Modulation of serum BDNF levels in postherpetic neuralgia following pulsed radiofrequency of intercostal nerve and pregabalin.

AIM: To study the modulation of serum BDNF levels following integrated multimodal intervention in postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

MATERIALS &

METHODS

A randomized, double-blind controlled study was undertaken among patients of thoracic PHN where 30 patients received pregabalin with pulsed radiofrequency and 30 controls received pregabalin with sham treatment.

RESULTS

Pain intensity (visual analog scale) was reduced earlier in intervention group (15.3 ± 5.7 at the fourth week) compared with control group (16.3 ± 6.6 at the eighth week). Serum BDNF level increased with time in both the groups with overall increase more pronounced in intervention group.

CONCLUSION

Integrated multimodal therapy using minimally invasive pulsed radiofrequency and pregabalin in PHN was effective in early pain reduction with elevated serum BDNF levels.