Clinical study on stellate ganglion block combined with pregabalin for treating postherpetic neuralgia at chest and back

Objective:To observe the efficacy and safety of stellate ganglion block combined with pregabalin for treating postherpetic neuralgia(PHN) at chest and back.Methods:One hundred and twenty patients with PHN due to breast-back shingles were randomly divided into three groups: group A,receiving stellate ganglion block therapy,group B,receiving pregabalin treatment and group C,receiving stellate ganglion block and pregabalin treatment.The patients in group B and C took pregabalin orally at a dose of 150 mg bid for 8 weeks.Results: After treatment,the NRS scores of the three groups were significantly decreased(P0.05);group B and C had similar NRS scores(P0.05);but the NRS scores of group B and C were significantly lower than that of group A(P0.05).The main adverse reactions were hoarseness,local hematoma,dizziness,sleepiness and edema.Conclusion:Stellate ganglion block combined with pregabalin is a safe and effective method for treating PHN at chest and back.