Postherpetic Neuralgia ( PHN )NCT06990854
Electroacupuncture for PHN: Efficacy and Biomarker Evaluation in a Multicenter, Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial Protocol
A study testing Electroacupuncture (Hans-100A, Nanjing Jisheng Medical Technology, China) and Pharmacotherapy：① Pregabalin ( Lyrica™ ，Pfizer Inc. America) ② Methylcobalamin ( Mecobalamin tablets， Weicai (China) Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd， China） in people with Postherpetic Neuralgia ( PHN ), run by Dexiong Han at 1 site in China.
Trial summary
The investigators are conducting a clinical study with the following objectives: to evaluate the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture combined with pregabalin in treating Postherpetic Neuralgia(PHN); to investigate the correlation between serum biomarker levels and pain symptoms;and to determine whether serum… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 80 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Postherpetic Neuralgia ( PHN )
- What is being tested?
- Electroacupuncture (Hans-100A, Nanjing Jisheng Medical Technology, China) and Pharmacotherapy：① Pregabalin ( Lyrica™ ，Pfizer Inc. America) ② Methylcobalamin ( Mecobalamin tablets， Weicai (China) Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd， China）
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine, Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 207 participants
- Where
- 1 siteChina
- Study dates
- 1 Jul 2025to Dec 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 20 to 80 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Meet the diagnostic criteria for PHN;
- Age between 20 and 80 years old;
- Voluntarily participate in the trial and sign the informed consent form.
Who cannot join
- Pregnant or lactating women;
- Presence of severe liver or kidney dysfunction, malignant tumors, or other serious diseases;
- Presence of hematologic diseases or coagulation disorders;
- Presence of mental illness or other cognitive impairments, unable to understand or unwilling to cooperate with the study requirements.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
China1 site
The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University
Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310005
Dexiong Han, 86+15306561572, han_0213@163.com
Qintao Yu, 86+17857114233, 3435566202@qq.com
About this study
The investigators are conducting a clinical study with the following objectives: to evaluate the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture combined with pregabalin in treating Postherpetic Neuralgia(PHN); to investigate the correlation between serum biomarker levels and pain symptoms;and to determine whether serum biomarkers can serve as prognostic indicators for PHN.
This study utilizes a randomized controlled trial design with assessor blinding. A total of 207 eligible PHN patients were randomly assigned to three groups in a 1:1:1 ratio: the electroacupuncture group, the pharmacotherapy group, and the sham acupuncture group. Comparative analyses of pain intensity and serum biomarker concentrations were conducted across these groups.
Read more
For the assessment of clinical outcomes, the investigators employed the following measures: the Numerical Rating Scale(NRS), the Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA), the Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD), the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey(SF-36), serum levels of substance P(SP)and Neuropeptide Y(NPY), and inflammatory markers(IL-10,TNF-α). These assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 of treatment.
The investigators anticipate that this clinical trial will enhance our understanding of the therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanisms of acupuncture in managing PHN. It aims to elucidate the relationship between serum biomarkers and the clinical manifestations of PHN, as well as to explore their potential prognostic value in disease outcomes.
- Conditions
- Postherpetic Neuralgia ( PHN )
- Being tested
- Electroacupuncture (Hans-100A, Nanjing Jisheng Medical Technology, China), Pharmacotherapy：① Pregabalin ( Lyrica™ ，Pfizer Inc. America) ② Methylcobalamin ( Mecobalamin tablets， Weicai (China) Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd， China）, Streitberger Placebo Needle Set ( Asiamed )
- Keywords
- acupuncture, Postherpetic Neuralgia, serum biomarkers, serum substance P, Neuropeptide Y
- Medical subject headings
- Neuralgia, Postherpetic
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Electroacupuncture (Hans-100A, Nanjing Jisheng Medical Technology, China)Device
Acupoint prescription: The therapeutic protocol utilized Ashi points (localized to herpetic lesion areas) and Jiaji points (EX-B2, ipsilateral to affected dermatomes).
Acupuncture procedure: For Ashi points, sterile disposable needles (0.25 mm diameter, 40 mm length) were inserted at a 15° angle to a depth of 15-20 mm, without deqi sensation or manual manipulation. For Jiaji points (EX-B2), needles (0.30 mm diameter, 50 mm length) were inserted perpendicularly to a depth of 40-45 mm, with twisting manipulation (90° rotation at 90 cycles/min) until patients felt soreness, numbness, or distension. Electroacupuncture was applied using the Hans-100A device, with dense-disperse wave mode (2/100 Hz) and intensity adjusted to patient tolerance, for 30 minutes.
Pharmacotherapy：① Pregabalin ( Lyrica™ ，Pfizer Inc. America) ② Methylcobalamin ( Mecobalamin tablets， Weicai (China) Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd， China）Drug
Patients received protocol-guided therapy consisting of: ① Pregabalin: Initial dose 75 mg twice daily. Dose may be titrated upward to 150 mg twice daily within one week based on therapeutic response and tolerability. Gradual discontinuation is recommended when clinically appropriate, tapered by 100 mg decrements every 3-7 days. ② Methylcobalamin: 5 mg three times daily.
Streitberger Placebo Needle Set ( Asiamed )Procedure or surgery
The Streitberger needle, a widely reported placebo needle device in acupuncture RCTs, was applied for sham intervention. This telescoping blunt-tip needle achieves non-penetrating placebo stimulation through its retractable design. Its key advantage lies in evoking a skin-penetrating sensation akin to true needling through tissue compression, while avoiding actual dermal perforation to minimize specific therapeutic effects. Following the perception of needle insertion reported by patients, the device is retracted by approximately 1 mm and connected to electroacupuncture apparatus without electrical stimulation activation.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Electroacupuncture group | Experimental | Acupoint prescription: The therapeutic protocol utilized Ashi points (localized to herpetic lesion areas) and Jiaji points (EX-B2, ipsilateral to affected dermatomes).
Acupuncture procedure: For Ashi points, sterile disposable needles (0.25 mm diameter, 40 mm length) were inserted at a 15° angle to a depth of 15-20 mm, without deqi sensation or manual manipulation. For Jiaji points (EX-B2), needles (0.30 mm diameter, 50 mm length) were inserted perpendicularly to a depth of 40-45 mm, with twisting manipulation (90° rotation at 90 cycles/min) until patients felt soreness, numbness, or distension. Electroacupuncture was applied using the Hans-100A device, with dense-disperse wave mode (2/100 Hz) and intensity adjusted to patient tolerance, for 30 minutes.
Pharmacological intervention: Identical to the pharmacotherapy group. Receives: Device: Electroacupuncture (Hans-100A, Nanjing Jisheng Medical Technology, China); Drug: Pharmacotherapy：① Pregabalin ( Lyrica™ ，Pfizer Inc. America) ② Methylcobalamin ( Mecobalamin tablets， Weicai (China) Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd， China） |
| Pharmacotherapy group | Active comparator | In accordance with the Interpretation of the expert consensus on the whole-process management of herpes zoster-associated pain, patients received protocol-guided therapy consisting of: ① Pregabalin: Initial dose 75 mg twice daily. Dose may be titrated upward to 150 mg twice daily within one week based on therapeutic response and tolerability. Gradual discontinuation is recommended when clinically appropriate, tapered by 100 mg decrements every 3-7 days. ② Mecobalamin tablets: 5 mg three times daily. Receives: Drug: Pharmacotherapy：① Pregabalin ( Lyrica™ ，Pfizer Inc. America) ② Methylcobalamin ( Mecobalamin tablets， Weicai (China) Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd， China） |
| Sham acupuncture group | Sham comparator | Acupoint prescription: Identical to the electroacupuncture group. Acupuncture procedure: The Streitberger needle, a widely reported placebo needle device in acupuncture RCTs, was applied for sham intervention. Blinding assessments have predominantly demonstrated successful masking outcomes. This telescoping blunt-tip needle achieves non-penetrating placebo stimulation through its retractable design. Its key advantage lies in evoking a skin-penetrating sensation akin to true needling through tissue compression, while avoiding actual dermal perforation to minimize specific therapeutic effects. Following the perception of needle insertion reported by patients, the device is retracted by approximately 1 mm and connected to electroacupuncture apparatus without electrical stimulation activation.
Pharmacological intervention: Identical to the pharmacotherapy group. Receives: Drug: Pharmacotherapy：① Pregabalin ( Lyrica™ ，Pfizer Inc. America) ② Methylcobalamin ( Mecobalamin tablets， Weicai (China) Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd， China）; Procedure: Streitberger Placebo Needle Set ( Asiamed ) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Assessing the participants' pain intensity by the Numerical Rating Scale
Pain intensity was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), an 11-point scale ranging from 0 ("no pain") to 10 ("intolerable pain"). This validated tool demonstrates rapid clinical utility and robust psychometric properties, including good reliability and validity in pain assessment.
Measured: Assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 of treatment.
Secondary outcomes (8)
The number of pain episodes in the past 24 hours
Daily documentation of pain episodes over 24-hour intervals to characterize symptom fluctuation patterns.
Measured: Assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 of treatment.
Psychological Status Assessment: Hamilton Anxiety Scale 36 ( HAMA )
Hamilton Anxiety Scale36 (HAMA): A 14-item clinician-administered tool evaluating anxiety severity across domains such as anxious mood, tension, and insomnia. Scores ≥14 indicate clinically significant anxiety.
Measured: Assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 of treatment.
Psychological Status Assessment: Hamilton Depression Scale37 (HAMD-21)
Hamilton Depression Scale37 (HAMD-21): A 21-item instrument assessing core depressive symptoms spanning affective, cognitive, and somatic dimensions.
Assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 of treatment.
Measured: Assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 of treatment.
The health-related quality of participants' life is assessed by The Short-Form 36 Health Survey
The Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) quantified health-related quality of life across 8 domains (e.g., physical function, social role). This instrument has been extensively validated in chronic pain research.
Measured: Assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 of treatment.
Neuroregeneration Indicators: Neuropeptide Y (NPY)
Neuropeptide Y (NPY) , a mediator of neuro-immune crosstalk and synaptic remodeling.
Measured: Assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 of treatment.
Neuroregeneration Indicators: Substance P (SP)
Substance P (SP), a tachykinin modulating nociceptive signaling.
Measured: Assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 of treatment.
Inflammatory Markers : TNF-α
TNF-α, a proinflammatory cytokine.
Measured: Assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 of treatment.
Inflammatory Markers : IL-10
IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine.
Measured: Assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 of treatment.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted25 May 2025
- Study start1 Jul 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completionDec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completionDec 2026 (estimated)
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 )Studies 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
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Triple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 207 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Dexiong Han
- Sponsor type
- Other government
- Collaborators
- The Third People's Hospital of Hangzhou, Changxing County Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Dexiong Han, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06990854
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- ZSLL-KY-2025-034
- Status last verified
- Apr 2025
- First submitted
- 9 May 2025
- Last updated
- 9 Jul 2025
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Publications
Yu Q, Wang X, Wu J, Zhang Q, Ying X, Ou L, Hu H, He K, Wu L, Jin Z, Shentu J, Dai H, Ma R, Hu Q, Han D. Efficacy and Safety of Electroacupuncture for Postherpetic Neuralgia and Biomarker Evaluation: A Study Protocol for a Multicenter, Randomized Trial. J Pain Res. 2025 Nov 1;18:5753-5768. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S559309. eCollection 2025.
PubMed 41199896
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 9 Jul 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Electroacupuncture for PHN: Efficacy and Biomarker Evaluation in a Multicenter, Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial Protocol
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06990854
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- ZSLL-KY-2025-034
- Conditions
- Postherpetic Neuralgia ( PHN )
- Keywords
- acupuncture, Postherpetic Neuralgia, serum biomarkers, serum substance P, Neuropeptide Y
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 207 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Dexiong HanOther government
- Collaborators
- The Third People's Hospital of Hangzhou, Changxing County Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital
- Study start
- 1 Jul 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 25 May 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.
The investigators are conducting a clinical study with the following objectives: to evaluate the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture combined with pregabalin in treating Postherpetic Neuralgia(PHN); to investigate the correlation between serum biomarker levels and pain symptoms;and to determine whether serum biomarkers can serve as prognostic indicators for PHN.
This study utilizes a randomized controlled trial design with assessor blinding. A total of 207 eligible PHN patients were randomly assigned to three groups in a 1:1:1 ratio: the electroacupuncture group, the pharmacotherapy group, and the sham acupuncture group. Comparative analyses of pain intensity and serum biomarker concentrations were conducted across these groups.
For the assessment of clinical outcomes, the investigators employed the following measures: the Numerical Rating Scale(NRS), the Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA), the Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD), the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey(SF-36), serum levels of substance P(SP)and Neuropeptide Y(NPY), and inflammatory markers(IL-10,TNF-α). These assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 of treatment.
The investigators anticipate that this clinical trial will enhance our understanding of the therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanisms of acupuncture in managing PHN. It aims to elucidate the relationship between serum biomarkers and the clinical manifestations of PHN, as well as to explore their potential prognostic value in disease outcomes.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Triple blind (participant, investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Electroacupuncture group | Experimental | Device: Electroacupuncture (Hans-100A, Nanjing Jisheng Medical Technology, China), Drug: Pharmacotherapy：① Pregabalin ( Lyrica™ ，Pfizer Inc. America) ② Methylcobalamin ( Mecobalamin tablets， Weicai (China) Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd， China）Acupoint prescription: The therapeutic protocol utilized Ashi points (localized to herpetic lesion areas) and Jiaji points (EX-B2, ipsilateral to affected dermatomes). Acupuncture procedure: For Ashi points, sterile disposable needles (0.25 mm diameter, 40 mm length) were inserted at a 15° angle to a depth of 15-20 mm, without deqi sensation or manual manipulation. For Jiaji points (EX-B2), needles (0.30 mm diameter, 50 mm length) were inserted perpendicularly to a depth of 40-45 mm, with twisting manipulation (90° rotation at 90 cycles/min) until patients felt soreness, numbness, or distension. Electroacupuncture was applied using the Hans-100A device, with dense-disperse wave mode (2/100 Hz) and intensity adjusted to patient tolerance, for 30 minutes. Pharmacological intervention: Identical to the pharmacotherapy group. |
| Pharmacotherapy group | Active comparator | Drug: Pharmacotherapy：① Pregabalin ( Lyrica™ ，Pfizer Inc. America) ② Methylcobalamin ( Mecobalamin tablets， Weicai (China) Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd， China）In accordance with the Interpretation of the expert consensus on the whole-process management of herpes zoster-associated pain, patients received protocol-guided therapy consisting of: ① Pregabalin: Initial dose 75 mg twice daily. Dose may be titrated upward to 150 mg twice daily within one week based on therapeutic response and tolerability. Gradual discontinuation is recommended when clinically appropriate, tapered by 100 mg decrements every 3-7 days. ② Mecobalamin tablets: 5 mg three times daily. |
| Sham acupuncture group | Sham comparator | Drug: Pharmacotherapy：① Pregabalin ( Lyrica™ ，Pfizer Inc. America) ② Methylcobalamin ( Mecobalamin tablets， Weicai (China) Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd， China）, Procedure: Streitberger Placebo Needle Set ( Asiamed )Acupoint prescription: Identical to the electroacupuncture group. Acupuncture procedure: The Streitberger needle, a widely reported placebo needle device in acupuncture RCTs, was applied for sham intervention. Blinding assessments have predominantly demonstrated successful masking outcomes. This telescoping blunt-tip needle achieves non-penetrating placebo stimulation through its retractable design. Its key advantage lies in evoking a skin-penetrating sensation akin to true needling through tissue compression, while avoiding actual dermal perforation to minimize specific therapeutic effects. Following the perception of needle insertion reported by patients, the device is retracted by approximately 1 mm and connected to electroacupuncture apparatus without electrical stimulation activation. Pharmacological intervention: Identical to the pharmacotherapy group. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Meet the diagnostic criteria for PHN;
- Age between 20 and 80 years old;
- Voluntarily participate in the trial and sign the informed consent form.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Pregnant or lactating women;
- Presence of severe liver or kidney dysfunction, malignant tumors, or other serious diseases;
- Presence of hematologic diseases or coagulation disorders;
- Presence of mental illness or other cognitive impairments, unable to understand or unwilling to cooperate with the study requirements.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Electroacupuncture (Hans-100A, Nanjing Jisheng Medical Technology, China)Acupoint prescription: The therapeutic protocol utilized Ashi points (localized to herpetic lesion areas) and Jiaji points (EX-B2, ipsilateral to affected dermatomes). Acupuncture procedure: For Ashi points, sterile disposable needles (0.25 mm diameter, 40 mm length) were inserted at a 15° angle to a depth of 15-20 mm, without deqi sensation or manual manipulation. For Jiaji points (EX-B2), needles (0.30 mm diameter, 50 mm length) were inserted perpendicularly to a depth of 40-45 mm, with twisting manipulation (90° rotation at 90 cycles/min) until patients felt soreness, numbness, or distension. Electroacupuncture was applied using the Hans-100A device, with dense-disperse wave mode (2/100 Hz) and intensity adjusted to patient tolerance, for 30 minutes. | Device | Electroacupuncture group |
| Pharmacotherapy：① Pregabalin ( Lyrica™ ，Pfizer Inc. America) ② Methylcobalamin ( Mecobalamin tablets， Weicai (China) Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd， China）Patients received protocol-guided therapy consisting of: ① Pregabalin: Initial dose 75 mg twice daily. Dose may be titrated upward to 150 mg twice daily within one week based on therapeutic response and tolerability. Gradual discontinuation is recommended when clinically appropriate, tapered by 100 mg decrements every 3-7 days. ② Methylcobalamin: 5 mg three times daily. | Drug | Electroacupuncture group, Pharmacotherapy group, Sham acupuncture group |
| Streitberger Placebo Needle Set ( Asiamed )The Streitberger needle, a widely reported placebo needle device in acupuncture RCTs, was applied for sham intervention. This telescoping blunt-tip needle achieves non-penetrating placebo stimulation through its retractable design. Its key advantage lies in evoking a skin-penetrating sensation akin to true needling through tissue compression, while avoiding actual dermal perforation to minimize specific therapeutic effects. Following the perception of needle insertion reported by patients, the device is retracted by approximately 1 mm and connected to electroacupuncture apparatus without electrical stimulation activation. | Procedure or surgery | Sham acupuncture group |
Primary outcome
Assessing the participants' pain intensity by the Numerical Rating Scale
Time frame: Assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 of treatment.
Pain intensity was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), an 11-point scale ranging from 0 ("no pain") to 10 ("intolerable pain"). This validated tool demonstrates rapid clinical utility and robust psychometric properties, including good reliability and validity in pain assessment.
8 secondary outcomes
The number of pain episodes in the past 24 hours
Time frame: Assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 of treatment.
Psychological Status Assessment: Hamilton Anxiety Scale 36 ( HAMA )
Time frame: Assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 of treatment.
Psychological Status Assessment: Hamilton Depression Scale37 (HAMD-21)
Time frame: Assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 of treatment.
The health-related quality of participants' life is assessed by The Short-Form 36 Health Survey
Time frame: Assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 of treatment.
Neuroregeneration Indicators: Neuropeptide Y (NPY)
Time frame: Assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 of treatment.
Neuroregeneration Indicators: Substance P (SP)
Time frame: Assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 of treatment.
Inflammatory Markers : TNF-α
Time frame: Assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 of treatment.
Inflammatory Markers : IL-10
Time frame: Assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 of treatment.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 9 Jul 2025.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 41199896Yu Q, Wang X, Wu J, Zhang Q, Ying X, Ou L, Hu H, He K, Wu L, Jin Z, Shentu J, Dai H, Ma R, Hu Q, Han D. Efficacy and Safety of Electroacupuncture for Postherpetic Neuralgia and Biomarker Evaluation: A Study Protocol for a Multicenter, Randomized Trial. J Pain Res. 2025 Nov 1;18:5753-5768. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S559309. eCollection 2025.
- 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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Electroacupuncture (Hans-100A, Nanjing Jisheng Medical Technology, China) and Pharmacotherapy：① Pregabalin ( Lyrica™ ，Pfizer Inc. America) ② Methylcobalamin ( Mecobalamin tablets， Weicai (China) Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd， China） in people with Postherpetic Neuralgia ( PHN ), run by Dexiong Han at 1 site in China.
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 3 inclusion and 4 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 9 Jul 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 China. 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. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Dexiong Han (86+15306561572, han_0213@163.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Assessing the participants' pain intensity by the Numerical Rating Scale (time frame: Assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 of treatment.). 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 NCT06990854, 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 9 Jul 2025; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 26 Oct 2026.