DISCUSSION
neuropathic pain, mood disorders, rash, pain, PHN
ADVERSE EVENTS, PHN, PATHOGENESIS, SYNDROME
In this trial, we identify that autologous fat grafting to the paravertebral space of the algogenic segment is a potentially valid method to prevent PHN. Among the eight patients accepted fat grafting, most of them have experienced immediate pain relief after the intervention, while eight of them have a lasting allogenic effect in all follow‐ups. No patients reported PHN in the 3‐month and longer follow‐ups, with a VAS score over 3 points. For other results, we identified that in accordance with the significant allogenic effect, autologous fat grafting also results in significant improvements in the mental state and the quality of life. Besides, for the eight patients with positive treatment response, the duration and consumption of analgesics is significantly reduced. In the assessment of pain thresholds, we identify that fat grafting differentially increases sensation and pain threshold in HZ area and healthy skin of patients. No serious adverse events occurred.Autologous fat grafting for HZ is a new clinical use for this proven technique, yet evidence is confined. Previously, Sollie et al. (At present, the pathogenesis of PHN is not completely understood. The principle of treatment is a long‐term control of pain syndrome, relief of accompanied sleep and mood disorders, as well as improvement of life quality (Schlereth et al., The main theory for fat grafting to treat neuropathic pain is that the harvested fat tissue contains abundant of adipose tissue‐derived stem cells (ADSC), growth factors and anti‐inflammatory molecules, which accelerate the repairing damaged nerves, and further reliefs pain syndrome (Dehdashtian et al., By review of literatures, we further proposed that the paravertebral space might be a better target location, as grafting fat directly affects the dorsal root ganglion. In animal studies, Shu‐Hung et al. (Several limitations should be mentioned. First, the small sample size and a single‐armed design limits the interpretation of our results. Besides, we only investigate this treatment for HZ patients with a rash in chest and back, application of fat grafting intrathecally or to the peripheral nerve may also works. What is more, in this pilot trail, all participants are female, which may limit the explanation of our conclusions. In the further randomized control study, more patients with both genders will be included to test the safety as well as the effectiveness of this novel treatment for PHN.