Risk factors for postherpetic neuralgia in patients with herpes zoster

Abstract

The independent contributions to the prediction of PHN made by older age, female sex, presence of a prodrome, greater rash severity, and greater acute pain severity suggest that these risk factors reflect different mechanisms that each contribute to the development of PHN. Subacute herpetic neuralgia that does not progress to PHN may reflect peripheral tissue damage and inflammation caused by a particularly severe or widespread rash.

No evidence of family history as a risk factor for herpes zoster in patients with post‐herpetic neuralgia

“…The association between sex and risk of herpes zoster has been widely investigated. In some studies women appear to have an increased incidence of zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia [Hope-Simpson, 1975;Meister et al, 1998;Chidiac et al, 2001;Jung et al, 2004;Chapman et al, 2003]. However, Dworkin and Shmader [2001] did not find sex differences associated with the various aspect of herpes zoster, with the only exception of the intensity of acute pain which is higher in the female gender than in males, as also confirmed in a recent study [Volpi et al, 2007].…”

Background paper to the decision not to recommend a standard vaccination with the live attenuated herpes zoster vaccine for the elderly in Germany

“…Various definitions of PHN are used in scientific literature, taking varying durations of pain symptoms after the initial rash into account. PHN can last for weeks or months, and sometimes for many years [8,24].…”

Randomized Controlled Trial versus Real-World Study in Postherpetic Neuralgia

“…Most patients with PHN are over 60 years of age, often have medical comorbidities, and are likely to already be taking several medications [5,[31][32][33]. Therefore, in contrast to selected patient population in RCTs, patients in clinical practice are often taking various concomitant medications and may find it more difficult to tolerate and adjust to AEs associated with yet another therapeutic.…”