Efficacy of lumbar sympathetic ganglion pulsed radiofrequency in treatment of diabetic neuropathic pain

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of lumbar sympathetic ganglion pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) in treatment of diabetic neuropathic pain. Methods Forty-eight patients of both sexes with diabetic neuropathic pain, aged 45-75 yr, with the course of disease 4-7 yr, were divided into 2 groups (n=24 each) using a random number table method: control group (C group) and PRF group (P group). Group C was treated with conventional drugs.Bilateral lumbar sympathetic ganglion PRF was performed on the basis of conventional drug therapy in group P. The serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The visual analogue scale score was recorded before treatment and at 1, 2 and 4 weeks of treatment.The degree of efficacy was recorded at 4 weeks of treatment, and the total effective rate was calculated. Results Compared with group C, the visual analogue scale score and serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 were significantly decreased, and the total effective rate and degree of curative efficacy were increased in group P (P<0.05). No pulsed radiofrequency-related complications or drugs-related adverse reactions were found in two groups. Conclusion Lumbar sympathetic ganglion PRF can effectively relieve diabetic neuropathic pain in the patients. Key words: Ganglia, sympathetic; Pulsed radiofrequency treatment; Diabetic neuropathies