Serial stellate ganglion blocks for intractable postherpetic itching in a pediatric patient: a case report.
BACKGROUND
While intractable itching may be rarely associated with postherpetic neuralgia, it can have catastrophic complications if present.


METHODS
We highlight a severe case of postherpetic itching in a 10-year-old male with Fanconi's and aplastic anemia, refractory to conventional treatments and requiring intravenous sedation.


RESULTS
Our use of 3 sequential stellate ganglion blocks with 5.5 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine provided significant improvement of the symptoms for 4 months after the last procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
Although further evaluation is needed, we feel that novel use of sympathetic blockade may provide treatment for intractable itching. Highlighted is the possible influence of the sympathetic system in the pathophysiology of postherpetic itch.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of serial stellate ganglion blocks may be a treatment option for patients with intractable itching and postherpertic neuralgia of the neck and arm region. This technique may lead to more permanent solutions such as pulse radiofrequency lesion or chemical neurolysis of sympathetic ganglions for postherpetic itch.
Peterson
Ryan C
RC
Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
Patel
Lisa
L
Cubert
Kenneth
K
Gulati
Amitabh
A
D000344:Afferent Pathways / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000821:virology; D001340:Autonomic Nerve Block / Q000379:methods*; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D002481:Cellulitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D005199:Fanconi Anemia / Q000601:surgery; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host / Q000276:immunology; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D051474:Neuralgia, Postherpetic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D009894:Opportunistic Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000821:virology; D010148:Intractable Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011537:Pruritus / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012536:Scalp Dermatoses / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012652:Self Mutilation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011984:Sensory Receptor Cells / Q000502:physiology / Q000821:virology; D012867:Skin / Q000294:innervation / Q000503:physiopathology; D013233:Stellate Ganglion / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D008012:Lidocaine