A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of oral acyclovir in postherpetic neuralgia.
Twenty-one patients with postherpetic neuralgia of two- to 84-months duration participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of oral acyclovir. Pain perception was assessed with the Melzack Pain Questionnaire at baseline and at two-to six-week intervals during the ensuing six months. Clinically significant pain reduction occurred in eight patients: four received acyclovir, and four received a placebo. Several treatment strategies have been advocated for relief of postherpetic neuralgia. Results of the present study demonstrate the need for a double-blind, placebo-controlled paradigm to substantiate the efficacy of new clinical approaches. The same caveat applies to the more common syndromes encountered in psychiatric practice.
Surman
O S
OS
Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.
Flynn
T
T
Schooley
R T
RT
Baer
L
L
Parker
S
S
Hirsch
M S
MS
Davis
L G
LG
D000212:Acyclovir / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010147:Pain Measurement
D000212:Acyclovir