Author(s):
Barnali Mitra, Ran Singh, Gautam Kumar Singh, Debdeep Mitra, Pooja Sharma, Krishna Talukdar
Abstract:
Background: Herpes Zoster (HZ) is a viral disease caused by reactivation of varicella zoster virus (VZV) characterised by distinctive prodromal pain followed by herpetiform vesicular eruptions. Immunocomprised state like elderly age, diabetes, HIV infection, immunosuppressive drugs are known predisposing factors.
Objectives: The study was conducted to know the clinicoepidemiological profile of the cases of HZ attending to tertiary care centre.
Materials and Methods: Clinical profile of patients with HZ was noted on predesigned proforma. Detailed investigation was performed and data was analysed by tabulation, mean, standard deviation on Statistical Package for the Social Sciences verion 20.
Results: Total 190 cases of HZ were enrolled. There were 126 males and 64 females with sex ratio of 2:1. 59% had definite history of chicken pox. Eleven cases were HIV positive, 02 were diagnosed HIV infection while evaluating herpes zoster. 91% cases had prodrome before eruptions. Thoracic dermatome was most commonly involved followed by trigeminal. Post herpetic neuralgia (PHN) was present in 41 (27%) cases.
Conclusion: Herpes zoster constituted 0.84% of total dermatology OPD in six months reflects sizable burden of herpes zoster in tertiary care centre. There was higher incidence of PHN (27%) on prolonged follow up, however, involvement of thoracic dermatome and association with diabetes mellitus is consistent with other studies.
