Ann Dermatol.  2017 Oct;29(5):602-607. 10.5021/ad.2017.29.5.602.

Frequency of Herpes Zoster Recurrence in Central District of Korea

• Ha JW
• Lee JY
• Her Y
• Kim CW
• Kim SS

• KMID: 2388912
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2017.29.5.602

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Herpes zoster is characterized by unilateral grouped vesicles along the distribution of a dermatome. A global recurrence rate as low as 0.5%∼6.2% has been reported for herpes zoster. The recurrence of herpes zoster is higher in immunocompromised patients and older patients.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to assess the frequency of herpes zoster recurrence and factors that can influence its recurrence.
METHODS
From January 2005 to December 2015, 14,343 patients with herpes zoster were enrolled in this study. The patients were diagnosed at Hallym University Medical Centers and Kangwon National University Hospital in Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Gangwon. Herpes zoster recurrence and patient characteristics were surveyed by medical record review and a telephonic survey.
RESULTS
The overall frequency of herpes zoster recurrence was 1.18%. The frequency of recurrence was higher in women than in men. It was also higher in patients aged 50∼70 years than in patients who were younger or older than this. Additionally, we assessed that the frequency of recurrence was statistically higher in patients with a compromised immune system and in patients who experienced longer lasting pain during their first episode.
CONCLUSION
The frequency of herpes zoster recurrence is more common in women, older age, patient with longer pain duration and immunocompromised patients.

Keyword

Herpes zoster; Recurrence

MeSH Terms

Academic Medical Centers
Female
Gangwon-do
Gyeonggi-do
Herpes Zoster*
Humans
Immune System
Immunocompromised Host
Korea*
Male
Medical Records
Recurrence*
Seoul

Figure

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  Fig. 1 The enrolled hospitals were located in several provinces of central district in Korea. A (Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital) and B (Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital) were located in Seoul. C (Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital) and D (Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital) were located in Gyeonggi province. E (Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital) and F (Kangwon National University Hospital) located in Chuncheon, Gangwon province.

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