A Retrospective Study on the Therapeutic Effect of Low-Temperature Plasma Ablation for Postherpetic Neuralgia with...

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a challenging and persistent neuropathic pain condition that is often unresponsive to standard pharmacological treatments. Minimally invasive interventional therapies for PHN have been increasingly adopted in clinical practice. In recent years, low-temperature plasma ablation (LTPA) has demonstrated potential advantages and promising applications for managing chronic neuropathic pain. However, few studies have explored the use of LTPA in treating PHN.

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of LTPA in treating PHN, with a focus on differences in outcomes among patients with varying durations of the disease.

Retrospective cohort study.

Department of Pain Management, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University.

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 109 PHN patients treated with LTPA in our department from January 2023 to March 2024. Patients were categorized into 2 groups based on the duration of their disease: Group A (disease duration < 3 months) and Group B (disease duration >= 3 months). Pre-treatment pain levels were assessed using a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), as were pain levels at one month and 3 months after treatment. Sleep quality was measured using the Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale (MOS-SS). Treatment efficacy was evaluated by comparing pre- and post-treatment data, with a reduction of at least 50% in NRS scores at 3 months after treatment considered the criterion for treatment success. The effective rates between the 2 groups were compared. Adverse events were recorded to assess the safety of the procedure.

At all follow-up time points, NRS scores in both groups were significantly lower than pre-treatment scores (P < 0.05). At one and 3 months after treatment, Group A had significantly lower NRS scores (2.85 ± 1.89 and 2.74 ± 2.08) than did Group B (3.77 ± 1.91 and 3.71 ± 2.03, respectively; P < 0.05). The treatment success rate at 3 months after the treatment was significantly higher in Group A (78.72%) than in Group B (59.68%; P < 0.05). Both groups showed significant improvements from the pre-treatment MOS-SS sleep scores (in sleep disturbance [SLPD], sleep adequacy [SLPA], sleep quality [SLPQ], and comprehensive sleep disorder index [9-items]) at the one-month and 3-month follow-up points (P < 0.05), with no significant differences between the 2 groups at any time point after treatment. No severe adverse events were reported in either group during treatment or follow-up.

The single-center setting, relatively small number of patients, short duration of the review of medical records, and retrospective nature of the study.

LTPA offers effective and sustained pain relief and sleep quality improvements for PHN patients and has a favorable safety profile.