Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) and viral keratouveitis – unraveling the mystery

To demonstrate viral proteins/inflammatory cytokines in a patient with unilateral keratouveitis. Retrospective case report. A 70-year-old Asian-Indian male presented with acute onset of blurring of vision in the left eye (OS) of 2 days duration. He had was coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-positive 3 months earlier. He had undergone cataract surgery/retinal laser photocoagulation in both the eyes. The corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) (Snellen) in the right eye (RE) (OD) and left eye (LE) (OS) was 20/20 and 20/80, respectively. OS showed decreased corneal sensation, Descemet’s folds, mild stromal edema, and fine and pigmented keratic precipitates with anterior chamber 1+ flare and 1+ cells. Fundus evaluation showed scattered laser marks in the OD and temporal sectoral laser marks in OS. He was diagnosed with viral keratouveitis in OS. Tear samples were collected on Schirmer’s strips and tear wash for mass spectrometry and cytokines, which had 368 and 451 viral proteins in the RE and LE, respectively, using nano liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, which were more than controls. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and varicella zoster virus proteins were detected. Cytokine analysis using flow cytometer analysis showed higher inflammation in OS as compared to OD. The patient was treated with oral acyclovir and topical steroids and resulted in resolution of his keratouveitis. SARS-CoV-2 proteins were present in the tear sample 3 months after COVID-19. The presence of viral proteins does not indicate causality

Rehabilitación protésica en defecto ocular provocado por herpes zóster

El herpes zóster es el cuadro clínico constituido por las manifestaciones dermatológicas (erupción vesiculosa) y neurológica (dolor). Es la expresión de la recurrencia del virus varicela-zóster latente en los ganglios sensitivos, su aparición se favorece por el envejecimiento y la inmunosupresión con una prevalencia que se estima en un 20 %. Se describe los pasos clínicos para la confección de una prótesis ocular en el mejoramiento estético a un paciente con defecto ocular en ojo izquierdo provocado por herpes zoster. Se trata de un paciente masculino de piel blanca de 50 años de edad, que acudió a la consulta de prótesis del Policlínico Universitario Julio Antonio Mella de la provincia Camagüey remitido del Servicio de Oculoplastia del Hospital Universitario Manuel Ascunce Domenech con diagnóstico de defecto ocular izquierdo por evisceración como consecuencias de infección por herpes zoster y antecedente de inmunodepresión. El paciente expuso que la pérdida ocular fue por las complicaciones que se fueron sucediendo en la medida que se agravó su cuadro clínico. Además, refirió que presentaba dolor en la zona y que le irradiaba a la cabeza y que le preocupaba su estética. Se determinó la elaboración de una prótesis ocular acrílica para mejorar el aspecto estético, lo cual permitió que el paciente mejorara su autoestima y calidad de vida.

Herpes zoster is the clinical picture constituted by dermatological (vesicular rash) and neurological (pain) manifestations. It is the expression of the recurrence of the latent varicella-zoster virus in the sensitive ganglia, its appearance is favored by aging and immunosuppression with a prevalence estimated at 20%. We describe the clinical steps for the fabrication of an ocular prosthesis for the aesthetic improvement of a patient with ocular defect in the left eye caused by herpes zoster. This is a 50-year-old male patient with white skin, who came to the prosthesis consultation of the Julio Antonio Mella University Polyclinic in Camagüey province, referred from the Oculoplasty Service of the Manuel Ascunce Domenech University Hospital with a diagnosis of left ocular defect due to evisceration as a consequence of herpes zoster infection and a history of immunosuppression. The patient explained that the ocular loss was due to the complications that occurred as his clinical condition worsened. In addition, he reported that he had pain in the area that radiated to the head and that he was concerned about his esthetics. It was decided to make an acrylic ocular prosthesis to improve the esthetic aspect, which allowed the patient to improve his self-esteem and quality of life.

Pole-to-pole involvement of varicella zoster virus reactivation following COVID-19 vaccination

The aim of this study is to report the clinical features, imaging findings including confocal imaging, corneal nerve fiber analysis, and management outcomes in a series of three cases of varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation following one dose of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. This was a retrospective and observational study. All the patients who developed uveitis post-vaccination were pooled together. Patients who had VZV reactivation were included. Two cases had polymerase chain reaction positive for VZV from aqueous humor. At the time of presentation, IgG and IgM spike protein antibodies for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) were tested. Out of this pool, three patients with classical features to describe pole-to-pole manifestations were chosen. A 36-year-old lady with post-vaccination sclerokeratouveitis associated with reactivation of herpes zoster ophthalmicus, a 56-year-old lady with post-vaccination acute anterior uveitis associated with herpes zoster ophthalmicus, and a 43-year-old gentleman with post-vaccination acute retinal necrosis were included. We present a possible link between anti-SARS-CoV-2 virus vaccination and varicella zoster reactivation in these patients and also describe the clinical features, imaging findings including confocal imaging, corneal nerve fiber analysis, and management with detailed discussion.

Serum interleukin-6 levels are increased in post-herpetic neuralgia: a single-center retrospective study

Abstract Background: Studies have shown that the overall incidence rate of herpeszoster (HZ) in China is 6.64 cases per 1000 people, despite such harms brought by postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), the mechanism of the disease remains unclear in China. Currently, effective biomarkers to predict PHN remain unavailable, which makes it difficult to prevent and successfully treat PHN. Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the serum interleukin-6 level in PHN. Methods: The serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) were measured by multi-antibody sandwich ELISA. The likert scale was used to represent the degree of neuralgia in the patients. Patients with PHN were divided into a mild PHN group and a severe PHN group according to the Likert scale. ROC curve was performed for evaluating the diagnostic efficiency of IL6 for PHN. The correlation between the IL6 level and the Likert scale before and after treatment with gabapentin and mecobalamin was analyzed. Results: IL6 levels in PHN patients resulted higher compared to volunteers. Patients in the severe PHN group had a higher serum IL6 level than in the mild PHN group. The Likert scale score was related to the serum IL6 levels and the frequency of IL6 levels above the cutoff value (4.95pg/mL) in PNH groups before and after treatment (p<0.05). Study limitations: Pain is subjective. Some mental states, such as anxiety and depression, greatly influence an individual's perception of pain, and pain tolerance can vary between people. Therefore, pain scores can be affected by different individual factors. Conclusions: The serum IL6 levels may be used as a biochemical indicator of the severity of PNH.

Zoster sine herpete después de infección leve por SARS-CoV-2 / Zoster sine herpete after mild SARS-CoV-2 infection

El SARS-CoV-2 es un virus de afectación sistémica que impacta con gran intensidad en el sistema inmunológico; esto permite que virus de naturaleza latente, como el virus de Varicela Zoster (VVZ), tengan oportunidad de reactivarse y agravar el cuadro respiratorio con afectaciones cutáneas, mucosas y neurológicas. Se presenta un caso de Zoster sine herpete, durante la convalecencia del SARS-CoV-2, en un paciente masculino de 43 años, que acudió a consulta por dolor precordial de gran intensidad, sensación de escozor en tórax posterior y dificultad respiratoria; 10 días después de prueba de hisopado nasofaríngeo positiva para antígeno de SARS-CoV-2. Es importante no olvidar la probabilidad de presentaciones atípicas de virus latentes con el fin de realizar un diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno a los pacientes.

SARS-CoV-2 is a systemic virus that has a strong impact on the immune system; this allows latent viruses, such as varicella-zoster virus (VZV), to reactivate and aggravate the respiratory symptoms with cutaneous, mucosal and neurological involvement. We present a case of Zoster sine herpete, during convalescence from SARS-CoV-2, in a 43-year-old male patient who presented with severe precordial pain, stinging sensation in the posterior thorax and respiratory distress; 10 days after a positive nasopharyngeal swab test for SARS-CoV-2 antigen. It is important not to forget the probability of atypical presentations of latent viruses to make a timely diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Vacunación contra el herpes zóster en Argentina / Vaccination against herpes zoster in Argentina

Durante los últimos meses, quienes trabajamos en Argentina en el ámbito de la atención primaria como médicos de cabecera hemos recibido muchas consultas de pacientes solicitando nuestra opinión sobre una vacuna que no está actualmente incluida en el Calendario Nacional de Vacunación y que además estaba fuera de nuestra agenda: la vacuna contra el herpes zóster. Este artículo editorial pretende ayudar a los equipos de salud a realizar con sus pacientes un proceso de toma de decisiones compartidas en las consultas acerca de esta nueva vacuna. (AU)

During the last few months, those of us who work in Argentina in the field of primary care as general practitioners have received many inquiries from patients requesting our opinion about a vaccine that is not currently included in the National Vaccination Schedule and that, in addition, was off our scope: the herpes zoster vaccine. This editorial article aims to help our health teams carry out a shared decision-making process with their patients regarding this new vaccine. (AU)

Continuous hemicrania as the initial manifestation of Ramsay Hunt syndrome: a case report / Hemicrania contínua como manifestação inicial da síndrome de Ramsay Hunt: relato de caso

Introduction:Ramsay-Hunt syndrome, also called otic zoster, is a rare complication of herpes zoster. The syndrome is characterized by peripheral facial nerve palsy and an erythematous vesicular eruption in the ear or mouth. Preceding the appearance of the vesicles, unilateral otalgia or neck pain may occur more commonly. However, persistent hemicrania is infrequent in the preeruptive phase. Objective:To present an atypical case of Ramsay Hunt syndrome with continuous unilateral headache preceding the onset of other symptoms and signs of the syndrome. Case report:Report of a 69-year-old woman who presented subacute onset of moderate to severe left hemicrania with no autonomic signs. Eight days after the start and continuous headache maintenance, she presented with peripheral facial paralysis. After four days, she noticed the presence of vesicles in the left ear and odynophagia. She developed nausea with several episodes of vomiting and severe imbalance that made it impossible for her to walk unassisted. On physical examination, she presented vesicles in the left ear and oropharynx, left peripheral facial palsy (House Brackmann grade IV), left hypoacusis, nystagmus, and vestibular gait. Diagnostic tests for screening several metabolic diseases and diagnosis of infection (including HIV) were unremarkable. Brain computed tomography and cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed no abnormalities. Conclusion:Ramsay-Hunt syndrome mainly involves the facial and vestibulocochlear nerves, causing peripheral facial palsy, otalgia, hypoacusis, and, less frequently, imbalance. Although pain is a frequent manifestation of the preeruptive phase of RHS, unilateral headache is not common in this scenario. On the other hand, it is a prevalent complaint in the emergency department and has several different etiologies. Hence, diagnosing RHS when patients present exclusively unilateral headaches is challenging for clinicians. Physicians must consider RHS a vital differential diagnosis of sided-locked headaches, avoiding diagnostic errors and treatment delays.

Introdução: A síndrome de Ramsay-Hunt, também chamada de ótico-zóster, é uma complicação rara do herpes-zóster. A síndrome é caracterizada por paralisia do nervo facial periférico e erupção vesicular eritematosa no ouvido ou na boca. Precedendo o aparecimento das vesículas, pode ocorrer mais comumente otalgia unilateral ou dor cervical. No entanto, a hemicrania persistente é pouco frequente na fase pré-eruptiva. Objetivo: Apresentar um caso atípico de síndrome de Ramsay Hunt com cefaleia unilateral contínua precedendo o aparecimento de outros sintomas e sinais da síndrome. Relato de caso: Relato de uma mulher de 69 anos que apresentou hemicrania esquerda de início subagudo, moderada a grave, sem sinais autonômicos. Oito dias após o início e manutenção contínua da cefaleia, apresentou paralisia facial periférica. Após quatro dias, notou presença de vesículas em orelha esquerda e odinofagia. Ela desenvolveu náuseas com vários episódios de vômitos e desequilíbrio grave que a impossibilitou de andar sem ajuda. Ao exame físico apresentava vesículas em orelha esquerda e orofaringe, paralisia facial periférica esquerda (grau IV de House Brackmann), hipoacusia esquerda, nistagmo e marcha vestibular. Os testes de diagnóstico para rastreio de diversas doenças metabólicas e diagnóstico de infeções (incluindo VIH) não apresentaram resultados dignos de nota. A tomografia computadorizada de cérebro e a análise do líquido cefalorraquidiano não mostraram alterações. Conclusão: A síndrome de Ramsay-Hunt envolve principalmente os nervos facial e vestibulococlear, causando paralisia facial periférica, otalgia, hipoacusia e, menos frequentemente, desequilíbrio. Embora a dor seja uma manifestação frequente da fase pré-eruptiva da SHI, a cefaleia unilateral não é comum neste cenário. Por outro lado, é uma queixa prevalente no serviço de urgência e tem diversas etiologias. Portanto, diagnosticar SHI quando os pacientes apresentam dores de cabeça exclusivamente unilaterais é um desafio para os médicos. Os médicos devem considerar a SHI um diagnóstico diferencial vital de cefaleias laterais, evitando erros de diagnóstico e atrasos no tratamento.

Manifestação atípica do herpes zóster em boca: relato de caso / Atypical manifestation of herpes zoster in the mouth: case report / Manifestación atípica de herpes zoster en boca: reporte de caso

O herpes-zóster é uma infecção viral causada pela reativação do vírus da varicela-zóster (VZV) sendo os ramos do nervo trigêmeo afetados em até 20% dos casos. Apresenta-se comumente com dor em queimação e caracteristicamente, o zoster se manifesta como uma erupção vesicular unilateral que aparece na face, cabeça, tronco e até mesmo nas extremidades, variando de lesão leve e de rápida cicatrização à lesões graves e extensas com duração de semanas. Embora se reconheça que o zoster pode ocorrer sem exantema, classicamente apresenta-se como dermátomo unilateral, doloroso e/ou pruriginoso. A terapia fotodinâmica antimicrobiana (aPDT) tem sido indicada como uma modalidade promissora no tratamento de potenciais lesões infecciosas. Neste trabalho será relatado o caso clínico de um paciente diagnosticado com herpes zóster com manifestação atípica e que recebeu tratamento medicamentoso convencional associado à aPDT.

Herpes zoster is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV), with the branches of the trigeminal nerve affected in up to 20% of cases. It commonly presents with burning pain and characteristically, zoster manifests as a unilateral vesicular eruption appearing on the face, head, trunk, and even the extremities, ranging from a mild, rapidly healing lesion to severe, extensive lesions lasting up to weeks. Although it is recognized that zoster can occur without rash, it classically presents as a unilateral, painful and/or pruritic dermatome. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has been indicated as a promising modality in the treatment of potential infectious lesions. In this work, the clinical case of a patient diagnosed with herpes zoster with atypical manifestation and who received conventional drug treatment associated with aPDT will be reported.

El herpes zóster es una infección vírica provocada por la reactivación del virus de la varicela zóster (VZV), con afectación de las ramas del nervio trigémino hasta en un 20% de los casos. Comúnmente se presenta con dolor ardiente y característicamente, el zoster se manifiesta como una erupción vesicular unilateral que aparece en la cara, la cabeza, el tronco e incluso las extremidades, que van desde una lesión leve que cura rápidamente hasta lesiones graves y extensas que duran semanas. Aunque se reconoce que el herpes zoster puede ocurrir sin exantema, clásicamente se presenta como un dermatoma unilateral, doloroso y/o pruriginoso. La terapia fotodinámica antimicrobiana (aPDT) se ha indicado como una modalidad prometedora en el tratamiento de posibles lesiones infecciosas. En este trabajo se reportará el caso clínico de un paciente diagnosticado de herpes zoster con manifestación atípica y que recibió tratamiento farmacológico convencional asociado a TFPa.

Preparation and application of high titer neutralizing antibody against varicella-herpes zoster virus / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To prepare high titer specific immune serum of varicella-herpes zoster virus(VZV)for the quality control of live attenuated varicella vaccine and live attenuated herpes zoster vaccine.MethodsMale rabbits were immunized with high purity recombinant gE glycoprotein combined with Freund's adjuvant,aluminum hydroxide adjuvant or MF59 adjuvant,2 rabbits in each group. On the 56th day after immunization,the maximum blood samples(heart or carotid artery)were collected from each rabbit to prepare serum,which was mixed with VZV for neutralization reaction,and then inoculated into a 6-well plate full of monolayer of MRC-5 human diploid cells. After incubation for 7 d,the number of plaques was counted and the neutralizing titer and virus neutralizing ability of immune serumwere determined. The serum with high neutralizing titer and virus neutralizing ability was selected for the identification test of live attenuated varicella vaccine and live attenuated herpes zoster vaccine VZV(Oka strain)working seed lot and the detection of exogenous virus factors.ResultsThe immune sera prepared by immunizing rabbits with various combinations of recombinant gE glycoprotein all showed neutralizing activity,among which the serum prepared by the combination of recombinant gE glycoprotein and Freund's adjuvant had the highest neutralizing titer of 1∶512 and the virus neutralizing ability of 240 000 PFU/mL;The prepared immune serum was usedfor the identification test of VZV(Oka strain)working seed lot and the detection of exogenous virus factors,of which all the results were in line with the requirements. Conclusion The recombinantgE glycoprotein could be used for the preparation of high titer neutralizing antibody against VZV,and the prepared high titer neutralizing antibody is suitable for thequality control of live attenuated varicella vaccine and live attenuated herpes zoster vaccine.

Secondary herpes zoster wound cured by allogeneic platelet-rich plasma: a case report / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the feasibility of allogeneic platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of herpes zoster wounds secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), especially large ulcer wounds. 【Methods】 The treatment process of a patient with massive herpes zoster wounds in perineum and hip accompanied by extensive soft tissue necrosis secondary to SLE was retrospectively analyzed. The clinical efficacy of allogeneic PRP was explored combined with treatment key points and literature review. 【Results】 The patient′s wound bed was prepared until the wound was fresh, then treated externally with allogeneic PRP 3 times a week. The wound was healed completely after 42 days. 【Conclusion】 In the case of autologous PRP unavailable or unsuitable, allogeneic PRP is a safe alternative, which can effectively promote tissue regeneration, and this patient achieved curative effect in a short period of time.

Reasonable selection of antiviral agents for herpes zoster / 中华皮肤科杂志

Antiviral treatment is the core part in the treatment of herpes zoster. Based on the latest studies, consensus and guidelines, this article aims to provide a basis and reference for clinicians to make a reasonable choice of types and doses of antiviral agents. Valacyclovir, a precursor of acyclovir with high oral bioavailability and great convenience of administration, is generally the first choice of oral antiviral agents; for some special cases, such as immunocompromised patients, intravenous drips of acyclovir should be selected when appropriate. Brivudine is often a better choice for patients with severe renal insufficiency; famciclovir or other antiviral agents should be considered for patients resistant to acyclovir; for immunocompromised patients resistant to acyclovir, intravenous drips of foscarnet sodium can be an option. Oral antiviral agents should be administered at adequate doses. Selecting appropriate antiviral agents and their doses can effectively relieve acute symptoms of patients and reduce the probability of postherpetic neuralgia.

Changes in CD100 expression and its regulatory effect on CD8 + T cell function in peripheral blood of patients with herpes zoster / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective:To investigate changes in expression of plasma soluble CD100 (sCD100) and membrane-bound CD100 (mCD100) on peripheral T cells in patients with herpes zoster, and to observe the regulatory effect of exogenous CD100 on CD8 + T cells. Methods:A total of 53 patients with herpes zoster attending the Zhumadian Central Hospital from July 2019 to April 2021 were enrolled, so were 25 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Anticoagulated venous blood samples were collected, plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated, plasma sCD100 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and mCD100 expression on CD4 + and CD8 + T cells was determined by flow cytometry. After the purification of CD8 + T cells, the secretion levels of cytotoxic molecules and cytokines by CD8 + T cells were measured and compared between herpes zoster patients and controls. Some purified CD8 + T cells from herpes zoster patients were stimulated with recombinant human CD100 and recombinant varicella-zoster virus glycoprotein, and the effect of recombinant human CD100 on the secretion of cytotoxic molecules and cytokines by CD8 + T cells was investigated. Comparisons between groups were conducted by t test. Results:Plasma sCD100 levels were significantly lower in the herpes zoster group (1.12 ± 0.23 ng/ml) than in the control group (1.31 ± 0.28 ng/ml, t = 2.97, P = 0.004), the proportion of mCD100 + CD8 + T cells was significantly higher in the herpes zoster group (17.41% ± 4.26%) than in the control group (14.69% ± 3.70%, t = 2.52, P = 0.014), and no significant difference in the proportion of mCD100 + CD4 + T cells was found between the two groups (2.52% ± 0.58% vs. 2.32% ± 0.56%, t = 1.27, P = 0.208). The herpes zoster group showed significantly decreased mRNA expression of perforin and granzyme B in, and lower secretion levels of perforin, granzyme B, interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α by CD8 + T cells compared with the control group (all P < 0.05). After stimulation with recombinant human CD100, levels of perforin, granzyme B, interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α in the culture supernatant of CD8 + T cells (43.68 ± 14.12, 126.8 ± 22.92, 12.79 ± 3.66, 310.0 ± 79.90 pg/ml, respectively ) were significantly higher than those in non-stimulated group (34.55 ± 10.78, 99.04 ± 10.44, 9.53 ± 2.00, 275.6 ± 68.04 pg/ml, respectively, all P < 0.05) . Conclusion:There was an imbalance between sCD100 and mCD100 expression in patients with herpes zoster, and exogenous sCD100 may enhance the cytotoxicity of CD8 + T cells in herpes zoster patients.

Side Effects of Oral Valacyclovir and Oral Acyclovir in the Treatment of Herpes Zoster

Background: Herpes Zoster is a more sporadic disease than a doe’s primary VZV infection. Herpes Zoster is typically transmitted person to person by direct contact. The lifetime risk of developing Herpes Zoster is between 25% and 30%, rising to 50% in those aged at least 80 years. The aim is to identify the side effects of oral valacyclovir and oral acyclovir in the treatment of herpes zoster.Material & Methods:This randomized clinical trial was conducted in the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, ShaheedSuhrawardy Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, from April 2016 to September 2016. A total of 60 patients with herpes zoster were enrolled in the study. Group A Valacyclovir was 30 patients, and Group B Acyclovir was 30 patients.Results:In Group-A, it was observed that 6(20.00%) patients had nausea found to be the highest, 4(13.33%) patients had Headache, 3(10.00%) patients had vomiting, 2(6.67%) patients had Diarrhea,0(0.00%) patients had anorexia, 3(10.00%) patients had abdominal pain, and 1(3.33%) patients had dyspepsia found to be lowest in Group-A, and 8(26.67%) patients had nausea found to be highest, 5(16.67%) patients had Headache, 4(13.33%) patients had vomiting, 3(10.00%) patients had Diarrhea,1(3.33%) patients had anorexia, 5(16.67%) patients had abdominal pain, and 1(3.33%) patients had dyspepsia found to be lowest in Group-B of study patients as side effects.Conclusion:The rate of cessation of abnormal sensations, rash healing, and complications or adverse effects was not similar with both the treatments. There were no clinically significant differences in the nature and frequency but there were clinically significant differences in severity of adverse/side events between the two treatment groups. Thus, we conclude that in the management of herpes zoster, valacyclovir accelerates the resolution of pain and offers simpler dosing, and maintains a favorable safety profile than acyclovir.

Complications of herpes zoster hospitalizations in a reference hospital in Fortaleza-Ceará, 2009-2018 / Complicações de internações por herpes zoster em um hospital de referência em Fortaleza-Ceará, 2009-2018

Objective: the aim of this study was to relate sociodemographic, epidemiological and clinical conditions to the occurrence of severe cases of HZ in reference hospital of Fortaleza. Methods: this is a cross-sectional analytical study, based on medical records of patients admitted from 2009 to 2018. Pearson's x2 test or Fisher's exact test were used when appropriate. Results: we analyzed 196 medical records. The presence of complications occurred in 69.9%, the most affected region was the cranial (68.9%), and 1.5% died. The presence of vesicles (PR=1.37; 95%CI: 1.03-1.82; p=0.01) and the choice of antibiotic associated antiviral therapy (PR=0.58; 95%CI: 0.46-0.73; p=0.00) were significantly associated with the severity. Conclusions: the disease may be more severe at ages over 50. The presence of lesions in vesicles was associated with a higher prevalence of complications and the use of antibiotics and antivirals as a protective factor.

Objetivo: relacionar condições sociodemográficas, epidemiológicas e clínicas à ocorrência de casos graves de HZ em hospital de referência de Fortaleza. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo analítico transversal, baseado em prontuários de pacientes internados de 2009 a 2018. Foram utilizados o teste x2 de Pearson ou o teste exato de Fisher, quando apropriado. Resultados: foram analisados 196 prontuários. A presença de complicações ocorreu em 69,9%, a região mais acometida foi a craniana (68,9%), e 1,5% foi a óbito. A presença de vesículas (RP=1,37; IC95%: 1,03-1,82; p=0,01) e a escolha da terapia antiviral associada a antibióticos (RP=0,58; IC95%: 0,46-0,73; p=0,00) foram significativamente associadas com a gravidade. Conclusões: a doença pode ser mais grave a partir dos 50 anos. A presença de lesões em vesículas foi associada à maior prevalência de complicações e o uso de antibióticos e antivirais como fator de proteção.

An acute case of herpes zoster ophthalmicus with post-herpetic neuralgia and cranial nerve neuropathies

Herpes zoster is a common diagnosis in the emergency department which is caused by reactivation of varicella zoster virus (VZV). Reactivation in ophthalmic division of trigeminal nerve causes Herpes zoster ophthalmicus. It is associated with a rash in the distribution of the trigeminal nerve dermatomes especially in ophthalmic and maxillary divisions. The most often complications of HZO are episcleritis, keratitis, glaucoma, and cataracts. HZO with cranial neuropathy is a very rare condition. So herewith wereport a case 51years old female with swelling, redness in right eye and drooping of eyelids on the right side. She had tearing and double vision. She was diagnosed with herpes zoster ophthalmicus with neuropathy of 3rd,4thand 6th cranial nerves. The patient was treated and discharged in a healthy condition. Timely diagnosis and treatment can decrease morbidity and prevent the complication.

Estudio de líquido cerebroespinal en el síndrome de Ramsay-Hunt: controversia a raíz de un caso clínico / Study of cerebrospinal fluid in Ramsay-Hunt syndrome: controversy because of a clinical case

El Síndrome de Ramsay-Hunt (SRH), es la segunda causa de parálisis facial periférica (PFP). Causado por el virus Varicella zoster (VVZ), ipsilateral a la PFP,presenta unaerupción herpetiforme y cefalea en distribución del nervio facial. Presentamos el caso de una mujer, 54 años, con SRH y cefalea persistente cuyo líquido cerebroespinal (LCE) fue compatible con meningitis. Se indicó aciclovir endovenoso (EV). La literatura no recomienda estudio de LCE en PFP; y en SRH se sugiere en inmunosuprimidos y complicaciones del SRH como queratopatía, accidentes-cerebrovasculares, y meningitis. Un LCE alterado en SRH, indica modificar la conducta terapéutica.

Ramsay-Hunt Syndrome (RHS) is the second leading cause of peripheral facial palsy (PFP). Caused by the Varicella zoster virus (VZV), ipsilateral to the PFP, it presents a herpetiform rash and headache in the facial nerve distribution. We present the case of a 54-year-old woman with RHS and persistent headache whose cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was compatible with meningitis. Intravenous acyclovir was indicated. The literature does not recommend an CSF study in PFP; in RHS it is suggested in immunosuppressed patients and complications of RHS such as keratopathy, cerebrovascular accidents, and meningitis. An altered CSF in RHS indicates modifying the therapeutic conduct.

Breast carcinoma metastasis and Wolf's isotopic response

Abstract Wolf's isotopic phenomenon occurs when a new dermatosis appears on a site that has already healed from a previous dermatological disease of another etiology. This report describes the case of a 44-year-old female patient undergoing treatment for breast carcinoma who recently had brownish erythematous lesions appearing on the scar region of previous herpes zoster on the right hemithorax. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry examination confirmed skin metastasis of breast cancer. Herpes zoster scars require attention due to the possibility of an isotopic response as a facilitating factor in some dermatoses, sometimes severe ones, such as neoplasms.

Herpes Zoster Following Vaccination with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Coronavirus Vaccine (Recombinant)

Ever since the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS?CoV?2) pandemic, science has unraveled much knowledge on SARS?CoV?2 which has led to extraordinary and unprecedented progress in developing COVID?19 vaccines. Several adverse cutaneous reactions, ranging from more common local injection site reaction, neutrophilic and pustular drug reactions to flare?up of preexisting dermatoses, have been reported with currently available vaccines. We report a case series of 7 patients who developed herpes zoster (HZ) following the first dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV?19 coronavirus vaccine (recombinant). HZ following vaccination is a rare entity. The occurrence of HZ in the patients presented in this series within the time window 1–21 days after vaccination defined for increased risk and postulated dysregulation of T?cell?mediated immunity, suggests that the ChAdOx1 nCoV?19 coronavirus vaccine (recombinant) could probably be a trigger for reactivation of varicella zoster virus to cause HZ in them.

Varicela en un hombre de 33 años / Varicella in one man of 33 years

Resumen Presentamos el caso de un hombre campesino de 33 años de edad, inmunocompetente, quien presentó cuadro clínico agudo con máculas, pápulas y vesículas simultáneas, generalizadas, de 10 dias de evolución, con fiebre y conjuntivitis. Se sospechó varicela, la cual se confirmó con frotis directo y biopsia de piel con inmunohistoquímica. El paciente mejoró y curó sin complicaciones y sin tratamiento antiviral. Es un caso interesante al tratarse de un hombre adulto, sin inmuno supresión ni enfermedad de base predisponente, con manifestaciones floridas e importante compromiso cutáneo, con evolución satisfactoria. Revisamos aspectos generales de la varicela, de su incidencia en Colombia y de los programas de vacunación.

Abstract We describe a case of varicella in one immunocompetent man of 33 years, who consulted by cutaneous lesions consistent in maculopapular and vesicles generali zed after 10 days of evolution, accompanied by fever and conjunctivitis. Diagnosis of varicella was confirmed by direct stain and biopsy with immunohistochemistry analysis. The patient improved without antiviral treatment and no complications. We consider this caes of interest because its inusual presentation in one man without immunodeficiency nor subjacent disease. We reviewed the situation of varicella in Colombia and of the vaccination programs.

Efectividad del láser de baja potencia como terapia adyuvante en pacientes con herpes zóster / Effectiveness of the low power laser as adjuvant therapy in patients with zoster herpes

Introducción: El láser de baja potencia tiene un amplio uso en la práctica médica actual. Existe un gran número de pacientes con afecciones agudas o crónicas que pueden ser tratados con esta terapia, con resultados alentadores, muy superiores a los obtenidos con el uso de la terapéutica convencional. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad del láser de baja potencia como terapia adyuvante para reducir el tiempo de respuesta al alivio del dolor en pacientes con herpes zóster. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio cuasiexperimental, de intervención terapéutica, en 21 pacientes con herpes zóster, atendidos en el Servicio de Fisiatría del Policlínico del MININT de Santiago de Cuba, desde enero de 2016 hasta junio de 2017. Se conformaron 2 grupos de forma aleatoria: los integrantes del primero recibieron el tratamiento habitual con aciclovir, vitaminas y analgésico (control); los del segundo, aciclovir, vitaminas y laserterapia (intervención). Resultados: Se observó que en el grupo de intervención la intensidad del dolor fue disminuyendo en relación con la evaluación inicial. Así, en la quinta sesión se apreció mayor porcentaje de pacientes con alivio del dolor que en el grupo control, al igual que en la décima sesión y 21 días después, de ahí la efectividad del tratamiento. Conclusiones: Con el empleo del láser de baja potencia los pacientes con herpes zóster presentaron una mejoría del dolor en menor tiempo, con una respuesta satisfactoria expresada en la totalidad de ellos, por lo que se recomienda su utilización como terapia adyuvante.

Introduction: The low power laser has a wide use in the current medical practice. There is a great number of patients with acute or chronic conditions that can be treated with this therapy, with encouraging results, far better than those obtained with the use of conventional therapy. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of low power laser as adjuvant therapy to reduce the response time to pain relief in patients with zoster herpes. Methods: A quasi-experiment study of therapeutic intervention was carried out in 21 patients with zoster herpes. They were assisted in the Physical Medicine Service of the MININT Polyclinic in Santiago de Cuba, from January, 2016 to June, 2017. Two groups were conformed at random: the members of the first one received acyclovir, vitamins and lasertherapy (intervention); those of the second group received acyclovir, vitamins and analgesic (control). Results: It was observed that in the intervention group the intensity of the pain was diminishing in connection with the initial evaluation. This way, in the fifth session it was appreciated a higher percentage of patients with pain relief that in the control group, the same as in the tenth session and 21 days later, hence the effectiveness of the treatment. Conclusions: With the use of low power laser the patients with zoster herpes presented an improvement of the pain in less time, with a satisfactory response expressed in all of them, reason why its use is recommended as adjuvant therapy.