Effect of duloxetine premedication for postherpetic neuralgia within 72 h of herpes zoster reactivation [PROCESS]: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication attributed to herpes zoster, which involves the reactivation of residual varicella zoster virus. It has been reported previously that pre-emptive amitriptyline following acute herpes zoster has shown latent positive effects in the prevention of PHN. In this study, by interfering with the same targets, norepinephrine and serotonin, we aim to evaluate whether pre-emptive duloxetine may proactively prevent PHN development.

Methods

This is a nationwide multicentric, randomized, open-label, blinded-endpoint study that will recruit 750 participants from 18 primary centres in China. Patients aged more than 50 years who are diagnosed with uncomplicated HZ, present with vesicles within 72 h of their emergence, an

SUBMITTER: Chen Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7724804 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature