS at 1 year after discharge was found than that before the injection [(2.2 ± 1.8) vs (7.9 ± 1.3) on average; (1.5 ± 0.8) vs (6.5 ± 1.7) at least; (3.2 ± 1.6) vs (9.2 ± 1.1) at worst ] and that after the injection [(3.5 ± 1.5) vs (2.2 ± 1.8) on average; (1.5 ± 0.8) vs (2.1 ± 0.9) at least and (3.2 ± 1.6) vs (4.5 ± 1.4) at worst, P<0.05]. The pain relief rate after the injection was (68 ± 23)%. The pain relief rate at 1 year after discharge (81 ± 22)% was higher than that at discharge (68 ± 23)% (P<0.05). The quality of life evaluation index scale after the injection (daily life, diet, general activities, sleep, work and social activities) was significantly improved than that before the injection [(10.1 ± 2.2) vs (14.2 ± 1.9), P<0.05]. The quality of life evaluation index scale at 1 year after discharge was significantly improved than that before the injection [(7.0 ± 2.1) vs (14.2 ± 1.9)] and that after the injection [(7.0 ± 2.1) vs (10.1 ± 2.2), P<0.05]. No complication was observed when the patients were discharged and 1 year after discharge.ConclusionParavertebral adriamycin injection under CT guidance for intractable PHN can effectively relieve the patient's pain, improve the quality of sleep and life without obvious complications. It is safe and effective for intractable PHN.

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