Postherpetic Neuralgia ( PHN ), Ultrasound Guided, BlockpainNCT07067892
Effectiveness of Ultrasonography-Guided Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block in Thoracic Postherpetic Neuralgia: A Retrospective Cohort Study
An observational study of Postherpetic Neuralgia ( PHN ), Ultrasound Guided, Block and Ultrasound Guided Injection, run by Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a chronic pain syndrome that can be resistant to treatment, leading to physical and social disability, psychological disturbances, and potentially persisting for years . Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Postherpetic Neuralgia ( PHN ), Ultrasound Guided, Block, Ultrasound Guided Injection
- How many people
- 34 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Jul 2025to 15 Sep 2025
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: Patients over 18 years of age who underwent a single-session ultrasound (US )guided serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) in the thoracic region (T1-T10 dermatomes) for PHN between June 2023 and February 2025 were evaluated. SPSIPB was performed in patients whose complaints persisted despite existing medical treatments.
Who may be able to join
- Patients over 18 years of age
- who underwent a single-session ultrasound (US)-guided serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) in the thoracic region (T1-T10 dermatomes) for PHN between June 2023 and February 2025 were evaluated. -SPSIPB was performed in patients whose complaints persisted despite existing medical treatments.
- Exclusion Criteria:Patients were excluded if they had cervical disc herniation -a history of trauma or surgery involving the neck, shoulder, or back; -malignancy- kyphoscoliosis; a history of inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis)
- congenital anomalies of the spine; neck pain accompanied by neurological deficits
- pregnancy
- mental or psychotic disorders
Show all 11Show fewer
- hematologic diseases causing bleeding or coagulation disorders
- use of antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs or other medications predisposing to bleeding
- severe systemic infections such as sepsis
- local infection at the planned intervention site
- known allergy to any of the drugs to be used; or a history of invasive procedures for PHN in the thoracic region within the past three months.
Who cannot join
None listed.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
İKanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital
Küçükçekmece, Istanbul, (507) 277-4773
About this study
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a chronic pain syndrome that can be resistant to treatment, leading to physical and social disability, psychological disturbances, and potentially persisting for years . The varicella-zoster virus remains latent in the sensory neurons of individuals who have previously contracted varicella (chickenpox). Reactivation of the latent virus results in herpes zoster (HZ). In most patients, HZ initially presents with dermatomal pain, and within a few days, characteristic dermatomal vesicular eruptions typically develop. These skin lesions usually heal within 2-4 weeks; however, pain may persist even after the resolution of the rash .
The pathogenesis of PHN involves increased sensitization of central neurons, decreased function of inhibitory neuronal pathways, inflammation and nerve injury within the peripheral nervous system, and abnormal signal transmission following such damage. PHN represents the most common complication of HZ. It occurs in approximately 9-19% of all patients with HZ. The incidence of PHN increases with advancing age: it affects approximately 2% of individuals younger than 50 years, about 20% of those older than 50 years, and nearly 35% of those older than 80 years . Various treatment modalities, including pharmacologic agents and interventional procedures, are available for the management of PHN-related pain. This study primarily aims to evaluate the change in pain in PHN patients who underwent SPSIPB using the NRS-11. The secondary aim was to evaluate the effect of SPSIPB on neuropathic pain characteristics using the DN-4 scale and to investigate its effects on patients' quality of life using SF-12 scale.
Read the detailed description
After obtaining approval from the relevant ethics committee (University of Health Sciences, Istanbul Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, KAEK/2025.05.139), patients over 18 years of age who underwent a single-session ultrasound (US)-guided serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) in the thoracic region (T1-T10 dermatomes) due to PHN between June 2023 and February 2025 were retrospectively evaluated. SPSIPB was performed in patients whose complaints persisted despite existing medical treatments. The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Written informed consent was obtained from all patients enrolled in the study, which was carried out at the pain clinic of a tertiary care hospital. This retrospective, single-center cohort study was designed.
A total of 34 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study .
Patients were excluded if they had cervical disc herniation; a history of trauma or surgery involving the neck, shoulder, or back; malignancy; kyphoscoliosis; a history of inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis); congenital spinal anomalies; neck pain accompanied by neurological deficits; pregnancy; mental or psychotic disorders; hematologic diseases causing bleeding or coagulation disorders; use of antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs or medications predisposing to bleeding; severe systemic infections such as sepsis; local infections at the planned intervention site; known allergies to any of the drugs to be used; or a history of invasive procedures for PHN in the thoracic region within the past 3 months.
Data Collection and Assessment Scales The following data were collected: Age, gender, body mass index (BMI), affected side in PHN, duration of PHN and affected dermatome, history of HZ vaccination (live/recombinant), data regarding immunosuppression (Human Immunodeficiency Virus, active cancer, high-dose steroids), PHN family history, level of procedure performed, complications, Numeric Rating Scale-11 (NRS-11), Neuropathic Pain Questionnaire (DN4), Short Form-12 (SF-12) quality of life index subscores and average daily tramadol (mg/day) consumption before and 1 and 3 months after the procedure were recorded.
Medication Management Patients' gabapentinoids and antidepressants (amiltriptyline, duloxetine, etc.) used for PHN were continued. Tramadol doses were either increased or decreased for pain control after SPSIPB. Total daily average tramadol consumption was recorded before, at the end of the first and third months after the procedure.
- Medical subject headings
- Neuralgia, Postherpetic, Bites and Stings
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Effectiveness of Ultrasonography-Guided Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block in Thora | Not described |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Numeric Rating Scale -11 (NRS-11)
It is an 11-point scale used to describe pain. It is based solely on the patient's ability to perform activities of daily living and can be used for adults and children ages 10 and older.
Measured: 3 months
Secondary outcomes (2)
Douleur Neuropathique en 4 Questions(DN4)
The DN4 questionnaire is a validated clinical screening instrument designed to detect the presence of neuropathic pain. It was developed by the French Neuropathic Pain Group to address diagnostic challenges and the lack of consensus regarding the identification of neuropathic pain. Owing to its clarity and ease of use, the instrument has been widely adopted in clinical practice and research since 2005.
The questionnaire comprises four sections and ten individual items. Seven items pertaining to pain quality-including sensory descriptors-are obtained through a structured patient interview and reflect the subjective characteristics of the pain experience. The remaining three items are derived from the clinical examination, during which the clinician evaluates for decreased sensitivity to light touch or pinprick (hypoesthesia), as well as the presence of pain provoked or exacerbated by gentle brushing (allodynia).
Measured: 3 months
Short Form- 12
The SF-12 consists of 12 items grouped into eight subscales: physical functioning (2 items), role physical (2 items), bodily pain (1 item), general health (1 item), vitality (1 item), social functioning (1 item), role emotional (2 items), and mental health (2 items). Items pertaining to physical and emotional role limitations are dichotomous (yes/no), whereas the remaining items are rated on Likert-type scales ranging from three to six response options.
The Physical Component Summary (PCS-12) score is derived from the general health, physical functioning, role physical, and bodily pain subscales. The Mental Component Summary (MCS-12) score is calculated from the social functioning, role emotional, mental health, and vitality subscales. Both PCS-12 and MCS-12 scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better health status. The SF-12 is a validated and psychometrically robust instrument.
Measured: 3 months
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted16 Jul 2025
- Study start1 Jul 2025
- Primary completion1 Aug 2025
- Study completion15 Sep 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Postherpetic Neuralgia ( PHN ), Ultrasound Guided, BlockStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Retrospective
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Halil Ibrahim Altun, Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital
- Investigators
- halil ibrahim altun, Principal investigator, Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07067892
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- postherpetic neuralgia, block
- Acronym
- pain
- Status last verified
- Dec 2025
- First submitted
- 6 Jul 2025
- Last updated
- 12 Dec 2025
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Publications
Altun HI, Altun G. The efficacy of serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block performed under ultrasound guidance in thoracic postherpetic neuralgia: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Anesthesiol. 2026 Apr 21;26(1):275. doi: 10.1186/s12871-026-03817-9.
PubMed 42015012
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 12 Dec 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effectiveness of Ultrasonography-Guided Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block in Thoracic Postherpetic Neuralgia: A Retrospective Cohort Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07067892
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- pain / postherpetic neuralgia, block
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jul 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Aug 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 15 Sep 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 16 Jul 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a chronic pain syndrome that can be resistant to treatment, leading to physical and social disability, psychological disturbances, and potentially persisting for years . The varicella-zoster virus remains latent in the sensory neurons of individuals who have previously contracted varicella (chickenpox). Reactivation of the latent virus results in herpes zoster (HZ). In most patients, HZ initially presents with dermatomal pain, and within a few days, characteristic dermatomal vesicular eruptions typically develop. These skin lesions usually heal within 2-4 weeks; however, pain may persist even after the resolution of the rash .
The pathogenesis of PHN involves increased sensitization of central neurons, decreased function of inhibitory neuronal pathways, inflammation and nerve injury within the peripheral nervous system, and abnormal signal transmission following such damage. PHN represents the most common complication of HZ. It occurs in approximately 9-19% of all patients with HZ. The incidence of PHN increases with advancing age: it affects approximately 2% of individuals younger than 50 years, about 20% of those older than 50 years, and nearly 35% of those older than 80 years . Various treatment modalities, including pharmacologic agents and interventional procedures, are available for the management of PHN-related pain. This study primarily aims to evaluate the change in pain in PHN patients who underwent SPSIPB using the NRS-11. The secondary aim was to evaluate the effect of SPSIPB on neuropathic pain characteristics using the DN-4 scale and to investigate its effects on patients' quality of life using SF-12 scale.
Detailed description
After obtaining approval from the relevant ethics committee (University of Health Sciences, Istanbul Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, KAEK/2025.05.139), patients over 18 years of age who underwent a single-session ultrasound (US)-guided serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) in the thoracic region (T1-T10 dermatomes) due to PHN between June 2023 and February 2025 were retrospectively evaluated. SPSIPB was performed in patients whose complaints persisted despite existing medical treatments. The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Written informed consent was obtained from all patients enrolled in the study, which was carried out at the pain clinic of a tertiary care hospital. This retrospective, single-center cohort study was designed.
A total of 34 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study .
Patients were excluded if they had cervical disc herniation; a history of trauma or surgery involving the neck, shoulder, or back; malignancy; kyphoscoliosis; a history of inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis); congenital spinal anomalies; neck pain accompanied by neurological deficits; pregnancy; mental or psychotic disorders; hematologic diseases causing bleeding or coagulation disorders; use of antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs or medications predisposing to bleeding; severe systemic infections such as sepsis; local infections at the planned intervention site; known allergies to any of the drugs to be used; or a history of invasive procedures for PHN in the thoracic region within the past 3 months.
Data Collection and Assessment Scales The following data were collected: Age, gender, body mass index (BMI), affected side in PHN, duration of PHN and affected dermatome, history of HZ vaccination (live/recombinant), data regarding immunosuppression (Human Immunodeficiency Virus, active cancer, high-dose steroids), PHN family history, level of procedure performed, complications, Numeric Rating Scale-11 (NRS-11), Neuropathic Pain Questionnaire (DN4), Short Form-12 (SF-12) quality of life index subscores and average daily tramadol (mg/day) consumption before and 1 and 3 months after the procedure were recorded.
Medication Management Patients' gabapentinoids and antidepressants (amiltriptyline, duloxetine, etc.) used for PHN were continued. Tramadol doses were either increased or decreased for pain control after SPSIPB. Total daily average tramadol consumption was recorded before, at the end of the first and third months after the procedure.
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Retrospective
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Effectiveness of Ultrasonography-Guided Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block in Thora | – | – |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- Patients over 18 years of age who underwent a single-session ultrasound (US )guided serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) in the thoracic region (T1-T10 dermatomes) for PHN between June 2023 and February 2025 were evaluated. SPSIPB was performed in patients whose complaints persisted despite existing medical treatments.
Key inclusion criteria (11 listed)
- Patients over 18 years of age
- who underwent a single-session ultrasound (US)-guided serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) in the thoracic region (T1-T10 dermatomes) for PHN between June 2023 and February 2025 were evaluated. -SPSIPB was performed in patients whose complaints persisted despite existing medical treatments.
- Exclusion Criteria:Patients were excluded if they had cervical disc herniation -a history of trauma or surgery involving the neck, shoulder, or back; -malignancy- kyphoscoliosis; a history of inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis)
- congenital anomalies of the spine; neck pain accompanied by neurological deficits
- pregnancy
Key exclusion criteria (0 listed)
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Primary outcome
Numeric Rating Scale -11 (NRS-11)
Time frame: 3 months
It is an 11-point scale used to describe pain. It is based solely on the patient's ability to perform activities of daily living and can be used for adults and children ages 10 and older.
2 secondary outcomes
Douleur Neuropathique en 4 Questions(DN4)
Time frame: 3 months
Short Form- 12
Time frame: 3 months
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 12 Dec 2025.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 42015012Altun HI, Altun G. The efficacy of serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block performed under ultrasound guidance in thoracic postherpetic neuralgia: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Anesthesiol. 2026 Apr 21;26(1):275. doi: 10.1186/s12871-026-03817-9.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
halil ibrahim altun principal investigator
Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Postherpetic Neuralgia ( PHN ), Ultrasound Guided, Block and Ultrasound Guided Injection, run by Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 11 inclusion and 0 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 12 Dec 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Numeric Rating Scale -11 (NRS-11) (time frame: 3 months). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07067892, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 12 Dec 2025.