For acute stage herpes zoster neuralgia, the combination of recombinant human interferon-α2b and radiofrequency is an effective therapeutic approach and can prevent the occurrence rate of postherpetic neuralgia.

A retrospective trial aimed to determine efficacy of the combination of paravertebral injection of recombinant human interferon-α2b and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) pulsed radiofrequency to treat individuals having neuralgia and its preventive efficacy on postherpetic neuralgia. 

The recruited patients (n=62) were segregated into (i) Group A (n=31): Received pulsed radiofrequency paraspinal injection of recombinant human interferon-α2b, and (ii) Group B (n=31): Received combo of pulsed radiofrequency and paravertebral saline injection. For assessing pain, the numerical rating scales (NRS) scores were utilized.

Recording of the dose of the analgesic drug was done. The levels of galectin-3 and interleukin-6 levels in blood were evaluated between the two arms prior to therapy and at weeks one, two, and four after therapy. The postherpetic neuralgia incidence was examined in both groups.

Following therapy, a decline in levels of galectin-3 and interleukin-6 in blood, pain, and the dosage of oral administration of morphine and gabapentin capsules were witnessed in all participants. In comparison with Group B, subjects in Group A had reduced NRS scores as shown below: 

After therapy, a decline in blood levels of galectin-3 and interleukin-6, and reduction in dosages of oral gabapentin capsules and morphine hydrochloride immediate-release tablets was noted in Group A vs. Group B. The occurrence of postherpetic neuralgia was considerably diminished at eight and 12 weeks.

Combination of DRG pulsed radiofrequency and paravertebral injection of recombinant interferon α2b is an effective therapy for acute herpes zoster neuralgia, and can effectively prevent the occurrence of postherpetic neuralgia.