Efficacy and safety of ozone autohemotherapy for zoster-associated pain: a meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis
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By
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Chunmei Wu
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Zehao Liu
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Yixin Zhang
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Yangyang Li
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Funing Liu
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Yong Chen
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Xiaojuan Liu
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An Yang
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Huide Wang
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Qing Zhong
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June 3, 2026
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Objective:
To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of ozone autohemotherapy (O₃-AHT) in the treatment of zoster-associated pain (ZAP).
Key Findings:
- O₃-AHT significantly reduced patient self-reported pain scores (SMD = −1.77, 95% CI: −2.16 to −1.37, p < 0.01).
- Improved effective rate of pain relief (RR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.33, p < 0.01).
- Decreased inflammatory factor levels (e.g., IL-6: SMD = −1.84, 95% CI: −2.60 to −1.07, p < 0.01).
- Improved quality of life scores (MD = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.45 to 1.04, p < 0.01).
- No significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between groups (RR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.46 to 1.28, p = 0.31).
Interpretation:
Remove unsupported claims about effectiveness and mechanisms.
Limitations:
- Substantial heterogeneity existed among studies (I2 often > 50%).
- GRADE evidence quality rating was very low to moderate, limited by risk of bias and heterogeneity.
Conclusion:
Rephrase to avoid implying effectiveness without direct attribution.
