Efficacy and Safety of Dorsal Root Ganglion Pulse Radiofrequency Combined With Sympathetic Radiofrequency Ablation in the Treatment of Acute Herpetic Neuralgia

OBJECTIVES: To explore the efficacy and safety of pulsed radiofrequency combined with sympathetic radiofrequency ablation of dorsal root ganglion in the treatment of acute herpetic neuralgia. METHODS: A total of 116 patients diagnosed with acute herpetic neuralgia were randomly assigned to two groups: a dorsal root ganglion pulsed radiofrequency group (Group C) and a dorsal root ganglion pulsed radiofrequency combined with sympathetic radiofrequency ablation group (Group H). The treatment effects were evaluated using the Numerical Rating Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the proportion of patients utilizing tramadol, and the Current Perception Threshold detection. Additionally, serum levels of Galectin-3 and Interleukin-6 were measured as objective biological indicators to assess the therapeutic efficacy. The incidence of Postherpetic Neuralgia and any complications were recorded for both groups. RESULTS: Data showed that compared with group C, the Numerical Rating Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score, the proportion of patients using tramadol, and serum Galectin-3 and Interleukin-6 levels were significantly decreased, and Current Perception Threshold was significantly increased in group H (P<0.05). The incidence of Postherpetic Neuralgia in group H was significantly lower than that in group C. No serious adverse reactions occurred in the two groups after treatment. DISCUSSION: Dorsal root ganglion pulsed radiofrequency combined with sympathetic radiofrequency ablation is more effective in the treatment of acute herpetic neuralgia. Compared with PRF therapy alone, it provides patients with longer lasting pain relief, reduces the incidence of PHN, and improves the quality of life.