Effectiveness and safety of the recombinant herpes zoster vaccine in different population groups: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Varicella-zoster virus infections have increased globally, with complications such as postherpetic neuralgia and neurological sequelae. The recombinant vaccine against herpes zoster is proposed as a preventive strategy. This systematic review evaluates its effectiveness and safety in healthy and high-risk populations. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials comparing the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine was conducted. The search was carried out in Epistemonikos. Two researchers independently assessed the eligibility of the studies and the risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. A meta-analysis of homogeneous results was conducted, and the certainty of the evidence was evaluated using GRADE. A minimally contextualized approach was adopted using predetermined thresholds. Nine randomized controlled trials were selected. The vaccine demonstrated a significant reduction in the incidence of herpes zoster in high-risk populations (risk difference of 140 fewer per 1000) with high certainty. However, in healthy populations, the effect was trivial (28 fewer per 1000). No significant differences were observed in postherpetic neuralgia in any of the populations analyzed. Adverse events increased in both populations, though no discrepancies in serious adverse events were noted. In high-risk populations, where the incidence of herpes zoster and its complications is higher, the vaccine demonstrated effectiveness in lowering the incidence of the disease, though not in that of postherpetic neuralgia. Conversely, in healthy populations, the impact of the vaccine was trivial. Individualized and informed recommendations are crucial when considering this vaccine.

Las infecciones por el virus de la varicela-zóster han aumentado globalmente, con complicaciones como neuralgia postherpética y secuelas neurológicas. La vacuna recombinante contra el herpes zóster se propone como estrategia preventiva. Esta revisión sistemática evalúa su efectividad y seguridad en poblaciones sanas y de alto riesgo. Se realizó una revisión sistemática de ensayos controlados aleatorios que comparaban la efectividad y seguridad de la vacuna. La búsqueda se efectuó en Epistemonikos. Dos investigadores evaluaron independientemente la elegibilidad de los estudios y se evaluó el riesgo de sesgo con la herramienta Cochrane Risk of Bias 2. Se realizó un metanálisis de resultados homogéneos y se evaluó la certeza de la evidencia mediante GRADE. Se adoptó un enfoque mínimamente contextualizado utilizando umbrales predeterminados. Se seleccionaron 9 ensayos controlados aleatorios. La vacuna demostró una reducción significativa en la incidencia de herpes zóster en poblaciones de alto riesgo (diferencia de riesgo de 140 menos por 1000) con alta certeza. Sin embargo, en poblaciones sanas, el efecto fue trivial (28 menos por 1000). No se observaron diferencias significativas en la incidencia de neuralgia postherpética en ninguna de las poblaciones. En cuanto a la seguridad, se registró un aumento de eventos adversos en ambas poblaciones, aunque no se presentaron diferencias en los eventos adversos graves. En poblaciones de alto riesgo, donde la incidencia de herpes zóster y sus complicaciones es más alta, la vacuna demostró eficacia en la reducción de la incidencia de la enfermedad, aunque no en la de la neuralgia postherpética. Por otro lado, en población sana, el impacto de la vacuna fue trivial. Es crucial adoptar un enfoque individualizado e informado al recomendar esta vacuna.

Patient Experience of Herpes Zoster Disease in Argentina: Validation of a Health-Related Quality of Life Conceptual Model.

OBJECTIVES: Herpes zoster (HZ) substantially affects patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL), both in the acute phase and also in those developing postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Building upon a previous qualitative concept elicitation study in Canada, we adopted a similar approach to further understand the patient experience of HZ/PHN in Argentina and impact on quality of life and qualitatively validate the previously published conceptual model for Argentina. METHODS: (1) Comprehensive literature review of HZ impact on HRQoL in Latin America. (2) Qualitative concept elicitation interviews with participants aged ≥50 years with acute HZ or PHN. Verbatim interview transcripts underwent thematic and content analysis related to symptoms and impacts. RESULTS: Studies from the literature (n = 6) identified 5 dimensions of HZ impact on HRQoL: pain management, disease management, family life, work, and emotional impact. A total of 10 participants were interviewed (5 acute HZ and 5 with PHN) with a mean age of 68.5 years (range 50-77 years) and 60% female. All participants reported rash and pain (some reporting a migratory element), fatigue (7 of 10), and itchiness (4 of 10). HRQoL domains most commonly affected were activities of daily living (9 of 10), emotional functioning (8 of 10), physical functioning (8 of 10), and sleep (7 of 10). Emergent themes on disease management included the need for greater public disease awareness/education, participants with PHN seeking alternative/traditional medical therapies. CONCLUSIONS: This study qualitatively validates the previously reported HRQoL conceptual framework. HZ symptoms, especially acute and chronic pain, substantially impair various aspects of HRQoL, prompting some participants to seek out alternative medical treatments.

Genomic sequencing revealed recombination event between clade 1 and clade 2 occurs in circulating varicella-zoster virus in China.

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a member of the Alphaherpesvirinae subfamily, causes varicella in primary infections and establishing a latent stage in sensory ganglia. Upon reactivation, VZV causes herpes zoster with severe neuralgia, especially in elderly patients. The mutation rate for VZV is comparatively lower than the other members of other alpha herpesviruses. Due to geographic isolation, different genotypes of VZV are circulating on separate continents. Here, we successfully isolated a VZV from the vesicular fluid of a youth zoster patient. Based on the single-nucleotide polymorphism profiles of different open reading frames that define the genotype, this newly isolated VZV primarily represents genotype clade 2 but also has characteristics of genotype clade 1. The next-generation sequencing provided a nearly full-length sequence, and further phylogenetic analysis revealed that this VZV isolate is distinct from clades 1 and 2. The Recombination Detection Program indicates that a possible recombinant event may occur between the VZV isolate and clade 1. In summary, we found that there is a circulating VZV isolate in China that may represent a recombinant between clade 1 and clade 2, providing new concerns that need to be considered in the future VZV vaccination program.

Combination of phototherapy for treatment of labial necrotizing lesion: case report

Lip necrotizing lesions are painful, complex to heal, and negatively impact the patient's orofacial condition. The present study reports a clinical case of a necrotizing lesion on the lower lip in a 38-year-old male patient, previously healthy, five days after receiving the first dose of the SARS-COV-2 vaccine, with an initial diagnosis of labial herpes zoster, with secondary infection and unsatisfactory response to clinical treatment. After debridement of the necrotic tissue, followed by a combination of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) and hydrofiber dressing with silver, the patient evolved with complete healing of the lip lesion and satisfactory restoration of orofacial functions after 7 days. According to the present case report, this combination of phototherapy modalities suggests to be a promising tool for the treatment of necrotizing labial lesions.

Catarata congênita nas infecções intrauterinas mais comuns (STORCH): revisão de literatura / Congenital cataract in the most common intrauterine infections (STORCH): a review of the literature

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi revisar os aspectos clínicos e patológicos da catarata congênita secundária às infecções por sífilis, toxoplasmose, rubéola, citomegalovírus e herpes simples. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão de literatura, na qual foram incluídos artigos de periódicos indexados às bases de dados PubMed®, Cochrane, Lilacs, Embase e SciELO de 2010 a 2023. Resultados: Foram encontrados 45 artigos, e, após seleção, restaram 9 artigos. Além disso, foram adicionados artigos para enriquecer a discussão. A infecção por sífilis está relacionada a alterações corneanas. O citomegalovírus e a toxoplasmose estão relacionados com a coriorretinite e/ou microftalmia. A rubéola é responsável por causar catarata, glaucoma, microftalmia e retinite em sal e pimenta. Conclusão: Foram abordadas as principais etiologias infecciosas e seu quadro clínico na CC. O melhor tratamento para CC é cirúrgico associado a acompanhamento clínico, mas a prevenção é a maneira mais eficaz de combater a CC de etiologia infecciosa. O diagnóstico precoce e o tratamento efetivo previnem alterações e sequelas visuais irreversíveis. Nesse contexto, mostram-se importantes as ações de políticas públicas para o melhor desfecho clínico e melhor qualidade de vida.

ABSTRACT Objective: To review the clinical and pathological aspects of CC secondary to infections by syphilis, toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex. Methods: This is a literature review. Articles from journals indexed to PubMed, COCHRANE, LILACS, EMBASE and SCIELO from 2010 to 2023 were included. Results: A total of 45 articles were found, which, after selection, remained in 9 articles. Some articles were included to enrich the discussion in this topic. The infection caused by syphilis is related to corneal changes. Cytomegalovirus and Toxoplasmosis due to chorioretinitis and/or microphthalmia. Rubella is responsible for causing cataracts, glaucoma, microphthalmia, and salt and pepper retinitis. Conclusion: The main infectious etiologies and their clinical status in CC were addressed. The best treatment for CC is surgery associated with clinical follow-up, but prevention is the most effective way to combat CC of infectious etiology. Early diagnosis and effective treatment prevent irreversible visual changes and sequelae. In this context, public policy actions are important for the best clinical outcome and better quality of life.

Recomendaciones para la inmunización con vacuna recombinante para herpes zóster en pacientes con enfermedades reumáticas inflamatorias crónicas autoinmunes / Recommendations for immunization with recombinant herpes zoster vaccine in patients with autoimmune chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases

En enero-febrero de 2022 se publicó el último consenso de recomendaciones de vacunas en adultos con enfermedades reumáticas inflamatorias crónicas autoinmunes (ERICA), realizado en conjunto con expertos de la Sociedad Argentina de Reumatología y la Sociedad Argentina de Infectología (SAR/SADI). A modo de addendum del mismo, desarrollamos las recomendaciones para la inmunización con la vacuna recombinante para herpes zóster (VRHZ) en la población de pacientes con ERICA. En el último año, en Argentina, se aprobó la vacuna para el virus varicela zóster, vacuna inactivada de subunidades, recombinante, que contiene la glicoproteína E del virus de la varicela zóster junto con el sistema adyuvante AS0I. La misma demostró una alta eficacia y seguridad en la población inmunocompetente, así como en poblaciones de pacientes con inmunocompromiso. Por este motivo, en conjunto con un grupo de infectólogos expertos, desarrollamos las recomendaciones para el uso de esta vacuna en la población de pacientes con ERICA. Este documento se divide en dos partes. En la primera, figuran las recomendaciones de vacunación en distintos escenarios de presentación habitual en la práctica diaria. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica y un consenso de expertos para los puntos que contaban con menor evidencia. La segunda parte consiste en seis recomendaciones desarrolladas a través de la metodología GRADE. Se analizó la evidencia en la población de pacientes con ERICA, con o sin tratamiento inmunosupresor, observándose una respuesta de la vacuna VRHZ aceptable, tanto humoral como celular, y demostrando ser segura en esta población de pacientes. Por otro lado, se comprobó una alta eficacia/efectividad en prevenir episodios de herpes zóster y neuralgia posherpética, así como una mayor eficacia/efectividad que la vacuna a virus vivo atenuado. En conclusión, en base a la evidencia disponible, este panel de expertos recomienda la vacuna VRHZ en pacientes con ERICA, independientemente de que hayan recibido previamente la vacuna a virus vivo atenuado contra el herpes zóster, ya que es segura, efectiva y, por el momento, tampoco se asoció a reactivación/brote de la enfermedad de base(AU)

In January-February 2022, the latest consensus on vaccine recommendations in adults with autoimmune chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (ACIRD) was published, carried out jointly with experts from the Argentine Society of Rheumatology and the Argentine Society of Infectious Diseases (SAR/SADI). As an addendum to the same, we make recommendations for immunization with the recombinant herpes zoster vaccine (RHZV) in the population of patients with ERICA. In the last year in Argentina, the vaccine for the varicella zoster virus was approved, an inactivated subunit vaccine, a recombinant that contains the glycoprotein E of the varicella zoster virus together with the AS0I adjuvant system. It demonstrated high efficacy and safety in the immunocompetent population, as well as in immunocompromised patient populations. For this reason, together with a group of expert infectologists, we developed recommendations for the use of this vaccine in the population of patients with ACIRD. This document is divided into two parts. The first contains vaccination recommendations in different scenarios of common presentation in daily practice. A bibliographic review and a consensus of experts was carried out for the points that had less evidence. The second part consists of six recommendations developed through the GRADE methodology. The evidence was analyzed in the population of patients with ACIRD, with or without immunosuppressive treatment, observing an acceptable response to the RHZV vaccine, both humoral and cellular, and proving to be safe in this patient population. On the other hand, high efficacy/effectiveness was proven in preventing episodes of herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia, as well as greater efficacy/effectiveness than the attenuated virus vaccine. In conclusion, based on the available evidence, this panel of experts recommends the RHZV vaccine in patients with ACIRD, regardless of whether they have previously received the live attenuated virus vaccine, since it is safe, effective and, for the moment, was also not associated with reactivation/outbreak of the underlying disease(AU)

Vaccines for preventing herpes zoster in older adults.

BACKGROUND: Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a neurocutaneous disease caused by the reactivation of the virus that causes varicella (chickenpox). After resolution of the varicella episode, the virus can remain latent in the sensitive dorsal ganglia of the spine. Years later, with declining immunity, the varicella zoster virus (VZV) can reactivate and cause herpes zoster, an extremely painful condition that can last many weeks or months and significantly compromise the quality of life of the affected person. The natural process of ageing is associated with a reduction in cellular immunity, and this predisposes older adults to herpes zoster. Vaccination with an attenuated form of the VZV activates specific T-cell production avoiding viral reactivation. Two types of herpes zoster vaccines are currently available. One of them is the single-dose live attenuated zoster vaccine (LZV), which contains the same live attenuated virus used in the chickenpox vaccine, but it has over 14-fold more plaque-forming units of the attenuated virus per dose. The other is the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) which does not contain the live attenuated virus, but rather a small fraction of the virus that cannot replicate but can boost immunogenicity. The recommended schedule for the RZV is two doses two months apart. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2010, and updated in 2012, 2016, and 2019. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of vaccination for preventing herpes zoster in older adults. SEARCH METHODS: For this 2022 update, we searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2022, Issue 10), MEDLINE (1948 to October 2022), Embase (2010 to October 2022), CINAHL (1981 to October 2022), LILACS (1982 to October 2022), and three trial registries. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included studies involving healthy older adults (mean age 60 years or older). We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs comparing zoster vaccine (any dose and potency) versus any other type of intervention (e.g. varicella vaccine, antiviral medication), placebo, or no intervention (no vaccine). Outcomes were cumulative incidence of herpes zoster, adverse events (death, serious adverse events, systemic reactions, or local reaction occurring at any time after vaccination), and dropouts. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used the standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. MAIN RESULTS: We included two new studies involving 1736 participants in this update. The review now includes a total of 26 studies involving 90,259 healthy older adults with a mean age of 63.7 years. Only three studies assessed the cumulative incidence of herpes zoster in groups that received vaccines versus placebo. Most studies were conducted in high-income countries in Europe and North America and included healthy Caucasians (understood to be white participants) aged 60 years or over with no immunosuppressive comorbidities. Two studies were conducted in Japan and one study was conducted in the Republic of Korea. Sixteen studies used LZV. Ten studies tested an RZV. The overall certainty of the evidence was moderate, which indicates that the intervention probably works. Most data for the primary outcome (cumulative incidence of herpes zoster) and secondary outcomes (adverse events and dropouts) came from studies that had a low risk of bias and included a large number of participants. The cumulative incidence of herpes zoster at up to three years of follow-up was lower in participants who received the LZV (one dose subcutaneously) than in those who received placebo (risk ratio (RR) 0.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.43 to 0.56; risk difference (RD) 2%; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 50; moderate-certainty evidence) in the largest study, which included 38,546 participants. There were no differences between the vaccinated and placebo groups for serious adverse events (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.21) or deaths (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.11; moderate-certainty evidence). The vaccinated group had a higher cumulative incidence of one or more adverse events (RR 1.71, 95% CI 1.38 to 2.11; RD 23%; number needed to treat for an additional harmful outcome (NNTH) 4.3) and injection site adverse events (RR 3.73, 95% CI 1.93 to 7.21; RD 28%; NNTH 3.6; moderate-certainty evidence) of mild to moderate intensity. These data came from four studies with 6980 participants aged 60 years or older. Two studies (29,311 participants for safety evaluation and 22,022 participants for efficacy evaluation) compared RZV (two doses intramuscularly, two months apart) versus placebo. Participants who received the new vaccine had a lower cumulative incidence of herpes zoster at 3.2 years follow-up (RR 0.08, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.23; RD 3%; NNTB 33; moderate-certainty evidence), probably indicating a favourable profile of the intervention. There were no differences between the vaccinated and placebo groups in cumulative incidence of serious adverse events (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.03) or deaths (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.04; moderate-certainty evidence). The vaccinated group had a higher cumulative incidence of adverse events, any systemic symptom (RR 2.23, 95% CI 2.12 to 2.34; RD 33%; NNTH 3.0), and any local symptom (RR 6.89, 95% CI 6.37 to 7.45; RD 67%; NNTH 1.5). Although most participants reported that their symptoms were of mild to moderate intensity, the risk of dropouts (participants not returning for the second dose, two months after the first dose) was higher in the vaccine group than in the placebo group (RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.39; RD 1%; NNTH 100, moderate-certainty evidence). Only one study reported funding from a non-commercial source (a university research foundation). All other included studies received funding from pharmaceutical companies. We did not conduct subgroup and sensitivity analyses AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: LZV (single dose) and RZV (two doses) are probably effective in preventing shingles disease for at least three years. To date, there are no data to recommend revaccination after receiving the basic schedule for each type of vaccine. Both vaccines produce systemic and injection site adverse events of mild to moderate intensity. The conclusions did not change in relation to the previous version of the systematic review.

Síndrome de Ramsay Hunt en paciente epiléptico en Santander, Colombia: Reporte de caso / Ramsay Hunt Syndrome in an epileptic patient in Santander, Colombia: Case report

El Síndrome de Ramsay Hunt es una entidad infrecuente, con una incidencia de 5 por cada 100.000 personas por año. Esta condición se caracteriza por una reactivación del virus de la varicela-zoster en el nervio facial. Su diagnóstico implica un reto para el médico puesto que suele ser netamente clínico, con la aparición de una triada consistente en: otalgia, parálisis facial ipsilateral y vesículas en el canal auditivo. El objetivo del artículo es presentar el caso de una mujer de 49 años de edad, con antecedente de epilepsia en tratamiento anticonvulsivante, quien ingresa con la triada clínica antes descrita, asociada a visión borrosa derecha y vértigo. La paciente fue tratada con antivirales y corticoides orales, presentando una resolución clínica favorable dado una reducción de más del 50% de las lesiones cutáneas. No se identificaron diferencias respecto a la presentación clínica de este síndrome al compararse con pacientes no epilépticos.

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is a rare entity, with an incidence of 5 per 100,000 people per year. This condition is characterized by a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus in the facial nerve. Its diagnosis implies a challenge for the physician since it is usually a clinical diagnosis, with the appearance of a clinical triad consisting of: otalgia, ipsilateral facial paralysis and vesicles in the ear canal. The objective of the article is to present the case of a 49-year-old woman, with a history of epilepsy receiving anticonvulsant treatment, who was admitted with the aforementioned clinical triad, associated with blurred right vision and vertigo. The patient was treated with oral antiviral management and oral corticosteroids, presenting a favorable clinical resolution given a reduction of more than 50% of the skin lesions. No differences were identified regarding the clinical presentation of this syndrome when compared with non-epileptic patients.

Double Trouble: An Unusual Keratitis Case of Herpes Simplex Virus and Varicella-Zoster Virus Co-infection.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe a case of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) corneal co-infection in a patient with systemic immunosuppression. METHODS: A 77-year-old White man who was recently administered pembrolizumab present with reduction in visual acuity in his left eye from 20/25 to 20/50. There was a known history of ocular HSV keratitis. Slit-lamp examination showed superficial dendritic lesions suggestive of VZV. RESULTS: Viral polymerase chain reaction testing was positive for both HSV and VZV, confirming clinical diagnosis of VZV keratitis in the setting of recurrent HSV keratitis. The infection responded to treatment with topical trifluridine. Two months later, he had another episode of keratitis based on his symptoms reported through telephone encounter which resolved with trifluridine. Unfortunately, the patient committed suicide 4 months after onset. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first case of keratitis with HSV and VZV co-infection likely related to systemic immunosuppression. Clinicians should have a high suspicion for viral co-infections in the setting of systemic immunosuppression.

Analgesic Treatment Approach for Postherpetic Neuralgia: A Narrative Review.

Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is an entity derived from peripheral nerve damage that occurs during the reactivation of the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), which manifests itself through pain with neuropathic characteristics. This can prove to be very difficult to manage in the chronic stages of disease reappearance. There currently exists a multitude of treatment alternatives for PHN, however, prevention through the early initiation of antiviral regimens is vital. There are various pharmacological options available, but it is important to individualize each patient to maximize efficacy and minimize adverse effects. Interventional procedures have become a cornerstone in difficult-to-manage cases, and have shown promising outcomes when used in a multimodal approach by experienced specialists. It is necessary to make an objective diagnosis of PHN and start early treatment. Additionally there is current evidence that vouches for interventional therapies as well as individualization, with a clear establishment of therapeutic objectives according to the needs of each patient.

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

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. OBJECTIVE: 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 (4.95 pg/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.

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)

Economic burden of herpes zoster in Latin America: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review describes herpes zoster (HZ) economic burden in terms of healthcare resource use and cost outcomes in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region. We searched online databases from 1 January 2000 to 20 February 2020 to identify eligible publications. We identified 23 publications that reported direct costs, indirect costs, and resources associated with HZ and its complications. The primary direct medical resources reported in the different studies were visits to doctors, transportation, days in the hospital, nursing, medication schedules, and physical therapy. Direct total costs per patient ranged from $99.99 to $4177.91. The highest cost was found in Brazil. Direct costs are, in average, 81.39% higher than indirect costs. The cost per patient that includes postherpetic neuralgia treatment is 115% higher on average for the directs and 73% for the indirect costs. Brazil reported a higher total cost per patient than Argentina and Mexico, while for indirect costs per patient, Brazil and Argentina had higher costs than Mexico, respectively. A meta-analysis on the number of days due to HZ hospitalization, performed on non-immunosuppressed patients over 65 years of age from three studies, resulted in a cumulative measure of 4.5 days of hospitalization. In the LAC region, the economic burden of HZ and associated complications is high, particularly among high-risk populations and older age groups. Preventative strategies such as vaccination could help avoid or reduce the HZ-associated disease economic burden in the LAC region.

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.