Efficacy of gabapentin for the prevention of postherpetic neuralgia in patients with acute herpes zoster: A double blind, randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication of herpes zoster (HZ). Previous trials have reported that gabapentin can relieve chronic neuropathic pain, but its effect on prevention of PHN is unclear.

Objective

To assess the efficacy of a 5-week course of gabapentin on acute herpetic pain and on the prevention of PHN at 12 weeks in patients with acute HZ.

Methods

This was a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted in 17 primary care health centers in Mallorca, Spain. All patients were older than 50 years, presented with HZ within 72 h of rash onset, and had moderate-severe pain (≥4 on a 10-point visual analogue scale [VAS]). Ninety-eight patients were randomized to receive gabapentin or placebo. All patients received valac

SUBMITTER: Bulilete O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6550400 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature