Research Article
Construction and Preliminary Validation of the Chinese Assessment Scale for Zoster-associated Pain Based on the Delphi Method
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-14
Received:
28 October 2025
Accepted:
24 November 2025
Published:
4 February 2026
Abstract: This study aimed to develop and preliminarily validate a Chinese assessment scale for zoster-associated pain (ZAP) based on the Delphi method. A descriptive study was conducted. An initial item pool was developed based on domestic and international guidelines, expert consensus, and professional discussions related to ZAP. The Delphi method was employed in September 2023 to screen and revise the items, forming a preliminary version of the scale. From October 5, 2023, to January 31, 2024, a total of 209 patients with ZAP treated at the Department of Pain Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, were surveyed using this scale. Items were excluded using several criteria: standard deviation < 0.7 or coefficient of variation < 0.15 (dispersion trend method), correlation coefficient < 0.2 or non-significant differences (P > 0.05) (correlation analysis), non-significant differences (P > 0.05) (critical ratio method), and factor loadings < 0.4 or cross-loadings > 0.4 on multiple factors (exploratory factor analysis). Reliability was evaluated using internal consistency (Cronbach’s α), and validity was assessed through content and construct validity. Two rounds of Delphi expert consultation were conducted, involving 15 clinical pain specialists. A preliminary 16-item scale was developed based on threshold screening criteria. The response rate for both Delphi rounds was 100%, and the authority coefficients of experts were all > 0.7. Cronbach's α coefficients were 0.847 and 0.909 for the first and second rounds, respectively. Kendall’s W coefficients were 0.259 (χ² = 108.814, P < 0.001) and 0.291 (χ² = 74.130, P < 0.001) across the two rounds. Following item analysis of the 209 patient responses, 15 items were retained. The content validity of the scale was judged to be satisfactory by pain specialists. After further validity testing, 11 items were finally retained. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) value was 0.837, and Bartlett’s test of sphericity was significant (P < 0.001). Exploratory factor analysis extracted three common factors, accounting for a cumulative variance contribution of 64.791%. The final Cronbach’s α coefficient was 0.808. The developed Chinese version of the ZAP assessment scale consists of 11 items across three dimensions, demonstrating good reliability, validity, and applicability.
Abstract: This study aimed to develop and preliminarily validate a Chinese assessment scale for zoster-associated pain (ZAP) based on the Delphi method. A descriptive study was conducted. An initial item pool was developed based on domestic and international guidelines, expert consensus, and professional discussions related to ZAP. The Delphi method was empl...
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Research Article
Chinese Expert Consensus on Celiac Plexus Block and Neurolysis for Upper Abdominal Pain (2026)
Xiaowen Wang*,
Huacheng Zhou,
Wenjian Xu,
Xiaohui Liu,
Jiaxiang Ni,
Guanglun Xie,
Changsheng Ma,
Senlin Hou,
Zhaoxia Xue,
Dong Yang,
Xiaoqiu Yang,
Tao Song,
Tao Sun,
Lingjie Xia,
Ruilin He,
Ke Ma,
Lijuan Lu,
Yongjin He,
Li Wan,
Guangzhao Liu
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
15-30
Received:
13 January 2026
Accepted:
2 February 2026
Published:
20 February 2026
Abstract: Celiac plexus block and neurolysis (CPB/N) is an effective interventional technique for treating chronic upper abdominal pain. Currently, there are various CPB/N techniques, and there is an urgent need to develop an expert consensus to enable clinicians to correctly implement the CPB/N technique, improve efficacy, and reduce complications. A total of 20 medical experts were invited to participate in the writing of this expert consensus, including pain physicians, interventional radiologists, gastroenterologists/endoscopists, and anatomy professors. All experts are from Class A tertiary hospitals affiliated of medical universities in parts of China. Except for the anatomy professors, all experts are engaged in the clinical practice of CPB/N surgery and are familiar with indications, surgical procedures, and complication management. Chinese and English literatures related to CPB/N from January 2008 to October 2025 were retrieved to evaluate the recommendation levels. Each expert made multiple revisions to the initial draft of the expert consensus and voted on the classification levels with significant disagreements. This expert consensus reviews the anatomical characteristics of the celiac plexus, summarizes the indications and contraindications for the clinical implementation of CPB/N, describes in detail the technical methods of CPB/N via different approaches, expounds on the drugs and dosages for CPB and CPN, and depicts the clinical manifestations, management, and prevention of complications. Based on the current domestic practice of CPB/N and literature reports, the recommended grades for CPB/N are proposed. We recommend the posterior retrocrural/antecrural approach under CT guidance and EUS-guided CPB/N technique due to their high success rate and low risk. We do not recommend the approach with potential iatrogenic risks, such as transarterial puncture. The incidence of CPB/N complications is very low, and some complications are temporary. Performing CPB/N under imaging guidance can prevent the occurrence of serious complications such as nerve injury and bleeding.
Abstract: Celiac plexus block and neurolysis (CPB/N) is an effective interventional technique for treating chronic upper abdominal pain. Currently, there are various CPB/N techniques, and there is an urgent need to develop an expert consensus to enable clinicians to correctly implement the CPB/N technique, improve efficacy, and reduce complications. A total ...
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,
Chengjiang Liu
