Insights & Discussion
Traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture, can provide superior pain relief and faster recovery for HIV-related Herpes Zoster compared to regular drugs.
The review began by searching nine electronic databases for randomized controlled trials focused on the use of traditional Chinese medicine in treating HIV-associated Herpes Zoster. Two independent authors extracted data on interventions and outcomes, and the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to evaluate the quality of the trials. Meta-analyses were subsequently performed using specific software.
Results of the review showed that in general, the use of Chinese herbal medicine resulted in lower pain intensity and shorter herpes-related pain duration. Additionally, patients treated with this type of medicine and combined treatments recorded lower incidences of postherpetic neuralgia. The cure rate, defined as the complete absence of pain and herpes, also significantly improved with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, compared to regular drugs. Notably, four trials reported on side effects, and no severe adverse events were mentioned.
Discover Related Insights
Long Dan Xie Gan formula used as an adjuvant therapy may hasten skin healing, relieve pain symptoms, and prevent persistent pain in acute herpes zoster patients.
2022 Dermatologic Therapy Longdan Xiegan formula as adjuvant therapy for acute herpes zoster: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials Zhang L, Duan A, Li Y, Feng J
Systematic Review Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Shingles
For the methodology, multiple databases such as PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, and Wanfang were searched by two independent authors for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCT) until July 31, 2021. The chosen studies analysed the additive effects of LDXG formula, in different forms such as decoction, capsule, or pill, for acute herpes zoster management. Nine RCTs fitting the criteria were selected, totaling 821 patients for the meta-analysis.
Concerning the results, statistical analysis using a random effect model revealed that adding LDXG formula to conventional therapy noticeably shortened the time of blister resolution, crust formation, and pain resolution. It also reduced the pain intensity and incidence of lingering pain for those with acute herpes zoster in comparison to conventional treatment alone. Yet, this evidence was assessed as being of very low to moderate certainty, indicating interpretation of these results should be cautious due to statistical heterogeneity and/or an unclear risk of bias existing.
Acupuncture treatment offers significant benefits for herpes zoster patients, including reduced pain intensity and faster healing times.
2021 Complementary Medicine Research Efficacy of Acupuncture for Herpes Zoster: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Cui Y, Wang F, Li H, Zhang X, Zhao X, Wang D
Systematic Review Shingles
The methodologies of this study entailed screening five databases for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that were published up to August 2019. These studies had to examine the effectiveness of acupuncture as a standalone treatment for herpes zoster. Key outcomes assessed included pain intensity, crust formation time, crust shedding time, and the occurrence of post-herpetic neuralgia.
In the study's results, there was considerable impact noted from acupuncture treatment on the herpes zoster patients. When compared to antiviral therapy, it was found that acupuncture led to less pain, quicker formation and shedding of crusts, and a lower incidence of post-herpetic neuralgia. A meta-regression analysis identified that the sample size and treatment duration were significant sources of variation in the results. Despite some variation in the decrustation time data, a sensitivity analysis indicated that the general outcomes were stable and reliable.
Long Dan Xie Gan Decoction combined with valacyclovir appears to enhance the treatment of herpes zoster, improving pain intensity, and crust formation time.
2021 Journal of Clinical Images and Medical Case Reports Efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine longdanxiegan decoction combined with val-acyclovir in herpes zoster: A systematic review and mate-analysis Wang X, , Wu L, Hou Y, Ding S, Wang S, et al.
Systematic Review Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Shingles
For this systematic review, a comprehensive search was conducted in bibliographic databases - PubMed, Chinese Scientific Journals Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wan-fang Database until the 6th of April, 2021. The main focus was on Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) that looked at herpes zoster treatments involving the combined use of Longdanxiegan Decoction (LDXGD) and valacyclovir. The quality of these studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and a meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4.1 software.
The analysis incorporated five studies with a total of 414 participants. The methodological quality of these studies ranged from low to moderate. The combined use of LDXGD and valacyclovir showed relative benefits in efficacy rates compared to the use of valacyclovir alone. This was reflected in the lower pain intensity noted by a visual analogue scale, decreased incidence of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), and shorter time frame to crust formation. However, the safety profile for the combined treatment of LDXGD and valacyclovir remains unclear.
Acupuncture shows potential in reducing pain intensity, alleviating anxiety, and improving quality of life for patients suffering from postherpetic neuralgia.
2019 Journal of Pain Research Is acupuncture an effective postherpetic neuralgia treatment? A systematic review and meta-analysis Pei, W., Zeng, J., Lu, L., et al.
Systematic Review Postherpetic Neuralgia Shingles Skin Conditions
Methodology: To understand the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating postherpetic neuralgia, six different databases were examined for randomized controlled trials. The data from these studies was extracted and further assessed for quality. A meta-analysis was conducted on a selection of these studies using the software RevMan 5.3. Additionally, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation system contributed towards evaluating the overall quality of the evidence presented in these studies.
Discussion: The research establishes that acupuncture has a positive effect on postherpetic neuralgia, such as lowering the intensity of pain experienced and reducing the scores on the Hamilton Anxiety Scale. Other forms of intervention like electroacupuncture, fire needle, and bloodletting and cupping also proved effective in relieving pain. The results also indicate an enhanced quality of life for those individuals who used acupuncture. The quality of evidence that supports the use of acupuncture for this type of pain was judged to be moderate.