The Epidemiology of Herpes Zoster and Postherpetic Neuralgia in China: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

IntroductionFew studies have examined the epidemiology of herpes zoster (HZ) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in China. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of HZ and PHN in China, and to examine the clinical characteristics of patients identified with PHN.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted in 24 hospitals in seven cities in China. Prevalence of HZ and PHN was determined by physician (n = 100) chart review of patients (n = 36,170) aged ≥ 40 years seeking medical care over a 30- to 60-day period. The health history of patients identified with PHN was obtained and included time since diagnosis of HZ or PHN, time since onset of PHN-related pain, and the methods used for diagnosing HZ and PHN.ResultsThe prevalence rates of HZ and PHN were 7.7% [95% confidence interval (CI) 7.5–8.0] and 2.3% (95% CI 2.2–2.5), respectively. Of patients with HZ, 29.8% developed PHN. Rates of HZ and PHN increased with age and were highest in patients aged ≥ 70 years (10.6% and 4.1%, respectively). The majority of patients with PHN were diagnosed with HZ (80.9%) and PHN (83.8%) for < 1 year, and had experienced PHN-related pain for < 1 year (80.5%). Patient description and clinical examination were most commonly used to diagnose HZ and PHN.ConclusionThese results provide current estimates of the prevalence of HZ and PHN in the general adult population in urban China. These rates are similar to previously reported rates in China and worldwide, and highlight the global nature of HZ and PHN.FundingPfizer Inc.

Abnormal Intrinsic Brain Activity and Neuroimaging-Based fMRI Classification in Patients With Herpes Zoster and Postherpetic Neuralgia

“…Herpes zoster (HZ) is one of the leading causes of severe pain in China, with a prevalence estimated to be 7.7% of the population who seek medical care. Moreover, 29.8% of HZ patients may develop postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) that causes pain for months or even years (1). Neuropathic pain is well-understood to have a negative impact on the quality of life and a significant impact on cognitive function, including attention, memory, and executive functions (2).…”

A systematic literature review to assess the burden of herpes zoster disease in China

“…Two cross-sectional studies, both conducted in mainland China, reported on the prevalence of HZ [9,19]. In the first study, the prevalence of physician-diagnosed HZ among 36,170 adults from 40 years presenting to 24 hospitals across China over a 30-to 60day period was 7.7% [19].…”

“…Two cross-sectional studies, both conducted in mainland China, reported on the prevalence of HZ [9,19]. In the first study, the prevalence of physician-diagnosed HZ among 36,170 adults from 40 years presenting to 24 hospitals across China over a 30-to 60day period was 7.7% [19]. The prevalence of HZ was 5.5% in 40-50 year olds, 7.1% in 51-59 year olds, 8.4% in 60-69 year olds, and 10.6% in those aged ≥70 years, and was similar in women (7.9%) and men (7.6%) [19].…”

“…In the first study, the prevalence of physician-diagnosed HZ among 36,170 adults from 40 years presenting to 24 hospitals across China over a 30-to 60day period was 7.7% [19]. The prevalence of HZ was 5.5% in 40-50 year olds, 7.1% in 51-59 year olds, 8.4% in 60-69 year olds, and 10.6% in those aged ≥70 years, and was similar in women (7.9%) and men (7.6%) [19]. In the second study, a sample of 7149 individuals aged ≥50 years from 34 countries/ districts of Guangdong province were surveyed [9].…”

Predicting Postherpetic Neuralgia in Patients with Herpes Zoster by Machine Learning: A Retrospective Study

“…The characteristics of cases vary from region to region. For example, in China, the prevalence rate of PHN in patients with herpes zoster is 29.78% [26], and in Europe, it is 5.82% [6]. Therefore, clinicians can set up their own database according to their actual situation.…”