Is postherpetic neuralgia an inevitable end in elderly cases with herpes zoster? An evaluation of age-related risk factors in the development of postherpetic neuralgia

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk factors in the development of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in cases with herpes zoster (HZ) over 65 and under 65 years of age. Methods: 90 cases with a diagnosis of HZ were divided into 2 groups as over 65 and under 65 years of age. 3 months after the onset of the rash, those with VAS score> 3 were considered as cases who developed PHN. The demo-graphic and clinical data of the cases were compared statistically. Results: In 90 HZ cases; the number of HZ cases over the age of 65 was 38 (42,2%), and the number of HZ cases under the age of 65 was 52 (57,7%). PHN developed in 53 (58.8%) of 90 HZ cases. While the initial VAS score (p <0.001) (p <0.001) and the presence of chronic disease (p=0,05) (p <0.001) were found significant in the development of PHN in both HZ cases above and under 65 years of age, antiviral intake in the first 72 hours (p> 0.05) (p>0,05) were not found significant. Also in the HZ cases over 65 years of age, the affected der-matome (p <0.05) and in the HZ cases under 65 years of age, gender (p=0,05) was found significant in the development of PHN. Conclusion: Special protection, follow-up and treatment is needed to prevent the development of PHN in HZ cases over 65 years of age, especially those with sacral and trigeminal dermatomes and presence of chronic disease.