Ricardo Niklas Werner1,2, Kamran Ghoreschi3. 1. Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Division of Evidence-based Medicine (dEBM), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Deutschland. ricardo.werner@charite.de. 2. Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Deutschland. ricardo.werner@charite.de. 3. Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Deutschland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Herpes zoster (HZ) is a common skin disease resulting from a regionally limited reactivation of a latent infection with the varicella zoster virus (VZV). Despite its usually self-limiting course, HZ is associated with a considerable individual and public health burden of disease, particularly due to its high rate of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). OBJECTIVES: To improve knowledge of the current recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Narrative review and summary of current guideline recommendations. RESULTS: In Germany, the recombinant VZV subunit zoster vaccine is recommended for all adults of 60+ years and for immunocompromised persons of 50+ years. The diagnosis of HZ is clinical; in case of uncertainty, laboratory investigations can help confirm the diagnosis. For patients with HZ ophthalmicus, HZ oticus or neurological complications, an interdisciplinary approach is advantageous. Antiviral treatment should be started as early as possible; various factors, including the duration and location of the disease, the patient's age and signs of a complicated course, serve to determine the indication to initiate an antiviral medication. The choice of the appropriate treatment depends, among other factors, on the intravenous availability, comorbidities and intake preferences. Early and sufficient analgesic treatment according to the WHO pain ladder and, if required, with anticonvulsant adjuvants is necessary to treat acute pain and to reduce the risk for PHN. CONCLUSION: Implementation of the current recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of HZ and PHN is important to reduce the high burden of disease and improve quality of life of the patients.
BACKGROUND: Herpes zoster (HZ) is a common skin disease resulting from a regionally limited reactivation of a latent infection with the varicella zoster virus (VZV). Despite its usually self-limiting course, HZ is associated with a considerable individual and public health burden of disease, particularly due to its high rate of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). OBJECTIVES: To improve knowledge of the current recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Narrative review and summary of current guideline recommendations. RESULTS: In Germany, the recombinant VZV subunit zoster vaccine is recommended for all adults of 60+ years and for immunocompromised persons of 50+ years. The diagnosis of HZ is clinical; in case of uncertainty, laboratory investigations can help confirm the diagnosis. For patients with HZ ophthalmicus, HZ oticus or neurological complications, an interdisciplinary approach is advantageous. Antiviral treatment should be started as early as possible; various factors, including the duration and location of the disease, the patient's age and signs of a complicated course, serve to determine the indication to initiate an antiviral medication. The choice of the appropriate treatment depends, among other factors, on the intravenous availability, comorbidities and intake preferences. Early and sufficient analgesic treatment according to the WHO pain ladder and, if required, with anticonvulsant adjuvants is necessary to treat acute pain and to reduce the risk for PHN. CONCLUSION: Implementation of the current recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of HZ and PHN is important to reduce the high burden of disease and improve quality of life of the patients.
Authors: Tess E Cooper; Philip J Wiffen; Lauren C Heathcote; Jacqui Clinch; Richard Howard; Elliot Krane; Susan M Lord; Navil Sethna; Neil Schechter; Chantal Wood Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2017-08-05
Authors: Gerd E Gross; Lisa Eisert; Hans Wilhelm Doerr; Helmut Fickenscher; Markus Knuf; Philip Maier; Matthias Maschke; Rainer Müller; Uwe Pleyer; Michael Schäfer; Cord Sunderkötter; Ricardo N Werner; Peter Wutzler; Alexander Nast Journal: J Dtsch Dermatol Ges Date: 2020-01 Impact factor: 5.584
Authors: Anna Mz Gagliardi; Brenda Ng Andriolo; Maria Regina Torloni; Bernardo Go Soares; Juliana de Oliveira Gomes; Regis B Andriolo; Eduardo Canteiro Cruz Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2019-11-07