Comparison of Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus in Patients 60 Years Older Versus Younger than 60 Years

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To analyze and compare the clinical characteristics of patients with herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) by age groups on the basis of the age of 60. METHODS: Medical records of patients with HZO who visited Chonbuk National University Hospital from February 1, 2002 to February 28, 2011 were reviewed. The patients with follow-up of three months or more were divided into two groups patients under 60 and patients with 60 years old and over. The clinical characteristics between two groups were examined through the analysis of their medical records. RESULTS: Among a total of 63 patients, 29 patients (46%) were under 60 years old, and 34 patients (54%) were 60 years old and over. Incidence of HZO highest in the sixties. The sex and intrusion of each group showed no difference. Younger patients had a higher incidence of pseudodendrite by HZO (86.2% vs. 58.8%, p = 0.014) compared with older patients who showed a higher incidence of post herpetic neuralgia (13.8% vs. 35.3%, p = 0.046). As patients showed Hutchinson's sign, they often had more ocular complications such as pseudodendrite (100% vs. 64.7%, p < 0.05), uveitis (41.7% vs. 7.8%, p = 0.04), and conjunctivitis (100% vs. 90.2%, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Herpes zoster ophthalmicus shows different clinical characteristics according to patients' age and requires appropriate treatment. Especially elderly patients showing Hutchinson's sign should be treated early and aggressively enough.