Objective

2

To compare the clinical efficacy between the combined therapy of fire needling and cupping

and western medication on herpes zoster of acute stage

as well as the effects on Th17 and Treg cells and inflammatory factors

i.e. IL-10 and IL-17 in the peripheral blood.

Methods

2

Eighty patients with herpes zoster of acute stage were randomly divided into a combined therapy (fire needling plus cupping) group and a western medication group

40 cases in each one. In the combined therapy group

the pricking and scattering techniques with fire needle were used at

ashi

points and Jiaji (EX-B 2) corresponding to the affecte

d spinal segments; afterwards

cupping therapy was delivered. The combined treatment was given once daily. In the western medication group

valaciclovir hydrochloride tablet and vitamin B

1

tablet were administered orally. The duration of treatment in each group was 10 days. Before each treatment from day 1 to day 10 and on day 11

the score of symptoms and physical signs was observed in the two groups separately. Before each treatment from day 1 to day 10 and on day 11

30

60

the score of visual analogue scale (VAS) and skin lesion indexes were observed in the two groups. On day 60

the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia was recorded in the two groups. The levels of Th17 and Treg cells

Th17/Treg ratio in the peripheral blood

as well as serum levels of IL-10 and IL-17 were detected before and after treatment in the two groups. The clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups.

Results

2

From day 6 to day 10 during treatment and on day 11

the scores of symptoms and physical signs in the combined therapy group were lower than those of the western medication group (

P

<

0.05

P

<

0.01). On day 3

day 6 to day 10 during treatment and day 11

day 30

VAS scores in the combined therapy group were lower than those of the western medication group (

P

<

0.05

P

<

0.01). On day 60

the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia in the combined therapy group was lower compared with that in the western medication group (

P

<

0.05). The blister arresting time and scabbing time in the combined therapy group were shorter than those of the western medication group (

P<

0.05). After treatment

the level of Th17

and Th17/Treg ratio in the peripheral blood

as well as the serum levels of IL-10 and IL-17 were all lower in comparison with those in the western medication group (

P

<

0.05). The curative and remarkably effective rate was 82.5% (33/40) in the combined th

erapy group

higher than 62.5% (25/40) in the western medication group (

P

<

0.05).

Conclusion

2

The early application of fire needling combined with cupping therapy can effectively treat herpes zoster of acute stage

relieve pain

and reduce the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia

which may be related to reducing the levels of Th17 and Treg cells

and Th17/Treg ratio in the peripheral blood

as well as the serum levels of IL-10 and IL-17 so that the cellular immune balance is modulated.