Subcutaneous Injection of Botulinum Toxin-A in Postherpetic Neuralgia During Pregnancy

Sir, Herpes zoster during pregnancy is rare. The incidence is seen in approximately 1/20,000 pregnancies.[1] The treatment modalities include antiepileptic drugs, antidepressants, and various surgical interventions.[2] Acyclovir during acute phase of herpetic eruptions reduces the risk of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) but its use in nonlife-threatening infections or for suppressing therapy during pregnancy is not recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Local administration of botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A) is tried with variable success in PHN.[3] We administered fixed doses (500 units of Dysport) of BTX-A in two pregnant women with PHN.[4] The results were analyzed and found to be satisfactory.