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

ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION:Few 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. METHODS:This 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. RESULTS:The 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?

SUBMITTER: Yang F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6857181 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature