A study on the synergistic effects of neuromodulation and opioid-sparing analgesics in postherpetic neuralgia

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a common complication of herpes zoster, which seriously affects patients' quality of life. This study analysed the synergistic effect of neuromodulation and opioid dilution analgesics in the treatment of PHN. 120 patients with PHN from Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University between December 2020 and December 2023 were categorized into PR and PO groups, both groups were treated with pulsed radiofrequency, PO group was added with Oxycodone hydrochloride. VAS scores, inflammatory factor indexes [tumour necrosis factor-? (TNF-?), interleukin-1? (IL-1?), interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-10 (IL-10)], immune indexes [percentage of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ /CD8+] and clinical efficacy were mainly evaluated. Secondary indicators included sleep quality (PSQI) scores, anxiety self-assessment (SAS) scores, disease control time, adverse reactions and recurrence rates. Post-treatment, both groups’ indicators were significantly improved. IL-2 and IL-10 levels, CD4+ T cells percentage, CD4+ /CD8+ and clinical efficacy were higher in PO group than PR group. VAS score, TNF-? and IL-1? levels, CD8+ T cells percentage, PSQI score, SAS score, disease control time, adverse reaction and recurrence rate were lower than PR group (P<0.05). The combination treatment efficacy of PHN is remarkable and is worth promoting its use in the clinic.