Clinical Research on the Effect of Salvia Miltiorrhiza Injection into Jiaji Points and Its Influence on Postherpetic Neuralgia Incidence

Objective: To determine whether Huatuo Jiaji point injection with <i>Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM)</i> for acute herpes zoster (AHZ) would reduce pain and incidence of PHN. Methods: 105 patients over 50 years old were randomized to receive Huatuo Jiaji Point acupuncture (Group A, n=35) or Huatuo Jiaji Point Injection of either saline (Group B, n=35) or <I>SM</I> (Group PI, n=35). The treatment was started at patient’s first visit and performed twice every 7 days for 3 weeks. VAS and analgesics were recorded at the initial visit (basal), the 7^th, 14^th, 28^th, 90^th, 180^th day after injection. PHN was identified using the DN4 Questions on the 90^th, 180^th day after onset. Patient’s satisfaction evaluated by SF-36 was also recorded 90^th, 180^th day after onset. The levels of beta-endorphin in peripheral blood were measured before treatment and 90 and 180 days after treatment. Results: The VAS scores in Group PI were lower than that in Group A and B throughout the study period. The Group PI displayed a significantly lower incidence of PHN than Group A and B after 90 days and 180 days. According to SF-36 index scores, the magnitude of improvement was significantly greater in Group PI than that at Group A and B after 90 and 180 days. The plasma beta-endorphin in PI group were higher than those in Group A and B at 90 and 180 days after treatment. Conclusion: Huatuo Jiaji PI with SM can quickly relieve HZ-related pain, reduce incidence of PHN and improve quality of patients’ life.