Inflammatory Cytokine and Neuropeptide Study in Patients With Herpes Zoster

Sudden and electrick shooting sensation of face is an important clinical feature of herpes zoster. The severe and excruciating nature of pain intensity associated with herpes zoster can impair the physical and psychosocial well-being of the patient, however, pathophysiologic mechanism of herpes zoster still remains unclear.

Recentrly, there have been a few studies suggesting biomarker levels in the blood and CSF level, however, further study is required to elucidate the action mechanism.

Up to 90% of patients can achieve pain reduction using medical therapy alone. However, 10% -15% of herpes zoster cases demonstrate a minimal response to medication with various side effects. Radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT) of the trigeminal ganglion is an alternative treatment option for patients who are poor candidates for microvascular decompression or show serious side effects to medication. Recent study revealed that RFT of the trigeminal ganglion resulted in Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain scale I or II in 71.7% of patients, with a median time to recurrence of 36 months.

Although patients experience significant pain relief after RFT, it is uncertain whether inflammatory cytokine and neurocytokine (CGRP, substance P, VIP) are reduced.