Management and Prevention of Herpes Zoster: A Canadian Perspective

Boivin, Guy; Jovey, Roman D; Elliott, Catherine; Patrick, David M.

doi:10.1155/2010/178036

Cited by 16 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 57 publications

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“…Thoracic dermatomes are most frequently affected [31]. In the affected dermatome, a relapsing and painful unilateral and asymmetrical erythema usually transforms into grouped vesicles within 12–24 hours.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Intravenous Vitamin C in the treatment of shingles: Results of a multicenter prospective cohort study

et al. 2012

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SummaryBackgroundVitamin C is an immune-relevant micronutrient, which is depleted in viral infections and this deficiency seems to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of herpes infections and in the development of postherpetic neuralgia. The objective of this observational multicenter study was to evaluate the utilization, safety and efficacy of intravenously administrated vitamin C in patients with shingles.Material/MethodsBetween April 2009 and December 2010 16 general practitioners recorded data of 67 participants with symptomatic herpes zoster who received vitamin C intravenously (Pascorbin® 7.5 g/50 ml) for approximately 2 weeks in addition to standard treatment. The assessment of pain (VAS) and the dermatologic symptoms of shingles such as hemorrhagic lesions and the number of efflorescences were investigated in a follow-up observation phase of up to 12 weeks.ResultsMean declines of pain scores (VAS), number of affected dermatomes and efflorescences, and the presence of hemorrhagic vesicles between the baseline and follow-up assessments at 2 and 12 weeks were statistically significant. Overall, 6.4% of the participants experienced post-herpetic neuralgia. Common complaints such as general fatigue and impaired concentration also improved during the study. The effects and the tolerability of the treatment were evaluated positively by the physicians. The risk of developing PHN was reduced.ConclusionsThe data presented here provide evidence that concomitant use of intravenously administered ascorbic acid may have beneficial effects on herpes zoster-associated pain, dermatologic findings and accompanying common complaints. To confirm our findings, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical studies are necessary.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Pain intensity was evaluated by means of a visual analogue scale (VAS) [ 10-point visual analogue scale: 0 = no pain; 10 = very severe pain ]. Use, practicability, and validity of visual analogous scales are accepted in the scientific community and have been adequately evaluated [30,31]. …”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Intravenous Vitamin C in the treatment of shingles: Results of a multicenter prospective cohort study

et al. 2012

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“…In immune-suppressed patients, disseminated herpes zoster can occur due to viremia of VZV, and when seeding occurs in the internal organs, such as the lungs, liver, intestines, or brain, the fatality rate is reported to be 5%-15%, despite antiviral therapy [5]. …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Disseminated Herpes Zoster in an Immunocompetent Elderly Patient

et al. 2013

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Herpes zoster is a cutaneous infection that is characterized by an acute vesicobullous rash with ipsilateral one or two dermatomal distribution and painful allodynia, while predominantly being found in the elderly. Extensive cutaneous dissemination has been reported in immune-compromised patients, such as those who suffer from HIV infections, cancer, chemotherapy, and corticosteroid therapy patients. However, we report a case of disseminated herpes zoster infection in an immuno-competent elderly individual.

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“…The appearance of the varicella zoster rash should guide the clinician in most instances. 2,9 In some cases, varicella zoster rash can be confused with that of herpes simplex virus, impetigo, scabies, folliculitis, contacdermatitis, urticarial, or drug eruption. Laboratory diagnostic tests can be used to confi rm the diagnosis.…”

Section: E966mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Laboratory diagnostic tests can be used to confi rm the diagnosis. 9 If the disease causes motor weakness, particularly in the lower limb, other pathologies may be the cause. In both of the cases described, the patients were referred by their primary care physicians to the acute orthopedic service for evaluation and treatment of what was thought to be acute lumbar disk prolapse.…”

Section: E966mentioning

confidence: 99%

Herpes Zoster Virus: An Unusual but Potentially Treatable Cause of Sciatica and Foot Drop

Rover¹,

Alazzawi²,

Hallam³

et al. 2011

Orthopedics

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The herpes zoster virus is a rare but potential cause of acute motor weakness. This article describes 2 patients with drop foot secondary to an infection of varicella zoster who were incorrectly referred to an orthopedic clinic from their general practitioners. The first patient was a 74-year-old man who presented with weakness in the right foot and a vesicular rash. The pattern of disease supported the clinical diagnosis of shingles affecting the L5 motor and sensory division. No investigation was required, and the patient was treated with a foot drop splint. The second patient was a 71-year-old man who presented with right leg and foot weakness and a vesicular rash affecting his right buttock and posterior right thigh. Lumbar magnetic resonance excluded a stenotic lesion; electrophysiological studies supported the diagnosis of a lower motor neuron lesion. The patient was treated with a 1-week course of acyclovir and a foot drop splint. The correct diagnosis will aid in correct referral and will prompt management, which will potentially provide a faster and better outcome for the patient.

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Management and Prevention of Herpes Zoster: A Canadian Perspective

Cited by 16 publications

References 57 publications

Intravenous Vitamin C in the treatment of shingles: Results of a multicenter prospective cohort study

Intravenous Vitamin C in the treatment of shingles: Results of a multicenter prospective cohort study

Disseminated Herpes Zoster in an Immunocompetent Elderly Patient

Herpes Zoster Virus: An Unusual but Potentially Treatable Cause of Sciatica and Foot Drop

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