Epidemiology of herpes zoster in National Guard Hospitals in Saudi Arabia: a 6-year retrospective chart review study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Incidence of herpes zoster (HZ) is increasing worldwide, imposing significant burden on healthcare resources. In Saudi Arabia, local epidemiological studies are limited, and HZ burden is unknown.

Methods

This multi-center, hospital-based, retrospective medical chart review was conducted at five National Guard hospitals and affiliated primary care centers. Patients included military personnel, healthcare workers, and family dependents, in addition to non-eligible individuals via referral from other healthcare systems. Data were retrospectively collected from electronic medical records of documented cases of HZ or related complications from January 2017-December 2022.

Results

1,019 HZ cases were identified, with the number of cases increasing annually (2017

SUBMITTER: Farahat F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11882511 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature