Electroacupuncture Regulation of Immune Cells in Herpes Zoster

Launched by FIRST PEOPLE'S HOSPITAL OF HANGZHOU · Oct 12, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating how electroacupuncture (a treatment that uses electrical currents along with acupuncture needles) may help improve the immune response in patients suffering from Herpes Zoster (HZ), commonly known as shingles. HZ can cause painful rashes and blisters, and it often affects a person's overall health and quality of life. The researchers want to see if electroacupuncture can alleviate HZ symptoms and potentially reduce the risk of long-term pain after the rash has healed by looking at changes in immune cells before and after treatment.

To participate in this study, women aged 50 to 70 who have been diagnosed with HZ within the last week may be eligible, provided they haven’t started any antiviral or pain medications. Healthy female volunteers of the same age group without a history of HZ are also needed for comparison. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving standard medication for HZ and the other receiving both medication and electroacupuncture. Throughout the trial, participants can expect to undergo assessments to monitor their health and the effects of the treatments. If you're considering participation, it's essential to understand the study's goals and that informed consent will be required before joining.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria for HZ:
• • Meets HZ diagnostic criteria;
• • Female, aged between 50 and 70 years;
• • Disease duration ≤7 days, with no prior antiviral, analgesic, or other treatments;
• • Herpetic lesions limited to the trunk, within 1 to 3 dermatomes;
• • Willing to participate in the trial and has signed the informed consent form.
• Inclusion Criteria for HC:
• • No history of HZ or major cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, hematologic, endocrine, or neurological diseases;
• • Age-matched female HC volunteers for the HZ group;
• • Clear consciousness and ability to communicate normally;
• • Fully understands the study protocol, demonstrates good compliance, and is willing to cooperate with the study;
• • Has signed a written informed consent form.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Special types of herpes zoster, including ophthalmic, otic, visceral, meningeal herpes zoster, and zoster sine herpete;
• • Women who are planning to conceive, pregnant, or breastfeeding;
• • Patients with severe primary diseases of the circulatory, respiratory, or endocrine systems, or systemic failure;
• • Patients with bleeding tendencies;
• • Use of corticosteroids or immunosuppressants within the past month.