Postherpetic neuralgia and systemic corticosteroid therapy. Efficacy and safety

• Published in: International journal of dermatology Vol. 29; no. 7; p. 523
• Main Author: Lycka, B A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.09.1990
• Subjects: Acute Disease; Adrenal Cortex Hormones - adverse effects; Adrenal Cortex Hormones - therapeutic use; Herpes Zoster - physiopathology; Humans; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Neuralgia - drug therapy
• ISSN: 0011-9059
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-4362.1990.tb04852.x

Corticosteroids are frequently advocated for use in prevention of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), although their use is replete with controversy. The present study is a meta-analysis of the four well-controlled clinical studies conducted on this issue. The results indicated there is a statistically significant decrease in proportions affected at 6 and 12 weeks. Standard difference scores were -2.0559 and -4.1442, respectively, and 95% confidence intervals were -3.98% to -31.80% and -14.16% to -43.84%, respectively. At 24 weeks, no differences were detectable between placebo- and corticosteroid-treated groups (SD = 0.6603, p greater than 0.05, 95% confidence intervals of -6.78% to 24.67%). Side effects of treatment were rare and mild, affecting only 2.5% of patients treated with corticosteroids. No patients had dissemination of disease. Systemic corticosteroid treatment decreases the proportion of patients affected by PHN, especially when it is defined as pain occurring at 6 or 12 weeks after the acute event.