Characterization of patients with postherpetic neuralgia

Introduction: The aim of this study was the characterization of the primary afferent functions with quantitative sensory testing (QST) and histamine iontophoresis in patients with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), and their correlation to anxiety, depression, pain quality and quality of life. Material and Methods: QST was performed in 38 patients with PHN (age 72±1 years) to determine thermal and mechanical detection- and pain thresholds. Histamine was applied by iontophoresis to elicit a flare reaction. The size of this flare was quantified. Anxiety and depression were evaluated with HADS, quality of life with SF-3…