A Clinical Study on 100 Cases of Herpes Zoster in a Tertiary Care Hospital

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A Clinical Study on 100 Cases of Herpes Zoster in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Journal Title: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC STUDY - Year 2017, Vol 5, Issue 9

Abstract

Introduction: Herpes zoster is caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV), occurs as a result of reactivation of the dormant virus in sensory root ganglia. Most often VZV reactivates in the settings of relative immunologic compromise, as occurs with aging, or following disease such as HIV or various therapies, such as steroids, cancer chemotherapy, organ transplantation, and irradiation. Aim of the Study: The study of herpes zoster was undertaken to find out the age and sex incidence, prevalence of prodromal symptoms, provocative factors, pattern of dermatomal involvement, prevalence of constitutional symptoms, association with HIV, other cutaneous diseases and systemic diseases, duration of time taken for resolution of lesions, and the prevalence of complications. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 100 cases of herpes zoster. Patient’s age, sex, occupation, and address were noted. A detailed history regarding the prodromal symptoms, skin lesions, nature of pain, duration of illness at the time of presentation, provocative factors, and history of chicken pox were recorded. Morphology of skin lesions, the side of involvement, cutaneous dissemination, mucosal lesions, and motor palsy associated with zoster were recorded. Associated cutaneous diseases, systemic diseases, and HIV infection were noted. The time taken for complete resolution of lesions and the complications were also noted. Observation and Results: Out of 100 cases, 72 were males and 28 were females and the sex ratio was 2.5:1. Age wise distribution showed that 73 cases were below the age of 50 and 27 were above the age of 50 years. Prodromal symptoms were present in 85% and absent in 15% cases. Constitutional symptoms were present in 77% and 23% cases were not had any constitutional symptoms. Thoracic dermatome was the most common dermatome involved (60%) followed by cranial nerve zoster 14%, lumbar 13%, cervical 12%, and sacral dermatome 1% case. Most cases (85%) showed complete resolution of lesions between 10 and 21 days (2–3 weeks). Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) was the most common complication observed in herpes zoster patients. Conclusion: More than two-third (73%) of cases of zoster occurred in individuals below the age of 50 years. The prevalence of zoster was more in the younger age group when compared to elderly people. Male preponderance was found with the sex ratio of 2.5:1. Thoracic dermatome was the most common segment involved, and sacral was the least common dermatome affected. HIV infection was the most common provocative factor in 16% of total cases. The most common systemic diseases noted with zoster were diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Duration of time taken for resolution or healing of the lesions ranged from 2 to 4 weeks. PHN was the most common complication observed in our cases. The other complications noted were secondary bacterial infection, scarring, and motor palsy (facial palsy).

Authors and Affiliations

C Chandrakala, G K Tharini

Keywords

EP ID EP475742
DOI -
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