Measuring herpes zoster disease burden in São Paulo, Brazil: a clinico-epidemiological single-center study

OBJECTIVES: Herpes zoster is characterized by acute neuritis and post-herpetic neuralgia. Currently, data concerning the zoster-associated impact on quality of life and healthcare resource utilization in Brazil are scarce. This study measured the zoster-associated burden in a Brazilian population. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational, single-cohort study conducted in a primary hospital's emergency room in São Paulo, Brazil. Patients enrolled at various timepoints during a zoster episode were followed over 180 days. The Zoster Brief Pain Inventory and the Initial Zoster Impact Questionnaire assessed zoster-associated pain. The EuroQoL assessed the impact of herpes zoster and/or zoster-associated pain on quality of life. Healthcare resource utilization was assessed by patient-reported questionnaires. RESULTS: One-hundred forty-six zoster patients were enrolled [mean (SD) age of 69.9 (10.9) years]. Mean (SD) worst pain scores decreased from 5.3 (3.5) at baseline to 1.9 (3.0) 180 days following rash onset. Mean (SD) EuroQoL scores significantly decreased from 0.9 (0.2) before rash appearance to 0.7 (0.2) after rash onset (p<0.001), followed by gradual improvements in quality of life over 180 days, with pre-herpes zoster quality of life achieved at the end of the observation period. The majority of patients purchased prescription medications (89.7%) and required doctor's office visits (65.8%) for zoster episodes. CONCLUSIONS: Herpes zoster is associated with a significant disease burden, including zoster-associated pain, impaired quality of life and increased healthcare resource utilization in Brazil. These results support the implementation of early intervention and prevention programs such as vaccinations to reduce the herpes zoster-associated disease burden in Brazil.

Herpes zoster en adultos mayores en un hospital privado de la ciudad de Buenos Aires, junio 2013 - mayo 2014 / Herpes zoster in elderly adults in a community hospital in Buenos Aires. June 2013-May 2014

El herpes zoster (HZ) se produce por reactivación del virus varicela zoster. Sus principales factores de riesgo son edad avanzada y presencia de comorbilidades (diabetes, inmunodepresión). Existen escasos datos de HZ en Sudamérica, y especialmente en adultos mayores. Analizamos retrospectivamente las características epidemiológicas y clínicas de 340 pacientes mayores de 60 años atendidos por HZ, entre junio 2013 y mayo 2014. La edad promedio de consulta fue de 74 años (60-100), localización torácica 210 (62%); el 75% (255) de las consultas iniciales se realizaron en guardias. El 68%, 143, presentaron dolor y vesículas, y 4% (14) solo dolor al inicio; el dolor persistió luego de finalizar el episodio en el 41% (139) de los pacientes. El diagnóstico se realizó entre 1 y 3 días de iniciado el cuadro en el 53% (180). El promedio de consultas por episodio fue de 3.6 (1-24). Tratamiento antiviral se indicó en 91% (309) de los pacientes [en 49% (167) fue inadecuado en tiempo o dosis], y tratamiento para el dolor en el 66% (224) de los casos: drogas más usadas (solas o en combinación) AINES (43%, 146), pregabalina (30%, 102), opiáceos (24%, 82), y corticoides (12%, 41). Solo el 9% (31) presentó comorbilidades y el 27% (126) dolor post episodio (duración promedio: 138.7 días). El diagnóstico fue tardío, dificultando el uso correcto de antivirales. El dolor post episodio fue más frecuente que en la literatura consultada; sin embargo, son pocos los datos en este grupo etario.

Herpes zoster (HZ) is caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus. Its main risk factor is increasing age and comorbidities. There are limited data on the characteristics of HZ in South America, especially in the elderly. We analyzed epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 340 patients over 60 years assisted for HZ, between June 2013 and May 2014. The average age was 74 years (60-100), 62% (210) had thoracic location; 75% (255) of the initial consultations were held in guards; 68% (143) had pain and vesicles, and 4% (14) only pain at baseline. Pain persisted after finishing the episode in 41% (139). The diagnosis was made between 1 and 3 days from the beginning of the episode in 53% (180 patients). Average number of visits per episode was 3.6 (1-24). Antiviral treatment was supplied to 91% (309); however it was inadequate in dose or time in 49.1% (167 cases). Pain treatment was indicated in 66% (224). Most frequently used drugs (alone or in combination) were non-steroidal painkillers (43%, 146), pregabalin (30%, 102), opiates (24%, 82), and steroids (12%, 41); 9% (31) presented comorbidities; 27% (126) experienced pain after the ending of the episode, with an average duration of 138.7 days. In general, diagnosis was done late, making it difficult to use antivirals correctly. The presence of pain was more frequent than reported in other publications, however there are few data in this age group.

Cutaneous leukemic infiltration following varicella - a case of Wolf's isotopic response

Abstract Wolf's isotopic response designates the appearance of two subsequent unrelated dermatoses in the same anatomic location. We report the case of a 51-year-old man with a medical history of chronic lymphocytic leukemia without known extra-hematopoietic involvement. The patient developed a disseminated papulo-vesiculous eruption, diagnosed as varicella. Few days after recovering, an erythematous and violaceous papular dermatosis with histopathological examination compatible with leukemic infiltration appeared on the scars of previous herpetic lesions. Complete remission was obtained under systemic corticotherapy, without cutaneous recurrence or blastic transformation. Wolf's isotopic response is attributed to a localized immunologic imbalance following a certain stimulus. In this patient, herpetic infection acted as a local spur for inaugural cutaneous leukemic infiltration, with no impact on the prognosis for the underlying disease.

Wolf's isotopic response, presenting as lichen planus

The term "Wolf's isotopic response" describes the occurrence of a new skin disorder at the site of another unrelated and already healed skin disease. In most cases, herpes zoster is the inicial disease. Different disorders may develop on the same site, most commonly granulomatous and lichenoid reactions, infiltration of hematologic diseases, skin tumors and infections. There are few related cases of lichen planus presenting as isotopic response. We report a case of a 74 year-old woman, with multiple itchy, rose-colored and shiny papules that developed at site of previously healed herpes zoster, on the right arm and shoulder. The pathogenesis of this phenomenon is still unknown and further studies are needed.

Typical case: herpes zoster / Caso típico: herpes-zóster

Summary The varicella zoster virus is the causative agent of herpes zoster and varicella. In herpes zoster, the virus dormant within dorsal root ganglia is reactivated, resulting in painful vesicular lesions overlying an erythematous base.

Resumo Caso típico: herpes-zóster. O vírus varicela-zóster é o agente causador das doenças herpes-zóster e varicela. No caso do herpes-zóster, ocorre reativação do vírus que está alojado nos gânglios da raiz dorsal de gânglios simpáticos, resultando em lesões vesiculares dolorosas, agrupadas em uma base eritematosa.

Herpes Zóster diseminado / Disseminated herpes zoster

El herpes zóster diseminado es una erupción generalizada de más de 20 vesículas extra-dermatomasque ocurren dentro de la semana del inicio del herpes zóster clásico. Presentamos un paciente inmunocompetente con herpes zóster diseminado, con buena respuesta terapéutica de las lesiones cutáneas tratadas con aciclovir vía oral a una dosis de 4 g/día durante 10 días.El herpes zóster diseminado es una infección potencialmente grave que se puede presentaren ausencia de inmunosupresión.El diagnóstico precoz y el tratamiento oportuno reducen la morbimortalidad y la gravedad de las complicaciones...

Herpes-zóster com manifestação bucal em paciente imunossuprimido: relato de caso / Herpes zoster with oral manifestation in na immunocompromised patient: a case report

O herpes-zóster é uma infecção viral causada pela reativação do vírus da varicela-zóster. Esta doença pode afetar pacientes imunossuprimidos e caracteriza-se por lesões papulovesiculares distribuídas na região inervada pelo nervo afetado, causando dores intensas. Este artigo relata o caso de um paciente do sexo masculino, leucoderma, 26 anos de idade, dependente químico, HIV positivo e com tuberculose ganglionar que procurou o Hospital Oswaldo Cruz (Curitiba/PR) tendo como queixa mal-estar geral, lesões na pele e mucosa oral, e linfadenopatia na região cervical. Discussão: O diagnóstico do herpes-zóster foi estabelecido por meio das características clínicas das lesões, e o tratamento estabelecido envolveu o uso de drogas antirretrovirais, analgésicos e antidepressivos. Conclusão: O cirurgião-dentista precisa estar atento às lesões papulovesiculares que acometem a pele e as mucosas de forma unilateral, acompanhadas de sintomas de prurido e dor, pois elas garantem o diagnóstico do herpes-zóster...

Herpes zoster is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of varicella zoster virus. This disease can affect immunocompromised patients and is characterized by papulovesicular lesions distributed in the inner¬vated region by the affected nerve and may result in severe pain. This article reports the case of a male patient, leucoderm, 26 years old, user of illicit drugs, HIV positive and with lymph node tuberculosis, who came to the hospital Oswaldo Cruz (Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil), having as general complaint malaise, skin and oral lesions, and cervical lymphadenopathy. Discussion: The diagnosis of herpes zoster has been established by clinical characteristics of the lesions and established treatment involved the use of antiretroviral drugs, analgesics and antidepressants. Conclusion: The dentist needs to be aware of papulovesicular lesions affecting the skin and mucous membranes unilaterally followed by symptoms of pruritus and pain, for these ensure the diagnosis of herpes zoster...

Herpes zoster in children

To study the epidemiology and clinical features of childhood herpes zoster. The study was carried out from March 2008 till February 2012. Forty two cases of herpes zoster in children less than 12 years of age were enrolled from the outpatient departments of Lahore General Hospital and Jinnah Hospital Lahore. Patients were subjected to detailed history, physical examination and relevant investigations. Out of 42 patients with herpes zoster, 57.1% were males and 42.9% were females. The mean age was 8 years with an age range of 18 days to 12 years. In most patients a single dermatome was involved [69%] and thoracic dermatome was involved in the majority [40.4%]. The most common symptom was pruritus in 52%, followed by pain in 12%. A positive history of previous exposure to varicella was present in 31% patients only, and out of these 61% were exposed before the age of two years. Six patients gave history of chickenpox in mother during pregnancy. Majority of patients i.e. 83.3% showed no evidence of immunosuppression on history, examination and investigations. Three patients were anti-HCV positive [7.1%], two [4.6%] had tuberculosis, one [2.3%] patient was taking steroids and one [2.3%] was diagnosed as leukemia. Most of the children with herpes zoster had no obvious evidence of immunosuppression. History of previous exposure to varicella was found in only 31% with majority being exposed below two years of age. Herpes zoster is a relatively mild disease in children with pruritus being the main symptom in 52% and pain occurred in only 12% of cases.

Recurrent Infection by varicella-zoster virus with facial scarring / Infecção recorrente pelo vírus varicela-zoster com sequelas cicatriciais na face

Primary contact with the varicella-zoster virus occurs through varicella (chickenpox) and culminates with this virus entering the sensory nerves and remaining latent in the dorsal root ganglion. Transmission occurs by dissemination of infectious particles of the varicella-zoster virus by the aerosol released from nasopharyngeal secretions or skin lesions, or by direct contact with lesions. Herpes zoster occurs after clinically evident reactivation of the virus, affecting the whole distribution of the infected sensory nerve. When compared with primary infection, herpes zoster has a more severe character, requiring the use of pharmaceutical drugs. The cause of reactivation is unknown and may be associated with predisposing factors, such as age, stress or impaired immune system. This study reports a case of a patient who presented clinical manifestations compatible with varicella zoster infection exacerbated by the use of homemade remedies, resulting in a secondary infection and facial scarring.

O contato primário com o vírus varicela-zoster ocorre na varicela (catapora), culminando com a transposição desse vírus para os nervos sensitivos, onde estabelece sua latência no gânglio espinhal dorsal. A transmissão ocorre por disseminação das partículas infecciosas do vírus varicela-zoster através de aerossóis liberados a partir de secreções do nasofaringe ou lesões cutâneas ou, ainda, pelo contato direto com lesões. O herpes-zoster clinicamente evidente ocorre após a reativação do vírus, com o envolvimento da distribuição do nervo sensitivo afetado. Quando comparado com a infecção primária, o herpes-zoster desenvolve um caráter de maior severidade, sendo sempre necessária a administração de uma terapêutica medicamentosa eficaz. A causa dessa reativação é desconhecida, podendo estar relacionada a fatores predisponentes como a faixa etária, estresse ou imunodeficiências. Neste trabalho relata-se um caso clínico em que a paciente apresentou manifestações clínicas condizentes com um quadro característico de infecção por varicela-zoster, complicado por uso de medicação caseira, resultando em infecção secundária e cicatrizes faciais.

Uveítis como manifestación secundaria a infecciones de la cavidad bucal: revisión de la literatura / Uveitis representations as secondary to infections the oral cavity: review of the literature

La uveítis es una patología ocular que se define como la inflamación del tracto úveal, pudiendo estar asociada a la inflamación de otras estructuras oculares o adyacentes a la cavidad orbitaria. La etiología puede incluir infecciones o alteraciones en el sistema inmune y puede ser primariamente ocular o asociada a una enfermedad sistémica. Su incidencia es proporcional tanto en hombres como en mujeres dependiendo a la enfermedad que se encuentre asociada. El método de diagnóstico se realiza a través de exámenes radiográficos, de laboratorio y el examen clínico, tanto oftálmico como odontológico. De acuerdo a la sintomatología manifestada en el paciente, se orienta el tratamiento a seguir.

Uveítis is an eye condition that is defined as inflammation of the úveal tracto and can be associated with inflammation of other ocular structures or adjacent to the orbital cavity. The possible causes include infections or alterations in the immune system and can be primarily visual or associated with a systemic disease. It´s incidence is proportional in men and women, and it depends on the disease it's associated to. Medical and Dental diagnosis is generaly made by physical and radiographic examination, along with laboratory tests. The treatment will depend on the symptoms of the patient.

Penile herpes zoster: an unusual location for a common disease

Herpes zoster is a common dermatological condition which affects up to 20 percent of the population, most frequently involving the thoracic and facial dermatomes with sacral lesions occurring rarely and only a few reported cases of penile shingles. Case report: We report two cases of unusual penile clinical presentations of varicella zoster virus infection in immunocompetent men. The patients presented with grouped clusters of vesicles and erythema on the left side of penile shaft and posterior aspect of the left thigh and buttock, involving s2-s4 dermatomes. The lesions resolved quickly upon administration of oral antiviral therapy. Conclusion: Penile herpes zoster should not be overlooked in patients with unilateral vesicular rash.

Comportamiento clínico y terapeutico del herpes zoster en el centro nacional de dermatología Doctor Francisco José Gómez Urcuyo enero 2002 - diciembre 2006 / Clinical and therapeutic behavior of herpes to zoster in center national of dermatology Doctor Francisco Jose Gómez Urcuyo January 2002 - December 2006

El Herpes Zóster es una infección producida por el virus Varicela - Zoster, siendo el único virus herpes capaz de producir dos cuadros diferentes: Varicela, como una enfermedad eruptiva de la infancia y Zóster, como una virosis de la edad adulta o de la senectud. En nuestro país, ha sido un problema poco estudiado y no se cuenta con investigaciones que reflejen el comportamiento real en el Centro Dermatológico Nacional "Dr. Francisco José Gómez Urcuyo", se realizó un estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal, no probalilístico con el objetivo de determinar el comportamiento clínico y terapéutico del Herpes Zóster. El universo lo conformaron 721 pacientes que fueron atendidos por primera vez en la consulta externa con diagnóstico de Herpes Zóster, la muestra fue constituida por 614 pacientes en los que se encontraron todos los datos completos. Dentro de los principales resultados, 326 pacientes fueron del sexo femenino y 286 masculinos. La gran mayoría de los pacientes (94 porciento) procedían del área urbana y sólo un 6 porciento eraan del área rural. 270 (45 porciento) fueron mayores de 50 años...

Varicela e Herpes Zoster / Chickenpox and Herpes Zoster

Este estudo tem como objetivo revisar a bibliografia atualizada sobre varicela e herpes zoster, abordando suas manifestações dermatológicas

Dermatoses do pavilhäo auricular / External ear dermatosis

Apresentamos uma atualizaçäo sobre as dermatoses que ocorrem no pavilhäo auricular. Propomos uma classificaçäo em sete grupos e realizamos uma sucinta descriçäo clínica de cada uma das 84 entidades catalogadas, de forma didática, com a finalidade de auxiliar o médico, sobretudo o clínico geral, o dermatologista e o otorrinolaringologista, no diagnóstico de tais patologias.