Risk of stroke following herpes zoster: a self-controlled case-series study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Herpes zoster is common and vaccine preventable. Stroke risk may be increased following zoster, but evidence is sparse and could be explained by differences between people with and without zoster. Our objective was to determine if stroke risk is increased following zoster.

Methods

Within-person comparisons were undertaken using the self-controlled case-series method and data from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (1987-2012). Participants had a first-ever diagnosis of zoster and stroke within the study period. Stroke incidence in periods following zoster was compared with incidence in other time periods. Age-adjusted incidence ratios (IRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results

A total of 6584 individuals were included. Stroke

SUBMITTER: Langan SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4017889 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature