Treatment resistant postherpetic neuralgia - new treatments, better outcome

Abstract

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a chronic and painful condition characterized by persistent pain following resolution of a herpes zoster infection. Management of PHN can be challenging as this disorder is difficult to treat and many strategies have been described to reduce such pain. The objective of the treatment of PHN is primarily pain alleviation and improvement of the quality of life. We report a case of a patient with PHN treated with capsaicin patch, after therapeutic failure of other drugs indicated as first and second-line treatment. Side effects of systemic therapy have limited therapeutic compliance and consequent limited pain control. Capsaicin 8% patch has been shown to be effective, safe, well tolerated without serious adverse reactions in the treatment of neuropathic pain in adults.

Future studies will be necessary to verify the role and cost-effectiveness of capsaicin patch in the management of postherpetic neuropathic pain.

Key words: Postherpetic neuralgia; Pain; Pain, Chronic; Neuropathic pain; Capsaicin patch

Citation: Godinho L, Anastcio M, Pereira AS, Martins MC, Valentim A. Treatment resistant postherpetic neuralgia - new treatments, better outcome. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2020;24(4):453-456.

Received: 11 May 2020, Reviewed: 6 June 2020, Revised: 7 July 2020, Accepted: 25 July 2020