RT Journal
A1 Zhou M, Zhou D, He L
T1 POstherpetic neuralgia in herpes zoster
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 2009
FD November 4
VO 302
IS 17
SP 1862
OP 1863
DO 10.1001/jama.2009.1580
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.2009.1580
AB 
In addition, Whitley stated that “[p]revention of PHN is a major concern because antiviral drugs alone do not reliably prevent this complication.” Although the results of randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses showing that antiviral drugs reduce the risk of developing PHN can be challenged, the overall findings support the use of antiviral therapy for herpes zoster to reduce the duration or incidence of prolonged pain.3 Cut points used to define PHN have ranged from 1 to 6 months after onset of zoster2,4; using a definition of PHN as pain present for more than 30 days after the onset of rash caused by herpes zoster, our review2 indicates that antiviral drugs significantly reduce the incidence of PHN. We also note that recent evidence-based recommendations for the management of patients with herpes zoster recommend using antiviral therapy to decrease the incidence of PHN.3