Article

The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy of transcutaneous
electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) with locally injected cobalamin in relieving
pain and improving activities of daily living in patients with postherpetic
neuralgia. DESIGN: Ninety patients (>/=50 yrs old) with postherpetic neuralgia
with a pain score of 4 or greater were randomized to receive TENS and local
injections of cobalamin or lidocaine or a combination of cobalamin and lidocaine
for 8 wks. Treatment efficacy was assessed on the basis of worst pain severity,
global impression of change, activities of daily living, and quality-of-life.
RESULTS: Time x group interaction, group differences, and time effect on worst
pain at each follow-up point were statistically significant (P < 0.05) among the
groups. In the group receiving TENS and local injection of cobalamin and in the
group receiving TENS with a combination of cobalamin and lidocaine, the mean +/-
SD pain scores were 4.0 +/- 1.4 and 4.1 +/- 1.2 at endpoint, 28 and 26 patients
achieved pain reduction of 30% or greater, and 14 and 10 perceived worst pain of
3 or less, respectively. The activities of daily living and quality-of-life data
at the study endpoint showed significant benefits in the group receiving TENS and
local injection of cobalamin and in the group receiving TENS and a combination of
cobalamin and lidocaine (P < 0.05). In the group receiving TENS and local
injection of lidocaine, the mean +/- SD pain score was 6.1 +/- 1.2 at the
endpoint relative to baseline (P < 0.05), and only six patients achieved pain
reduction of 30% or greater. CONCLUSIONS: TENS in combination with local
cobalamin injection has a significant analgesic effect.

Langue : ANGLAIS