A 5-Year Period Clinical Observation on Herpes Zoster and the Incidence of Postherpetic Neuralgia (2002~2006); A Comparative Analysis with the Historical Control Group of a Previous Study (1995~1999) / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Herpes zoster is a commom dermatologic disease characterized by acute unilateral neuritis, vesicular eruption and a persistent pain after the rash has healed- a complication known as postherpetic neuralgia. Recently, the incidence of herpes zoster seems to be increased due to various factors. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the change of the epidemiological and clinical characteristics, starting on the first day of antiviral therapy, and the incidence rate of postherpetic neuralgia. METHODS: During the 5 years from January 2002 to December 2006, 177 patients (Group A) with herpes zoster were assessed with age, sex, dermatomal distribution, starting day of antiviral therapy and postherpetic neuralgia. The data was compared with the historical control group of a previous study (1995~1999, Group B). RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between the two groups in clinical characteristics. Thoracic dermatome involvement was most common in both groups. But the incidence of trigeminal involvement was higher in group A than group B (p=0.040). Based on the starting day of antiviral therapy, the percentage of 3rd day group is higher than other groups. In group A, the percentage of 2nd, 3rd, 4th day group was increased and mean starting day was faster than group B (p=0.043). The prevalence of postherpetic neuralgia was decreased from group B to group A. In group A, incidence of postherpetic neuralgia according to age or delaying therapy increases (p=0.001). But, sex, underlying disease and dermatomal distribution were not predictor of postherpetic neuralgia. CONCLUSION: In group A, the starting day of antiviral therapy shows a tendency to be shortened, and the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia had decreased.